London Airport Taxi
Every London airport has a dedicated black-cab rank (metered fare to anywhere) and Private Hire pickup zones (Uber, Bolt, Addison Lee, Wheely). No tout in the terminal is legal — always use the marked rank or pre-booked PHV pickup.
Key facts
FAQs
How much is a London taxi from Heathrow to central?
Metered black cab: £75–£95 (45–75 min depending on traffic). Uber/Bolt: £45–£70 typical. Addison Lee fixed: £75–£95. Wheely premium: £90–£140. All include £2.80 airport feeder fee.
Where is the taxi rank at Heathrow?
Every terminal has a signed black-cab rank immediately outside arrivals. T2/T3 share a rank between the buildings; T4 and T5 have their own. Private hire (Uber, Bolt, Addison Lee, Wheely) uses separate 'PHV pickup' zones in the short-stay car parks.
Is a black cab cheaper than Uber from the airport?
Usually Uber is cheaper without surge (~30% less). During Uber surge (early morning, peak commute, bad weather) the metered black cab is often cheaper and predictable. Pre-booked fixed-price (Addison Lee, Wheely) gives certainty for important trips.
Can I pre-book an airport taxi in London?
For black cabs: FREE NOW or Gett apps support pre-booking (+£1.49–£2.80 fee). For PHV: Uber Reserve, Bolt, Addison Lee, Wheely all support advance booking up to 72 hours — recommended for early morning departures.
Should I take a taxi or train from Heathrow?
Cost: Elizabeth Line £12.80 contactless (32 min to Paddington) vs taxi £45–£95 (45–75 min). Take train unless you have heavy luggage, several travellers (4-person taxi splits to ~£20pp), late-night arrival, or a complex destination away from the line.