London Minicab
Minicab is the everyday name for a Private Hire Vehicle in London — any licensed taxi that is NOT a black cab. Minicabs must be pre-booked via a licensed PHV operator (Uber, Bolt, Addison Lee, local firm) and may not be hailed in the street.
Key facts
FAQs
Is it illegal to flag down a minicab in London?
Yes — only black cabs (Hackney Carriages) may be flagged. Minicabs (PHV) must be pre-booked via a licensed operator. Touts approaching you outside clubs or stations offering 'minicab' rides are illegal and uninsured — never accept.
Are minicabs safer than they used to be?
Far safer. Since 2001 every PHV driver and operator must be TfL-licensed (DBS-checked, medical-checked, English-tested). Booking through an app (Uber, Bolt, FREE NOW Match) means GPS-tracked rides, in-app emergency, driver and vehicle ID on screen.
What is the difference between a minicab and an Uber?
None legally — Uber, Bolt, FREE NOW Match and the local minicab firm are all Private Hire Vehicle operators under the same TfL rules. 'Uber' is just one well-known PHV brand; technically every Uber driver is a minicab driver.
How much does a minicab cost in London?
Operator-set. Uber and Bolt run dynamic pricing (£8–£25 typical central trip). Local minicab firms quote fixed prices when you book. Always confirm the fare before getting in — no minicab has a meter.
Do minicabs accept cash?
Some do, some don't — depends on the operator. Uber is card-only; Bolt lets drivers opt-in to cash; local firms typically accept both. Always confirm when booking.