London Taxi Ranks
London has 570 marked taxi ranks where black cabs queue for fares — at every mainline rail terminus, every major hotel, hospital, shopping centre and transport hub. Ranks are first-come-first-served (no calling specific cabs).
Key facts
FAQs
Where are London's main taxi ranks?
At every mainline rail station (Paddington, King's Cross, Liverpool Street, Waterloo, Victoria, Euston, St Pancras, Charing Cross, London Bridge, Marylebone, Fenchurch Street, Cannon Street, Blackfriars, Vauxhall), every airport terminal, every major hotel and most shopping centres.
How do taxi ranks work?
Queue at the back of the rank for your cab; the first taxi takes the first passenger. Cabbies cannot leapfrog. If you have specific requirements (wheelchair, large luggage), ask the marshal or first cabbie — they may signal a colleague further back to take you.
Are airport taxi ranks marked?
Yes — every Heathrow terminal, Gatwick North and South, Stansted, Luton and London City have prominently signed black-cab ranks just outside arrivals. Private hire (Uber etc.) uses separate pickup zones marked 'PHV pickup'.
Are taxi ranks 24-hour?
Most rail and hospital ranks are 24/7. Some West End night ranks (Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Soho) operate from 11pm–6am only to serve the late economy. Daytime ranks at offices close evenings and weekends.
Can I book a taxi to come to a rank?
No — ranks are first-come-first-served walk-up. To pre-book a black cab use FREE NOW or Gett. Cabbies queueing at a rank cannot accept advance bookings.