United Kingdom or England, whatever you call it, but we can all agree on one thing; the country offers amazing activities and breathtaking views, from urban to rural for domestic and international travellers. With millions of passengers visiting England annually, it is time that you get to know the best online taxi service in the UK. This blog serves as an essential guide on exploring the UK, the options such as taxis, cabs, and how you can book a taxi for a UK tourist.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Understanding the UK Taxi Landscape:
This country is home to a diverse range of UK taxis travel options. From the iconic black cabs to private hire vehicles, taxis, and personal chauffeurs, the options are truly endless, ready to pamper you. Here are some discussed in more detail.
Black Cabs
The moment you see a black cab, you instantly recognize it. These are the hallmark definition of travelling in the UK, and it is what gives England its true reputation. These are legendary London icons, with their illuminated yellow “Taxi” roof sign and dark metallic black glossy paint, you get to experience the classical UK like never before.
Step inside and you find yourself as a royalty with ample legroom and lots of boot space. You can book a black cab via an application or by hailing them on the street. The drivers are well-experienced and quick to follow the passenger instructions.
Beware though, the fares can be higher than other taxis because they are metered, which means you pay per kilometre covered, and the time spent inside the vehicle.
Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs)
Pre-booked Private Hire Vehicles, also known as PHVs, offer better reliability, affordability and luxurious options to travel anywhere in the UK. You can use Uber, Bolt or Lyft to book your PHV, which can arrive in minutes depending upon your location and the peak time. We should warn you though, that although this is a great option, private hire vehicles offered by ride-hailing companies are notoriously known for charging peak pricing during rush hours. A ride of £30 can cost you upward of £60 if you are trying to avail it within rush hours. Hence, be careful when planning to travel using this option.
Chauffeurs
Similar to PHVs, chauffeurs are pre-booked taxis that offer luxurious and more personalised service, with focus on quality, cleanliness, comfort and safety. Chauffeurs are private drivers that you can book through different websites and you can pay them online through cash or credit card, for a better experience.
Chauffeur is usually the best taxi driver, highly trained and specialised for offering outstanding customer services.
Booking a Private Hire Vehicle PHV:
Here’s a quick guide on securing your PHVs. You need to pre-book a PHV to ensure you get the best price, quality and service regardless of peak or off peak timings. During New Year and Christmas holidays, it is important to book a PHV well in advance, however it is something you will never regret.
To book a PHV like the ones offered on Elite Airport Transfer, all you need to do is visit our website, choose the pick-up and dropoff location, and now select your vehicle. You can choose from the more affordable versions such as Prius and Skoda, to the more luxurious ones such as BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and Audi.
Pick a vehicle, and pre-pay using a credit card. If you want to pay through cash, just select the Cash option, and once your driver arrives to pick you up at the airport, you just need to pay him cash. That’s it.
This entire process takes no more than 2 minutes, and it is super easy to book a ride yourself, knowing that you pay only what you get as a quote. We never overcharge, or give you a mini attack by levying additional service charges during peak hours. Are rates are fixed and we come with a free cancellation policy of up to 3 hours in advance.
Payment Options:
Gone are the days of solely relying on cash. Most of the taxis, PHVs and ride-hailing services now also offer credit card options. Here are both discussed:
- Cash: While still widely accepted, carrying large amounts can be inconvenient.
- Card: Quick, easy, secure and convenient. Punch in your number, and there goes your payment. A highly reliable method of paying for your rides.
So, What is the Best Taxi for a UK Tourist?
If you are looking for the “best taxi service near me” on Google, then you need to decide one based on several factors. These are listed below, and no one factor is enough to judge. We personally recommend private hire vehicles due to their affordability and predictability in the level of service. But we also suggest to go through each one of these options and see which best taxi for a UK tourist suits you even better:
- Budget: Black cabs charge the highest fares, followed by ride-hailing apps and then PHVs. PHVs offer the best value for money.
- Spontaneity: Not all services are pre-booked. Some are available on the spot. PHVs and Uber/Lyft require pre-booking. If you have time, we would suggest to pre-book a ride for yourself.
- Convenience: Ride hailing apps are known for convenience, whereas private hire vehicles are known for comfort, reliability and transparent pricing.
Conclusion
Whether you are a seasoned traveller, or visiting the UK for the first time, you will be mesmerized by the natural beauty that this country is gifted with. Travelling through the lush green gardens of the countryside will seem as if Picasso has painted the entire valley.
It is time to stop waiting, and start taking action. Book a ride now and let’s explore the UK.
How do I get a taxi in the UK?
Through ride-hailing apps, black cabs and private hire vehicles, you can get a ride of your choice.
Can you book a taxi in advance UK?
Absolutely. However, you can only book a taxi in advance in the UK using a pre-booked taxi service such as Elite Airport Transfer.
Is there a taxi app in the UK?
There are multiple taxi apps in the UK, such as Uber, Lyft, Bolt and more.
Can you call a taxi in the UK?
Definitely. You can hail one off the street or call their dedicated helpline.
