Pricing · FAQ
Is it cheaper to pre-book an airport taxi?
For long-distance journeys, usually. Pre-booking a fixed fare avoids meter charges that build up in traffic and avoids app-based surge pricing at peak times. The trade-off is booking ahead rather than deciding on the day.
Key points
- Pre-booking is usually cheaper for long-distance journeys when compared with a running meter or surge pricing.
- Kings Heathrow Taxi confirms a fixed fare for the route and vehicle.
- The fare does not increase because of traffic, the time of day or the day of the week.
Pre-booked airport taxi costs for long-distance travel
For a long-distance Heathrow journey, pre-booking usually gives better price certainty than taking a metered vehicle or requesting an app-based car at the time of travel. A meter can continue to increase through traffic, while app prices can change with demand. Kings Heathrow Taxi publishes fixed fares per vehicle and route. Examples include Heathrow to Aylesbury by car for £80 one way, Heathrow to Oxford by car for £95 one way and Heathrow to Birmingham by car for £185 one way.
Pre-booked airport taxi fares without peak or traffic charges
The Kings Heathrow Taxi fare is the same at any time of day and on every day of the week. There is no peak surcharge or surge pricing, and traffic delays do not increase the price. The fixed fare includes the £7 Heathrow drop-off charge, pick-up parking, motorway tolls, ULEZ where applicable, fuel and traffic delay. There is also no booking fee or card fee. This makes it possible to compare the full amount before booking.
Pre-booked airport taxi vehicle and payment choices
The price depends on the route and chosen vehicle. A car carries up to 4 passengers, or 3 in comfort, and up to 3 large suitcases. A 6 seater and an 8 seater can be booked at their own fixed route fares. Heathrow to Oxford costs £95 by car, £130 by 6 seater or £170 by 8 seater, one way. Payment is made online at booking by card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Cash is not accepted.
What's the risk of not pre-booking for a long trip?
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What's the risk of not pre-booking for a long trip?
+Turning up and taking whatever's available exposes you to a running meter or, with app-based options, surge pricing, both can cost more than a fixed fare agreed in advance for the same distance.
Does pre-booking guarantee the price won't change?
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Does pre-booking guarantee the price won't change?
+Yes. The fare quoted at booking is the fare charged on arrival, whatever the traffic on the day.
Is there a downside to pre-booking?
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Is there a downside to pre-booking?
+You need to book ahead rather than deciding on the day, 4 or more hours' notice gives the best chance of confirmation.
How does this compare with app-based options like Uber?
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How does this compare with app-based options like Uber?
+See the full comparison of when a pre-booked taxi beats Uber.
Is a pre-booked Heathrow fare charged per passenger?
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Is a pre-booked Heathrow fare charged per passenger?
+No. Published Kings Heathrow Taxi fares are per vehicle, not per passenger. The vehicle should be selected for the number of passengers and the amount of luggage. A small party may book a larger vehicle when it needs more luggage space.
Can I pay the driver after a pre-booked journey?
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Can I pay the driver after a pre-booked journey?
+No. Payment is made online when the journey is booked. Accepted methods are card, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash is not accepted, and there is nothing to pay the driver. Kings Heathrow Taxi does not add a card processing fee.
Related questions
Book a fixed-price transfer
Pre-book a fixed fare. No meter, no surge.
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