London taxi fares start at £4.20: How does it compare to other UK and global cities?
- Perry Richardson
- 48 minutes ago
- 2 min read
When a passenger steps into a London black cab, the meter starts at £4.20 before the wheels even turn. Some may question why the tariff does not begin at zero, but there are clear reasons behind the initial charge which is also known as the ‘flag fall’.
The starting fare is designed to cover the fixed costs of a journey before distance and time are factored in. These include the driver’s expenses for fuel, insurance, licence fees and vehicle upkeep, as well as the time spent reaching a passenger after accepting a job. It also ensures short journeys remain viable for drivers. Without it, the lowest fares would not reflect the real cost of operating a licensed taxi.
From a single passenger’s perspective, £4.20 may feel high compared with other forms of transport, particularly for a very short trip. However, it guarantees access to a professional driver who has passed The Knowledge, operates in a fully regulated vehicle, and is subject to strict safety standards. For many, that level of personalised service fully justifies the base rate.
In comparison with other global cities, London sits near the higher end of the scale. New York yellow cabs begin at $3 (around £2.45), though surcharges quickly raise the fare. In Paris, the starting fare is €3 (about £2.50), but there’s also a minimum €8 fare on all fares taken. In Berlin it is €4.30 (around £3.60). Tokyo taxis, known for their professionalism, have a starting fare of around 500 yen (about £2.70) but can climb rapidly due to short distance increments.
While London’s £4.20 is above average, it reflects both the higher cost of living in the capital, the high standard unique vehicles and the stringent standards imposed on the trade.
What about other cities in the UK? How does London compare to those?
In Manchester, Hackney Carriage journeys start at £3.40 (£3.80 in the evenings), while Birmingham sets its minimum at £3.20. In Liverpool the flag fall is £3.40 during the day, but more expensive at £4.25 at night. Some smaller cities and towns set starting fares closer to £3.00, reflecting lower operating costs outside the capital.
