As the regulator, TfL is responsible for reviewing and setting taxi fares and tariffs. This page provides details of the tariff rates, and the times when they apply.
There are three standard tariff periods, and when a certain tariff applies depends on the day of the week and the time of day you travel.
The tariff rate can change (e.g. from Tariff 1 to 2, 2 to 3 or 3 to 1) if a journey starts when one tariff rate applies but is still going when the next Tariff rate starts.
The meter automatically adds a charge based on time for any part of a taxi journey when the speed drops below 10.4mph. Other extra charges may be included in the final fare.
Tariff 1
For any hiring during Monday to Friday between 05:00 and 20:00, other than on a public holiday:
For the first 233.2 metres or 50.2 seconds (whichever is reached first) there is a minimum charge of £3.00
For each additional 116.6 metres or 25.1 seconds (whichever is reached first), or part thereof, if the distance travelled is less than 9561.2 metres there is a charge of 20p
Once the distance has reached 9561.2 metres then there is a charge of 20p for each additional 86.9 metres or 18.7 seconds (whichever is reached first), or part thereof
For any hiring either during Monday to Friday between 20:00 and 22:00 or during Saturday or Sunday between 05:00 and 22:00, other than on a public holiday:
For each additional 94.8 metres or 20.4 seconds (whichever is reached first), or part thereof, the distance travelled is less than 9,574.8 metres there is a charge of 20p
Once the distance has reached 9,574.8 metres then there is a charge of 20p for each additional 86.9 metres or 18.7 seconds (whichever is reached first), or part thereof
For any hiring between 22:00 on any day and 05:00 the following day or at any time on a public holiday:
For the first 162.4 metres or 35 seconds (whichever is reached first) there is a minimum charge of £3.00
Once the distance has reached 9,581.6 metres then there is a charge of 20p for each additional 86.9 metres or 18.7 seconds (whichever is reached first)
Tariff rate for longer journeys
When a taxi journey reaches six miles the tariff rates changes. This new rate is sometimes referred to as Tariff 4.
The tariff rate for journeys over six miles is higher than the Tariff 1 and 2 rates but lower than the Tariff 3 rate.
Times when the tariff currently applies
Tariff 1 for journeys up to 6 miles £2.76 per mile
Monday to Friday, 05:00-20:00
Tariff 2 for journeys up to 6 miles £3.40 per mile Monday to Friday, 20:00-22:00
Saturday and Sunday, 05:00-22:00
Tariff 3 for journeys up to 6 miles £3.96 per mile Every night, 22:00-05:00
Tariff rate for journeys over 6 miles
£3.70 per mile At all times for journeys over 6 miles
The information on this page is effective from Saturday 6 October 2018.
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