Heathrow to Central London (2026 Guide)
Taxi from Heathrow to London. Whether you are in town on a business trip to the financial district or taking your family for sightseeing and a visit to Big Ben, you have just landed at one of the world’s largest transportation hubs! But when you emerge from customs and grab your luggage, the reality of getting around a huge metropolis must be faced.
The most convenient option is often a taxi. There is nothing quite like sinking into the back seat of a car after a long flight and being driven directly to your hotel door. But London is known for being expensive, and taxi fares can vary wildly depending on the type of service you choose, the time of day, and traffic conditions.
Are you better off hailing an iconic Black Cab from the rank, or should you pre-book a private minicab? Will an Uber actually save you money, or will a premium make you wish you walked? This guide offers a per-mile (or per-kilometer) cost, as estimated from London Taxi Hire. To make things easy for you, we have broken down the costs for you and roughly what it will cost to take a taxi from Heathrow to some of London’s essential places.
Understanding London Taxi Types: Black Cabs vs. Private Hire
Before I go into figures, it’s essential to consider the two main options in car services, which you’ll have when using Heathrow, as this determines the cost.
The Iconic Black Cab (Hackney Carriage)
These are the famous vehicles you see in movies. You can hail them directly from the designated taxi ranks outside every terminal at Heathrow.
- Pricing: They operate on a meter. The price is determined by time and distance. They do not have fixed fares, meaning if you get stuck in London’s notorious traffic, the meter keeps ticking.
- Pros: No booking required, bus lane access (faster in traffic), 6-seater options available, wheelchair accessible.
- Cons: Generally, the most expensive option.
Private Hire Vehicles (Minicabs) and Ride-Sharing
This category encompasses companies such as Addison Lee, your local minicab firms and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt.
Pricing: Typically, these services have a flat rate price or an estimate before they begin. You’ll need to book them in advance (or through an app); you can’t flag them down at the curb.
- Pros: You are quoted the fare before you travel, and very often a lower price than Black Cabs.
- Cons: You have to meet them in specific parking areas in the short-stay car parks, which requires a bit more walking with luggage.
Cost of a Taxi from Heathrow to the London Centre
When people ask about the “London Centre,” they usually mean Zone 1—the heart of the action, including Soho, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly Circus.
Should you leap into a Black Cab at the taxi rank: £90-£115 ($115 – $145). Entirely traffic-dependent, Plain and simple. 6:00 AM on a Sunday may be at the low end, while rush hour on a Tuesday would likely push the meter up even more
The cost is generally more affordable for a pre-booked private hire or Uber. You can expect to find quotes ranging from £60 to £80 ($75 – $100). This fixed pricing model offers peace of mind, especially if you are landing during peak hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM or 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Cost of a Taxi from Heathrow to the London Eye
It is a prime tourist location. Because getting there often requires navigating through heavy Westminster traffic or crossing bridges, prices can be slightly elevated.
- Black Cab: Approximately £95 – £120.
- Private Hire: Approximately £65 – £85.
Cost of Taxi from Heathrow to Park Plaza Riverbank, London
Located slightly further down the river on the Albert Embankment, the Park Plaza Riverbank is a popular hotel for international visitors. It is slightly south of the main congestion zone but still central.
- Black Cab: Expect to pay around £90 – £110.
- Private Hire: Typically ranges from £60 – £80.
Cost of Taxi from London Heathrow to Major Train Stations
Many travellars fly into Heathrow only to connect to a train that takes them to other parts of the UK. Here is what you can expect to pay to get to the central rail hubs.
Cost of Taxi from London Heathrow to Paddington
Paddington Station is the gateway to the West of England and is actually the closest major station to Heathrow. It is located in West London, meaning the taxi ride is shorter than going all the way to the city center.
- Black Cab: £60 – £80.
- Private Hire: £45 – £65.
- Alternative: It is worth noting that the Heathrow Express train goes directly to Paddington in 15 minutes for about £25, which is often faster and cheaper for solo travelers. However, for groups of three or four with luggage, the taxi becomes cost-effective.
Cost of Taxi from London Heathrow to Victoria Station
Victoria is a massive transport hub serving the South of England and Gatwick Express trains. It is located near Buckingham Palace.
- Black Cab: £90 – £115.
- Private Hire: £60 – £85.
- Traffic Warning: The roads around Victoria are notoriously congested. A fixed-price minicab is highly recommended here to avoid watching the meter climb while sitting at a red light.
Cost of Taxi from London Euston to Heathrow
Euston Station serves Manchester, Liverpool, and Scotland. It is located in North Central London.
- Black Cab: £100 – £130.
- Private Hire: £65 – £90.
Airport Transfers: Connecting to Other Airports
London has several airports, and travelling between them can feel overwhelming, especially with luggage. Taking a taxi gives you a direct and comfortable transfer, so you don’t have to struggle with heavy suitcases on busy trains or subways.
Cost of Taxi from London Heathrow to London Gatwick
Gatwick is located south of London. The route usually involves driving around the M25 orbital motorway, which is prone to heavy traffic jams. This is a significant journey of about 38 to 45 miles.
- Black Cab: This can be incredibly expensive on a meter, often exceeding £150 – £200 depending on traffic.
- Private Hire: This is the standard choice for this route. Expect fixed quotes between £90 and £120. Always book this in advance.
Cost of Taxi from London City Airport to Heathrow
London City Airport (LCY) is located in the Docklands, far in the East of London. To get to Heathrow (West), you have to cross the entire width of the city.
- The Cost: This is one of the most expensive intra-London taxi trips. A Black Cab could efficiently run £130 – £160+. A private hire vehicle will likely charge between £80 and £110.
- Timing: This drive can take anywhere from 90 minutes to over 2 hours during peak times.
Cost of Taxi from Heathrow to London City (The Financial District)
Confusion often arises between “London City Airport” and the “City of London” (the historic financial district near St. Paul’s Cathedral and Liverpool Street). If you are heading to the City of London for business:
- Black Cab: £100 – £130.
- Private Hire: £70 – £95.
- Note that the City is further east than the West End (Soho), so it costs slightly more than a standard “Central London” fare.
Long Distance: Cost of Taxi from London Heathrow to Somerset
Sometimes, travellers prefer to be driven straight to their countryside destination rather than dealing with trains. Somerset is a county in South West England, famous for Bath, Glastonbury, and rolling countryside.
This is a long-distance trip (roughly 100 to 130 miles, depending on the specific town in Somerset).
- Black Cab: Do not take a metered Black Cab for this. It would be astronomically expensive (hundreds of pounds).
- Private Hire / Chauffeur: You must pre-book a long-distance transfer. Prices will vary based on the specific town (e.g., Bath vs. Taunton).
- To Bath: Expect to pay £200 – £250.
- To Glastonbury/Wells: Expect to pay £240 – £300.
- This option is popular for those with heavy luggage or those arriving late at night when train services to the West Country are limited.
Additional Fees and Factors to Consider
The base fare isn’t the only thing you need to watch out for. Several variables can influence the final price you pay.
1. Heathrow Terminal Drop-off Charge
Since around 2021, Heathrow has introduced a £5 drop-off charge for cars entering the pick-up and West Country For most taxi companies and ride-sharing apps, this fee will be automatically included in your final bill. If you are being picked up, parking fees for the driver in the short-stay car park are also usually passed on to the passenger.
2. The Congestion Charge
Central London has a Congestion Charge zone that operates during the daytime, and this can affect your taxi fare. Licensed Black Cabs usually do not have to pay this charge, so it does not get added to your trip. However, private hire vehicles such as Uber and minicabs are not exempt, so if your journey goes through the zone during charging hours, your fare may increase by about £15. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check in advance whether your quoted price already includes the Congestion Charge so there are no surprises later.
3. Night Tariffs
Black Cabs operate on three different tariffs. Tariff 1 is for daytimes, Tariff 2 is for evenings and weekends, and Tariff 3 is for late nights (10:00 PM – 5:00 AM) and public holidays. Taking a taxi late at night usually costs more, especially if you use a metered Black Cab, because higher night tariffs apply. Private hire companies may also charge a small extra fee for late-night or “unsocial hours” trips, but this increase is usually not as high as the Black Cab night rate. That’s why it’s worth checking the night pricing before you book, so you know what to expect.
4. Tipping
In the UK, it is customary to tip taxi drivers, especially for longer journeys like an airport transfer. When it comes to Black Cabs, rounding up to the pound or adding 10% is customary. For private hire/apps, tipping is voluntary, though a little for good service and helping with luggage is rather customary.
Is a Taxi Worth it Compared to the Train?
When you look at a £90 taxi fare, you might wonder if the train is a better option.
- The Heathrow Express: Costs roughly £25 per person one-way.
- The Elizabeth Line: Costs roughly £13 per person one-way.
- The Tube (Piccadilly Line): Costs roughly £6 per person one-way.
The Verdict:
If you are a solo traveller on a budget, the Tube or Elizabeth Line is a no-brainer. However, the math changes for groups. If you are a family of four, four tickets on the Heathrow Express are £100. A private minicab might only be £70. Not only is the taxi cheaper in this instance, but it also takes you door-to-door, saving you from dragging suitcases through the subway system.
Summary: How to Get the Best Price
To ensure you get the best value for your transfer from Heathrow:
- Book in Advance: Unless you need a car immediately, booking a private hire vehicle 24 hours in advance usually secures the best rate.
- Compare Apps: Check Uber, Bolt, and Free Now when you land to see current pricing, but be wary of surge pricing.
- Avoid Rush Hour: If you can time your flight to arrive mid-day, you will spend less time sitting in expensive traffic.
- Know Your Terminal: Prices are generally the same from Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, but meeting points differ.
FAQs
Q1. What is the average cost of taxi from Heathrow to Central London?
The average cost of taxi from Heathrow to Central London ranges between £60 and £100 depending on time, traffic, and vehicle type.
Q2. How much is the cost of taxi from London Heathrow to Victoria Station?
The cost of taxi from London Heathrow to Victoria Station typically ranges from £65 to £95 based on traffic and time.
Q3. What is the cost of taxi from London Heathrow to Paddington?
The cost of taxi from London Heathrow to Paddington usually falls between £55 and £80.
Q4. What is the cost of taxi from London Heathrow to London Gatwick?
The cost of taxi from London Heathrow to London Gatwick ranges between £110 and £150 due to distance.
Q5. What is the cost of taxi from London City Airport to Heathrow?
The cost of taxi from London City Airport to Heathrow typically ranges from £75 to £115 depending on traffic.