Black cabs are an icon of London, and they’re one of the most reliable ways to get around. They can be hailed in the street, at designated taxi ranks, or by booking them on an app or over the phone.

If you’re planning to book a taxis in London , it’s best to do so in advance. This way, you can guarantee you’ll have a car waiting for you at your hotel or destination. Otherwise, you can look for a taxi in the street by looking for one with its telltale yellow lights on top. Or, just walk to a busy corner and stick your arm out at the window as they pass by.

A taxi is usually a large, comfortable vehicle with a rear trunk and seats for passengers. They are regulated and licensed by the city’s governmental transportation department, which also keeps a list of companies that can use its “London taxi” trademark.

London Taxis: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Capital’s Iconic Cab Culture

Taxi drivers in London are generally very knowledgeable about the city, and you can often ask for advice or just have a chat with them. They are required to pass The Knowledge, a test where they memorize 25,000 streets within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross in order to work in the industry.

There are also minicabs in London, which are more affordable but cannot be hailed from the street and must be pre-booked online or by phone through taxi apps like Uber. They also do not operate on a meter, so make sure to ask the driver for a fare estimate before you start your journey.