Understanding the Difference
Fixed Price vs Metered Taxi — UK Airports 2026
There are two fundamentally different pricing models for airport taxis in the UK. Understanding the difference protects you from unexpected costs and allows genuine comparison between services.
| Factor | Fixed Price (Pre-Booked) | Metered (Black Cab / Rank) |
|---|---|---|
| Price known before travel | ✓ Confirmed at booking | ✗ Unknown until arrival |
| Traffic affects cost | ✓ No — fare is fixed | ✗ Yes — meter runs in traffic |
| Night rate applies | ✓ No (GetLondonTransfer) | ✗ Yes — 25% more 8pm–6am |
| Bank holiday premium | ✓ None | ✗ Yes — Tariff 3 |
| Surge pricing risk | ✓ None | N/A (metered, not surge) |
| Meet and greet | ✓ Arrivals hall | ✗ Rank queue |
Which is actually cheaper?
For journeys beyond central London (Heathrow to Oxford, Gatwick to Brighton, Stansted to Cambridge), pre-booked fixed fares are typically 20–40% cheaper than metered black cabs. For city-centre journeys, the difference is smaller — but the price certainty of a fixed fare has its own value.
Fixed Price. No Surge. No Surprises.
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