Minicab Costs UK 2026: Current Prices & What to Expect

How Much Do UK Minicabs Cost in 2026?

Minicab fares across the UK vary significantly depending on location, time of day, and distance travelled. In 2026, most minicabs charge between £2.50 and £5.00 as a base fare, followed by either a mileage charge or time-based rate. London remains more expensive than regional centres, with base fares typically starting at £3.50 to £4.50, while smaller towns may charge £2.00 to £3.50. Your total journey cost depends on several factors beyond the initial pickup charge, so it helps to understand how minicab pricing works before you book.

Unlike black cabs (hackney carriages), which have fixed tariffs regulated by local councils, private hire minicabs set their own prices. This means rates can differ between firms in the same area. A typical 5-mile journey in a major city costs between £12 and £20, while the same distance in a rural area might be £10 to £16. Always check the estimated fare before confirming your booking. Surge pricing during peak hours can add 20–50% to standard rates.

Breaking Down Minicab Charges

Understanding what makes up your minicab bill helps you predict costs accurately. Most firms use one of two pricing models:

• Distance-based pricing: A per-mile charge (typically 40p–80p per mile) applied after the base fare. This works well for journeys under 10 miles.
• Time-based pricing: An hourly rate (usually £35–£55 per hour) used for longer trips or when traffic is heavy. The driver calculates the journey time and charges accordingly.

Many operators blend both methods. You might pay a base fare plus distance charges, then switch to an hourly rate if the journey exceeds a certain time threshold. Waiting time fees apply when your driver is stationary—typically 30p–60p per minute—so lengthy delays at pickup or en route add extra cost. Some firms offer a free 5-minute grace period before waiting charges kick in.

Airport runs and pre-booked journeys sometimes include fixed pricing, which can work out cheaper than metered fares for long distances. Journeys during unsociable hours (11 PM to 6 AM) often incur a night surcharge of 10–25% on top of the standard fare.

Regional Price Variations

Minicab costs differ substantially across the UK, reflecting local demand, fuel prices, and operating expenses.

• London: Base fares £3.50–£4.50, per-mile charge 60p–90p. A 3-mile trip averages £12–£18.
• Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds: Base fares £2.80–£3.80, per-mile charge 50p–70p. A 3-mile trip averages £10–£15.
• Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow: Base fares £2.50–£3.50, per-mile charge 45p–65p. A 3-mile trip averages £9–£14.
• Smaller towns and rural areas: Base fares £2.00–£3.00, per-mile charge 35p–55p. A 3-mile trip averages £7–£11.

Peak-hour surcharges are standard in cities. Journeys booked between 8 AM–10 AM or 5 PM–7 PM on weekdays cost 15–30% more. Friday and Saturday nights see the highest premiums. Some operators charge a small booking fee (50p–£1.50) if you reserve in advance, though this is becoming less common.

Factors That Affect Your Final Fare

Several variables influence what you actually pay when you reach your destination.

Distance and route matter, but so does the algorithm. Some minicab apps calculate the shortest route; others use the quickest route, which may cover more distance. Traffic conditions play a huge role, especially in congested city centres. A journey that should take 10 minutes at midnight might take 35 minutes during rush hour, pushing your bill considerably higher if charged by time rather than distance.

The type of vehicle you select also affects cost. A standard saloon is cheapest; an executive car or MPV for passengers with luggage costs 20–40% more. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles typically charge a fixed surcharge of £2–£5 on top of the standard fare. Group bookings (4+ passengers) often incur a slight premium per seat, or you may be quoted a flat rate that works out cheaper than booking two cars separately.

Fuel prices and inflation push fares up annually. Between 2024 and 2026, most operators increased base fares by 8–15% to offset rising petrol and diesel costs. If you travel regularly with the same firm, some offer loyalty discounts of 5–10% on future journeys when you register an account or prepay credit.

Booking Methods and Payment Options

How you book your minicab can affect the price. Phone bookings remain an option but sometimes cost slightly more because operators have higher admin overhead. Most firms now offer apps (Bolt, Uber, local operators) which display estimated fares upfront and may apply loyalty bonuses or promotional codes. Prepaid journeys booked 24 hours in advance occasionally include a small discount (3–5%), though this varies by operator.

Payment methods include cash, card, and app-based digital wallets. Many drivers prefer card or digital payment to reduce robberies and for easier reconciliation. Some firms add a 1–3% surcharge for card payments, though this is becoming rarer due to consumer backlash. Always confirm whether the quoted fare includes a payment method fee before you commit.

Corporate accounts and bulk pre-payment schemes can save regular users 10–20% per journey. If your employer offers a minicab scheme or benefits package, this option is worth exploring.

Tips for Getting the Best Minicab Rates

You can reduce your minicab bills with a few smart practices.

• Book off-peak: journeys during off-peak hours (10 AM–4 PM, 10 PM–6 AM) avoid surge pricing and are typically 15–25% cheaper.
• Use referral codes: most minicab apps offer £5–£10 referral bonuses when you invite a friend, effectively discounting your next trip.
• Compare providers before booking: two or three minicab apps in your area may quote different fares for the same journey, so check multiple options.
• Avoid short journeys: base fares dominate on trips under 1 mile, so walking or cycling is often cheaper and quicker.
• Set a precise pickup location: vague pickup points delay drivers and trigger waiting fees. Use a specific address or map pin.

Long-distance minicab journeys to airports or between cities sometimes cost less when pre-booked as a fixed fare rather than metered. Request a quote from at least three firms and negotiate if you're booking a regular route.

What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond

Minicab costs will likely continue rising in 2026 due to electric vehicle transition costs, insurance premium increases, and general inflation. Many operators are investing in battery-electric vehicles, which currently have higher purchase prices (though lower running costs), temporarily pushing fares up. By 2026–2027, electric minicabs may dominate city centres, with slightly lower per-mile charges but unchanged base fares. Some local councils are also considering congestion charges that affect minicab operators, which may be passed to passengers in busy areas.

Consumer awareness is pushing operators to be more transparent about pricing. Real-time fare estimates, surge pricing notifications, and the ability to accept or decline rides at quoted prices are now standard in major cities. However, small independent minicab firms may lag behind in adopting these features, so use established providers or comparison platforms whenever possible to ensure clarity on costs.

Frequently Asked Questions