London Black Cab Fare Hike: What’s Changing in April 2025?

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3 March 2025
London Black Cab Fare Increase 2025 – What You Need to Know

If you rely on London’s iconic black cabs, brace yourself—fares are set to rise in April 2025. Transport for London (TfL) has proposed adjustments to taxi tariffs, reflecting the rising costs of operating a cab in the capital. Whether you’re a regular passenger or an occasional rider, here’s everything you need to know about what’s changing and why.

What’s Changing?

TfL’s latest taxi fare review proposes:

  • Minimum Fare Increase: The base fare is set to rise by 40p, jumping from £3.80 to £4.20.
  • General Tariff Adjustments: Fares on Tariffs 1, 2, and 3—which apply to most journeys up to six miles—are increasing by an average of 5.05%.
  • Heathrow Charges Adjusted: The Heathrow extra charge will decrease from £2.00 to £1.60, but the drop-off fee at Heathrow terminals will increase from £5.20 to £6.00.

Why Are Fares Increasing?

Taxi drivers are facing growing operational costs, including fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance. The fare hike is aimed at ensuring taxi driving remains a viable profession. London has seen a decline in licensed taxi drivers, now at its lowest since 1978, and these changes are designed to help sustain the trade.

How Will This Affect You?

  • For Passengers: Expect to pay more, especially for shorter trips and peak-time journeys. However, the slight reduction in Heathrow’s extra charge may balance things out for airport travelers.
  • For Taxi Drivers: Higher fares may help offset rising costs and encourage new drivers to enter the trade.
  • For Accessibility Users: Advocacy groups have raised concerns that higher fares could impact disabled passengers who rely on black cabs for transport.

When Will This Happen?

TfL’s Finance Committee is reviewing these proposals this month. If approved, the new fares will take effect in April 2025.

Final Thoughts

London’s black cabs are an essential part of the city’s transport network, but keeping the balance between affordability and sustainability is always a challenge. If you want to have your say on these changes, TfL has opened a consultation page where Londoners can provide feedback.