I'm arriving in LHR on Saturday and just wondering if anyone has a suggestion on whether I should book a car ahead of time or just grab a taxi from the airport. Not going to do public transportation for this trip from the airport...just wondering how easy it is to get a taxi and if it seems to save significant money to book ahead. Thoughts?
We have been happy with "Blacklane.com". We will use them in London on our next trip. We have used them in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. You can get an immediate response from Blacklane.com by going to their site and get your quote. The driver will send you information about himself, an hour before he picks you up. He will meet you where you pick up your luggage at LHR and take you/your luggage to the car. We were very pleased with their service. There is a real advantage to having the transportation arranged before hand. You have a pre-arranged price. With a taxi you might get stuck in traffic with the meter running. They receive excellent reviews.
If you're wanting a car, I would book ahead. I've used Simply Airports a few times. You can also try Just Airports or Blackberry Cars.
If it's important to save money then take the Tube. Quickest and cheapest way.
This may give some insight on car services:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g186338-i17-k4886933-POLL_Airport_Car_Service-London_England.html
Using the tube may be problematical this Saturday as there is a 24 hour strike by several groups of maintenance staff and patrol staff - from 6.30 am on Friday.
There are three 24 hour and four 12 hour walkouts planned.
If you see Emma's response in the main Transport update for London
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/travel-in-london-this-week
she says, and I agree with her, that the strikes are always announced, I publicise them because I think travelers should know of potential apple cart upsetting problems and than many are settled or cancelled with few remaining.
I advise as soon as I am aware of dates and status, but at the moment I don't have specifics.