I'd like to prebook a black cab for transport from a hotel near Heathrow Airport to King's Cross. We have a party of 4 with luggage. I'm not finding websites/articles recommending vetted companies that provide this service. I'd like my kids to ride in a black cab and yes, I've explored other options (bus, tube, etc.) Thanks ahead for any help / recommendations you can provide.
Posted by
Freedonia
16068 posts
You don't need to prebook. Just ask your hotel to call you a taxi. (And make sure they know you want a black cab.)
Or just head back to the airport and get one.
How much luggage and what size?
Posted by
Singapore
499 posts
As Frank notes, you don't need to pre-book. Aside from asking the hotel to call one, you can also use an app. I normally use Free Now to call black cabs.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1880 posts
How big are the kids? Full size adults? How much luggage? My concern is that the bench seat in a black cab will fit about 3 adults comfortably and there are two jump seats on the back of the divider to the driver’s compartment. Then the cabs have a small trunk so most of your luggage may have to go into the main seating area. Could make for a somewhat uncomfortable ride into London. If you are staying in London perhaps save the experience for a shorter local ride.
Posted by
London
358 posts
Appreciate you have explored other options and want them to ride in a black cab - but that's is a slow and expensive "experience". Four adults direct no change Underground for £22 vs a taxi that will be £100 or more. You can get a taxi fix any time any place really. And the Underground will be significantly quicker.
Whilst it's clearly not what you intend, my recommendation would be to take the Underground and do the taxi another time.
Posted by
Freedonia
16068 posts
If you are going to Kings Cross to get a train and want your kids to experience a black cab, there is another alternative that might save some money.
Take the Elizabeth line from Heathrow to Paddington. At Paddington, get a cab to Kings Cross. All the cabs at the taxi rank will be "black" cabs. I put the "black" in quotes because now they can be any color. And many are electric.
Posted by
OP
USA
2 posts
Thanks to all who responded and for your tips! The "kids" are adults who are arriving just the night before. I am thinking strongly of hiring a black cab because it is "point to point" for their first morning in London. They'll be jetlagged with luggage and I think it will just be smoother for them on their first day. Personally, I love the tube and the Piccadilly line runs straight from Heathrow to King's Cross / St. Pancras tube station, requiring just a quick walk then to King's Cross train station. If it was just me and my husband, we'd take the tube. Regarding luggage, my husband has challenged me to "pack light" with just a carry-on and hand luggage. We shall see how that goes.