Black Cabs at Heathrow

Beth, there are multiple options. Check out this website. Pam

To catch a black cab, just go to the taxi area and wait your turn in line. But when I last got an estimate for what it would cost to get into town, it was in the neighborhood of $100. Not sure what it would be now, 5 years later.

Nigel, what does "off the rank" mean? Also, what should I tip a taxi driver?

Very helpful replies. I went to the web sites that were suggested and found lots of options. Thank You!

Bear in mind that if you do wind up taking a black cab, not to be confused if they are not all the colour black. Many are covered in advertising of various colours but most will follow a pretty much standard shape. Any licensed cab will have a sign on the back with the details of the license. So-called "mini cabs" - the name has nothing to do with the size of the car - are private hire cars and must be reserved in advance or they have no insurance. Mini cabs may not (although this does not discourage some touts and scofflaws) be flagged down on the road or take non-reserved passengers. Never get into a cab at or near a taxi rank unless it is off the rank and a licensed black cab.

The areas where the taxis wait to pick up passengers is called "the rank" - so you go to the rank to get your cab, don't try and hail one anywhere else. Tips - up to you. Usually just round up - so if fare is 27 pounds, would make it 30.

It's the same as a taxi stand in the US. You get in line and the taxi comes to you as opposed to hailing one on the street.