Estimate a taxi journey using your local starting fare, mileage rate, waiting time and any extra charges.
This is an estimate based only on the figures entered. Traffic, route changes and the licensed tariff may change the final metered fare.
How to use the Taxi Fare Calculator UK
Enter the journey distance, the taxi’s starting charge and its price per mile. If applicable, add waiting time, a booking fee or other extras, and a percentage surcharge. The calculator shows the estimated total and a clear breakdown. If you first need to estimate the mileage between two places, use our Travel Distance Calculator.
How the estimate is calculated
The distance charge is the journey miles multiplied by the rate per mile. The waiting charge is the number of waiting minutes multiplied by the waiting rate. Those figures are added to the starting fare and extras; any percentage surcharge is applied last.
| Part of fare | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Distance charge | Miles × rate per mile |
| Waiting charge | Minutes × rate per minute |
| Subtotal | Starting fare + distance + waiting + extras |
| Total | Subtotal + percentage surcharge |
Why UK taxi prices vary
There is no single price-per-mile that applies to every taxi journey across the UK. Licensed taxi tariffs can vary by local authority, time of day, day of the week and vehicle type. Private-hire journeys may instead use an agreed quote or an operator’s pricing system. For the most reliable estimate, copy the current figures from the local tariff card or ask the operator for a quote.
Official guidance explains that licensing authorities in England can set maximum taxi fares; check the GOV.UK taxi and private-hire licensing guidance for context.
What can be included in a taxi fare?
A fare can include the initial charge, time or distance on the meter, waiting time and permitted extras. Depending on the area or operator, extras may apply for pre-booking, airports, larger vehicles, additional passengers, luggage, late-night travel or public holidays. Always confirm which charges apply before travelling.
Plan the wider cost of your journey
Comparing transport options? A financed vehicle may be explored with our Car Finance Calculator UK. If your trip involves sending luggage or parcels separately, try the Postage Calculator UK. You can also browse more practical tools on the United Kingdom Calculator homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Is this calculator an exact taxi quote?
No. It estimates a fare from the numbers you enter. The actual meter or agreed private-hire quote may differ.
What rate per mile should I enter?
Use the rate published on the local taxi tariff, shown by the operator or included in your booking quote.
Should I include the starting fare?
Yes. Enter the initial charge separately so it is not accidentally multiplied by the journey distance.
How do I account for waiting time?
Enter both the estimated waiting minutes and the charge per minute. Leave both fields blank if waiting does not apply.
Can I include a night or holiday surcharge?
Yes. Enter the applicable percentage in the surcharge field, or include a fixed charge in the extras field.