Black Cabs
Traditional London taxis with drivers who have passed "The Knowledge" test. Available for hire throughout London.
About
The gold standard of global taxi service rolls through London's streets, where drivers master the legendary Knowledge—four years memorizing 25,000 streets and 320 routes. Yellow "for hire" lights have meant rescue since 1897. These purpose-built vehicles with 25-foot turning circles navigate impossibly narrow streets while drivers navigate conversations.
The Knowledge
World's toughest taxi training sees prospective cabbies on mopeds for years, building mental maps no GPS matches. Examiners test optimal routes considering traffic, roadworks, time. Green badge holders cover all London; yellow badges work specific sectors. This creates drivers who are part navigator, part concierge, part therapist.
Purpose-built vehicles (not all black anymore) feature wheelchair access, privacy partitions, and spacious interiors. Card readers complement cash. The famous turning circle enables U-turns impossible for regular cars.
Hailing & Fares
Hail when yellow light shows. Apps like Gett and Free Now offer booking while preserving street-hail tradition. Metered fares start at £3.80. Tips appreciated but not mandatory. Heathrow costs £50-100 depending on location and time.
Cabbies can't refuse reasonable fares. Late-night availability provides safety net. Electric cabs increasingly common. These rolling ambassadors offer authentic London perspectives—expensive but reliable when rain falls or trains fail. The Knowledge beats any algorithm.