As the UK prepares for rising temperatures and a couple of bank holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for Brits to go out and enjoy the sun. Beer gardens, BBQs and nights out get increasingly popular during this time of year, meaning many of us will be relying on taxis to travel back home.
Yet despite many needing to order a taxi, they can be costly for short journeys. Google searches for ‘taxis cheap’ have increased by 109% in the past month, showing prices of taxis are a current concern.
In this blog, we have analysed data from Numbeo to discover the most expensive and cheapest places to get a taxi in the UK. So you can make sure you have enough set aside for that all-important journey home.
If you're after a more budget-friendly ride, head to one of these locations:
Rank | City | Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | Per 1km (Normal Tariff) | Cost of avg journey (approx 4km - 2.6 miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Warrington | £2.00 | £0.93 | £5.72 |
2 | Lincoln | £3.00 | £0.75 | £6.00 |
3 | Kingston upon Hull | £2.45 | £0.95 | £6.25 |
4 | Stoke-on-Trent | £4.00 | £0.81 | £7.24 |
5 | Liverpool | £3.00 | £1.06 | £7.24 |
6 | Huddersfield | £3.50 | £1.00 | £7.50 |
7 | Sheffield | £3.60 | £1.03 | £7.72 |
8 | Leicester | £3.80 | £1.00 | £7.80 |
9 | Southampton | £3.20 | £1.24 | £8.16 |
10 | Derby | £3.50 | £1.24 | £8.46 |
Warrington is the cheapest location
Warrington is located between Liverpool and Manchester. The town is full of history and attractions, as well as plenty of beer gardens, and the average taxi journey costs just £5.72! The normal 1km taxi tariff costs just £0.93 in Warrington, and the town also has the lowest taxi start price of only £2.
East Midlands is the cheapest region for a taxi in the UK
Ranking most frequently amongst the places for the cheapest taxis is the East Midlands. Lincoln ranks second cheapest, as well as Leicester, making the top ten. Lincoln is known for its historic taverns and modern bars, and many enjoy the party nightlife in Leicester. If you’re out drinking in the East Midlands this summer, you’re likely to find a cheap taxi to get home.
Kingston upon Hull ranks in the top three
Rounding off the top three is Kingston upon Hull, located in East Yorkshire. There are many pubs, restaurants and bars, specialising in cask ales, craft beers and bespoke cocktails in Hull. The average taxi journey costs passengers just £6.25, with the normal tariff costing £0.95 per 1km, whereas the most expensive location, Reading, costs nearly four times more at £3.39 per 1km.
Here’s what you’ll pay on average for a 4km (2.6-mile) journey:
Rank | City | Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | Per 1km (Normal Tariff) | Cost of avg journey (approx 4km - 2.6 miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Warrington | £2.00 | £0.93 | £5.72 |
2 | Lincoln | £3.00 | £0.75 | £6.00 |
3 | Kingston upon Hull | £2.45 | £0.95 | £6.25 |
4 | Stoke-on-Trent | £4.00 | £0.81 | £7.24 |
5 | Liverpool | £3.00 | £1.06 | £7.24 |
6 | Huddersfield | £3.50 | £1.00 | £7.50 |
7 | Sheffield | £3.60 | £1.03 | £7.72 |
8 | Leicester | £3.80 | £1.00 | £7.80 |
9 | Southampton | £3.20 | £1.24 | £8.16 |
10 | Derby | £3.50 | £1.24 | £8.46 |
Reading is the most expensive place in the UK for a taxi
Reading takes the number one spot, with the highest average cost for a 4km journey, which is the average journey length, costing £18.06. The average cost per 1km in Reading is £3.39, which is the highest tariff of all the data analysed. Those looking to spend an afternoon or evening drinking in Reading may want to split their taxi costs between friends.
Surprisingly, London ISN’T the most expensive
Despite it being the capital of the UK, London ranks as the fourth most expensive location. The average taxi journey costs £14.90, which is significantly cheaper than in Reading, Oxford and Woking. The average 1km taxi tariff costs £2.60 in London, which is similar to Lancaster and Portsmouth, however, the average starting price is a high fare of £4.50.
Manchester ranks in the top ten
It is a common conception that the north is cheaper than the south, yet data reveals Manchester is the ninth most-expensive location in the UK for a taxi. The average taxi journey costs £13.10 - only £1.80 cheaper than in London. Durham also ranks eighth, with the average taxi journey costing £13.22.
It depends on when and where you're travelling:
- Taxis usually have fixed rates. They're often cheaper for short trips, especially in smaller towns or off-peak times.
- Uber and similar apps use dynamic pricing. You might pay less during quiet hours but can get stung with surge pricing during busy periods or bad weather.
For example, in Oxford or Reading, a local taxi might cost £16–£18, while Uber could be cheaper, unless demand is high. In places like Warrington or Lincoln, taxis often outperform Uber in terms of price and wait time. Always compare both before booking.
If you're heading out for drinks and want to keep your taxi fare down, here are a few simple tips to help you avoid paying over the odds:
- Be wary of popular times: Bank holidays or bad weather can cause an increase in demand for taxis, and therefore, the prices will increase. If you’re looking for a cheap taxi, try to avoid peak times, or pre-book and negotiate a fare so you know exactly what you’ll be paying.
- Stay over: Staying over at a friend or family member's after going out will mean you can head home in the same direction. Rather than paying for separate journeys, you can travel in a group. Or, if you drive yourself to a location, you can head home the next day safely when you’re sober.
- Share a taxi: Share a ride home with friends or family after going out, which will make your fare cheaper, due to splitting the costs. Not only is this more economical, but it can also make a journey more enjoyable and safe!
- Walk a section of your journey (if safe to do so): A five-minute walk may reduce your taxi cost if you’re in a popular area or busy town centre. Ordering a taxi from quieter zones can result in a quicker journey and less traffic congestion.
- Assign a designated driver: If you’re concerned about taxi costs, assigning a friend or family member to stay sober and be the designated driver will ensure you have a cheap and safe ride home. This is a cheaper option than a taxi, and also more reliable as taxi ranks become busier in peak hours.
Lease a car: If you frequently use taxis, especially for short trips, leasing could be a more convenient and cost-effective alternative. Browse our car lease deals.
If you're regularly relying on taxis, especially in cities like Reading or Oxford, leasing a car might save you money in the long run.
With a lease from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts:
- You get a brand-new car with fixed monthly payments.
- Road tax and breakdown cover are often included.
- No more stress over surge pricing or long waits during peak times.
We also offer great deals on hybrids and electric cars, helping you reduce fuel costs and drive cleaner.
With taxi costs varying wildly across the UK, it pays to know where your city stands. Reading is officially the most expensive UK location to order a taxi, with London further down the list than expected. Meanwhile, Warrington, Lincoln and Hull offer the best value. Heading out this summer? Factor in these prices, plan ahead, and you’ll avoid the sting of an overpriced cab home.
Take a look at our Top 10 Drink Driving Hotspots in The UK Revealed blog for similar content. We also publish weekly blogs on a variety of topics, browse them all in the blog section of our website.
As one of the UK’s top car leasing brokers, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts offers a wide range of leasing deals to suit different needs. For more information, visit our car leasing guides or speak to one of our experts on 0345 811 9595.
