The short answer
Pre-book an airport transfer when you land late, arrive with equipment, or do not know the city. A pre-booked licensed driver tracks your flight, waits at a known point and takes you to the right address. For other legs of the trip, choose between a licensed taxi, rail or an app by what matters most: certainty, cost or time. Whatever you pick, use a licensed operator and check that the driver and vehicle match your booking.
Options at a glance
| Option | Often suits | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked transfer with meet-and-greet | Late arrival, heavy bags, first visit | Pickup point, whether waiting time is included |
| Licensed taxi from the official rank | Spontaneous travel | That it is a marked, licensed vehicle |
| Rail or airport express | Meetings in the city centre | Last services and luggage rules |
| Ride-hailing app | Everyday trips in cities where it works | Pickup points inside the airport |
| Rental car | A stay with many sites | Whether your licence is accepted and any permit you need |
Why licensing matters
Transport authorities license taxis and private hire, and publish ways to check. Transport for London tells passengers to always book a minicab, and offers a licence checker for private hire drivers, vehicles and operators. Other cities have their own authorities and checks. A driver who approaches you in the arrivals hall without a booking is not someone to rely on.
What to share with the operator
- Your flight number, so the driver can follow delays
- Your full name and a phone number that will work on arrival
- The address of your first stop, spelled the way the destination writes it
- Number of passengers and bags, and any equipment
- Whether you need a receipt for your expense claim
Checklist
- To do: Employer's travel policy checked for approved transport
- To do: Transfer booked with a licensed operator, confirmation saved
- To do: Flight number and arrival time shared
- To do: Pickup point and driver's name understood
- To do: Price terms read, including waiting time
- To do: Driver and vehicle checked against the booking on arrival
- To do: Backup plan: rail, rank or app, with data on your phone
- To do: Receipts kept for expenses
Common mistakes
- Accepting an unsolicited offer in the arrivals hall. Book in advance or use the official rank.
- Not sharing the flight number. A delayed flight then cancels your pickup.
- Assuming a meeting-point sign is obvious. Confirm where the driver will stand.
- Paying cash without a receipt. You will want it for expenses.
- Assuming your driving licence works everywhere. Check the rules before you rent.
Things that change
Operators, airport rules, pickup points and licensing schemes change. Confirm the arrangements shortly before you travel.
Verify before you act
Read the TfL page on taxis and minicabs as an example of how a city licenses and checks private hire, then find the equivalent official page for the city you are visiting.