There is no single UK-wide long distance taxi price — the fare depends on your specific pickup, destination, route distance and vehicle class. Any generic "average" figure wouldn't reflect what your journey actually costs. The only meaningful price is the one calculated for your exact journey, confirmed before you book.
Stansted Airport Taxi operates a fixed-fare model for pre-booked long distance journeys — the fare is set at booking and doesn't change between confirmation and travel. This page explains exactly how that fare is calculated, with verified price examples by distance and vehicle. Get your fixed quote from Stansted Airport Taxi, a TfL-licensed private-hire operator. Reviewed September 2026.
⚙ Quick Answer: How Much Does a Long Distance Taxi Cost?
Distance and vehicle class are the two primary pricing variables. Our fare structure uses a base fare covering the first 5 miles, then a per-mile rate for every mile beyond that — ranging from £1.30/mile (Saloon) to £2.10/mile (Executive MPV). Indicative examples: approximately £62.50 (Saloon) for 30 miles, £88.50 for 50 miles, and £153.50 for 100 miles.
Everything else — passenger count, luggage, accessibility needs — affects which vehicle you need, which in turn affects the fare. Journeys to or from Stansted Airport add the £10 Express Set-Down charge, included in your quoted total.
Every fare is pre-booked and fixed at the point of booking — it doesn't change due to traffic, route variation or journey duration. Use our fare calculator for the exact, journey-specific price rather than relying on a rough per-mile estimate.
What Determines the Price of a Long Distance Taxi?
Seven factors, each explained.
| Pricing factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pickup location | Determines the start of the route and the total distance |
| Destination | Combined with pickup, determines the journey distance and route |
| Distance | Longer journeys produce higher fares — the primary pricing variable |
| Vehicle class | Different classes carry different base fares and per-mile rates |
| Passenger numbers | Determines which vehicle class is needed |
| Luggage requirements | Affects vehicle suitability — more luggage may need a larger class |
| Special requirements | Accessibility or other needs may affect vehicle selection |
Fares shown throughout this page are indicative, calculated on distance by vehicle class, and confirmed at booking via our fare calculator. Your final fixed price is locked in your booking confirmation — no surge, no airport surcharge, no late-night premium, no card fees.
Quick Answers
How much does a long distance taxi cost?
Depends on distance, vehicle class and any applicable charges. Indicative examples: ~£62.50 (Saloon) for 30 miles, £88.50 for 50 miles, £153.50 for 100 miles. Use our fare calculator for your exact price.
Are long distance taxi fares fixed?
Yes. Our pre-booked fixed-fare model means the price agreed at booking is the price charged — it doesn't change for traffic, route variation or journey duration.
Is there a price per mile?
Yes — from £1.30/mile (Saloon) to £2.10/mile (Executive MPV), applied to every mile beyond the first 5 covered by the base fare.
Does vehicle choice affect the fare?
Yes. Each class has its own base fare and per-mile rate — the gap between classes widens the further you travel, since the higher rate compounds over more miles.
Can I get a price before travelling?
Yes. Use our online fare calculator, or call for a quote on a specific route not covered by the standard calculator.
Can larger groups book a long distance taxi?
Yes — MPV and 8-seater vehicles accommodate up to 8 passengers. For groups larger than 8, contact us to discuss multi-vehicle options.
How Long Distance Taxi Fares Are Calculated
Pre-booked, fixed, and based on the actual journey — not a taximeter running as you travel.
Pre-booked fixed fares. The fare is calculated from your pickup address, destination and selected vehicle class before the journey is confirmed — you receive the applicable fare at the point of booking, not after the journey is complete. This differs from a taximeter, which accumulates charges as the journey progresses; a pre-booked fixed fare is agreed before travel and confirmed in your booking. For long distance journeys, where uncertainty over the final cost can be significant, knowing the fare before committing is a real practical advantage.
How journey distance affects the fare. Distance is the primary driver of long distance pricing. Our structure uses a base fare covering the first 5 miles, with a per-mile rate applied to every additional mile beyond that — for long distance journeys, where most of the mileage falls beyond the first 5 miles, the per-mile rate is the dominant cost component. A 60-mile journey costs significantly more than a 20-mile journey, and a 120-mile journey costs significantly more again — the relationship is direct and consistent within each vehicle class.
How vehicle choice affects the fare. Each vehicle class carries its own base fare and per-mile rate (see the table below). Over a long distance journey, the difference between classes becomes more pronounced — on a 100-mile journey, the difference between a Saloon (£153.50) and an Executive MPV (£241.50) is £88.50, since the higher per-mile rate compounds over more miles.
Why two journeys of similar distance can produce different prices: starting locations differ (different origins produce different routes and sometimes different calculated distances); vehicle class differs (a Saloon and an MPV5 produce different fares for the same route); passenger or luggage requirements differ (more passengers or luggage may require a larger vehicle class); and airport charges apply (journeys to or from Stansted Airport include the £10 Express Set-Down charge, forming part of the total fare). Distance is the primary variable, but not the only one — the complete fare depends on all these inputs together.
Long Distance Taxi Prices by Vehicle
The base fare and per-mile rate for each vehicle class.
| Vehicle | Seats | Base fare | Per mile (beyond 5 miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon | Up to 4 | £30.00 | £1.30 |
| Estate | Up to 4 | £31.20 | £1.35 |
| MPV5 | Up to 5 | £33.00 | £1.43 |
| MPV6 | Up to 6 | £34.50 | £1.50 |
| MPV7 | Up to 7 | £37.50 | £1.63 |
| MPV8 / 8-Seater | Up to 8 | £39.00 | £1.69 |
| Executive Saloon | Up to 4 | £36.00 | £1.80 |
| Executive MPV | Up to 6 | £42.00 | £2.10 |
Prices last updated: August 2026.
Choosing the right vehicle depends on passenger count, luggage volume, journey type and any accessibility requirements. 1–4 passengers: a Saloon is typically appropriate for standard luggage; an Estate provides more boot space at a modest premium for larger bags. 5–6 passengers: 5 requires an MPV5 minimum, 6 requires an MPV6 — keeping everyone in one vehicle is more cost-effective and simpler than booking multiple smaller cars. 7–8 passengers: 7 requires an MPV7, 8 requires an MPV8 — our largest standard vehicle, accommodating up to 8 with luggage. Executive travel: the Executive Saloon and Executive MPV suit business travel, client journeys, and passengers preferring a premium vehicle, both on the same fixed-fare structure at the Executive class rate. Larger groups: for more than 8 seats, contact our team to discuss multi-vehicle options — for cost-sensitive larger groups, a single MPV8 compared with multiple Saloon bookings may offer an advantage. Additional or specialist luggage: describe oversized items (sporting equipment, instruments, specialist cases) at booking so we can confirm whether standard boot space accommodates them or a different vehicle class is needed.
Long Distance Taxi Prices by Distance
Indicative fares at three common distances, verified against our standard pricing formula. Your exact fare depends on your specific pickup and destination.
| Vehicle | Fare for ~20 miles | Fare for ~30 miles | Fare for ~50 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon | £49.50 | £62.50 | £88.50 |
| Estate | £51.45 | £64.95 | £91.95 |
| MPV5 | £54.45 | £68.75 | £97.35 |
| Executive Saloon | £63.00 | £81.00 | £117.00 |
Long distance taxi cost per mile. Our per-mile rates range from £1.30/mile (Saloon) to £2.10/mile (Executive MPV), applied to every mile beyond the first 5. However, a simple per-mile calculation isn't the same as the actual quoted fare, because the base fare covers the first 5 miles and differs by vehicle class, airport charges are added to journeys to or from Stansted, and the exact route distance between specific addresses may differ from a round-number estimate. For accurate pricing, use our fare calculator with your actual addresses rather than multiplying by a per-mile rate.
Long Distance Taxi Price Examples
Calculated using our verified pricing formula, based on approximate road distances. Your exact fare depends on the specific pickup and destination addresses.
| Journey | Approx. distance | Vehicle | Indicative fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| London to Oxford | ~60 miles | Saloon | £101.50 |
| London to Oxford | ~60 miles | MPV5 | £111.65 |
| London to Cambridge | ~60 miles | Saloon | £101.50 |
| London to Cambridge | ~60 miles | MPV5 | £111.65 |
| London to Brighton | ~55 miles | Saloon | £95.00 |
| London to Brighton | ~55 miles | MPV5 | £104.50 |
| London to Birmingham | ~120 miles | Saloon | £179.50 |
| London to Birmingham | ~120 miles | MPV5 | £197.45 |
| Stansted to Cambridge* | ~30 miles | Saloon | £72.50 |
| Stansted to Oxford* | ~75 miles | Saloon | £131.00 |
| Stansted to Birmingham* | ~130 miles | Saloon | £202.50 |
*Stansted Airport fares include the £10 Express Set-Down charge (effective 19 March 2026). All fares are indicative, calculated on distance by vehicle class, and confirmed at booking via our fare calculator. Your final fixed price is locked in your booking confirmation — no surge, no airport surcharge, no late-night premium, no card fees.
What Can Affect a Long Distance Taxi Quote?
Six factors worth understanding before you request a price.
- Pickup and destination. The specific addresses determine the route distance, the primary input into the fare. Two passengers both travelling "from London to Oxford" may receive slightly different fares if their pickup postcodes differ — a north London pickup is a longer journey to Oxford than an east London one.
- Journey distance. The dominant pricing variable — the per-mile rate applies to every mile beyond the first 5, so longer journeys produce proportionally larger fares, consistent within each vehicle class.
- Passenger numbers. Determines the minimum vehicle class needed — more than 4 passengers requires an MPV. Selecting the correct class for your passenger count is essential for an accurate fare and correct vehicle allocation.
- Luggage requirements. Significant luggage may need an Estate rather than a Saloon, or an MPV rather than an Estate. Vehicle selection drives the fare — confirm luggage at booking so the correct vehicle is allocated and the quoted fare is accurate.
- Vehicle category. Directly determines the base fare and per-mile rate — upgrading from a Saloon to an Executive MPV for the same journey produces a materially higher fare at long distances.
- Special requirements. Accessibility requirements should be confirmed at booking — our team will confirm the appropriate vehicle and any relevant arrangements, with the fare based on the vehicle selected.
Long Distance Taxi Prices in London
Why London isn't a single starting point for pricing purposes.
Long distance journeys starting or ending in London represent a significant share of pre-booked private-hire demand. Stansted Airport Taxi covers long distance journeys from any London address to any UK destination, and returns. London-origin fares vary because London isn't a single geographic point — a journey from east London to Cambridge is shorter than the same journey from west London, and a journey from south London to Birmingham is longer than one from north London. Our fare calculator uses your specific pickup postcode to determine the actual route distance from your address.
Common London-origin long distance journey types: London to UK cities (Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh and others); London to airports (Stansted, Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester); and London to towns and counties (Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Chelmsford, Colchester, Watford and surrounding areas). For general London taxi pricing and Stansted Airport-specific fares, contact us directly for the current dedicated pages.
Long Distance Taxi Prices vs Local Taxi Fares
A genuinely different pricing model, not just a bigger number.
| Local taxi | Long distance pre-booked taxi | |
|---|---|---|
| Journey type | Shorter local journeys | Longer planned journeys |
| Destination | Local area | Specific longer-distance destination |
| Pricing basis | Typically local meter or short-journey rate | Pre-booked fixed fare by distance and vehicle |
| Booking method | Often spontaneous | Normally planned in advance |
| Fare known before travel | Not always | Yes — fixed fare confirmed at booking |
| Door-to-door | Usually | Yes |
Long distance pre-booked pricing is structured around journey distance in a way local fares aren't. For a 60-mile journey, the per-mile rate over 55 miles (beyond the initial 5 covered by the base fare) is the dominant pricing component — this is why the long distance model looks so different from a local fare structure.
Long Distance Taxi Prices Compared With Other Travel Options
The trade-offs against train, coach and driving yourself.
| Factor | Pre-booked taxi / private hire | Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Pre-booked journey | Yes | Usually | Usually | N/A |
| Multiple passengers | One vehicle, one fare | Individual tickets | Individual tickets | Shared |
| Luggage | Vehicle-dependent, door-to-door | Passenger-managed | Passenger-managed | Self-managed |
| Changes / interchanges | Direct journey as booked | May require changes | May require changes | None |
| Early / late travel | Available with advance booking | Service dependent | Service dependent | Flexible |
| Fixed cost before travel | Yes | Advance booking fares | Advance booking fares | Fuel + parking variable |
For groups of four or more, the per-person cost of a pre-booked private hire compares more closely with public transport individual fares, while providing door-to-door travel, no luggage management on public transport, and no connection risk.
Long Distance Taxi Price and Quote: What Information Do You Need?
Six inputs, each affecting the accuracy of your quote.
- Pickup location: full street address and postcode, which determines the start of the route distance calculation — a partial address or area name may produce only an approximate fare.
- Destination: full address or destination name. For airports, specify the terminal where relevant; for hotels, the hotel name and full address; for private addresses, include the postcode.
- Travel date and time: the scheduled date and departure time, required to complete the booking and confirm vehicle availability — book ahead for early-morning journeys or popular travel dates.
- Number of passengers: determines the minimum vehicle class — more than 4 passengers requires an MPV.
- Luggage requirements: the volume and size of luggage. Standard luggage for up to 4 passengers typically fits within a Saloon boot; larger volumes or oversized items may need an Estate or MPV.
- Vehicle requirements: your preferred class, if any, or the vehicle recommended based on passenger count and luggage. Our calculator returns fares for all vehicle classes simultaneously so you can compare.
Long Distance Taxi Prices for Different Journey Types
The same distance-and-vehicle model applies across all of these, with a few practical notes for each.
London to other cities. Journeys from London to UK cities — Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Birmingham, Bristol and others — are among the most commonly booked. Fares are calculated on the road distance from your specific London pickup address to the destination.
Airport to city transfers. From Stansted, Heathrow, Gatwick or Luton to a specific city or town destination. These fares include applicable airport charges within the quoted price.
City to airport transfers. The reverse journey — from any UK city or town to a London airport — follows the same distance-and-vehicle model. The airport drop-off charge (Stansted £10, Heathrow £7) is included within the quoted fare.
Intercity taxi journeys. Connecting two UK cities or towns without a London leg, priced on the same model — provide specific pickup and destination addresses for an accurate fare.
Business and corporate journeys. Corporate account bookings with VAT invoicing can be arranged for business travel. Executive Saloon and Executive MPV options suit client-facing travel — contact our team for corporate account enquiries.
Family and group journeys. One vehicle, one fare, one driver, door-to-door for the whole group — MPV and 8-seater options accommodate up to 8 passengers with luggage. Confirm passenger count and luggage at booking.
Return journeys. Booked as separate journeys — each leg is priced individually based on the pickup and destination for that leg. For an airport return, provide the flight number and arrival time so the driver can monitor the flight.
Why Get a Fixed Long Distance Taxi Fare Before Travelling?
Four practical advantages.
- Journey planning. A confirmed fare allows accurate travel budgeting, particularly where cost is managed against an allowance or expense policy.
- No post-journey surprises. The fixed fare agreed at booking is the fare charged — no adjustments for traffic, route variation, or journey duration.
- Vehicle selection in advance. Reviewing fares across vehicle classes before booking lets you select the vehicle that balances capacity, comfort and cost for the specific journey.
- Suitable for planned travel. Long distance journeys — to airports, client meetings, events — are typically planned in advance. A pre-booked fixed fare suits this model far better than an on-demand service with variable pricing.
Get a Long Distance Taxi Quote
Four steps from journey details to booking confirmation.
- 1. Tell us about your journey. Pickup address, destination, travel date, travel time, number of passengers, luggage requirements, and vehicle class preference (or let the calculator recommend based on passenger count).
- 2. Receive your applicable fare. Our fare calculator returns the fixed fare for each vehicle class for your specific journey. For journeys not covered by the standard calculator, contact our team directly.
- 3. Choose the suitable vehicle. Review the fare options by vehicle class and select the one matching your passenger count, luggage and journey type — Executive and MPV options suit groups, business travel and larger luggage requirements.
- 4. Confirm your booking. Confirm online or by phone. A booking reference is issued immediately, and driver details are provided ahead of travel. The fare in your booking confirmation is fixed — it does not change.
Long Distance Taxi Service Areas
Where this service covers.
- London and Greater London (all areas)
- Stansted Airport and other London airports
- Towns and cities across Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey and surrounding counties
- Intercity UK destinations by pre-booked private hire
Long Distance Taxi Prices: Quick Reference
Every key question in one table.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What determines a long distance taxi price? | Journey distance and vehicle class are the primary factors. Passenger count, luggage and airport charges also affect the fare. |
| Are long distance taxi fares fixed? | Yes. A pre-booked fixed-fare model — the fare is agreed at booking and does not change. |
| Can I get a price before travelling? | Yes. Use the online fare calculator or call for a journey-specific fixed fare before booking. |
| Does vehicle choice affect the fare? | Yes. Each class has a different base fare and per-mile rate. The gap widens over longer distances. |
| Does distance affect the fare? | Yes. Distance is the primary pricing variable — longer journeys produce proportionally higher fares within each vehicle class. |
| Is there a price per mile? | Yes. Rates range from £1.30/mile (Saloon) to £2.10/mile (Executive MPV), applied beyond the first 5 miles. |
| Can larger groups book? | Yes. MPV and 8-seater vehicles accommodate up to 8 passengers. Contact us for groups larger than 8. |
| Can I calculate the fare online? | Yes. Our fare calculator returns a fixed fare for any journey entered. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a long distance taxi cost?
A: Depends on journey distance, vehicle class and any applicable charges. Indicative examples: approximately £62.50 (Saloon) for 30 miles, £88.50 for 50 miles, and £153.50 for 100 miles. Use our fare calculator for an exact fixed price for your specific pickup and destination.
Q: How much is a taxi for 20 miles?
A: Approximately £49.50 in a Saloon, £51.45 in an Estate, £54.45 in an MPV5, and £63.00 in an Executive Saloon. These are indicative fares — the exact price depends on the specific origin and destination.
Q: How much is a taxi for 30 miles?
A: Approximately £62.50 in a Saloon, £64.95 in an Estate, £68.75 in an MPV5, and £81.00 in an Executive Saloon. Use our fare calculator for a fixed price from your specific addresses.
Q: How much is a taxi for 50 miles?
A: Approximately £88.50 in a Saloon, £91.95 in an Estate, £97.35 in an MPV5, and £117.00 in an Executive Saloon. For other vehicle classes or a specific route, use our fare calculator.
Q: How much does a long distance taxi cost per mile?
A: Per-mile rates range from £1.30/mile (Saloon) to £2.10/mile (Executive MPV), applied to every mile beyond the first 5 covered by the base fare. A simple per-mile calculation gives an approximation; the fare calculator with specific addresses gives the accurate fixed fare.
Q: How are long distance taxi fares calculated?
A: A base fare (covering the first 5 miles) plus a per-mile rate for every additional mile, by vehicle class. Airport charges (Stansted £10, Heathrow £7) are included in airport fares. The complete fare is confirmed before booking.
Q: Do long distance taxis have fixed prices?
A: Yes. Pre-booked long distance journeys are fixed-fare. The price confirmed at booking is the price charged — it does not change due to traffic, route variation or journey duration.
Q: Can I get a long distance taxi quote before booking?
A: Yes. Use our fare calculator for an instant fixed fare, or call for a quote on a specific route.
Q: Is there a long distance taxi fare calculator in the UK?
A: Our online fare calculator provides journey-specific fixed fares for long distance journeys from any UK pickup address. Enter the pickup and destination for an instant price by vehicle class.
Q: Do long distance taxi prices vary by vehicle?
A: Yes. The per-mile rate varies by vehicle class — from £1.30/mile (Saloon) to £2.10/mile (Executive MPV). Over a 100-mile journey, the difference between a Saloon (£153.50) and an Executive MPV (£241.50) is £88.50.
Q: Are long distance taxi prices different in London?
A: Long distance journeys from London use the same pricing model — distance and vehicle class — but the route distance from a specific London postcode varies by area. South and west London addresses are further from destinations like Cambridge or Birmingham than east or north London addresses, producing different fares.
Q: Does a longer journey always cost more?
A: Yes, within the same vehicle class. The per-mile rate applies to every mile beyond the first 5, so a 100-mile journey costs more than a 60-mile journey in the same vehicle. The exception would be a longer route that nonetheless covers a shorter metered distance — resolved by the fare calculator using the specific pickup and destination entered.
Get Your Long Distance Taxi Quote
Distance and vehicle class set your price — everything else is about matching the right vehicle to your journey. Stansted Airport Taxi is a TfL-licensed private-hire operator running pre-booked, fixed-fare long distance transfers across London, the South East and intercity UK.
- ✔ Fixed fare confirmed at booking — no surge, no surcharge, no card fees
- ✔ Saloon through to Executive MPV — matched to your group and luggage
- ✔ Corporate accounts with VAT invoicing available
- ✔ Return journeys booked and priced individually per leg
👉 Get your fixed-fare quote in under two minutes — book online or call +44 20 3617 7825.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · Next review December 2026 · All fares are indicative, calculated on distance by vehicle class, and confirmed at booking via our fare calculator. Your final fixed price is locked in your booking confirmation — no surge, no airport surcharge, no late-night premium, no card fees · Stansted Airport Taxi editorial team.
