Global Major Cities Guide

An overview of taxi and ridesharing services available for convenient travel within Leeds.

Leeds offers a variety of taxi and rideshare options to suit different needs and budgets. These include:

Description: Traditional black cabs that can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi ranks across the city.
Availability: Operate 24/7 and are regulated by Leeds City Council.
Capacity: Typically seat up to 5 passengers.
Features: Metered fares, spacious interiors, and wheelchair accessibility.

Description: Pre-booked taxis operated by private companies. These cannot be hailed on the street and must be booked in advance.
Availability: Widely available through local operators.
Examples of Companies: Arrow Cars, Amber Cars, City Cabs.

Description: App-based services like Uber and Bolt operate in Leeds, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
Availability: On-demand, with shorter wait times in central areas.
Features: Transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and cashless payments.

Fare Structure:
- Initial charge (flag drop): Around £3.20.
- Per mile: Approximately £2.50.
- Waiting time: Around £0.40 per minute.
Night Rates: Higher fares apply between 10 PM and 6 AM, as well as on public holidays.
Example Fare: A 3-mile journey within the city center may cost around £10-£12.

Fare Structure: Typically cheaper than black cabs, with prices agreed upon at the time of booking.
Example Fare: A 3-mile journey may cost £7-£9.

Fare Structure: Dynamic pricing based on demand, distance, and time.
Example Fare: A 3-mile journey may cost £6-£8 during off-peak hours but could increase during peak times.

Hailing: Simply flag one down on the street or find them at taxi ranks (e.g., Leeds Train Station, Briggate, or Millennium Square).
Phone Booking: Some black cab drivers accept bookings via phone.

Phone Booking: Call a local operator (e.g., Amber Cars: +44 113 202 2117).
Mobile Apps: Many companies have their own apps for booking and tracking rides.

Apps: Download the Uber or Bolt app, create an account, and book a ride directly through the app.
Process: Enter your destination, confirm the fare estimate, and wait for your driver to arrive.

Hackney Carriages: Most accept cash, and many now accept card payments (check before starting your journey).
Private Hire Taxis: Cash and card payments are widely accepted. Some companies also allow app-based payments.
Rideshare Services: Payments are made through the app using a linked debit/credit card or digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Licensing: All taxis and private hire vehicles in Leeds are licensed by Leeds City Council, ensuring safety and quality standards.
Identification: Licensed vehicles display a license plate on the rear, and drivers carry an ID badge.
Private Hire Rules: Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked; picking up passengers without a booking is illegal.

Verify the Driver: Always check the driver’s ID and vehicle license plate before starting your journey.
Use Licensed Services: Avoid unlicensed taxis or rideshares, as they may not meet safety standards.
Share Your Trip: Use app features to share your trip details with a friend or family member.
Sit in the Back: For added safety and comfort, sit in the back seat of the vehicle.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to cancel the ride or ask the driver to stop in a safe location.

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. Rounding up to the nearest pound or adding 10% is common.
Peak Times: Demand for taxis and rideshares increases during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM), weekends, and after major events (e.g., football matches at Elland Road or concerts at First Direct Arena). Book in advance or expect longer wait times.
Traffic: Leeds city center can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Factor this into your travel time and costs.
Accessibility: Many black cabs are wheelchair accessible. If you require an accessible vehicle, mention this when booking a private hire taxi.

Leeds Train Station: A large taxi rank is located outside the main entrance.
Briggate: A central location near shopping and dining areas.
Millennium Square: Convenient for nightlife and cultural events.
Leeds Bradford Airport: Taxis are available outside the terminal, or you can pre-book with Arrow Cars, the airport’s official taxi provider.

Plan Ahead: If you’re traveling during busy periods or to/from the airport, pre-book your ride to avoid delays.
Know Your Rights: Drivers are required to take the most direct route unless you request otherwise.
Stay Informed: Check for road closures or events that may impact travel times.

By understanding the options and following these tips, you’ll be able to navigate Leeds with ease using taxis and rideshares. Safe travels!