'Public hire' taxis or 'cabs' are taxis that are licensed to pick up passengers without a prior booking. If you need a cab you can signal to any that are passing to ask them to stop. A lit 'taxi' light on the roof means they are free.
'Private hire' taxis or 'minicabs' are car services that usually must be booked (by phone) and in some areas will collect from designated points (e.g. train station). The cars often do not have a 'taxi' sign but they are required to have an official licence plate on the car.
Taxis can be expensive, especially if you have a long way to travel. Fares vary according to time and distance and are recorded by a meter throughout your journey. The taxi driver might be able to give you a rough estimate of the fare before you depart but the final cost is not negotiable and is clearly displayed on the meter. If you pre-book a private hire vehicle, you should agree on a fare before the start of your journey. Payment is largely by cash but some taxis also take credit cards.
There are taxi ranks located at Temple Meads Station and at the Marlborough Street Bus and Coach Station as well as numerous locations around the city centre. A map showing the location of taxi ranks in and around the city centre is available from
Bristol City Council.
Here are some helpful tips.
- Make sure that you only take a licensed taxi or 'private hire' cab. Unlicensed taxis are illegal and can pose a risk to your safety. Check that the taxi has a Bristol City Council registration plate (near to the number plate). Never get into a car that claims to be a taxi but doesn't have a taxi registration plate.
- Pre-order a taxi, rather than flagging one down and if you are female and alone give your surname only when you book it. Use reputable firms. When your taxi arrives, check the name on the side of the car is the name of the firm you booked with and that the driver asks for you by name. A list of taxi firms is available at UWE infopoint. Be very careful if you are approached by a 'private hire' car that you have not booked in advance; it might not be safe.
- Don't get into a taxi if you feel uneasy about it.