Oxford Guide:

Visiting and Exploring

Transport

Recreation & Entertainment

Shopping

Living

News and Weather

Oxford in Pictures

Oxford Miscellany

Taxis in Oxford

Hackney Carriages/Cabs

    These are the big black ones with rounded corners, like London cabs.

  • How can I get one?
  • If it's driving towards you with its orange light on, it's for hire and you may hail it (by waving!). If you can't see one, try a taxi rank - they're located centrally at Carfax, Gloucester Green, St. Giles and the railway station.
  • What will I pay?
  • Fares are set by the local authority, and are higher than private hire car fares. Investigate current rates at www.oxford.gov.uk. Expect to pay between three and five times the equivalent single bus fare.
  • Why choose a Hackney cab?
  • Hackney Cabs are licensed to individuals and limited in numbers by the city council (the shortage is such that licenses are reputed to change hands for £60,000 - £70,000). Cabs are made specifically for their job, are spacious (holding 5-6 people), have fold-down/up as well as fixed seats, large windows and provide easier access for those with mobility difficulties. If you have lots of big suitcases and need to get to the station, or there are 5 of you going to the same place (private cars only take 4 unless you order a minibus), get a cab.

Private Hire Cars

    Hire cars (or minicabs) are not licensed individually (but rather, on a per company basis) and are normally not specialised vehicles.

  • How can I get one?
  • Prebook by telephoning their depot. They will tell you how long it will take the vehicle to reach you, often calling/texting you when it's outside. You will need to order the car to a fixed address (your house, or a pub) - locations like 'on the corner at the bottom of South Park' will not be acceptable. Go into the pub/museum/house and call again. Hire cars can't be hailed in the street (at least, not legally).
  • What will I pay?
  • Less than a Hackney cab, but still more than the bus - unless there are 4 of you and the car is full, in which case it can actually be cheaper to get a car than public transport!
  • Why choose a hire car?
  • They are cheap and convenient - it's much like hiring your own smart chauffered vehicle. And if you like pine air freshener in the shape of a small pine tree, all the better.
  • Local firms (NB. some of these offer BOTH hire cars and cabs):
  • ABC Taxis: 01865 770077 / 01865 775577
    Botley Taxis: 01865 423264 / 07866 423264
    001 Taxis: 01865 240000
    RadioTaxis: 01865 242424 / 01865 249743
    Royal Cars: 01865 777333
    Oxford Cars: 01865 406070 / 01865 406080
    Elite Cars: 01865 250500
    Star Cars: 01865 777695
  • Click here to read and leave feedback about taxi or minicab experiences in Oxford.

Bicycle Rickshaws


    OxonCarts
    is Oxford's very own bicycle rickshaw firm, with five two-person pedicabs available for hire, seven days a week. It's expensive, but very green and rather stylish. They also do weddings.

Airport Transfer Taxis

Chauffeur Services

  • Findlay Chauffeur Service
  • ...will take you to airports in a black E-class Mercedes if you are part of a business, a government or an educational institution.
  • Oxfordshire Chauffeurs
  • ...cover Oxon., Berks, London and surrounding. Range of services for both corporate and personal customers.

Need a car or van for longer? Want to drive it yourself? Click here for our Oxford Car Hire page.

Last updated 22/06/11