Some journeys you can book on the day; others you really should not leave to chance. So how far ahead should you book a taxi? It depends on the trip, the time and the demand. Here is a simple guide to timing your booking, so the car is always there when you need it, especially for the journeys that matter.
- Everyday local trips can often be booked on the day, though a little notice helps at peak times.
- Airport runs and early flights are best booked days ahead to guarantee the car.
- For busy dates, events, holidays, Christmas, New Year, book as early as you can.
Everyday local journeys
A standard local trip, the station, the shops, a local appointment, can usually be booked on the day or with a few hours' notice. That said, a little more notice helps at busy times, school-run hours, Friday evenings, so if you know your plans, booking ahead simply guarantees the car and the time you want.
Airport transfers and early flights
For airport runs, and especially early-morning flights, book several days ahead. Pre-booking guarantees a reserved car at a fixed price, with flight monitoring and meet-and-greet arranged, rather than a hopeful request at 4am. There is no margin for error on a flight, so this is the journey to plan, not to chance. See our booking checklist.
Events, holidays and busy dates
For high-demand dates, a wedding, the races, a festival, Christmas, New Year's Eve, book as early as you can. Cars get reserved fast for these, and on the busiest nights demand far outstrips supply. Early booking locks in a guaranteed, fixed-price car when everyone else is struggling. See our New Year's Eve guide.
The simple rule
When in doubt, book earlier. There is no downside to securing your car in advance, and plenty of upside when demand is high or the journey matters. For anything time-critical, an airport run, an event, an important meeting, treat early booking as part of the plan, and travel knowing the car is sorted.