Bournemouth Taxi: A Guide to Booking Airport Transfers

For visitors and locals alike, taxis are an essential mode of transportation for getting around Bournemouth. Whether you’re heading to the beach, going shopping, visiting attractions, or bar hopping at night, relying on a taxi can be much more convenient than driving yourself or trying to navigate public transport.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about taking taxis in Bournemouth. We’ll cover how to find a taxi, the different types of taxis available, standard fares and pricing, and tips for an enjoyable taxi ride in this charming coastal town.

Why Use a Bournemouth Taxi Service?

Taxis in Bournemouth offer a number of advantages over other modes of transport:

• Convenience: Taxis are available 24/7 and can pick you up and drop you off wherever you need to go, without having to follow a fixed route or timetable. No more waiting at bus stops or hauling luggage onto trains.
• Door-to-door service: Taxis take you directly to your destination. No need for long walks from train stations or bus stops.
• Time savings: Taxis are often the quickest way to get around town, especially when traffic is heavy. You won’t have to worry about parking or getting lost either.
• Relaxation: Leave the navigation and drive to someone else. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
• Carry luggage: Taxis have ample room for luggage and shopping bags – much more than a bus or train.
• Accessibility: Taxis can provide a comfortable ride for those with mobility challenges or disabilities. Some taxis are wheelchair accessible.

Whether you’re a tourist seeing the sights or a local resident needing a lift, taxis are often the most stress-free and convenient choice for getting around Bournemouth. Visit Bedfordshire Airport Taxi Booking Guide

How to Find a Taxi Transfer at Bournemouth Airport?

 

There are a few ways to connect with a licensed taxi in Bournemouth:

How do I find a taxi rank in Bournemouth?

The most traditional way to get a taxi is to head to one of the designated taxi ranks around Bournemouth. These include:

• Bournemouth Train Station: The taxi rank here has a capacity for up to 22 cars during peak times.
• The Square: A busy central taxi rank with easy access to shops, restaurants, and hotels.
• Bournemouth Airport: You’ll find taxis queued outside the terminal building.
• The Lansdowne: Up to 15 taxis wait outside this popular venue.
• Asda Superstore: Located on the outskirts of town, this rank has taxis at all hours.

The advantage of using taxi ranks is that you can get a taxi immediately without pre-booking. The downside is there may be a wait during busy periods.

Can I use a taxi app in Bournemouth?

Technology has made booking taxis in Bournemouth super convenient. Now, you can book your taxi online across all UK airports. Most reliable taxi services include:

• Airport Transfers UK: Instantly book short and long distance taxis from Bournemouth. It is the best spot to book online UK airport taxis.
• Uber: Available in Bournemouth since 2015, the Uber app lets you book and track your taxi’s arrival in real time across the UK.
• PRC Streamline Taxis: Bournemouth’s largest taxi company offers an app for Android and Apple devices. Track the location of your taxi and pay for your ride with fare taxi prices.
• United Taxis: Instantly book a licensed Bournemouth taxi 24 hours a day through their easy-to-use app.

You’ll need to set up an account, but taxi apps allow you to compare fares, get estimated arrival times, pay through the app, and even rate your driver. No need to handle cash. you can explore our Twickenham taxi online booking guide here.

Can I book a taxi by phone?

To book a taxi the old-fashioned way, simply call a local taxi company directly.

Let the dispatcher know if you require a vehicle with extra room for luggage or a wheelchair-accessible cab. Calling ahead ensures a taxi is reserved for you.

Types of Airport Taxi Transfers in Bournemouth

 

Not all taxis are the same. Bournemouth has a few common types of licensed taxis and private hire vehicles:

What are black cabs?

The quintessential British taxi – the black cab. These are specially licensed taxis that can be flagged down in the street or found waiting at designated taxi ranks. All black cab drivers must pass extensive training and exams on local geography to become licensed.

Black cabs tend to be more expensive to ride compared to minicabs or private hire vehicles. Meters start at £3.20 and fares are calculated based on distance traveled and time spent in transit.

You can pay the driver directly in cash or by credit/debit card. Tips are not required but are appreciated.

What are minicabs?

Unlike black cabs, minicabs cannot be hailed on the street. They must be pre-booked by phone or app. Minicabs tend to be cheaper than black cabs and many operate 24 hours.

All minicab companies and drivers must be licensed by the local council. When booking, make sure to only use licensed operators. Unlicensed minicabs are illegal and potentially unsafe.

What are private hire vehicles?

You might see locals referring to private hire vehicles as “PHVs”. These are essentially the same as minicabs – they must be pre-booked and cannot solicit passengers on the street.

The only difference is that PHVs must be booked through a licensed PHV operator rather than directly contacting the driver. Many taxi apps will connect you with licensed PHV drivers.

No matter what type of taxi you take, your driver should provide licensed, professional service. Never get into an unmarked car claiming to be a taxi.

Taxi Fares in Bournemouth

 

As you explore Bournemouth by taxi, you’ll want to know what to expect to pay. Taxi fares in Bournemouth consist of:

• The initial meter charge – This is the cost shown when you first get in the taxi. It’s usually around £3-£4.
• The cost per mile – This varies based on the time of day and taxi company. Expect to pay £2.20-£3 per mile.
• Waiting time – If the taxi gets stuck in traffic or has to wait for you, there is usually a waiting cost (around 20p per minute).
• Extra passenger fee – Taking a large group? There may be an extra cost per additional passenger.
• Airport surcharge – A small additional fee for pickups at Bournemouth Airport.
• Late night surcharge – Taking a taxi between midnight and 6 a.m.? There is often a small night fee.

To estimate your fare, Bournemouth taxis charge approximately £2.50 per mile. A 5-mile journey across town would cost around £12.50. The final fare also depends on factors like traffic and waiting time.

Apps like Uber provide fare estimates upfront. With traditional taxis, you can request a fare estimate when booking. Tipping is customary but optional.

Traveling to Derry Airport? Find the best taxi options with our guide: Get a Taxi in Derry.

Tips to Book Cheap Taxis

To make sure your taxi rides around Bournemouth go smoothly, keep these tips in mind:

• Pre-book when possible – To avoid long waits, prefer online booking through a website or mobile app. This guarantees a vehicle will be available.
• Provide precise pick-up info – When booking, give the exact address and any useful landmarks. This helps the driver find you quickly.
• Ask for a receipt – Licensed taxis are required to provide receipts upon request. This is helpful for expensing taxis.
• Sit in the back – It’s customary for passengers to sit in the back seat for safety and comfort.
• Buckle up – Be sure to wear your seatbelt. Don’t allow the driver to move until you are buckled in.
• Have cash or a card ready – Avoid fumbling for payment by having a credit/debit card or cash ready when you reach your destination.
• Be courteous – Taxi drivers work long hours. Say please and thank you, just as you would like to be treated.
• Leave a tip – If you received good service, consider leaving a 10-15% tip. This shows your appreciation.
• Call 111 to report issues – For complaints or compliments about a taxi service, you can call Bournemouth Borough Council on 01202 111000.

Following basic etiquette and common sense precautions will ensure you have hassle-free taxi rides around town.

For both tourists and Bournemouth residents, taxis are often the easiest and most convenient way to reach key destinations around town. With so many places to see and things to do in Bournemouth, relying on the knowledge and driving of a professional taxi driver can take the hassle out of navigating this seaside destination.

So next time you need to get across town, to the airport, or want a relaxing sightseeing trip, ditch the car and call a Bournemouth taxi for an affordable, convenient, and comfortable ride. With this guide, you’ll arrive at your destination in Bournemouth with ease.