Taxi to airport

nuffznuff

Her Maj and I are flying off to sunny climes in the spring 2026 to celebrate our retirement. Flights and hotel booked, but for the UK transfer I'm thinking of booking a taxi to get us to airport. 

I did consider meet and greet among other options, but I didn't want the faff and taxi works out a bit cheaper - plus we travel in a Merc!

So my questions are:
* How far in advance should I book a taxi?
* Is it better to book now (for cheaper prices) or makes no difference if I book about a month away?

For the destination transfer (Spain), it's taxi or walk. So again, is it better to book now (for cheaper prices) or makes no difference if I book about a month away?

It's about the cash flow, y'see... 

Many thanks. 

zagfles

I never book a taxi in advance unless it's at a silly time like 5am, we just book an Uber when we're ready to leave. But we're in the suburbs and there's always a Uber close by, if you're in a remote village it might be sensible to book in advance, but the night before will usually be OK. 

For the destination it'll depend where, often getting an airport taxi will be cheaper than a pre-booked transfer, but you could ask on the relevant tripadvisor forum. But if it's walking distance then that's an option if you can cope with the luggage, we've walked from the airport a few times in various places. 

elsien

Where I am, the minicabs are the same price regardless. I tend to  book a bit in advance  because I panic a bit otherwise. 
Is public transport not an option at either end?

marcia_

I would only book the day before in case the booking gets lost in their system. 

p00hsticks

marcia_ said:

I would only book the day before in case the booking gets lost in their system. 

I'd say it probably depends on the distance, which I don't think the OP has mentioned.
If we're talking a good way (and hence several hours of the drivers time), you may find that leaving trying to book it until the day before means no drivers available, especially in school term time, as many drivers will have regular school runs.

And - as another poster over on the Consumer Rights board recently found out - ensure that you allow plenty of time because usually if the taxi company is late or fails to turn up they won't be liable if you miss your flight/cruise  (and that may not be covered by your imsurance).

nuffznuff

zagfles said:

I never book a taxi in advance unless it's at a silly time like 5am, we just book an Uber when we're ready to leave. But we're in the suburbs and there's always a Uber close by, if you're in a remote village it might be sensible to book in advance, but the night before will usually be OK. 

For the destination it'll depend where, often getting an airport taxi will be cheaper than a pre-booked transfer, but you could ask on the relevant tripadvisor forum. But if it's walking distance then that's an option if you can cope with the luggage, we've walked from the airport a few times in various places. 

Thanks. Walking is out of the question, as airports are 30 mins away by car.

Thanks also for the tip about Trip Advisor. I'll see what there is over there.