Travelling with kids in London can be exciting—but also a little stressful. Between managing bags, navigating the city, and keeping your little ones safe, there’s a lot to think about. One question that pops up often for families: Do London taxis offer child seats?
Let’s answer that right away.
Short answer: Not all London taxis carry child seats by default—but yes, you can pre-book a taxi with a child seat if you plan ahead.
Now, let’s dive into the full guide to help parents understand their options, safety rules, and how to book a family-friendly ride in the city.
Understanding Child Seat Laws in London Taxis
Before anything else, it’s important to understand the law. You may be surprised to hear this:
According to UK law, taxis and private hire vehicles are exempt from the usual child seat rules when picking up a ride booked on the spot (like a black cab hailed on the street).
So technically, if you hop into a black cab, you can carry your child without a car seat, as long as they’re:
- Under 3: they can sit on an adult’s lap.
- Over 3: they must wear an adult seat belt.
But—just because it’s legal, doesn’t mean it’s ideal.
For longer journeys, like airport transfers, or if you’re travelling on busy roads, it’s always safer to use a proper child seat. And many private hire taxi companies in London now offer child seats on request.
Can You Book a London Taxi with a Child Seat?
Yes! But you’ve got to plan for it.
When you book through a reliable London taxi service, you can request a child seat in advance. Some companies offer infant car seats, booster seats, or toddler seats depending on the child’s age and weight.
For example, if you’re booking a London airport taxi for a family of four, you can simply request a child seat during the booking process. Most services allow you to add this option under “special requests” or by contacting them directly.
What Type of Child Seats Are Available?
Let’s break it down by age group.
| Age Group | Recommended Seat | Available on Request? |
| 0–9 months (0–10kg) | Rear-facing baby seat | ✅ Yes, with advance notice |
| 9 months–4 yrs | Forward-facing toddler seat | ✅ Often available |
| 4–11 years | Booster seat | ✅ Usually available |
Not all vehicles carry multiple seat types, so it’s essential to tell the taxi company the age and weight of your child when booking.
Tips for Parents Booking Taxis with Child Seats
1. Always Pre-Book Your Ride
Don’t rely on street-hailing if you need a car seat. Use a pre-booked taxi service that allows you to select a vehicle with the correct seat.
For instance, if you’re planning a trip to or from Heathrow Airport, a company like Taxi Turbo offers Heathrow airport taxi services that let you include child seats at the time of booking.
2. Confirm the Seat Type
Not all services carry every type of seat. Call or message to double-check. Make sure they provide a seat that’s appropriate for your child’s age, height, and weight.
3. Bring Your Own If You Prefer
If you’re more comfortable using your own car seat, you’re allowed to install it in most private hire taxis. Just let the driver know beforehand.
4. Check If There’s an Extra Charge
Some services include child seats for free. Others may charge a small fee (usually between £5–£10) for the added service.
Best Use Cases for Taxis with Child Seats
London is a family-friendly city, but getting around with kids requires planning. Here are a few common situations where a taxi with a child seat makes perfect sense:
- Airport Transfers: Whether it’s Gatwick, Luton, or Stansted, a safe ride to/from the airport is a must. Book a Gatwick airport taxi with a child seat for stress-free travel.
- Hotel to Tourist Spot: Visiting the London Zoo or Science Museum? Skip the Tube and grab a taxi with proper seating for your toddler.
- Late Night Events: After a long day or evening event, kids will be sleepy. A pre-booked taxi lets them ride comfortably and safely.
What About Uber or Ride-Sharing?
Popular question.
Most ride-sharing services in London do not guarantee child seats. While some premium services offer this, it’s rare, and availability is limited. That’s why going with a professional cab service in London is the better option if safety and comfort are your priorities.
How Taxi Turbo Helps Families in London
At Taxi Turbo, we understand how important child safety is. That’s why we allow parents to request child seats when booking any of our:
- London City Airport Cabs
- Luton airport transfers
- Sightseeing trips
- Or even wedding events
All you need to do is let us know in advance, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Conclusion
So, back to the main question—do London taxis offer child seats?
Yes, they do. But only if you book ahead.
For parents travelling around London, pre-booking a taxi with a child seat is the safest and smartest option. Whether you’re heading to the airport, a tourist attraction, or just a family event, you want peace of mind knowing your child is safe.
Plan ahead. Ask the right questions. Choose a trusted provider. And enjoy your journey knowing everyone’s secure and comfortable.
Need a safe ride with a child seat? Book your taxi with Taxi Turbo now. Safe, easy, and designed with your family in mind.
