Do Taxis Charge Per Person? Understanding Local Fare Structures

May 30, 2025
Three smiling friends standing in front of a white private hire taxi with "All The 3s" branding, parked on a quiet residential street.

No, taxis in the UK – including those in North Somerset – do not charge per person for the base fare. The fare is calculated based on distance travelled and time, not the number of passengers (as long as you’re within the vehicle’s legal capacity).

However, certain surcharges may apply depending on the situation, such as the number of passengers exceeding a threshold, travel during unsociable hours, or additional luggage.

What Is the Taxi Fare Based On?

In the UK, including services like All The 3s in North Somerset, taxi fares are typically calculated using the following:

  • Base Fare (Flag Fall): A standard initial charge that starts the meter – this is the same whether you’re one person or four.
  • Distance Travelled: Measured per mile or kilometre.
  • Time Taken: Includes time in traffic or waiting.
  • Vehicle Type: Some fares vary slightly depending on whether it’s a saloon, estate, or larger vehicle.

When Additional Charges Might Apply

While the fare isn’t charged per person by default, here are situations where you might pay more:

1. Extra Passengers

Some local councils allow taxis to apply a small surcharge after a certain number of passengers. For example:

  • A 20p-50p charge per extra passenger beyond two or three
  • Children under a certain age are often exempt
  • These rules vary by region and are listed in local licensing regulations

2. Booking Method

A booking fee may be applied if the taxi is booked via:

With All The 3s, we don`t charge extra and all the fees are clearly stated during booking.

3. Luggage Charges

While many drivers don’t charge for luggage, a fee might apply for:

  • Heavy or excessive luggage
  • Special loading or assistance

4. Time of Day / Week

Fares may increase slightly during:

  • Late night hours (usually from 10 pm onwards)
  • Bank holidays or Christmas
  • Weekends, depending on local authority policy

How Taxi Fares Work with All The 3s in North Somerset

At All The 3s, we follow North Somerset Council’s regulated taxi fare system. That means:

  • No fare per person
  • Transparent charges
  • Free fare estimate when you book

You can get an instant quote or book at: https://333.taxi/booking-form


Quick Comparison Table

Fare FactorApplies Per Person?Notes
Base Fare (Flag Fall)One charge for the whole ride
Distance/TimeMetered by journey duration and distance
Extra Passenger SurchargeNo extra charge for groups within standard vehicle size
Booking FeesNo fee for booking through any method
Luggage Fees✅ RarelyLarge/heavy loads or special handling only
Night/Weekend/Public Holiday✅ SometimesFollows North Somerset Council tariff guidelines

Summary: Do Taxis Charge Per Person in the UK?

No, UK taxis – including those at All The 3s – charge per journey, not per person.
Unless you exceed the standard passenger allowance or request specific extras, you pay a fixed rate for the trip.

This applies whether you’re travelling solo or in a group.

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