Private drivers and taxis both take passengers from one place to another, but they work differently and offer different booking experiences.
How the services differ
Taxi: A licensed taxi may be hailed on the street or picked up from a rank. Fares are calculated using a regulated meter.
Private hire vehicle (VTC): A journey must be booked in advance. A driver cannot pick up a passenger without a prior booking. Pricing may be fixed or quoted for the journey.
A closer comparison
Booking - **Taxi:** hail one on the street, use a rank, call or book through an app. - **Private driver:** book ahead by app, WhatsApp or phone.
Pricing - **Taxi:** official meter, with regulated night rates and surcharges. - **Private driver:** estimated or fixed fare shared before departure.
Availability - **Taxi:** may be available on the street without an advance booking. - **Private driver:** requires a booking; allow time for confirmation and pickup.
Vehicles and service - **Taxi:** vehicle type and service can vary. - **Private driver:** often offers a newer, comfortable vehicle and a more personal service.
When a private driver may suit you
A pre-booked driver can be useful for planned journeys, airport or station pickups, groups with luggage, business events and longer distances.
When a taxi may be enough
A taxi may suit a very short, urgent journey or when you cannot book online.
