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Tipping a taxi driver in the UK

By the Taxis Norwich team·Updated July 2026·~4 min read
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Tipping a taxi driver in the UK is appreciated but not obligatory. Here's the simple etiquette so you're never caught out.

The general rule

In the UK there's no fixed tipping rule for taxis. A common approach is to round up to the nearest pound or two, or to add roughly 10% on a longer fare if you're happy with the service. On a short local trip, rounding up is perfectly normal.

When to tip a little more

Tipping on card

Many Norwich firms take card. You can usually ask the driver to add a tip to the card total, or simply hand over cash. If you booked through an app, there may be an in-app tipping option after the trip.

Bottom line: tipping is a thank-you, not a tax. Tip what feels right for the service — and never feel pressured to tip for a trip that fell short.
Do you have to tip taxi drivers in the UK? +
No — it's optional. Rounding up to the nearest pound, or adding around 10% on a longer fare for good service, is customary but never required.
How much should I tip for an airport run? +
Many people add around 10% for a long airport trip, especially if the driver handled luggage and got them there on time — but it remains your choice.
Can I tip by card? +
Often yes — ask the driver to add it to the card payment, use the app's tipping option, or hand over cash instead.
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