How to book a taxi with a child seat in the UK

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Book the seat with the vehicle

A standard taxi booking does not guarantee a child seat. Tell the operator your child's age, height and weight, the number of children and passengers, and the luggage quantity. Request written confirmation of a suitable seat or booster and any surcharge. A family-friendly vehicle is not sufficient confirmation: vehicle capacity and child restraints are separate matters.

Arrange this early for an airport transfer. If a service cannot confirm the required seat, compare another operator or bringing your own compatible restraint.

Which seat is required?

According to GOV.UK ↗, children normally need a child seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first. Selection depends on height or weight and the seat's approved category. Height-based seats must remain rear-facing until the child is over 15 months old.

Ask about the model and height or weight range, especially for a baby. Do not accept a booster as an arbitrary replacement for an infant carrier. If bringing your own seat, agree the fitting method, seating position and time required to install it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The taxi and minicab exception

A separate GOV.UK rule ↗ permits travel without the correct child seat where a taxi or minicab driver does not provide one. The child must sit in the rear: children aged three or over must wear an adult seat belt, while those under three may travel without one.

This is a legal exception, not evidence of equivalent protection. For a planned journey, arrange an appropriate restraint. Do not automatically apply the exception to a friend's private car; ordinary car rules differ.

Confirmation and travel day

Keep a booking recording the seat, address, time and passenger numbers. Ask what happens if the driver arrives without the promised equipment, including replacement availability, waiting time and refunds. In London, book a minicab through a licensed operator ↗.

Before departure, check that the supplied seat matches the agreement and is properly fitted. Keep luggage clear of belts and the child's seating area. Allow a buffer: replacing a vehicle or refitting a seat can be especially disruptive before a flight. Reconfirm the seat for a return pickup rather than assuming it is included automatically in another booking.