REVEALED: How many miles on average do taxi drivers travel each year?
New figures from the National Taxi & Private Hire Driver Survey 2024/25 show that the average taxi and private hire driver in the UK covers 34,000 miles per year. However, this figure varies significantly depending on the region and the type of work undertaken, with factors such as urban or rural operations playing a key role.
Drivers in Scotland and Northern Ireland record the highest annual mileage, averaging between 35,000 and 36,000 miles. This is likely due to larger service areas and fewer competing drivers, meaning they have to cover greater distances between jobs.
In contrast, drivers in London and the South East report lower mileage, averaging between 28,000 and 31,000 miles. The extensive public transport network in the capital reduces the need for longer taxi journeys, and high demand ensures that drivers take more frequent but shorter fares.
In the West Midlands and East Midlands, drivers report slightly higher annual mileage, typically between 30,000 and 32,000 miles. These areas combine urban and suburban work, with drivers often required to travel further between pickups and destinations compared to those working exclusively in dense city environments.
The differences in mileage are influenced by several key factors. Urban drivers tend to complete more journeys but with shorter distances, whereas those working in rural areas often travel further to reach customers. Demand and competition also play a role, with city-based drivers benefiting from a steady stream of fares, while those in smaller towns may need to cover more ground between jobs to secure work.
Drivers who regularly transport passengers to and from major transport hubs, such as airports or railway stations, accumulate more miles than those focused on inner-city travel.
While mileage figures vary across the country, the 34,000-mile national average highlights the extensive travel undertaken by taxi and private hire drivers. The impact of these distances is significant, affecting vehicle maintenance costs, fuel consumption, and the industry’s ongoing shift towards electric vehicles.
