If you’re researching taxi advertising costs, you’re probably trying to answer one simple question: what budget do I need?
As a guide, taxi advertising campaigns in London typically start from around £500 per taxi for supersides and £3,750 per taxi for a full wrap.
However, there isn’t a single fixed price for taxi advertising. Costs vary depending on the vehicle type, location, campaign duration and format selected.
In this guide, we’ll break down real-world taxi advertising costs, explain what affects pricing and help you understand what different budgets can realistically achieve.
London Taxi Advertising Costs
London is the UK’s largest taxi advertising market and offers the widest range of advertising opportunities.
Typical guide prices for a four-week campaign are:
| Format | Vehicle Type | Guide Price |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi Supersides | Classic Taxi | From £500 |
| Taxi Supersides | TXE Electric Taxi | From £750 |
| Full Taxi Wrap | Classic Taxi | From £3,750 |
| Full Taxi Wrap | TXE Electric Taxi | From £4,750 |
Tip seats are usually included free of charge.
All taxi advertising campaigns are subject to a minimum booking period of four weeks.
Longer-term campaigns may qualify for discounted rates depending on the campaign duration, vehicle availability and overall booking volume.
What Affects Taxi Advertising Costs?
Unlike some advertising channels, there isn’t a standard rate card for taxi advertising.
Pricing is influenced by several factors.
The Type of Taxi
The vehicle itself can have a significant impact on cost.
In London, advertisers can typically choose between traditional black cabs and the newer TXE electric taxis.
TXE vehicles are slightly larger and are often considered a premium format, which is reflected in their pricing.
Outside London, different vehicle types are common.
In Glasgow and Edinburgh, taxi advertising often appears on Mercedes Vito vehicles, while cities such as Bristol and Leeds may use Peugeot Partner taxis and other regional formats.
Because vehicle types vary by city, costs can also vary significantly between locations.
The Advertising Format
The biggest pricing difference usually comes down to format.
Taxi Supersides
Supersides are advertising panels applied to both sides of the vehicle.
They offer excellent visibility and are the most cost-effective way to advertise on taxis.
For brands looking to achieve broad coverage across a city, supersides are often the best starting point.
Taxi Wraps
A taxi wrap covers much more of the vehicle and creates significantly greater visual impact.
Wrapped taxis stand out in traffic, attract more attention and are often used for product launches, brand campaigns and PR activations.
The additional production and installation requirements mean wraps cost more than supersides, but they also deliver a much stronger presence on the road.
Campaign Length
Taxi advertising campaigns operate with a minimum duration of four weeks.
Many advertisers choose to run longer campaigns to maximise frequency and build awareness over time.
Longer bookings can often secure better rates, although discounts are typically agreed on a case-by-case basis.
Location
Taxi advertising is available across the UK, but costs vary depending on inventory availability and demand.
London has the largest pool of advertising vehicles, while regional cities often have smaller fleets and different operating models.
This means pricing can differ considerably from one location to another.
Taxi Supersides vs Taxi Wraps: Which Should You Choose?
Most advertisers choose between two formats: supersides and full wraps.
Supersides are the most cost-effective option.
They deliver excellent visibility, allow brands to activate multiple vehicles within a modest budget and are ideal for campaigns focused on reach and frequency.
Wraps are designed for impact.
A wrapped taxi becomes a moving billboard, attracting attention throughout the day and often generating additional exposure through social media, PR activity and photography.
If your objective is efficient city-wide coverage, supersides will usually deliver the strongest value.
If your objective is maximum visibility and standout, a wrap is often worth the additional investment.
How Many Taxis Do You Need?
There is no minimum fleet size.
We’ve planned campaigns using a single wrapped taxi for a product launch and campaigns involving dozens of vehicles across multiple cities.
Rather than starting with a number of taxis, we recommend starting with your objective.
Are you looking to:
- Support a PR campaign?
- Increase awareness in a specific city?
- Launch a new product?
- Reach commuters across an entire region?
Once the objective is clear, it’s much easier to determine the right fleet size and budget.
Taxi Advertising for PR Events and Brand Activations
Taxi advertising can also play an important role in experiential and PR campaigns.
Many brands hire wrapped taxis for media events, influencer activity, product launches and promotional tours.
As a guide, taxi hire for PR and experiential activity typically starts from around £95 per hour.
This can be a highly effective way to extend the value of a taxi advertising campaign and create additional exposure beyond traditional media activity.
Is Taxi Advertising Worth It?
Taxi advertising remains one of the most flexible forms of outdoor advertising.
Unlike static formats, taxis move throughout cities, reaching audiences in multiple locations throughout the day.
For brands targeting urban audiences, taxi advertising can deliver excellent visibility, high frequency and strong brand recall.
Whether you choose supersides, full wraps or a larger fleet campaign, the key is selecting the right format and scale for your objectives.
Why Brands Choose Taxi Advertising
Taxi advertising remains one of the most distinctive forms of outdoor advertising.
Unlike fixed-site formats, taxis move throughout the city, reaching audiences across shopping districts, transport hubs, business centres and residential areas.
For advertisers looking to build awareness in urban environments, taxi advertising offers a combination of mobility, frequency and flexibility that few other media channels can match.
That’s why brands ranging from startups to global household names continue to invest in taxi advertising year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning A Taxi Advertising Campaign?
Whether you’re considering a single wrapped taxi or a larger fleet campaign, our team can help you understand the costs, available formats and coverage options.
We’ll recommend:
- The most suitable taxi format
- The right fleet size
- The best locations
- The most cost-effective approach for your budget
Get in touch for a free taxi advertising media plan and cost estimate.
