Which licences does an airport transfer business need?
In England and Wales: a private hire operator licence to take the bookings, and drivers and vehicles licensed by the same council or TfL. From 9 passengers, or if you charge separate fares, a PSV operator licence applies. In the US, carrying passengers across state lines for pay needs FMCSA operating authority, alongside state or city permits.[1][2][3]
How should airport transfers be priced?
As fixed prices by zone, so the passenger knows the fare before booking: one price from each area of your town to each airport, with the airport's own charges and a waiting allowance built in, and a clear rule for delays beyond it.
Airport charges that end up in fares are listed in how to get airport taxi work. In TaxiDex, zones are drawn on a map and priced zone to zone.
How do you handle delayed flights?
Book every airport pick-up with its flight number and let the pick-up time follow the flight. A driver who arrives at the scheduled time for a flight that is an hour late costs you an hour; one who arrives late for an early flight costs you the customer.
TaxiDex flight tracking handles early and delayed arrivals.
Where do airport transfer bookings come from?
Your own website, return bookings from passengers you have already carried, hotels and travel agents who sell transfers to their guests, and businesses with travelling staff. Each needs a quick way to book and, for partners, an account with monthly invoicing.
A web booker on your site quotes from your own prices; partners can book on corporate accounts. See also building a hotel account programme.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run airport transfers with a minibus?
Up to 8 passengers on pre-booked private hire work, yes. A vehicle that can carry 9 or more passengers for hire needs a PSV operator licence.
Can passengers book airport transfers online?
Yes, if your website has a booking form tied to your prices. The TaxiDex web booker quotes from your own fares and puts the booking straight into the dispatch queue.
Sources
Fees and rules change. Each source is the official page we read, with the date we read it; check it before you apply or pay.
- [1] GOV.UK: Operator licences for private hire vehicles (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [2] GOV.UK: PSV (public service vehicle) operator licences (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [3] FMCSA: Get operating authority (interstate passenger carriers) (read 2 Nov 2026)