London Heathrow has been named the most expensive airport in the world for taxi travel to the city centre, according to new analysis from Zego, which compared fares across more than 1,000 cities worldwide.

The findings will matter to business travellers who rely on fast, reliable ground transport—and who may be feeling the squeeze as airport transfers climb in cost.

Zego’s study, based on standardised fare data from Taxi Calculator, found that a typical taxi journey from Heathrow to Central London now averages £92.20. The high price reflects several factors: the 15‑mile distance into the capital, heavy congestion on key arterial routes, airport pick‑up fees passed directly to passengers, and London’s strict vehicle emissions standards, which increase operating costs for drivers.

Heathrow is followed by Munich (£80.45) and Berlin-Brandenburg (£57.10), with German airports dominating the top ten due to long distances, high labour costs and mandatory surcharges baked into local tariff structures.

Why taxi fares matter for business travellers

Sten Saar, CEO and Co-Founder of Zego, notes that travellers often underestimate the cost of airport transfers—sometimes more than an entire day’s spending budget in certain destinations . For business travellers, who frequently land during peak hours, the impact of traffic on metered fares can be significant, with waiting charges and slow-moving congestion adding unexpected costs to otherwise short journeys.

Saar advises travellers to compare local pricing structures, check public transport alternatives, and consider fixed-fare services where available—particularly in cities known for high VAT, fuel costs or remote airport locations.

Rising taxi scams: what business travellers should check

With taxi-related scams increasing globally, Zego has also issued guidance on how travellers can identify legitimate vehicles. Key checks include:

  • Licensing: Look for official permits displayed on the windscreen or dashboard, including registration and expiry dates.
  • Booking channels: Use trusted apps, hotel desks or official ranks—never accept unsolicited offers in terminals or busy transport hubs.
  • Route tracking: Use navigation apps to ensure the driver is taking a reasonable route and to share your location if needed.
  • Payment: Card payments create a traceable record and reduce the risk of disputes or short-changing.
  • Instincts: If a driver refuses to use a meter, the vehicle appears in poor condition, or anything feels off, travellers should decline the ride or request to exit in a safe, public area .

What this means for corporate travel planning

For travel managers, the data underscores the importance of factoring ground transport into budgets—particularly for teams travelling frequently through Europe’s busiest hubs. Heathrow’s position at the top of the ranking is unlikely to shift soon, given ongoing congestion and environmental regulations.

As summer travel peaks and business itineraries intensify, understanding local fare structures—and ensuring employees know how to spot legitimate taxis—could help companies avoid unnecessary costs and keep travellers safe.