Where to find taxi ranks in Brighton
- Brighton Station — the main rank, always busy at peak times
- East Street — near the Lanes and the pier
- Churchill Square — outside the shopping centre
- St Peter's Church — for Kemptown and the Level
- Hove Station — smaller but usually quicker than Brighton
Hackney carriage or private hire?
Brighton & Hove has two types of licensed vehicles: Hackney Carriages (black cabs, which can be hailed on the street or taken from a rank) and Private Hire Vehicles (which must be pre-booked — they cannot legally pick you up if you flag them down). Knowing the difference will save you time and money.
Why private hire is often better
Brighton & Hove City Council licenses thousands of private hire vehicles. They're typically newer, cleaner, and cheaper than a metered black cab — but you must book in advance. Western Cars Brighton operates 24/7, and our average pickup time in the city is 5–15 minutes.
How to spot a licensed vehicle
- Council-issued licence plate displayed on the rear
- Driver badge with photo and licence number visible
- Vehicle registration matching the licence plate number
What to do if something goes wrong
If you believe you've been overcharged or travelled in an unlicensed vehicle, report it to Brighton & Hove City Council's licensing team. For issues with a Western Cars journey, call us directly on 01273 220220 — we take complaints personally and always follow up.
