You’d think the iconic black cab is as exclusive to London as double-decker buses and bad weather. But the truth is, they pop up in the most unexpected places. I’ve seen them in Manchester, Birmingham, and even as far north as Edinburgh.
However, they’re not everywhere. You won’t find them cruising the streets of, say, Los Angeles or Paris—unless they’re part of a vintage car show. The key is that these taxis are licensed by local councils, not by Transport for London.
So the cab itself is a London-style vehicle, but the rules are totally different. It’s like seeing a British telephone box in New York City: familiar shape, alien context.
Where Do They Actually Live?
Let’s get specific. You’ll find purpose-built black taxis in most major UK cities like Liverpool, Glasgow, and Cardiff. These cities have taxi licensing laws that require the same kind of vehicle: the TX series (the modern black cab).
But here’s the curveball—they also exist in Belfast (a whole different country, technically) and even in Dublin. Yes, the Irish have adopted them too. In Dublin, they’re not called “black cabs,” they’re just… taxis. But they look the exact same.
Outside the UK and Ireland, the story gets weirder. I’ve seen photos of black cabs in Berlin, Singapore, and even Saudi Arabia. These are usually imported by hotels or private hire companies for a touch of British class. Fake? No. Real London cabs? Yes. Licensed to pick up passengers there? Often, yes.
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