The UK rule, in brief
- Taxis and minicabs are exempt from the standard child car seat requirement.
- If no correct seat is provided, a child must travel on a rear seat.
- A child aged 3 or over must wear an adult seat belt; a child under 3 may travel without one in this situation.
- A proper child seat is always safer, so arrange or bring one for a longer airport journey where you can.
Frequently asked questions
Do airport taxis have child car seats?+
Not automatically. Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles in the UK are not required to carry child car seats, so most do not have one fitted unless you ask in advance. If you need a child seat for your airport transfer, tell us your children's ages when you book and we will confirm whether we can provide a suitable seat or whether you should bring your own.
Can a baby go in a taxi without a car seat in the UK?+
Yes, the law makes an exception for taxis and minicabs. According to GOV.UK, if the driver does not provide the correct child car seat, a child may travel without one, but only on a rear seat. A child aged 3 or over must wear an adult seat belt; a child under 3 may travel without a seat belt in that situation. It is always safer to use a proper child seat where possible.
Can a 3-year-old sit in a taxi?+
Yes. A child aged 3 or over can travel in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle. If no child seat is available they must travel on a rear seat wearing an adult seat belt. For comfort and safety on a longer airport run, we recommend arranging a child seat in advance where you can.
Can I hold my baby on my lap in a taxi?+
The GOV.UK exception allows a child under 3 to travel in the back of a taxi without a car seat and without a seat belt only if no correct child seat is available. Holding a baby on your lap is legal in this narrow taxi exemption, but a properly fitted child seat is far safer, so bring or request one for an airport journey if you can.
Can I bring my own child seat for the airport transfer?+
Yes, and many families do, because you will often want the seat at your destination anyway. Tell us when you book that you are bringing a child seat so the driver allows time to fit it correctly. Our estate cars have room for a child seat alongside luggage for up to 4 passengers.
How do I arrange a child seat for my booking?+
When you book, tell us the ages of the children travelling. We will confirm whether we can provide an appropriate seat (infant, child or booster) or advise you to bring your own. Letting us know in advance is important, as seats cannot always be added at short notice.
Booking and paying for a taxi
How far ahead to book, and how to pay.
Family airport transfers from Aylesbury
Estate cars with room for a child seat and luggage.
Authoritative source: GOV.UK, when a child can travel without a car seat. Last verified: 2026-06-21.