Stirling Taxi Fares 2026:If you’re planning a taxi in Stirling, there are two kinds of price to know about. Licensed taxis are charged by a meter using fares set by Stirling Council. Pre-booked journeys, such as airport transfers, are quoted before you travel. This page explains both, sets out the council’s current starting fares and the changes proposed for 2026, and shows how to get an exact price from 5 Star Taxis Stirling before you book.
How much does a taxi in Stirling cost in 2026?
There’s no single price for a taxi in Stirling, because the fare depends on distance, time of day, the number of passengers and whether the journey is metered or pre-booked. What is fixed is the maximum a licensed taxi can charge: Stirling Council sets the fare scales, and under Scottish Government guidance those fares are a maximum, not a set price.
Stirling Council’s taxi starting fares
The council’s current fare card has applied since 28 April 2025. As reported in September 2026, its starting fares are:
| Council tariff | Current starting fare |
|---|---|
| Tariff 1 | £3.50 |
| Tariff 2 | £4.10 |
| Tariff 3 | £5.60 |
The starting fare is only the first part of the price. The meter then adds a charge for each further distance travelled and for waiting time. For the full rates and the times each tariff applies, see the fare card on Stirling Council’s website.
Proposed fare changes for 2026
Stirling Taxi Fares 2026 Council is consulting on an increase of around 11.7%. Under the proposals, starting fares would rise to £3.90 (tariff 1), £4.60 (tariff 2) and £6.20 (tariff 3), and waiting-time charges would stay the same. Two new festive tariffs are also proposed, covering 6pm on Christmas Eve to 6am on Boxing Day and 6pm on New Year’s Eve to 6am on 2 January.
Are Stirling Taxi Fares 2026 fixed or metered?
It depends on how you travel:
- Metered fares apply to licensed taxis and are capped by the council’s fare scales.
- Fixed fares apply to 5 Star Taxis’ airport transfers. The fare is confirmed when you book, and traffic or delays on the day don’t change what you pay.
- Fare estimates are shown in the 5 Star Taxis app before you confirm any booking, so you can see the likely cost first.
- Long-distance journeys with 5 Star Taxis are calculated per mile, and you can get an estimate before you book.
What affects the price of your taxi?
For a pre-booked journey with 5 Star Taxis, the price depends on:
- Where you’re picked up and where you’re going. Distance is the biggest factor, and long-distance fares are worked out per mile.
- The size of vehicle you need. Saloons carry up to 4 passengers, estate cars carry 4 passengers with more boot space, and 6-seater MPVs carry up to 6.
- How many passengers are travelling. Group size decides which vehicle you need.
- Waiting time. If your driver waits for you on a wait-and-return trip, waiting is charged per minute, so you only pay for the time they actually wait.
- How often you travel. Regular bookings, such as commutes, school runs or weekly appointments, work out cheaper than booking each trip separately.
On the council’s metered tariffs, the time of day also matters: Stirling Taxi Fares 2026 decision set a higher tariff for late-night journeys and for five or more passengers.
Airport taxi prices from Stirling Taxi Fares 2026
5 Star Taxis runs airport transfers from Stirling to Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport at a fixed fare. The fare depends on your pickup location, vehicle size and passenger numbers, so the quickest way to see yours is to enter your journey in the app or web booker.
Flights are tracked for airport pickups, so if your flight lands late, the pickup time is adjusted. You can book the outward and return journeys together.
Stirling to Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport is roughly 35 miles from Stirling by road. The journey typically takes around 40 to 55 minutes via the M9, depending on traffic, your pickup point and the time of day. Transfers run at any hour; for very early flights, book the night before. See Stirling to Edinburgh Airport taxis.
Stirling to Glasgow Airport
Glasgow Airport transfers are also charged at a fixed fare, confirmed when you book. Enter your pickup address in the app or web booker, or call, to get your price. See airport transfers.
How to get an exact fare before you travel
The only way to know your exact Stirling Taxi Fares 2026 is to ask for it for your specific journey. Online fare calculators use general rates that often don’t match Stirling’s official fares, so treat them as rough guides at best.
- Use the app. Enter your pickup, destination and time to see a fare estimate before you confirm.
- Use the online booker. Book online with the same details.
- Call 01786 388 448. The phone line is staffed 24 hours a day.
For airport transfers, the fare is fixed and confirmed when you book.
What to tell us when you ask for a quote
Have these details ready to get an accurate price:
- Your pickup address
- Your destination
- The date and time you need collecting
- How many passengers are travelling
- How much luggage you have, so the right vehicle is sent
- For airport pickups, your flight time
- Whether you need the driver to wait and bring you back
Why pre-booking helps
Booking ahead means you know the fare, or see an estimate, before you travel rather than finding out at the end of the journey. It also means the right vehicle is arranged for your group and luggage. For train arrivals, tell us your expected arrival time and we’ll aim to have a driver ready close to it. For early morning flights, booking the night before is recommended. In the app, you can track your driver as the pickup time approaches.
Book or get a quote from 5 Star Taxis Stirling
5 Star Taxis Stirling runs 24 hours a day, every day, across Stirling Taxi Fares 2026 city centre and nearby areas including Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Bannockburn, Cambusbarron, St Ninians, Causewayhead, Raploch, Riverside, Cornton, Fallin, Cowie, Plean, Callander, Doune and Thornhill.
- Phone: 01786 388 448 (24 hours)
- Online: 5 Star Taxis web booker
- App: available on the App Store and Google Play
- Email: info@5startaxis.uk (for business accounts and regular bookings)
You can pay by cash, card or contactless in the vehicle.
Get your fare now: enter your journey in the app or book online to see your price before you confirm, or call 01786 388 448
frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi in Stirling?
It depends on distance, time of day, passengers and whether the fare is metered or pre-booked. Stirling Council’s current taxi starting fares are £3.50, £4.10 and £5.60 depending on the tariff, with distance and waiting charges added.
Are Stirling taxi fares going up in 2026?
The council is consulting on a rise of around 11.7%, with starting fares proposed to go up to £3.90, £4.60 and £6.20.
Who sets taxi fares in Stirling?
Stirling Council sets the fare scales for licensed taxis in its area, under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. These fares are a maximum
Is a taxi to Edinburgh Airport a fixed price?
With 5 Star Taxis, yes. The fare is fixed and confirmed when you book, based on your pickup location, vehicle size and passenger numbers.
How long does a taxi from Stirling to Edinburgh Airport take?
Typically around 40 to 55 minutes via the M9, depending on traffic, your exact pickup point and the time of day.
Can I get a taxi quote before I book?
Yes. The app shows a fare estimate before you confirm, or you can call 01786 388 448.
Can I pay by card?
Yes. You can pay by cash, card or contactless in the vehicle.
Are regular journeys cheaper?
Yes. Regular bookings with 5 Star Taxis work out cheaper than booking each trip individually. Email info@5startaxis.uk or call to set one up.