unreliable for advance bookings! I pre-booked a taxi to take me to an event, allowing over half an hour leeway for a 20 minute journey, just in case of delays. The taxi arrived 50 minutes late so I missed the event. When I complained, I was advised that when you make an advance booking, central taxis guarantee a taxi but not what time it will arrive!! (kinda defeats the point of booking a taxi in advance!) Not the service you would expect of a company that calls itself 'Edinburgh's most reliable taxi company'! read more

Waited a long time after ordering a taxi. Was told 5 minutes more 3 times. Uber worked a lot better

I'm fairly sure this is the biggest taxi firm in Edinburgh, if not then it's definitely one of the biggest. Anyway, my point is that you'll invariably end up using one if you hail a cab anywhere in the city. Which is lucky, because they're really good. The cabs are always clean, new and in good condition, and even when you have 5 people in the back they're still comfy. The best thing though, is that the drivers seem to nail the one thing that so many taxi drivers just don't get... if you're up for a chat, then they're chatty. If, however, you sometimes just can't be bothered making the same small-talk with someone you've never met and in all likelihood will never see again, then they somehow seem to pick up on that and leave you to it. They've even cut out the small-talk with strangers in the booking stage of the process... if you phone from a landline number you can just press whichever of the number options it is and a taxi is automatically dispatched to your address. Genius! During the day, rates start from £1.60, and at night it's £2.70, and the price always goes up in 25p intervals. If you've got a snapfax though, mention it when you book and you don't pay the £1.80 call-out charge (every little helps when you're a student!). read more

Central Taxis - image courtesy of www.taxis-edinburgh.co.uk - Taxis Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I had to get a plane in the airport. They did not arrive and it was not possible to contact them. I was lucky to get another cab straight in the street. My wife told me that Central Taxi arrived eventually but 25 min later! Before that I also have a similar problem with them. It is a really poor company. read more

A taxi booked for the airport at 4 am did not arrive. Called 5 times to get £35 refund, promised each time but not been received. Will not use them again. read more

I must start by complimenting the driver of taxi 204 who was friendly and polite and very helpful. What a gentleman!

I want a taxi that shows up in minutes, comes with a friendly driver, doesn't charge the earth, and is easy to book. That's why Central Taxis are my go-to company for scooting around the city (which I do have to do a lot, in my job, and often carrying things like a giant cake or a suitcase full of bottle openers and paper moustaches on sticks). They have the bestest booking line ever. You press a number to book a taxi ASAP, and then it lists your two most recent pickup locations, so if, like me, you often get the taxi from the same address, you don't have to give your address every time - just press 1. And bam. They arrive in minutes, give my phone a quick missed-call to let me know they're there, and off we go on another Yelpy adventure! So far, so automated, so impressive. Bring in the human element, so often the fatal weak link in a service. Bring in the drivers. Oh, these guys! I love them! They're cheery, they're chirpy, they're chatty, they're all those ch ch ch charming things. I've never had a grumpy or surly driver or one that didn't leap out to help with my bags right away. Central Taxis, I feel like my ever learning to drive would be a deep betrayal of our friendship. You and I are forever. read more

Personally I expect from a taxi company the following: Ponctuality Good geographic knowledge and the infamous road work awareness (for anyone living in Edinburgh you know what I mean) Reasonable fares Good driving skills (that includes being immune to Road rage) And last but not least... Incredible vibrant and professional staff. So well it is easy to guess I found all these attributes with central taxi since they got 5 stars and that is with me using them on and off since 2004! I also used their contract facilities with work and yet again they haven't failed to impress. So if you are looking for a reliable taxi company in town search no more. read more

We used Central Taxis for a round trip from Herriot Watt univ into Edinburgh to get to an all-day bus tour- both drivers were prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable. If I ever come back to Edinburgh I'll use their services again gladly. read more

Central Taxis have a brilliant automated system where you can ring them (0131 228 1211) from a landline and they automatically order the taxi for you. It's like magic!! When phoning form a mobile they always store your number and name so add a wee personal touch, which I quite like. I've never bad a bad experience with them personally, but I know a few friends who have had problems with taxi's arriving on time etc and rude drivers, but every driver I've had has been lovely and chatty. Unlike City Cabs, their drivers drive sensibly and don't cause chaos on the roads. Whatever you do though, don't ask about the trams... read more

Yeah. I'm throwing down a 5 star for a taxi service. Just watch me. I haven't quite figured out how to navigate the bus system here and I really have no need for it, seeing as though I walk everywhere. But when i'm throwing events, I generally have boxes upon boxes of booze, props and goodies and try as I might, I am not superhuman... so I taxi. Here's the 1-2-3s of why these folks are deserving of five: 1. They are a snap to order. The phone system keeps your last address, so it's usually just a quick two button push to taxi land, but if you have to go through an operator, they are both friendly and quick like rabbits. 2. I've never waited more than 10 minutes for a taxi. Ever. 3. Not only do I live at the end of a long, narrow road that requires a taxi to have to back all the way out of, but i'm usually toting 10 boxes of various event bells and whistles - i've never had an eyeroll about either. The drivers have been quick to help me load things in and out, and always crack jokes at the epic reverse to get out of things. It's the easiest way to get from point A to B on any given day. They've been my go-to taxi service and gosh darnit, they're going to stay that way for the foreseeable future. read more

When I needed a taxi to the airport from Haymarket station in the dead of night not long back, I was faced with the option of a black cab and financial ruin, or one of Edinburgh's private hire firms. I went for the latter, and central taxis. It arrived on time, the car was clean, and I got the usual banter topics of local gossip, casual racism and ill informed political opinion from the driver, but the financial ruin still came. He should have worn a mask when he asked me for 17 quid. It's barely a 4 mile journey. read more

Both being handicapped we had made our way up castle hill to Edinburg castle. luckily one of your drivers showed up and was happy to take us to Greyfriars Bobby. this was around 2:00 pm on Monday march 25th. he was very friendly and extremely informative. He told us where the kirk was and the elephant cafe and told us about the museum as well. We also took one of your cabs to Waverley station around 4:30 pm. from the museum and the driver was just as pleasant. I would definately recommend you company to anyone visting Edinburg. Thank you for a delightful trip. read more

I always use Central taxis. I find them to be a very reliable company. The phones are answered quickly and they have an automated phone booking system for peak times. They have a huge fleet of cabs and are usually quick to respond to a call out. The drivers are generally very polite and helpful. The cabs are always clean and the drivers always well presented. read more

I have been using Central Taxis for ten years now and they have never let me down. A big bonus when you frequently have to catch the 'red eye' down to London. They will call you when the cab is approaching and calls are answered even at the busiest time of year. read more

I use this company every day during the week and most often than not they do turn up on time. Most cabs are very clean and fresh with only a few stinking of the night before and on two occasions, two cabs I had on the same day stank of old dogs! In terms of payment you can use a credit/debit card but there is a 5% surcharge fee on top if you do choose this option. Most drivers have loads of change on them which is very handy when most of Edinburgh ATM's only give out £20 notes! However when I worked in Edinburgh from August onwards it took five attempts with the customer service team to save my address correctly, prior to this, Central Edinburgh Taxis persistently sent a cab to the wrong address which ended up next door to my street that had a slightly different name to it. If you phone them using your mobile phone or landline on a continual basis, the company will save your number by default and use that to record your address. Sometime in December 2009 their telephone lines were closed down and none of their drivers knew about it. I know this because I had booked a cab with this company a day early and no apology was made from the company themselves when the cab didn't show up. I had to flag down a cab who turned out to be from Central Edinburgh Taxis and the driver himself had no idea that the phone lines were down even though he did express surprise that the morning calls made to his GPS system were very quiet!! The firm made no attempt to contact any of their drivers with regard to power cut/electrical problems. If there is another downside to this company then it is trying to make calls on Friday nights going into the weekend. Forget trying to get through after 10pm - constant ringing only to go through to a pre-recorded voice that asks customers to call back later. As a result when it comes to travelling trying to book a cab for a next day early departure on the weekend it looks highly unlikely. At least their phone number isn't a premium number but simply a "landline/local business," type phone number and there are a few options you can join up to if you want to save time for future calls to this company other than talking directly to service personnel.The customer services however are very well spoken, positive and a credit to the company. On other ocassions however this cab company appear to think they have a monopoly since they are the largest "Centrally based," Edinburgh taxi firm who can get away with drivers who think they know best. Not if I'm paying! When I've asked drivers to get me to my destination quickly, most drivers oblige (noting the speed limit of course) but some let others pass by or give way quite readily and seem to think passengers won't moan about it. Oh and by the way, if you do happen to get Central Edinburgh Taxis to Waverley Train station (Edinburgh's main train station) and it stops on the left hand side after the sleeping policeman/tarred hump, don't open the door on the right hand side leading to the main "road." Apparently the taxi drivers get fined if they let passengers out on the wrong side. Perhaps, whilst this is a rule implemented by Scotrail or the railway station itself, it doesn't make travelling all that seamless when you're in the back of a Central Edinburgh Taxi. They really need to improve if they want their loyal customers to keep using them or recommending them and only having one telephone number is a bit silly for Edinburgh being the capital city. Central Edinburgh Taxi can be reached on 0131 229 2468 Glasgow's main service has two numbers! Thanks for reading! read more

From A to B they'll look after your journey. Always a fair price and efficient service. Even airport trips don't feel like a total ripoff (as with some others..) - You agree on a price (varies per load, time of day, traffic, road works, etc...) and of you go. read more

For the past 3 years, I have used this service on many occasions. The latest was a 4am start to the airport. I called the previous day, their phone lines are open 24/7 which is super useful, and the driver came early and was lovely and chatty. The taxi I had was spacious and could easily fit 5 people, or 4 with a lot of legroom and suitcase space. However, I know that they have smaller cabs, so specify if you are heading to airport/train and if you need extra space. Prices of cabs in Edinburgh are a bit pricey (from the center takes about 18 pounds to get to the airport) but it's a prompt service and gets you there on time. read more

As a rule, a good taxi firm needs to: turn up quickly. be cheap. have drivers that arent maniacs on the road, and have some banter. Central Taxi's scores very highly in all three of those areas. They really are always there as soon as possible - none of that 'Just around the corner' crap when the taxi has been an hour late. They ring you when the taxi arrives, so theres no chance of you missing it all together. Central Taxi's are cheap, and now you can pay by card - handy if you havnt made it to a cash point yet. The drivers are always pretty nice, the cabs clean and they really know how to get to places quickly - without ripping you off. The only taxi firm I would use. read more

friendly enough on the phone but driver hadn't a clue what I'd arranged by phone about payment in advance. 5% surcharge for cards. read more

I ordered a taxi today telling them my taxi card number, where I was going, which was Headway House at the Ashley Ainsley hospital, and where I was going from etc, gave my name and was told I would be given two rings on the phone. I waited at the appointed time in my hall ready to go out the front door and no two rings. Eventually I looked out the window and there was a taxi sitting downstairs. I live in a flat. It could have been anyone's taxi . However I went downstairs and asked if it was for me and he said it was. I said you didn't give me two rings on the phone and he got slightly irate and said eventually, that that was up to central office. I got in and said Headway house at the Astley Ainsley. He then proceeded to go in a strange direction for some wee while. At the point he signalled left I KNEW we were going somewhere different and I asked him where we were going and he said Peffer road which was entirely the wrong place. I said to him that I had told him when I got in where we were going and he said I had not and we proceeded to have a ding dong battle in the cab which I found most upsetting, particularly as I had preordered the taxi and he should KNOW where I was going. He said he had to check that I had ordered it for the Astley Ainsley. (Was he calling me a liar?) I asked him to turn off his meter for some off his journey as the fare was going to cost much more than it should but he said he couldn't do that. The sums we are talking about are very small but it is the principle of the thing. The taxi firm got it wrong on all counts and he was rude and I think I am owed an apology by the firm. This was my first experience of using central taxis and I will continue to use them because I have a taxi card but I was not very happy. On the return journey I was driven by a delightful man who knew exactly where he was going, didn't charge me over the odds, remembered the taxi card, chatted in a very friendly manner and was very helpful. They couldn't have been more opposite if they had tried. read more

Just got into taxi 345, taxi man unnecessarily rude, I was simply returning from work and he made me feel very anxious!

I always use Central Taxis for my taxi needs. Generally that involves 6 of us sitting around drunk and realising it's time to head out so phone Central. It amazes me how quickly they get here, just enough time for one last toilet trip and to down your drink. I enjoy the fact they one ringer you when the taxi is outside so you don't have to hover round the window or wait outside in the cold. I am always far too drunk to notice the price of the taxi, but I imagine it is reasonable enough by Edinburgh standards. read more

This used to be my preferred taxi firm as they were always reliable, easy to get hold of for booking and the drivers were efficient and polite. This was often to the point of turning up 15 mins early when I was leaving through the night for flights but they never had a problem waiting and wouldn't start the meter until you were in the cab. Unfortunately they seriously let us down last year having made a guaranteed booking almost a month in advance and confirmed it on the night. No cab turned up and there was no way of getting them by phone. After two hours waiting, a Comcab driver felt sorry for us and took us home as one of his bookings had not turned up and he had passed us a number of times. read more

Update June 2012: I phoned for a taxi today and had someone who sounded like a schoolgirl answering the phone. The address I wanted picked up from didn't have a house number and she was curt and rude to me because of this. A few years ago I never got this kind of attitude and I used this firm many times as a work contract cab. They really need to pull their socks up when it comes to hiring phone staff. Original review: I've used Central Radio Taxis at least 100 times since I've come to Edinburgh, often as a contract cab for my work and also for personal use. During this time I've never had a problem with punctuality, and the drivers have always been couteous. The taxi firm of choice in Edinburgh. read more

I have a lot of confidence in this company having used it many times with no fuss. Taxis arrive on time and drivers are polite. Recommended!

Central taxis are on speed dial in my phone, these guys are really reliable. They tend to be a fair bit cheaper than the black cabs and they usually come really quickly, unless of course it's a busy weekend night but they will let you know in that case how long they'll be. They ring your phone to let you know when they are there so you don't have to keep looking out the window or hang about on the street. The drivers are polite and know the best routes around town so at least if you're heading to an area you don't know well you can be sure they'll not try to rip you off like some other taxi companies. read more

Called for a taxi to the airport from near the castle. On hold over 10 minutes,so hung up and called again. Another 5 minutes and finally got through. We'll see if taxi arrives as requested. read more

Tonight I found myself in a very vulnerable situation, I phoned Central Taxis who were there within five minutes of my call. Thank you so much for your prompt response, a definite 10 out of 10! read more

We book with CT all the time and most of the drivers are very polite and helpful, I booked a Taxie to go to work this morning and the driver was ver ignorant and didn't speak at all , he didn't even say the location that I was going to to , to confirm he had the right person to take to the right place. He didn't pick me up from my chosen address and parked round the corner. Which didn't help. I will not be using CENTRAL TAXIES AGAIN !!! That's 20 or more years of our business that use won't be getting. read more

First class service - lightening fast phone pick-up and a great automated service. Used them 3 times in one day and had charming, v helpful drivers every trip, all of whom knew the city thoroughly. Metered rides so no issues over cost. If only all taxi companies were like this one! read more

I have been using Central Taxis for years now and I also use the app that is available to download as well as calling for my cabs my address is well known by the taxi company and I know a lot of the driver's from being a customer for many years although some of the drivers when they know you are in a hurry and you have stated in your request for your booking that it needs to be ASAP and fastest route as possible they were sometimes some of the drivers deliberately take you on the slowest route possible or they will detour around roads that they know themselves are closed and they can't say that they don't know because they're the ones on the road and should be updated daily and will be a which roads are available to travel around throughout Edinburgh city it is become absolutely ridiculous as some zones are 20 miles an hour in the city centre as well as the one way system I'll do some of the drivers will take the absolute Mickey and deliberately Drive the whole distance from one side of the city to the other in a 20 mile an hour speed which is actually against the law when it's not in the 20 mile an hour zone and when you say anything to them about this or you approach them about the roads that they are taking they begin to argue with you or they certain you to get out of the taxi it is very unkind and fair and unprofessional especially for somebody who has been using the cabs for as long as I have I am disgusted with the way that I have been treated recently over the past Christmas and New Year period I have been late several times for work due to Central Taxis and that's leaving 45 minutes before my start time at work or at least an hour before getting to an appointment I will book the taxi so there is plenty time for them to arrive and get me to the city centre from one side of town a Distance that can only usually and normally take 15 minutes to 20 minutes maximum not 45 to 1 hour and they will still be late on my arrival making me almost lose my job and making me lose my important appointments I have absolutely had it with Central Taxis staff not the staff on the phone but the drivers are completely selfish ridiculous uncaring and nosey most of all they like to know where you're going who you are where you live who do you work for where have you been what are you doing for the rest of your day and evening what have you been up to what area did you grow up in I understand they're bored sitting in a cab all day or most of the night etc but the information that they try and get out of you is just absolute gossip so that they can pass it on to the other cabbe drivers I really have had it with Central Taxis recently I cannot stress the amount of times that I have had argument and almost screaming outbursts from the drivers themselves just because I have expressed that they have taken me on a longer route and they know this when I have asked to be somewhere ASAP it's like they deliberately try and make you late or they deliberately try and take longer routes and drive as slow as possible in zones that are sometimes 30 and 40 miles an hour are they will be driving at 20 miles an hour and telling you that you don't know anything about the road even though I am a driver or myself so I am completely not stupid to how the roads work around Edinburgh hence why I voice my opinion about what routes that they should take sometimes in order to get me to my destination on time and still my destination arrival is late even with an hour to 45 minutes leaving early it's an absolute disgrace and the owners or management for Central Taxis need to be having discussions with their drivers about keeping their noses out of their customers businesses stop the attitude and nastiness and downright cheek and disrespect of purposely making them late for appointments when they are desperate and so importantly needing to be somewhere on time they try and blame the roads and the traffic but is evidently then themselves I cannot stress have fed up of this I am it needs to be dealt with and some people need to be doing a hiring and a firing absolutely Kind regards a very loyal and long-term customer of over 10 years read more

I had with respect, the misfortune to have had to make a journey in a private hire car with a driver who had just recently smoked a cigarette, given the smell of smoke in the car and who hadn't a clue where he was going. I know these lads have to learn, but with this level of knowledge it's an insult to Edinburgh's Private Hire companies and to their customers. I refused to complete the journey (the car was booked by a friend, incidentally.) and gave the driver good reasons why. To be fair, he accepted what I said and did apologise for his lack of knowledge. He was an Asian man, very polite and friendly, but sadly not equipped with any real knowledge to transport customers to their respective destinations. I paid him what was on the meter and left the smelly '06 plated car. I called CENTRAL taxis, who came within 3 minutes, even though I was standing in the street! Polite and courteous, the driver just smiled and said "I suppose we all have to learn!" What a breath of fresh air! I was expecting an onslaught about Private Hire companies etc. etc., but no! The Central lad was diplomatic and non judgemental. I relaxed in the back of his taxi as he took me without fault or question in his fresh smelling much more comfortable taxi to my destination in the Gyle from Goldenacre and made a mental note to introduce my friend/s to a real taxi company with all the professionalism they could ever wish for. Well done Central, as ever! read more

Had to quit the taxi early as the fare had shot up past £20 before reaching home which is normally a fare of £12.. Upon quitting the taxi the driver got out, walked around the back of the taxi and SPAT IN MY FACE. Horrfied is an understatement. read more

We used this service twice - once even at 4 in the morning. They were always prompt, the fares were reasonable, and our first driver at least was very personable. They saved our bacon both times, as we had to call them last minute and they were available. I recommend them to anyone who has to travel around Edinburgh! read more

I love central taxis. They have never let me down and they always seem to arrive really quickly. The automated system where you ring up and get a taxi straight to your flat is very useful, you can also talk to a person if you want to book for a certain time or get picked up from a different address. All their staff, from the people on the phones to the taxi drivers are competent. They are the only taxi firm I use in Edinburgh. read more

I would not use Central taxis if you are a professional female, taxi drivers are unfriendly and the taxi driver I used made inappropriate comments which were rude and highly offensive. read more

Drivers are rude do not care about anyone but them self you phone up and try and talk to someone they do not want to know

Used Central taxis for a year, was pretty happy with them. Incredibly disappointed that as a VERY regular customer, called last night to book a taxi as my usual bus route was redirected due to the rugby game. I explained that the direct route to my place of work was closed however there was a perfectly acceptable back route to my work that was open. He would not even discuss it with me he just kept repeating that the police do not allow them to go in a restricted area, even if they tried a back route they would be very late getting to me. I tried to explain the back streets to get to me were main thoroughfares and were not affected at all but he just kept repeating the same thing over as though 'computer says no'! The fact that it was freezing and my alternative was walking had absolutely no impact on him. I called Edinburgh City Private Hire (555 5555) they didn't even question it - arrived 10 mins early, text on the way, car colour and reg, route tracker and 20% discount! View less read more

Generally use this firm as it's the only taxi number in my phone. Will never do so again! Booked a cab a few days in advance for the early hours of New Years day (12.45am) as was well aware that taxi's would be at a premium that night. Was told all was set up & good to go but just to make sure we were ready in time as is avery busy night! They even called me back the day before just to confirm the pick-up. Needless to say we waited outside the pick-up point from 10 mins before to a good 10 mins after. As it was becoming plainly obvious we were getting stood up we phoned the company where they originally told us we would have to wait another 20-30mins for a taxi, were then very dismissive of the actual booking in the first place but when pushed on it & explained that a booking was made then just offered- "oh well - we didn't know he wouldnt turn up". Then " this is the busiest night of the year - you know?!!". Not helpful or apologetic at all- complete farce!! We then had a 20 min walk just to join a taxi rank where we waited over an hour for a cab. Poor customer service indeed- look elsewhere if this is important to you & you want peace of mind that your taxi will actually turn up! read more