Travelling to or from Heathrow with children is easier when the car seats are already in the car. Esskay Cars fits baby seats, toddler seats and booster seats on request for any Heathrow transfer. Tell us the age and rough weight of each child when you book, and the driver brings the right seat. Below we explain the UK rules on child seats in taxis, which seat suits which age, and which car fits a family’s cases, pushchair and hand luggage.
Quick answers
- Can I book a child seat? Yes. Choose it in the booking form or tell us by phone.
- Which seat for a baby? A rear-facing infant seat.
- Do taxis need child seats by law? Private hire cars have an exemption, but a proper seat is always safer.
- Room for a pushchair? Book an estate or people carrier.
- Family of five? A people carrier seats six with five cases.
What are the UK rules on child seats in taxis?
Children normally have to use a child seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall. Licensed taxis and private hire cars are an exception when the right seat is not available.
Under the exception, children under three may travel in the back without a child seat, and children aged three and over must use an adult seat belt in the back. The law allows it, but it is not the safest way for a small child to travel on a motorway. That is why we recommend booking a seat. With the right seat, the child is properly secured for the whole journey.
Which child seat do I need?
It depends on weight and age: a rear-facing infant seat for babies, a forward-facing toddler seat for young children, and a high-back booster for older ones.
| Seat type | Typical weight | Rough age |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-facing infant seat | Up to 13kg | Birth to about 12 to 15 months |
| Toddler seat | 9 to 18kg | About 9 months to 4 years |
| High-back booster | 15 to 36kg | About 4 to 12 years |
Ages are a rough guide. What matters is the child’s weight and height, so please give us both when you book. If you are bringing your own seat from home, that is fine. Let us know, and the driver will allow time to fit it.
Which car should a family book for Heathrow?
An estate for two adults and two children with normal luggage. A people carrier or 8-seater for larger families or anyone with a pushchair, a travel cot and lots of cases.
Child seats take up a seat each, and a pushchair takes up boot space. A family of four on a two-week holiday may have four large cases, a buggy and several carry-on bags, which is too much for a saloon. If you are unsure, choose the size up. It is better than squeezing everyone in or ordering a second car at the airport.
| Vehicle | Seats | Large cases | Family fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estate | 4 | 4 | Two adults, two children, one buggy |
| People carrier | 6 | 5 | Larger families, buggy and cot |
| 8-seater minivan | 8 | 8 | Two families together, lots of luggage |
| Executive minivan (V-Class) | 6 | 6 | Extra space and comfort |
How much does a family taxi to Heathrow cost?
The fare is per vehicle, not per person. An estate from central London costs £81 and a people carrier £93.
| From | Estate | People carrier | 8-seater |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central London (Victoria) | £81 | £93 | £117 |
| Kensington | £70 | £80 | £108 |
| Richmond | £64 | £73 | £100 |
| Kingston | £74 | £86 | £111 |
| Woking | £65 | £76 | £95 |
| Reading | £79 | £93 | £109 |
| Croydon | £112 | £130 | £144 |
| Watford | £91 | £97 | £125 |
Fares checked in our booking system in October 2026, one way. Because you pay for the car, children cost nothing extra, unlike train tickets.
How does the driver help at arrivals?
The driver meets you in the arrivals hall, helps with the bags and the pushchair, and fits the seats before you set off.
After a long flight with tired children, you will not have to queue for a cab or carry everything to a train. The car is in the short-stay car park a few minutes’ walk from the hall. The seats are fitted and checked before the children get in.
What should I bring for the journey?
Snacks, water and anything the children need for an hour or so in the car.
Journeys from central London to Heathrow take about 45 minutes to an hour, longer in heavy traffic. For a journey from further away, such as Oxford or Southampton, plan for longer and a possible stop. Tell us if you need a break on the way, and the driver will plan for it.
Can you take a buggy, a travel cot and car seats of our own?
Yes, as long as there is room. Tell us everything you are bringing when you book.
We will suggest the right vehicle for all of it. A folded buggy and a travel cot fit in the boot of an estate together with two large cases. With more cases, book a people carrier or the 8-seater.
Are child seats fitted before I arrive?
For pick-ups from home, the driver fits the seats on arrival. For Heathrow pick-ups, the seats are fitted in the car before you reach it.
Fitting a seat properly takes a few minutes. The driver checks the straps and the belt routing and makes sure the seat is firm before the child gets in. If you would like to check it yourself, the driver is happy to wait while you do.
What time should a family leave for Heathrow?
Aim to reach the terminal three hours before a long-haul flight, or two and a half hours before a European one.
Families need longer than solo travellers for check-in, bag drop, security with liquids and baby food, and the walk to the gate. Add travel time from home on top. From central London, that usually means leaving three and three-quarter hours before a long-haul departure.
Can you collect us from Heathrow after a night flight?
Yes. Drivers work 24 hours a day, and the fare is the same for early morning arrivals.
Many flights from Asia, the Middle East and North America land at Heathrow between 5am and 7am. After an overnight flight, children are often tired. A car waiting in the hall, with the seats in place, saves you from waiting at a taxi rank or juggling bags on the train.
Is a taxi cheaper than the train for a family?
Often, yes. A family of four pays one fixed car fare instead of four rail tickets.
Children’s rail tickets are discounted, but the total for two adults and two children on the Heathrow Express can still be close to the cost of a car. A taxi also takes you door to door, with no changes and no carrying luggage through stations.
Do you fit seats for twins or three children?
Yes. Tell us how many children are travelling and their ages, and we choose a vehicle with room for all the seats.
Three child seats usually need a people carrier rather than a saloon, because the back seat of a smaller car is too narrow for three seats side by side.
How do I book a Heathrow taxi with child seats?
Use the booking form at the top of this page, add your children’s seats and luggage, and confirm the fixed price.
Or call 0207 8400 344 or WhatsApp 020 3355 8186. See also our Heathrow pick-up guide and Heathrow airport taxi pages.
Heathrow family transfers: common questions
Can I book a Heathrow taxi with a baby seat?
Yes. Request a rear-facing infant seat when you book.
Do children need a car seat in a UK taxi?
Licensed taxis and private hire cars are exempt, but we recommend a proper seat.
How many child seats can you fit?
Tell us how many you need when you book, and we send a vehicle that takes them all.
Is the family taxi priced per person?
No. The fare is per vehicle.
Which car fits a pushchair and four cases?
An estate or a people carrier.
Can I bring my own child seat?
Yes. Tell us so the driver allows time to fit it.
