A school run taxi in Kingston is a pre-booked minicab that takes your child to school and brings them home at the same times each day. It suits parents who work early, families who live a long walk or awkward bus ride from school, and anyone who needs a dependable back-up when the usual lift falls through.
Who books a school run with us
Kingston has a lot of schools within a few miles of each other, and families often end up with children at different schools in different directions. A morning that involves a primary school in Norbiton, a secondary in Surbiton and a train from Kingston station for work does not leave much slack. The parents who book with us usually fall into one of three groups:
- Daily runs: the same journey every weekday in term time, booked once with the pattern repeated.
- Part-week runs: two or three days a week, often on the days a parent works away or starts early.
- Back-up runs: a one-off booking when the car is in the garage, the childminder is ill or a club finishes late.
How booking a school run works
- Call 020 3740 4439 or use the booking form. Give us the home and school addresses, pick-up times and the days you need.
- Tell us about each child: how many are travelling, their ages, and anything the driver should know.
- Tell us who hands over at home and who meets the child at school, especially for younger children.
- Give us your term dates, inset days and any regular changes such as after-school clubs.
Booking the full pattern at the start of term is the easiest way to make sure a car is lined up for every journey. If your plans change, call us and we will update the booking.
Safety and child seats
Journeys are carried out by licensed providers. In London, private hire drivers are licensed by Transport for London, and the licensing process includes an enhanced background check. Ask us any questions about the journey before you book.
The law on child car seats is different in licensed taxis and private hire vehicles from the rules for private cars. The GOV.UK child car seat rules explain the details. If your child needs a car seat or booster, ask when you book and we will tell you what can be arranged for that journey.
Choosing the right car
One or two children fit in a standard car. If you share the run with another family, or you have several children with bags, sports kit and instruments, a 6 seater taxi or 7 seater taxi keeps everyone in one vehicle. Sharing a regular run with neighbours also means fewer cars outside the school gate.
Local school-run routes
Morning traffic around Kingston builds quickly. Cambridge Road, the roads around the town centre one-way system and the approaches to the A3 are often slow between about 8am and 9am. Your pick-up time is set with that in mind, and you can ask us for an earlier slot if your school has a strict start time.
We arrange runs from across the borough and nearby, including Norbiton, Surbiton, Tolworth, New Malden and Teddington.
When to book
For a regular term-time pattern, book a week or two before term starts. For a one-off run, book as early as you can the day before. Same-day runs are sometimes possible, so it is always worth calling.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book the same journey every school day?
Yes. Most school runs are booked as a regular pattern, for example every weekday in term time. Tell us the days, times and term dates when you book.
Can my child travel on their own?
Talk to us before booking a journey for a child travelling without an adult. We will explain what is needed for that journey, including who will hand over and meet your child.
What about car seats and boosters?
Ask when you book and we will tell you what is available for your journey. The rules on child seats in licensed private hire vehicles are explained on GOV.UK.
What if school finishes early?
Call 020 3740 4439 as soon as you know. Early finishes, inset days and after-school clubs can all be changed with notice.
Do you cover schools outside Kingston?
Yes. Regular runs can start or end in neighbouring areas such as Surbiton, New Malden, Teddington or Thames Ditton.