Uber in London: Everything you need to know

Whether you need a transfer to and from the airport or an in-city ride – you can find all the information you need about Uber London, alternative transport options, and which is the best choice for you right here.

Is there Uber in London? 

Yes, you can easily use Uber in London. The popular ride-hailing app offers its usual selection of services and more including UberX, UberXL, Green, Comfort, Exec, Lux, and Uber Pet. Uber X is the standard sedan service and is usually the cheapest. Uber XL and Comfort vehicles can seat up to 6 passengers with ample space for luggage.

For those after a little luxury, Uber Exec and Lux offer premium vehicles and top-rated drivers. Green rides are operated with electric or hybrid vehicles and cost about as much as UberX. Uber Pet is an animal-friendly service for those of you travelling with a pet.

Finally, if you need a little extra support, Uber London also offers an Assist service with special assistance from trained drivers. Or, people with reduced mobility can book an Access ride, guaranteeing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

*In December 2023, Uber officially announced its plans to add London’s iconic black cabs to its fleet. However, the service does not appear in the app yet.

How much is Uber in London?

Uber London offers fixed fares based on taximeter regulations set by authorities The advantage of using ride-hailing apps like Uber, is that the app gives you a real-time price estimate ahead of time and lets you pay digitally.

The price of an Uber taxi in London is typically cheaper than a local black cab, however, it’s more expensive than most cities. This is due to higher operating costs, higher demand, congestion charges, and tighter regulations. Furthermore, the company applies surge pricing during periods of high demand – sometimes making Uber pricier than a London taxi.

Having said that, your final fare will depend on the service you choose and the distance travelled. Uber X is the cheapest option, costing around £50 (€59) for a ride from Heathrow Airport to Victoria in central London. Likewise, a 5-km ride in the city will cost approximately £13 (€16) depending on traffic levels.

*Uber applies surge pricing during periods of high demand.

Alternatives to taking an Uber in London

From the airport

To ensure a pre-booked vehicle is waiting for you as you step outside of the terminal, you can book your London Airport taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups and pay ahead of time. Our personalised service is tailored towards travellers, which is why we go the extra mile to ensure seamless transfers to and from London’s airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Luton, and Stansted.

You can also use Uber at any airport in London. The perk is that it’s usually cheaper than a black cab but there are no official Uber pickup points. Instead, your London Uber driver will meet you at the agreed-upon meeting point, which is often the short-term car park opposite the terminal.

*It’s worth noting that at major airports such as Heathrow or Gatwick, you may be subject to long waiting times for your Uber due to demand and supply.

Alternatively, you can hop in an official metered black cab from the ranks outside any of London’s airports. Just remember that black cabs are pricier, especially for longer trips. Plus, you won’t receive a final fare ahead of time.

Getting around London

When it comes to using Uber in London’s bustling city centre, it’s not always the best idea. Whilst fares are usually a bit cheaper, London Uber drivers are notorious for cancelling trips for rides with higher fares. So if you’re travelling shorter distances within the centre, you may end up waiting a while.

As Uber becomes more and more unreliable in London, black cabs remain consistent in their service. Not only can they use bus lanes (unlike Uber vehicles) but black cab drivers know London like the back of the hand and they are masters at avoiding obstacles such as traffic. 

You can hail a London taxi from the street, call a company and arrange a pickup, or walk to the nearest rank. And you can even download Gett, which is a ride-hailing app exclusively for black cabs. Ranks are located in popular tourist areas, outside transport hubs, and near major hotels.

You can also use other known apps such as Bolt and Free Now, and you can still book in-city rides with Welcome Pickups if you’d prefer a more personalised service aimed at travellers.

Is Uber safe in London?

Using Uber in London is safe. However, like any big capital, it’s good to do some of your own vetting. You can do so by always checking your driver’s rating and keeping an eye on your journey using the Uber app. The app even allows you to share trip details with loved ones for extra security!

Likewise, London’s black cabs are considered safe and more reliable than Uber. Most black cab drivers have gone through extensive training. However, if you do run into any issues, you can report it to Transport of London.

–

FAQs

Is there Uber in London?

Yes, you can use Uber in London. Available services include UberX, UberXL, Green, Comfort, Exec, Lux, Uber Pet, Assist, and Access. Also, the company announced it’s adding black cabs to its fleet, though we have yet to see it as an option in the app.

Why is Uber so expensive in London?

London is an expensive city in general and it’s no different for Uber. Trips are generally higher than other cities due to factors such as higher operating costs, increased demand, congestion charges, and regulations.

Can I pay by card?

Ride-hailing apps like Uber allow you to pay by card through the app once you’ve reached your final destination. Likewise, London taxis and private transfers all accept card payments. 

Do I need to tip my London Uber driver?

Tipping your Uber London driver is not expected but if you enjoyed the service, feel free to tip your driver in the app during your ride.

Justine Mellor

Justine is a content specialist and writer who started backpacking the world at 16 and has lived in three countries. With roots in the travel industry and a taste for the road less traveled, she seeks out places with soul—where the food’s loud, the music’s local, and the culture runs deep.