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? 

For anyone wondering whether there is Uber in London, the answer is yes. 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. Uber Exec is more widely available, although it isn’t quite as luxurious, and there is now an Exec XXL option, which can accommodate up to 7 passengers. 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 traveling with a pet, and can seat up to 3 passengers.

Finally, if you need a little extra support, London Uber also offers an Assist service with special assistance from trained drivers with room for up to 4 passengers. Or, people with reduced mobility can book an Access ride, guaranteeing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Another exciting addition to the transport fleet is the London Uber Boat. Uber partnered with Thames Clippers in 2020 to expand its service to include the high-speed River Bus service. The Uber Boats in London stop off at 24 piers along the River Thames, making it a great way to sightsee your way around this iconic city.

*It’s also possible to book one of London’s iconic black cabs using the User app, in addition to other taxi companies such as Cobham taxis and Hunston taxis.

How much is Uber in London?

The advantage of using ride-hailing apps like Uber is that the app gives you a real-time price estimate before you book and lets you pay digitally.

When using Uber in London, the prices are typically cheaper than a local black cab; however, it’s more expensive than in most other UK cities. This is due to higher operating costs, higher demand, congestion charges, and tighter regulations. Furthermore, the company applies surge pricing during periods of increased 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 traveled. Uber X is the cheapest option, costing around £50 (€57) for a ride from Heathrow Airport to Victoria in central London. Likewise, a 5-km ride in the city will cost approximately £13 (€15) depending on demand and traffic levels.

If you plan on using an Uber Boat in London, prices are fixed depending on how many zones you are traveling through, similar to the London Tube. Prices range from £5.90 for a single-zone ticket to £25.40 for a Hop-on Hop-off day ticket, with concession prices available for children and seniors.

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 personalized service is tailored towards travelers, 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 center, it’s not always the best idea. Whilst fares are usually a bit cheaper, London Uber drivers are notorious for canceling trips in favor of rides with higher fares. So if you’re traveling shorter distances within the center, you may end up waiting a while. The exception to this is the Uber Boat London service, which runs to a set timetable and provides discounted prices through the app.

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 their 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 personalized service aimed at travelers.

Is Uber safe in London?

Using Uber in London is safe. However, like any big capital city, 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, and you’ll be pinged if your ride goes off course with the built-in RideCheck alert for extra security!

London’s black cabs are still considered safer 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 them to Transport for London.

Taxi, Uber, or Private Transfer?

Select the best service for you and your travel party based on your budget and needs. We’ve gathered some of the most important factors to consider below to help you compare all options.

FAQs

Are Ubers available in London?

Save time searching, “Does Uber work in London?” The answer is yes, Uber is available across the entire city in London. Available services include UberX, UberXL, Green, Comfort, Exec, Lux, Uber Pet, Assist, and Access. Also, it’s possible to book black cabs through the app at regular taxi rates.

Is it better to use Uber or a taxi in London?

London is an expensive city in general, and it’s no different for Uber or taxis. Using an Uber provides the convenience of a ride coming to you at any time of day, but you may be subject to long wait times. Taxis have the advantage of being available all over the city and can be hailed at the drop of a hat, but prices can either be lower or higher, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, you can lock in a fixed rate at a location and time of your choosing with Welcome Pickups.

What has replaced Uber in London?

If you’re wondering, “Does London have Uber at the moment?”, the answer is yes, although Bolt and Free Now are now also major ride-hailing competitors.

Do you tip Uber drivers in London?

Tipping your Uber London driver is not expected, but if you enjoyed the service, feel free to tip your driver using the app during your ride. Note that this option isn’t available, nor is it considered necessary for Uber Boat London.