How to Use London Taxis and Ride-Hailing, Apps and Fares
London’s iconic black cabs and expanding network of ride-hailing services offer diverse options for getting around the city. Whether you’re a visitor or local, understanding how to navigate these services can make your travels easier. For those preferring a more active way of exploring, cycling is another fantastic option. Check out our Full London Cycling Guide, Rides and Routes to discover the best cycling paths across the city. In this article, we’ll break down the major taxi apps, traditional cabs, fare structures, and practical tips for making the most of these services.
London’s Iconic Black Cabs
London’s famous black cabs, also known as Hackney carriages, are a key feature of the city’s transport landscape. These cabs can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi ranks throughout the city. Black cab drivers are known for their deep knowledge of London’s streets, known as “The Knowledge,” and must pass stringent exams to earn their licenses.
Advantages of Black Cabs:
- Can be hailed on the street without booking.
- Drivers have unparalleled knowledge of London routes.
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive compared to ride-hailing apps.
- Not always easy to find during peak hours or in certain areas.
Fares: Black cabs operate on a metered fare system, with costs based on distance and time, ranging from £2.60 per mile. Prices rise during evenings and weekends.
Ride-Hailing Apps Overview
With the advent of smartphones, ride-hailing apps have revolutionized the way people navigate London. Apps such as Uber, Bolt, and Wheely provide a convenient alternative to hailing black cabs from the street. These services allow users to book rides, track drivers, and pay directly through the app, making the process seamless and cashless. Below are the top ride-hailing apps in London and what sets them apart.
Uber
Uber is arguably the most well-known ride-hailing app worldwide, and London is no exception. It offers several service tiers, from affordable rides like UberX to premium options like UberLux. UberX is particularly popular among budget-conscious riders, offering lower prices than traditional black cabs. One of the standout features of Uber is its fare transparency, allowing users to see an estimated fare before confirming the ride.
Key Features:
- Cashless payments.
- Real-time driver tracking.
- Competitive pricing, often lower than black cabs.
Fares: Starting at £5 for UberX rides, with prices increasing during surge times.
Bolt
Bolt (formerly Taxify) entered the London market with competitive pricing aimed at challenging Uber’s dominance. Known for its affordability, Bolt offers a similar service to Uber but tends to be slightly cheaper. The app has a straightforward design and is favored by users for its quick response times, even during busy hours. Bolt has also made efforts to offer more eco-friendly rides by offsetting its carbon emissions and promoting electric vehicles.
Key Features:
- Environmentally conscious, offering carbon-neutral rides.
- In-app panic button for safety.
Fares: Base fare of £2.80, making it one of the cheapest options for short rides.
FREE NOW (formerly MyTaxi)
FREE NOW, previously known as MyTaxi, merges the traditional taxi experience with modern app convenience. It allows users to hail both black cabs and private hire vehicles directly through the app. This blend of services appeals to those who appreciate the reliability of a licensed black cab but also want the ease of booking and paying through their phone.
Key Features:
- Access to black cabs and mini-cabs.
- Pay in-app or with cash.
- Can pre-book rides in advance.
Fares: Follows traditional black cab meter rates, around £2.60 per mile.
Addison Lee
Addison Lee is one of London’s largest private hire services, catering to both everyday commuters and business clients. Known for its premium vehicles and excellent customer service, Addison Lee is a step above the typical ride-hailing app in terms of quality. The app allows users to book a range of services, from standard rides to executive cars, and it’s particularly popular for airport transfers and corporate clients.
Key Features:
- Pre-booking available for airport transfers and long trips.
- Offers executive cars and services for special occasions.
Fares: Higher than Uber or Bolt, typically starting at £12 for most trips.
Wheely
If you’re seeking an even more luxurious ride, Wheely is the app for you. Specializing in chauffeur-driven cars, Wheely offers a premium experience for discerning passengers. The service is designed for business professionals or those who value a luxury travel experience, complete with uniformed drivers and high-end vehicles like Mercedes and BMWs.
Key Features:
- Mercedes, BMWs, and Tesla cars.
- Personalized service with uniformed drivers.
Fares: Premium pricing, with rides starting around £15.
How to Choose the Best Service
When deciding between black cabs and ride-hailing apps, several factors come into play, such as convenience, cost, service quality, and availability. If you’re in a rush and need a ride immediately, black cabs are often the most convenient choice since they can be hailed on the street without any wait time. However, ride-hailing apps offer the advantage of transparent pricing, and options like Uber and Bolt tend to be more cost-effective, especially for longer journeys.
Consider the following factors:
- Convenience: Ride-hailing apps offer convenience with real-time tracking, while black cabs are ideal for impromptu trips.
- Cost: Apps like Bolt and Uber typically offer lower fares, but black cabs are unbeatable in navigating through London’s traffic during peak hours.
- Service: Addison Lee and Wheely provide high-end services suitable for special occasions or business trips.
- Availability: Ride-hailing apps may have higher waiting times during peak periods, making black cabs or services like FREE NOW a better choice.
When choosing between black cabs and ride-hailing apps, it’s essential to think about not only the immediate costs but also the broader travel context. For instance, black cabs are legally required to undergo The Knowledge, a rigorous test of London’s roads and landmarks. This often results in faster navigation during heavy traffic or road closures, particularly in areas not well-covered by GPS.
On the other hand, ride-hailing apps offer flexibility with multiple vehicle types, such as eco-friendly options like electric cars or carpooling, which can further reduce both costs and environmental impact on longer journeys. This added layer of choice makes ride-hailing apps a versatile solution for both budget-conscious travelers and those aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
Typical Fares Across Services
| Service | Base Fare | Price per Mile | Additional Fees |
| Black Cabs | £2.60 | £2.60 | Higher rates during evenings/weekends |
| Uber | £5 (min.) | £1.25 | Surge pricing during peak hours |
| Bolt | £2.80 | £1.10 | Fewer drivers during peak times |
| FREE NOW | £2.60 | Metered | Airport surcharges apply |
| Addison Lee | £12 (min.) | Metered | Executive cars available |
| Wheely | £15 (min.) | £2.80 | Luxury service and vehicles |
Practical Tips for Using London Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services
- Pre-book for Peak Hours: During rush hour, availability can be limited, especially for ride-hailing apps. Pre-booking ensures you won’t be left waiting.
- Compare Fare Estimates: Use multiple apps to compare fare estimates, especially during periods of high demand.
- Safety: Most apps offer safety features like driver tracking, vehicle details, and emergency contact buttons. Always double-check your driver’s information before getting into the vehicle.
- Plan for Cashless Payments: Both ride-hailing apps and black cabs increasingly accept card payments. Ensure your payment method is ready in advance to avoid delays.
Accessibility Options
London is working toward a more inclusive transportation system. Many black cabs are wheelchair accessible, and some ride-hailing services offer options for passengers with disabilities. Additionally, apps like FREE NOW allow users to request specific vehicle types.
Final Thoughts
London offers a wealth of transport options, from iconic black cabs to cutting-edge ride-hailing apps. Whether you’re in need of a quick, cheap ride or a luxury chauffeur service, there’s a solution to meet your needs. By understanding the fares, apps, and options available, you can travel across the city with ease and confidence.
