Getting around a big city like London can be tricky. You have many choices for travel. Two popular options are using an Uber London or taking a classic black cab. A big question for many people is about the cost. Which one will save you more money? This guide will help you understand the differences in price between uber in London and a traditional taxi London.
Understand the Costs: Uber vs. Black Cab
The price you pay for a ride depends on a few things. These include the time of day, how far you go, and how much traffic there is. Let’s look at how Uber taxi prices and black cab fares are calculated.
How Uber Prices Work
Uber London uses what is called dynamic pricing. This means the price can change. When many people want a ride at the same time, like during rush hour or when it’s raining, the price goes up. This is called “surge pricing.” So, a ride that is cheap in the middle of the day could be much more expensive during busy times. The price is based on a starting fee, the distance of your trip, and the time it takes. You see the final price before you book your ride.
How London Cab Prices Work
London’s famous black cabs have a different system. Their prices are set by Transport for London (TfL). They use a meter that calculates the fare based on the distance traveled and the time the journey takes. There are set tariffs for different times of the day. For example, rides at night or on public holidays cost more. The price is not affected by how many people want a cab. You will only know the final cost when you reach your destination.
Price Comparison: A Simple Breakdown
So, is an uber taxi london cheaper? Often, the answer is yes, but not always.
- Off-Peak Times: During quiet times of the day, Uber is usually cheaper than a black cab for the same journey.
- Peak/Surge Times: When Uber has surge pricing, a uber black cab ride can become much more expensive than a regular black cab. In these cases, a traditional cab is often the cheaper choice.
- Short Trips: For very short trips, the starting fare of a black cab might make it seem more expensive, but the difference may be small.
| Base Fare | Cost per Mile | Additional Fees | Example Total Fare (5 Miles, Daytime) | |
| London Black Cab | £3.20 | £2.16 | Night/holiday charges, waiting fees | ~£13.00 |
| Regular Taxi (Private Hire) | £2.50 | £1.80 | Booking fees, time-based charges | ~£11.00 |
| Ride-Hailing Service (e.g. Uber) | £2.00 | £1.25 | Surge pricing during high demand | ~£8.25 |
Note that prices can vary depending on location, time, and demand. Always confirm the fare estimation before starting your trip.
For airport journeys, prices can vary a lot. A pre-booked service often gives you a fixed, competitive price. If you need a taxi to Heathrow, you can compare pre-booked rates against the potential surge pricing of an Uber. The same applies when traveling from other major airports, such as getting a Gatwick airport taxi or a ride from Stansted.
Conclusion
Choosing between an uber taxi london and a traditional black cab depends on your priorities. If your main goal is to save money, Uber is often the winner during quiet periods. However, during busy times, a black cab might be your cheaper, more reliable option.
For guaranteed peace of mind and a fixed price, especially for important trips like getting to the airport, a pre-booked service is an excellent choice. You won’t have to worry about surge pricing or finding a cab on the street. Whether you need a ride to Heathrow, Gatwick, or a Stansted airport taxi, booking in advance ensures you have a clear price and a confirmed ride waiting for you.
FAQs
Is London cab cheaper than Uber?
Sometimes. A London cab can be cheaper than Uber when Uber has high “surge” prices. During normal times, Uber is often cheaper.
How much is a 20-minute taxi ride in London?
A 20-minute ride in a black cab could cost between £15 and £25, depending on traffic and the time of day. For uber in london, it might be between £12 and £20 during normal times, but it could be much more during a surge.
Is Uber worth it in London?
Many people find Uber useful because it’s easy to book through an app and can be cheaper. It is worth it if you are traveling during off-peak hours or if you prefer knowing the price upfront.
What is cheaper than Uber in the UK?
Sometimes, local taxi companies or pre-booked car services are cheaper, especially for long distances like airport transfers. Public transport, like the Tube or buses, is the cheapest way to travel.
What is the cheapest taxi service in the UK?
This is hard to answer because prices change. For airport travel, pre-booked services like Airport Transfers UK often provide the best value. We offer fixed rates to airports like our Manchester airport taxi service.
What is London’s version of Uber?
Besides Uber, London has other ride-hailing apps like Bolt and FREE NOW. The iconic black cab is also a huge part of London transport and can now be hailed via apps too.
Why is Uber not allowed in London?
This is a common misunderstanding. Uber is allowed and operates in London. It has faced legal challenges and had its license reviewed in the past over safety concerns, but as of now, it is fully operational.
Is there anything cheaper than Uber?
Yes, London’s public transport system (buses and the Underground) is almost always cheaper than any taxi or ride-hailing service for getting around the city.
Do Londoners use Uber?
Yes, many Londoners use Uber London along with other transport options. They also use black cabs, the Tube, buses, and other ride-hailing apps depending on what is most convenient or cheapest at the time.