Uber in London: Getting Around the City in 2025

Want to know if there’s Uber in London in 2025?

Are you wondering about Uber in London? If you’re planning your first trip to London, you’re likely wondering about the best ways to get around this iconic city. You might be thinking is Uber still available in London and how it can help with your London trip?

I’m an experienced UK based traveller who frequently travels around London without my own car. In this guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Uber in London.

As a global taxi app, questions about Uber in London are popular. The good news is that yes, Uber is still available in London in 2025.

Uber can be a convenient and cost-effective choice if you value efficiency and affordability. Read on to discover the cost of Uber in London and other essential transport tips for getting around London.

Join me as we navigate how to navigate London with Uber, including how to get from Heathrow Airport into Central London.

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.

Is there Uber in London? 

First, I’ll answer the key question that people are asking, is Uber still available in London in 2025? The quick answer is that, yes, Uber is available in London in 2025. The current Uber licence for operating in London was renewed in the latter part of 2024.

Uber London is a key hub for the Uber brand. However, it also operates in other parts of the UK, for example there is Uber in  Glasgow and Uber operates in Cambridge, UK. 

Of course, there are plenty of other global destinations as well as London. From Ubers in the warm Mediterranean island of Malta to Ubers in the winter city break destination of Stockholm, Uber operates far and wide.

I’ve used Uber in London and in lots of other places across the world, as I travel without a car. Uber London is a hassle-free way to get around during your visit.  

Getting from London Heathrow Airport to Central London

One of the popular journeys that people consider using a taxi for in London is to go from Heathrow Airport to the centre. There are various transport options you can use to make this trip. 

Uber Heathrow Airport 

Getting an Uber to pick you up from London Heathrow airport can be stressful. On demand pricing means that you won’t know exactly how much the trip is going to cost you until the time you take it, if you choose that option.

However, you can also book Uber in advance, but this usually costs more than booking at time of travel. The average cost of an Uber from London Heathrow to central London is £49. The journey takes just under an hour but that depends on traffic.

Heathrow Airport private transfer

A stress-free option for journeys to and from London Heathrow Airport is to book an airport transfer. This is a good option when arriving late or for first-time visitors to London.

A driver will meet you inside the arrivals terminal, with your name displayed, and take you to your transfer. When you’re tired from travelling, this direct service is a great way to start your trip.

A pre-booked transfer also avoids the potential of surge pricing and high demand, which can happen if you rely on an Uber to collect you from the airport. I’ve been caught out by this myself.

Heathrow Express train

There is an express train that serves Heathrow to central London’s Paddington station. A single ticket costs from £25 in 2025. 

The Heathrow Express is the quickest way to get from Heathrow Airport to London.

Trains run every 15 minutes from terminals 2, 3 and 5 (from 5am to midnight). Journey time is around 15 minutes.   

Heathrow Airport Tube (metro)

A cheaper alternative to the Heathrow Express is to take the Tube from Heathrow to central London. I’ve done it many times myself.

The journey from Heathrow to King’s Cross takes around an hour. To me, it feels like it’s taking forever, especially after a long flight, but I think that’s just because of how much it stops on the way.

You can take the Tube from Heathrow terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, using the Piccadilly Line. This takes you directly into central London without needing to change trains.

The Tube runs frequently between 5am and 11.30pm, with additional services at night on Fridays and Saturdays (except from terminal 4).

When you board at Heathrow, there’s usually plenty of room, which is great if you have large suitcases. However, as you approach central London, the Tube can get super crowded, so be prepared to be ‘assertive’ when it’s time to get off.

Tickets cost from £5.50 for a single journey. You buy them at the ticket machines in the airport or use a contactless card for payment at the entrance to the Tube.  

Heathrow Airport Coach

Taking the Heathrow airport coach is another option for getting to and from central London. The coach is good if you want to avoid the crowds on the Tube or if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.

The journey is run by National Express and Megabus. It takes around 50 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.  

Tickets for the Heathrow coach are from £5 one way, and you can buy them online in advance. It’s a comfortable and stress-free way to travel, especially if you’re heading directly to or from your accommodation in central London.

Uber in London prices in 2025

The pricing of Uber in London is based on dynamic up front pricing. This means that when there is high demand prices can rise. So, in order to find out the price of your trip, you’ll need to check on the app at the time of travel. 

However, here’s a general example of standard Uber London prices (at non-surge rates for an Uber X): 

• Base fare: £2.10
• Minimum fare: £4.30
• Per mile: £1.16
• Per min: £0.13
• Operating fee: £4.02

These are just illustrative examples, your actual fare will depend on the fare in use at the date and time of travel.

One of the reasons that Uber was so popular when it launched was its cost-effective pricing. Whilst costs have since risen, it’s still considered to be cheaper than taking a traditional black cab in London.

Types of Uber available in London

As well as Uber X, the following options are available if you travel with Uber in London.

• Uber XL – for up to 6 passengers
• Comfort – cars with more legroom
• Green – electric vehicles
• Uber Pet – if you need to take a pet with you
• Exec – fancy cars with highly rated drivers
• Exec XXL – top range vehicles with extra space for bags and people
• Lux – even more fancy cars than Exec.

Alternatives to Uber in London

There are several alternative ways to get around London, apart from using Uber. 

London Underground (the Tube)

For first-time visitors, taking the Tube is one of the best ways to get around London, particularly if you’re on a short 2 day London itinerary.

It’s fast, with trains running frequently all over London, and it’s reasonably priced, with a single journey costing from as little as £2.70. The Tube connects all major attractions and areas.

Bus 

There’s a massive bus network run by Transport for London. Check their website for timetables. 

Many buses are the classic red colour, so taking one can be an experience in itself. London traffic can be heavy though, so if you’re in a hurry, take the Tube or walk.

Walk 

Although London is massive, many parts of central London are closer than you think. Walking around London is a great way to get a feel for the place and spot things you’d miss if you took transport.

E-bike/e-scooter hire

London has schemes for e-bike and e-scooter hire. They’re operated via apps and you can pick up and drop off the bikes or scooters in designated parking areas. Lime and Voi are two of the big providers.

There are also Santander e-bikes that you can rent.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

For a fun way to get around London, you can take a ferry boat along the River Thames. Whilst these boats are used by some to commute, they’re also a great way for first time visitors to get around the city.

There are 24 piers along the river, so try to fit in a trip if you can. Visit the Thames Clippers website for timetables.

Other ride hailing apps in London

Uber isn’t the only taxi app in London. There are several alternatives you can also download the app for. These include Bolt, Ola, and Addison Lee.

Bolt and Ola operate on a similar model, with rides being booked via an app. Pricing tends to be similar, but you can save a few pounds by comparing journey prices across the different companies.

Addison Lee is an upscale private hire car service, known for its executive vehicles and high-quality service. It caters to business travellers and those looking for a more comfortable ride.

London black cabs

The typical image of London in the movies usually involves someone hailing a black cab. These London institutions have a certain mystique about them.

Whilst taking one might not be as cheap as an Uber, the experience and photo opp will be worth a whole lot more.

Black cab drivers also have to pass a notoriously difficult test called ‘the Knowledge’ to prove they know their way around all the London streets. So, you can rest easy knowing that your driver knows where they’re going.

Prices

The price of black cabs in London is set by Transport for London.  It’s standard across all vehicles.

Black cabs use taxi meters to work out the cost of a journey. Typical fares for rides between 5am and 8pm are:

• Minimum fare: £3.80
• Per mile (journeys under 6 miles): £3.78
• Per mile (longer journeys): £4.57

Prices are higher outside of these hours and at Christmas and New Year. You can pay by card in a black cab.

Whilst you can’t hail an Uber on the street in London, you can hail a black cab.  

How does payment work for Uber in London?

When you use Uber in London, the app will show you how much your trip will cost before you start. The payment is taken automatically from the card or payment method you set up when you joined Uber, so you don’t need to give money to the driver.

If you want to tip your driver, the app will ask you at the end of the ride, and you can do it right in the app. This means you don’t need to worry about having cash on you.

Do I need to speak English to use Uber in London?

One of the benefits of Uber if you don’t speak English is that you book everything via the app. So if you don’t feel confident talking to the driver you don’t have to, as they will have the details of your destination already.

What’s using Uber like?

My own experience of using Uber has been mostly positive. I typically don’t have to wait more than 10 minutes. I’ve even used Uber for more unique trips, like taking my pet to the vet.

However, there have been several frustrating moments when an Uber driver accepted my trip but then cancelled just before arriving.

Because of this, if you need to be somewhere at a specific time, I recommend you pre-book in advance or use a local London taxi firm. For trips with flexible timing, I find Uber to be a convenient option.

Uber Eats London

If you’ve used Uber Eats before, you might wonder if it’s available in London. The good news is that it is.

So, if it’s late or bad weather and you’re hungry, you can order food through Uber Eats and have it delivered straight to you, so you don’t need to go out to eat.

FAQs: Uber in London

Does uber exist in London?

Yes, Uber does exist in London, I’ve used it myself. You can book an Uber in advance or at the time of travel.

Do you tip Uber in London?

Tipping your Uber driver in London is not a requirement. However, if you would like to leave a tip you can do so via the app once your ride has finished. 10% is the standard amount.  There is more information in my article on tipping in the UK, which includes a handy tip calculator.

Is Bolt cheaper than Uber in London?

Bolt can be cheaper than Uber in London, although prices can vary depending on demand, time of day, and location. It’s worth checking both apps to compare fares before booking.

Is Uber in London expensive?

Uber in London can be expensive during peak times or at high-demand periods, when surge pricing operates. However, it’s generally more affordable than traditional black cabs and offers a range of ride options for different budgets.

Can I use my Uber app in London?

Yes, you can use your existing Uber app in London. Simply open the app, request a ride, and enjoy Uber just like you would in other cities.

Can I pay with cash using Uber London?

No, Uber in London does not accept cash payments. All payments are processed through the electronic payment method linked to your Uber app account.

Wrap up: Uber in London in 2025

Now you know that Uber is still available in London, and it can be a convenient and straightforward way to get around. Uber’s global reach and user-friendly technology make booking and paying for rides in London quick and easy.

However, London offers a variety of transport options, so it’s worth exploring other ways to travel, such as the Tube, buses, and local taxi services.

Whichever mode of transport you choose, London is an incredible city to visit. Be sure to visit some of the iconic landmarks and enjoy the vibrant nightlife while you’re here.

To make your trip even smoother, consider booking your airport transfer now, or check out my London 2-day itinerary to help you plan an unforgettable trip.