In a bustling metropolis like London, transportation options have evolved rapidly over the last decade. The city’s increasing population, the demand for convenience, and the desire for more eco-friendly alternatives have driven a significant shift in how people travel.
Traditional black cabs, once the cornerstone of London commuting, now share the road with a fleet of app-based, on-demand ride sharing companies that are redefining urban mobility.
From global giants like Uber to emerging eco-conscious platforms, Londoners have a wide variety of ride sharing services at their fingertips. This blog explores the top 10 ride sharing companies in London and answers common questions about how these services operate, their benefits, safety, and the future of urban mobility in the capital.
How Do Ride Sharing Companies Operate in London?
Ride sharing in London functions through smartphone apps that connect passengers with licensed drivers in real-time. These apps let users input their pick-up and drop-off points, choose a vehicle type, and receive a fare estimate before booking.
All drivers must be licensed by Transport for London (TfL) and undergo background checks, vehicle inspections, and insurance verification. Companies must also meet TfL’s regulatory standards to operate legally. The services work in a similar way: once a driver accepts a trip, users can track the vehicle live, contact the driver, and pay via the app.
Compared to traditional black cabs, these platforms offer more pricing transparency, greater flexibility, and a wider range of vehicle options from budget-friendly rides to luxury cars.
What are the Top 10 Ride Sharing Companies in London?
1. Uber – “The Original Ride Sharing Pioneer”
Uber has dominated London’s ride sharing market since launching in the city in 2012. Known for its ease of use, real-time GPS tracking, and multiple service tiers, it provides solutions for both budget and premium travellers. With vehicle options ranging from everyday rides to luxury saloons, Uber caters to individual riders, groups, and business professionals alike.
Its mobile app is highly intuitive and supports features like fare estimation, ride-sharing, driver reviews, and contactless payment. In recent years, Uber has added “Uber Green,” offering rides in electric vehicles to reduce environmental impact.
It operates across all London zones and remains a leading choice for fast, reliable, and regulated transportation. Uber’s expansive driver network means low wait times and competitive pricing throughout the city.
Specialisation
Eco-friendly rides with all-electric fleet target by 2025
Best Suited For
Quick, app-based travel across any London borough
Pricing:
Base fare: £2.50
Per mile: ~£1.25 (surge pricing applies)
- Website: https://www.uber.com/gb/en
- Address: App-based service
- Email: help@uber.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Reliable and fast – I can always find a ride even during busy hours.”
2. Bolt – “Affordable Rides, Lightning Fast”
Bolt is one of Uber’s main competitors in London, offering some of the most competitive fares in the city. It’s well-known for its low pricing structure and generous promotional offers, especially for first-time users. Bolt’s interface is simple and effective, allowing riders to select different vehicle types, view estimated fares, and track their drivers.
The app also includes in-app safety features such as ride-sharing with friends and an emergency button. Bolt operates with a large network of drivers and generally offers shorter wait times, particularly in Central London. Though it doesn’t offer as many luxury options as Uber, it remains an excellent budget-friendly choice. Bolt continues to grow its user base with frequent discounts and loyalty offers.
Distinctive Edge
Aggressive pricing and frequent promotions for budget riders
Tailored For
Cost-conscious travellers in central and east London
Pricing:
Base fare: £2.00
Per mile: ~£1.10 (variable)
- Website: https://bolt.eu/en-gb
- Phone: In-app support
- Address: App-based
- Email: support@bolt.eu
Review: ★★★★☆
“Much cheaper than other apps I use it daily for my commute and save a lot.”
3. FREE NOW – “One App, Two Worlds: Cabs & Cars”
FREE NOW is unique in offering both black cab and private hire options within a single app. This dual offering appeals to users who want the choice of traditional London taxis or lower-cost rides. As a result of its merger with Kapten, the app has broadened its services and coverage area.
FREE NOW is backed by BMW and Daimler, which gives it a strong operational backbone. The app provides easy pre-booking, real-time tracking, and a clean user experience.
With a growing eco-fleet and integration of electric vehicles, it’s positioning itself as a future-focused platform. The ability to tip drivers and earn loyalty rewards further adds to its appeal. FREE NOW is also known for transparent pricing and availability across most of London.
Key Feature
Access to both black cabs and private hire vehicles in one platform
Ideal Use
Riders who want flexibility between taxis and ride shares
Pricing:
Black cabs: Metered
Private hire: App fare estimates (~£2.60 base)
- Website: https://www.free-now.com/uk
- Phone: App support only
- Address: App-based
- Email: info@free-now.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“I love that I can choose between a black cab or private car perfect for different budgets.”
4. Ola – “India’s Favourite, Now in London”
Ola entered the London market with a strong focus on driver and rider safety, introducing features like ride recording and emergency alerts. Its app is clean and functional, offering standard and executive rides across Greater London. Ola has gained popularity for offering discounts and special incentives for new users and frequent riders.
The service operates under a full TfL licence and provides cashless payments and live driver tracking. Although its market share is smaller compared to Uber or Bolt, Ola stands out with its pricing and driver welfare policies. It is gradually building a loyal user base in the city. Ola’s competitive edge lies in its affordability, reliability, and safety-focused app design.
Unique Offering
Emphasis on driver safety and passenger support features
Recommended For
Users looking for value with advanced safety features
Pricing:
Base fare: £2.00
Per mile: ~£1.05 (competitive, with promo discounts)
- Website: https://www.ola.co.uk
- Phone: In-app support
- Address: App-based
- Email: support@olacabs.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Fares are low and the ride safety features really make a difference for me.”
5. Gett – “The Black Cab, Modernised”
Gett connects users directly with licensed black cabs through an app, combining the reliability of London’s iconic taxis with modern ride hailing tech. Unlike most ride sharing platforms, Gett only works with black cab drivers, which means all drivers are fully licensed and knowledgeable about the city.
The app supports pre-booking, corporate travel accounts, and offers flat fares in certain areas. Gett appeals especially to business professionals and those who prefer the credibility of licensed cab drivers. With availability in Central and Greater London, the app maintains high standards for service and punctuality. It also integrates with corporate expense management platforms, making it ideal for business travellers.
Special Strength
Premium access to London’s traditional black cab network
Most Suitable For
Professionals and corporate riders needing reliable, licenced transport
Pricing:
Based on black cab metered rates or fixed routes
- Website: https://www.gett.com/uk
- Phone: In-app & business support
- Address: App-based
- Email: support.uk@gett.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“I trust black cab drivers more, and Gett gives me the ease of an app to book them.”
6. ViaVan – “Smart Shared Rides for Smarter Cities”
ViaVan is a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Via, focusing on efficient, pooled rides. It’s designed for users who want affordable transport while reducing their environmental impact. ViaVan offers dynamically routed shared rides, matching passengers heading in the same direction. This helps minimise the number of cars on the road and lowers emissions.
The app is sleek, and the matching algorithm is efficient, offering fast pickups and reasonable pricing. ViaVan is ideal for inner-city commuting and short trips. While not as widely available as Uber, it remains a strong choice for users who prioritise sustainability and community impact.
Defining Trait
Dynamic route optimisation for pooled, eco-conscious trips
Ideal Audience
Commuters and students looking for low-cost group travel
Pricing:
Dynamic, based on shared route (generally cheaper than solo rides)
- Website: https://www.viavan.com
- Phone: App support only
- Address: App-based
- Email: support@viavan.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“I often pay half the price compared to a solo ride and I like the shared concept.”
7. Wheely – “Luxury on Demand”
Wheely offers a luxury ride hailing experience in London with a fleet of executive cars and highly trained chauffeurs. Unlike typical ride sharing services, Wheely focuses on discretion, comfort, and premium service, making it popular with business executives and VIP travellers.
The app provides tailored features such as scheduled bookings, Wi-Fi in vehicles, and quiet ride preferences. Vehicles include high-end models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class. Wheely is also focused on privacy and offers encrypted communications. The service is currently available in Central London and Heathrow. Its pricing reflects its luxury status but includes high levels of service and comfort.
Main Appeal
Chauffeur-driven luxury rides with professional standards
Best Fit
Business class passengers and high-end travellers
Pricing:
Premium pricing; starts at approx. £20 minimum fare
- Website: https://www.wheely.com
- Phone: In-app & concierge support
- Address: App-based
- Email: support@wheely.com
Review: ★★★★★
“The experience is seamless clean cars, polite drivers, and worth every penny.”
8. Addison Lee – “London’s Executive Ride Standard”
Addison Lee has been a leading name in London’s private hire sector for over four decades. Initially known for its premium minicab services, the company has successfully transitioned into the digital ride sharing space with its intuitive mobile app and web booking system. It focuses on executive travel, offering high-quality vehicles and professionally trained drivers.
The company’s airport transfer services, corporate accounts, and guaranteed pick-up times make it a favourite among business clients. Unlike app-based startups, Addison Lee owns and maintains its fleet, ensuring vehicle standards are consistently high. Operating 24/7, it covers the entirety of Greater London with scheduled and on-demand rides.
Key Advantage
Owned, maintained fleet offering reliable and polished service
Top Match For
Business travellers needing high-standard, punctual transport
Pricing:
Fixed fares based on distance and vehicle type
Airport transfers from approx. £45+
- Website: https://www.addisonlee.com
- Phone: +44 20 7387 8888
- Address: 35–37 William Rd, London NW1 3ER
- Email: customersupport@addisonlee.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Professional drivers and spotless cars perfect for airport pickups or client meetings.”
9. Hopp – “The All-Electric Ride Sharing Option”
Hopp is a newer player in London’s ride sharing scene, offering 100% electric vehicle transport with zero emissions. Originating from Iceland, Hopp aims to revolutionise urban mobility by prioritising sustainability. While the platform is still expanding in London, its mission resonates with eco-conscious users seeking greener alternatives.
Hopp’s rides are competitively priced and are particularly focused on short inner-city trips. The vehicles are compact, clean, and powered by renewable energy sources where possible. The company is also transparent about its carbon-saving metrics, helping users track their environmental impact. Hopp represents a glimpse into the future of sustainable ride sharing in the capital.
Core Focus
Zero-emissions urban transport powered by electric vehicles
Designed For
Eco-conscious city riders seeking sustainable travel options
Pricing:
Varies by distance; typically affordable for short trips
- Website: https://www.hopp.bike/en
- Phone: App-based support
- Address: App-based
- Email: hello@hopp.bike
Review: ★★★★☆
“I use Hopp whenever I can it feels good knowing my ride isn’t harming the planet.”
10. Blacklane – “Global Chauffeurs, Local Excellence”
Blacklane is an international chauffeur service that operates in London with a focus on premium, pre-booked rides. Unlike app-based hailing services, Blacklane is designed for advanced scheduling and high-end experiences. It caters primarily to business travellers and VIP clients looking for comfort, reliability, and discretion. All drivers are professionally licensed, dressed in formal attire, and trained in hospitality.
Vehicles are executive-class, including Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, all cleaned and maintained to the highest standards. Blacklane’s pricing is fixed and all-inclusive, which means no surprises due to traffic or route changes. Whether you’re travelling to Heathrow or attending a corporate event, Blacklane delivers on service and style.
Key Highlight
Pre-scheduled chauffeur service with fixed pricing and executive cars
Best Use Case
Luxury airport transfers and business-class corporate travel
Pricing:
Minimum fare starts around £60 for Central London trips
Heathrow to Central London from £75+
- Website: https://www.blacklane.com
- Phone: +44 20 3318 5492
- Address: Operates via app & website (global HQ in Berlin)
- Email: service@blacklane.com
Review: ★★★★★
“I booked Blacklane for a client arrival seamless experience from airport to hotel with white-glove service.”
What Are the Benefits of Using Ride Sharing Services?
Ride sharing offers significant advantages in London, particularly when compared to hailing a black cab or waiting for public transport. One of the key benefits is affordability many apps offer competitive pricing, flat rates, and promotional discounts. Some even allow fare splitting between passengers, making group travel cost-effective.
Convenience is another major plus. With services operating city-wide and around the clock, users can summon a ride in minutes, view the estimated arrival time, and avoid the hassle of searching for parking or cash payments.
Additionally, shared ride options like those offered by ViaVan reduce congestion and emissions, while electric fleets such as those used by Hopp and Uber Green help support environmental sustainability in London.
Are Ride Sharing Apps in London Safe?
Safety is a top priority for both users and platforms. Drivers must pass criminal record checks and be licensed by TfL. Most apps also require regular vehicle inspections to ensure safety standards are maintained.
From the user side, apps provide features such as real-time location tracking, sharing your ride details with friends or family, and emergency support buttons. Uber, Bolt, and others have introduced in-app safety centers and anonymous communication to further protect riders’ privacy.
Hygiene has also improved due to the pandemic, with many drivers adopting strict vehicle sanitisation routines and offering contactless rides where possible.
What is the Cost of Using Ride Sharing Services in London?
Pricing varies depending on the time, location, and demand, but ride sharing is generally more affordable than traditional London taxis especially for short and medium-distance travel.
| Company | Base Fare | Per Mile Rate | Average Wait Time | Surge Pricing |
| Uber | £2.50 | £1.25 | 3–5 mins | Yes |
| Bolt | £2.00 | £1.10 | 2–4 mins | Yes |
| FREE NOW | £2.60 | £1.20 | 4–6 mins | Yes |
| Ola | £2.00 | £1.05 | 3–5 mins | Yes |
| Addison Lee | £3.00 | £1.50 | 5–10 mins | No |
Most apps use dynamic pricing, meaning costs may rise during peak hours, events, or poor weather conditions. This system, often referred to as “surge pricing,” helps match supply and demand but can lead to higher fares during busy times.
While premium services like Wheely and Addison Lee cost more, they offer executive-level service and professionalism. At the same time, budget-friendly options like Bolt, Ola, and Uber continue to attract cost-conscious riders.
How Can You Choose the Best Ride Sharing Company in London?
Choosing the right ride sharing service depends on your needs. If you value reliability and wide coverage, Uber remains a top choice. For cheaper rides, Bolt often leads due to aggressive promotions. If you prefer travelling in comfort or require business-class travel, Wheely and Addison Lee are excellent options.
The user experience offered by the app can also make a big difference. Apps that are simple to use, show accurate ETAs, allow cashless payments, and offer customer support are more likely to retain users. Reading reviews on platforms like Google Play and the App Store can help you make a better-informed decision.
Lastly, coverage is crucial some services may not operate extensively in the suburbs or outside central London, so it’s important to check service maps or app availability in your area.
Are There Eco-friendly Ride Sharing Options Available?
Yes, several ride sharing companies are prioritising sustainability in their London operations. Uber, for example, has committed to becoming fully electric in London by 2025. Bolt has introduced its “Bolt Green” service with hybrid and electric cars, and FREE NOW is working towards a fully electric fleet as well.
Hopp is one of the few companies operating entirely electric vehicles, aiming to offer carbon-neutral transportation. Some companies also offset emissions by investing in reforestation or renewable energy projects.
Choosing an eco-conscious ride sharing service helps reduce your carbon footprint while encouraging cleaner, greener urban travel.
What Are the Future Trends in London’s Ride Sharing Industry?
The ride sharing industry is constantly evolving, and several exciting trends are emerging in London. One is greater integration with public transport systems. Future apps may allow users to book a ride that complements their journey via the Tube, train, or bus offering true door-to-door solutions.
Autonomous vehicles, though not yet mainstream, are being tested and could become part of the ride sharing landscape within the next decade. Companies like Uber and Waymo are investing heavily in this technology.
Another trend is the rise of subscription models. Some services are already experimenting with monthly ride passes that provide a set number of rides for a flat fee ideal for regular commuters or business travellers.
Conclusion
Ride sharing companies in London have redefined how people move around the city. Whether you’re looking for affordability, convenience, sustainability, or luxury, there’s a service that fits your needs. From global platforms like Uber and Bolt to eco-conscious newcomers like Hopp, the capital’s ride sharing scene is more vibrant and diverse than ever.
As technology and transport needs continue to evolve, ride sharing will remain an integral part of London’s mobility ecosystem. Explore your options and ride smart.
FAQs About Ride Sharing Companies in London
What is the cheapest ride sharing app in London?
Bolt frequently offers lower prices than competitors, particularly during off-peak times and through first-time user discounts.
Can you pre-book a ride with these apps?
Yes, services like Uber, FREE NOW, and Addison Lee allow you to schedule rides in advance for specific times.
Which apps are best for airport pickups in London?
Uber and Addison Lee are both excellent for airport transfers, with clear pricing and professional drivers.
Are electric vehicles available in ride sharing services?
Yes, Hopp and Uber Green provide electric vehicle rides, and other services are expanding their EV fleets.
Can you split the fare with friends?
Some apps allow in-app fare splitting, making it easier to share the cost with fellow passengers.
Do ride sharing apps work across Greater London?
While most services cover central London, coverage in the outer boroughs may vary, so checking in advance is advised.
How are customer complaints handled?
Apps provide customer support via chat or help sections, allowing riders to report issues or retrieve lost items.