Which taxi apps can I use in London?
Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026
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London has black cabs and private hire vehicles, often called minicabs. Under TfL's rules ↗, a black cab can be taken from a rank, hailed when its Taxi light is illuminated or booked in advance. A minicab must be booked through a licensed operator. Using an app does not make the rules for these two services identical.
For a routine journey, compare the price and pickup time. For an airport transfer, several suitcases, a pushchair or an accessible vehicle, first establish capacity and the appropriate vehicle category.
Services to compare
Uber ↗ and Bolt ↗ publish current London services; Freenow ↗ offers app-based taxi booking. These are options to check for your address, rather than a quality ranking or promise of the lowest price. Available categories, waiting times and fares appear when you enter the journey.
You can also find a local licensed minicab operator through TfL and arrange a journey directly. This can help when you need child seats, substantial luggage or a precisely agreed airport meeting service.
Compare the full cost
Enter the same addresses and time in each service. Check whether the fare is fixed or estimated, and whether airport charges, parking, waiting, additional stops and cancellation fees are included. A promotional discount should not obscure the final amount.
For an early departure, establish what an advance reservation means: when a driver is assigned, how cancellations are communicated and whom to contact. Allow a pickup buffer. For a group, check seats and luggage capacity separately; these are different limits.
Before getting in
TfL requires a minicab booking confirmation ↗ containing vehicle and driver details. Match the number plate and information received. If a different vehicle or driver arrives, resolve this through the operator before boarding.
Keep the booking and receipt. For lost property or a fare dispute, contact the service's support with the time and route. To check an unfamiliar company, use the licence checker linked from TfL's taxis page ↗. Do not replace an operator booking with an informal arrangement with someone outside a station.