Getting around London can either be a dream or a nightmare — it really depends on your choice of transport. After countless airport runs, late-night rides, and rainy-day commutes, I’ve come to rely on a few taxi services that consistently deliver. Here’s my personal top five, with a quick comparison and some brutally honest thoughts.
🚖 Top 5 London Taxi Services
| Company | Booking | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacklane | App / Web | $$$ | ✅ Best for comfort & class |
| Addison Lee | App / Web | $$–$$$ | ✅ Super reliable for execs |
| Uber | App only | $$ | ⚠️ Most convenient, hit or miss |
| Bolt | App only | $–$$ | 👍 Good prices, less polished |
| Free Now | App only | $$ | ⚡ Fast + Black cab option |
1. Blacklane – The Classy Option
If you’re looking for a premium experience — plush seats, suited drivers, and smooth airport pickups — Blacklane is hard to beat. It’s more expensive, sure, but sometimes peace of mind and a bit of luxury are worth the splurge.
In London, Blacklane shines in areas where other services can feel chaotic — like airport transfers and business travel. They offer pre-booked rides with fixed rates, so there’s no last-minute surge pricing or uncertainty. Drivers are professional, usually in suits, and the cars (think Mercedes, BMWs) are always spotless.
Another bonus? They track your flight. If you’re arriving at Heathrow or Gatwick, your driver will wait if you’re delayed — no stress, no extra charges. That alone can be a lifesaver after a long-haul flight.
For central London rides, Blacklane isn’t the cheapest, but it’s perfect if you’ve got meetings, a special event, or just want to move around the city without the typical hustle. You can even book by the hour, which is great if you need multiple stops.
Best for:
✔️ Business travelers
✔️ Airport transfers
✔️ Special occasions
✔️ Anyone who values comfort and predictability
2. Addison Lee – Corporate Darling
I’ve used Addison Lee more times than I can count for meetings across the city. They’re reliable, professional, and the app just works — no bugs, no fuss. You get clean cars, polite drivers, and a service that feels a notch above the average.
In London, they’re basically the default choice for corporate travel. Many companies have them on retainer, and for good reason — they’re consistent. No surprise pricing, no last-minute cancellations. They even offer larger vehicles and courier services, which is handy for groups or delivering items across town.
If you’ve got a tight schedule and need to get from Mayfair to Canary Wharf without drama, Addison Lee’s your ride.
Best for:
✔️ Business meetings
✔️ Reliable day-to-day travel
✔️ Group rides or executive pickups
3. Uber – The Go-To (For Better or Worse)
We all know Uber. It’s convenient, widely available, and the pricing is usually fair — especially compared to London black cabs. But let’s be real: service quality can swing wildly.
I’ve had rides where the car was spotless and the driver offered water and mints. I’ve also had ones where I clutched my seatbelt the whole way. That said, for late-night trips, or when you’re somewhere outside Zone 1 and need a fast option, Uber usually delivers.
In central London, traffic can kill your ETA, but Uber’s still one of the easiest ways to get around if you’re not fussed about a touch of unpredictability.
Best for:
✔️ Spontaneous travel
✔️ Late-night rides
✔️ Anywhere outside central London
4. Bolt – Budget-Friendly Alternative
Think of Bolt as Uber’s younger, thriftier cousin. It’s cheaper, often by a noticeable margin, and the interface is clean and simple. If you’re watching your budget or just need a quick hop across town, it’s a solid option.
The trade-off? The fleet quality and driver professionalism can vary. Some rides are great, others feel a bit… casual. But in London, I’ve generally found it surprisingly reliable. And because they take a smaller commission, some drivers actually prefer Bolt to Uber.
Best for:
✔️ Budget-conscious riders
✔️ Short city hops
✔️ Flexible travelers
5. Free Now – Fast, Flexible, Functional
Free Now is like a hidden gem — especially if you want the classic black cab experience, but with the ease of an app. In central London, it really shines. Need to jump from Soho to Shoreditch in a hurry? This app will ping nearby black cabs in seconds.
The best part? Black cab drivers know the city inside out. No missed turns, no fiddling with Google Maps. Just straight-line efficiency. You’ll pay a bit more than Uber or Bolt, but you get speed and knowledge in return.
They also offer private hire vehicles, so you’ve got options depending on mood and budget.
Best for:
✔️ Quick city center travel
✔️ Black cab fans
✔️ Riders who value local expertise
So, Which One’s Actually the Best?
It really depends on what you care about. For me, Blacklane wins for comfort, Addison Lee for reliability, and Uber for sheer convenience. But when I’m watching the budget, Bolt is my fallback — and Free Now is my ace in the hole when traffic’s a mess and I need a true London cabbie.
Each app has its quirks, and no service is perfect. But with these five, you’ve got a solid range of options — whether you’re catching a flight, heading to a meeting, or just trying to get home dry.