If you use taxi apps in the UK, you may have seen the price of the same journey change within minutes. As an illustration, a trip quoted at around £15 might suddenly show £24. The route and the car are the same, but the price is different. This is usually surge (dynamic) pricing.

What is surge pricing

Surge pricing is used by app-based private hire services. App prices can rise when demand is high, for example at rush hour, after big events or in bad weather.

Imagine you are standing near Manchester Piccadilly station on a Friday evening, when many people want a car at the same time. The app may show a higher price than usual. Surge prices can change quickly, so the price you see a little later may be different.

Metered taxi fares do not surge

Surge pricing applies to app bookings. In London, black cab fares are set by TfL. They do not surge with demand, and the meter shows the maximum you can be charged. Outside London, councils can set the fares for taxis (hackney carriages) in their area.

In London, every black cab must accept contactless card payment at no extra charge.

When are rides cheaper?

App prices change with demand, so there is no guaranteed cheap time. Concerts, football matches and bad weather can all push prices up.

London black cabs work differently, because the tariff depends on the time of day:

  • Tariff 1 (lowest): weekdays, 05:00 to 20:00;
  • Tariff 2: weekdays 20:00 to 22:00, and weekends 05:00 to 22:00;
  • Tariff 3 (highest): every night 22:00 to 05:00, and on public holidays.

How to avoid overpaying

There is no foolproof method, but a few steps can help:

  1. Check again a little later. Surge prices can change quickly, so it can be worth checking again before you book.
  2. Compare different services. Uber, Bolt and FREENOW (for private hire rides) all raise prices when demand is high, but not always at the same time, so comparing apps can help.
  3. Consider a licensed taxi. In London, a metered black cab does not surge, although it costs more at night and at weekends.
  4. Plan your trip in advance. Some apps let you book for a specific time. If you pre-book, check whether the price shown is fixed or an estimate. Upfront app prices can still change if the route, stops or journey time change significantly.

What tourists should consider

If you arrive at Heathrow late and app prices look high, you have other options:

  • Heathrow Express runs to London Paddington every 15 minutes until about midnight (last train from Heathrow Central around 00:04). The Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line are other options.
  • A black cab from the Heathrow rank to central London typically costs £70–£120.
  • Check fares in advance, and only use the official taxi rank or a car you have booked. Never accept a lift from a driver who approaches you.

The difference between services

Uber, Bolt and FREENOW all use dynamic pricing, but their prices do not always rise at the same moment. Keeping more than one app on your phone makes it quick to compare before you book.

A brief summary

Surge pricing applies to app bookings and can change quickly. Compare apps, check again a little later, and check whether a pre-booked price is fixed or an estimate. In London, a metered black cab does not surge, but it costs more in the evening, at night and at weekends.

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