UB
Ride-Hailing · PHV

Uber

World's largest ride-hailing app — UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Green (EV), Uber Pet, Uber XL, Uber Lux. Fully licensed by TfL as a Private Hire Vehicle operator.

Regulatory note: All ride-hailing in London — Uber, Bolt, FREE NOW, Wheely, Addison Lee, Gett — requires the operator and every driver to hold a Transport for London Private Hire Vehicle licence. Always book through the official app; never accept a kerbside hail from a PHV (only black cabs may be hailed).

Key facts

Operator
Uber Britannia Ltd
TfL Licence
Active PHV operator (5-year licence renewed Mar 2025)
Service tiers
UberX, Comfort, Green, Pet, XL, Lux, Black
Coverage
All 33 London boroughs + Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton
Payment
In-app card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Uber Cash
Average wait
2–5 min in Zones 1–3
App
Uber — Request a ride
Founded London
June 2012

FAQs

Is Uber legal in London?

Yes. Uber Britannia Ltd holds an active TfL Private Hire Vehicle operator licence — renewed for five years in March 2025 — after a high-profile court fight from 2017–2022. All drivers are TfL-licensed and DBS-checked.

How much does Uber cost in London?

A typical UberX in central London (Zones 1–2, 3–5 km) costs £8–£15. Airport runs from Heathrow to central London are £45–£70 depending on demand and tier. Surge pricing applies during peak hours, events and bad weather.

Can I get an Uber from Heathrow?

Yes — Uber has a designated pickup at every Heathrow terminal. Open the app, select your terminal and the driver meets you at the official ride-share pickup zone (NOT outside arrivals). T2/T3 use the Short Stay Car Park 3; T4 and T5 have dedicated PHV bays.

What is Uber Green in London?

Uber Green matches you with a fully electric vehicle at the same price as UberX. As of 2026 Uber's London fleet is over 80% electric — part of its commitment to be a fully zero-emission service in London by 2030.

Are Uber drivers employees in the UK?

Yes — since the February 2021 UK Supreme Court ruling, all Uber drivers in the UK are 'workers' entitled to minimum wage, holiday pay and pension contributions while logged into the app.

Other London ride apps