Best 10 Taxi Booking Apps in the UK You Should Try

Traveling from point A to point B has never been simpler, thanks to the taxi booking apps revolution. In the UK, where tourists and residents alike depend greatly on urban transport, the on-demand taxi apps have revolutionized how people travel. From traditional black cabs to environmentally-friendly travel and chauffeur-driven vehicles, there's an app for every type of commuter.

Though Uber may be the first to spring to mind, the UK is now full of alternatives—some even better suited to indigenous needs. From London, Manchester, Birmingham, or Edinburgh, all these apps are revolutionizing convenience, security, and cost.

With over 68 million inhabitants and a booming tourist economy, the UK is one of Europe's busiest transport systems. Here we discuss the 10 top UK taxi booking apps, both the popular heavyweights and upstart challengers to Uber. From the daily commuter to business traveler to weekend wanderer, there's something on this list for all.

Now let's take a look at the top apps that are changing the way we book taxis online in the UK.

What Makes the "Best UK Taxi App"?

Not all taxi apps are winners. So, what truly characterizes the best taxi booking app in the UK?

User Experience

Simple, intuitive app interface through which users are able to book, track, and pay for rides without unwanted complexities.

Coverage Area

This determines whether the app operates in London alone or offers services in more than one UK city.

Driver Network

A large network of highly-rated drivers ensures prompt pickup and better service.

Pricing & Transparency

Fare estimates, dynamic fare management, and transparency about cancellation fees promote trust among users.

Safety Features

Real-time monitoring, sharing of emergency numbers, and verified drivers are a major contributing factor.

Payment Options

Support for cards, support for mobile wallets, and even cash (in certain regions) being supported is a major positive.

Ride Options

Cost-saving cars, executive rides, etc., with options, the users are more satisfied.

Apps that rate high on all these parameters aren't merely functional—they become a commuter's best travel buddy.

UK's Ride-Hailing: A Mix of Local and Global

The UK ride-hailing space is an interesting mix of international players such as Uber and homegrown champions such as Bolt, Gett, and Free Now. While Uber made the UK familiar with the idea of app-based ride bookings, it is no longer the sole name in town.

Among the major changes in recent years has been the rise of Uber rivals in the UK. Such platforms tend to be accompanied by improved commission terms for drivers, greener options, or region-specific and user-specific services. Ola, for example, introduced a flood of Indian-style ride-hailing on British streets, and Free Now filled the gap between classic taxis and app customers.

Local apps tend to know regulatory landscapes more intimately and provide features such as black cab integration or even pre-booked slots—something international players sometimes don't do.

Surprisingly, the UK government's transport policy has also had an impact here. Tough licensing regulations and city-specific operating regulations mean that each app has to adjust to local variations—something that works in London might not work in Leeds or Glasgow. This localization has driven innovation across platforms.

Top 10 Taxi Booking Apps in the UK

1. Uber

No discussion of taxi booking apps in the UK would be complete without Uber. Even with controversies and regulatory setbacks, Uber continues to be one of the most popular UK online taxi booking apps. It is present in almost all major cities—London to Leeds—and provides various ride types such as UberX, Exec, Comfort, and Green. Passengers enjoy real-time GPS tracking, estimated fares, and convenient digital payment. Uber is also emphasizing greener alternatives with electric and hybrid fleets in congested areas.

2. Bolt

If you’re looking for an Uber alternative in the UK, Bolt is the top contender. Known for its lower fares and better commission rates for drivers, Bolt has seen rapid growth in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. It also provides e-scooters in some cities. With ride types like Bolt Protect (equipped with safety screens) and environmentally conscious options, it has become a user favorite.

3. FREE NOW

FREE NOW (also known as mytaxi) crosses over between classic black cabs and new-age ride-hailing. It allows consumers to book a black cab or private hire car in minutes. Because it is done with licensed taxi drivers, the experience is quick, trustworthy, and open to scrutiny. FREE NOW's USP is that they marry app ease of use with the knowledge of trained London cabbies, making it a top UK taxi app for tourists.

4. Ola

Ola, the Indian taxi behemoth, marked its presence in cities such as Cardiff, London, and Liverpool. It provides private hire and black cab services as well, providing customers with a choice. Ola stands out by emphasizing driver quality and safety, and also uses driver ratings prior to accepting a ride. While its growth has decreased, it remains one of the best Uber-like apps in the UK.

5. Addison Lee

For business and corporate travel, Addison Lee has been the trusted brand for many years. This taxi service app is geared towards London's business community with its uniformed drivers and luxury fleets, and professional chauffeurs. While a bit more expensive, it promises to be punctual, clean cars, and uniformed drivers—the best for airport pickups and business meetings.

6. Gett

Primarily focused on black cab reservations, Gett provides the traditional London taxi experience in an app. It guarantees fixed prices, no surge fares, and expert cabbies. It's particularly favored by business users for pre-booked rides and invoicing capabilities. Gett is well-suited to corporate travel programs and is one of the best taxi apps for formal travelers.

7. Via

Via has a shared mobility model, where it provides ride-pooling as a cheaper and greener way of transportation. It is restricted to certain cities but has been expanding steadily. Its routing algorithm collects passengers traveling in the same direction and thus is a great option for price-sensitive users who are willing to share.

8. Kabbee

Kabbee operates differently from everyone else. It's a price comparison taxi app that brings together quotes from more than 70 licensed London minicab fleets. This means users can choose the best value or quickest cab without leaving their app. For those who desire choice, Kabbee provides a smarter, more tailored experience.

9. London Black Cabs (ComCab/Blacklane)

There are some apps, such as ComCab and Blacklane, which allow you to book official London black cabs or chauffeur services. Though not ride-hailing in the Uber style, they offer luxury and legally sanctioned services. They are particularly useful for those who prefer the old cab model but need app-driven convenience.

10. Namma Yatri (Emerging)

Though originally launched in India, Namma Yatri’s driver-first, zero-commission model is being observed and emulated globally, including pilot initiatives in the UK. It's an emerging alternative focused on empowering drivers with transparent fares and giving users a fair-price, ethical transport option. While it’s still early for its UK presence, its model signals where the industry is headed.

How These Apps Compare: Pricing, Features & Reach?

With such a diverse range of lineups, how do UK taxi booking apps compare with each other?

Let's consider the main comparison points:

As you can see, no single app is for everyone. Bolt is perfect for budget-savvy riders, Addison Lee for business travel, FREE NOW for the real deal, and Gett for riders who prefer regulation and consistency.

Whether you’re a student, tourist, working professional, or eco-conscious rider, the UK ride-hailing market now offers an app perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.

Why Look Beyond Uber?

Uber may have disrupted ride-hailing, but in the UK taxi app market, it is no longer the sole name to be familiar with. Driver discontent with commission levels and regulatory problems has caused many users and drivers to look elsewhere. Furthermore, Uber competitors in the UK tend to provide more favorable pricing, driver policies, and safety features.

Services such as Bolt and Gett offer fixed fares with no extra fees for peak-time usage. FREE NOW grants you access to authorized black cabs with the integration of old-fashioned expertise with new-fangled convenience. Addison Lee and Blacklane specialize in executive transportation—something Uber's upgraded offers haven't yet equaled.

There were 313,000+ licensed taxis & private hire vehicles in England as of April 2024. There’s also a growing emphasis on ethical ride-hailing.

Short and sweet, Uber aside, it's about selecting apps that treat drivers with respect, share your values, and offer customized experiences. Whatever your desire for luxury, affordability, or transparency, the UK market is now teeming with alternatives that get the job done—and do it better.

Build Your Own Taxi App Like Uber

Considering starting your own UK ride-hailing service? Here's why Gojek Clone App's Uber clone is your path to success:

• Ready-to-go solution with complete customization—go live in weeks under your brand
• Multi-language, multi-currency, and both iOS & Android supported
• Pre-integrated with mapping, payments, ratings, driver sign-up, scheduling, and admin panel
• Compliance-ready for UK regulation—simpler licensing & safety compliance
• Dramatically cuts development time and cost compared to a ground-up build

You have a scalable, compliance-ready platform for the UK market—all with feature modules you find in leading apps such as FREE NOW, Bolt, and Gett.

Integrating Exclusive Features for UK Success

To excel in the crowded UK market, layer these capabilities:

• Black Cab Integration – Provide licensed taxi access for private hire and classic cabs
• EV and Sustainability Options – Electric vehicle filters and eco-incentives
• Ride Pooling & Car Sharing – Cost-saving alternatives such as Via for shared rides
• Corporate Tools – Scheduling and invoice billing for business travel (such as utilized by Gett)
• Safety-First Features – In-app SOS buttons, verification of identities, and ride check-ins

By integrating all these, your Uber clone app can be more than a replica—it'll be a robust, localized player optimized for UK riders as well as drivers.

FAQs About Launching a UK Taxi App with Gojek Clone App

How soon can I have a branded taxi app?

The majority of UK-ready Uber clone implementations can go live in 4–6 weeks, covering branding, compliance configuration, and store listings.

Will the app accommodate UK payment schemes?

Yes—your clone accommodates cards (Visa, Mastercard), digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and UK-specific payment schemes, should you require it.

Is the app designed for UK regulations?

Absolutely. Inclusions are driver KYC, collection of license numbers, ride logs, invoices—all to support FCA and TfL compliance.

Can I scale subsequently to include scooters, bikes, and delivery?

Yes—our modular architecture allows you to add new verticals such as e-scooter booking or parcel delivery at any time.

What support do I receive after launch?

We provide 24/7 technical support, patch updates, and version support. You're never alone.