If you are wondering how best to get around London easily, chances are you have considered booking a black cab or Uber. Although both options may seem equally matched in terms of the service provided, there are a few key differences that tourists often don’t know about.
The reality is that selecting between a traditional black cab and an Uber can have a big impact on factors such as where the best area is to stay in London, budget and speed of getting a ride. In this blog, we’ll share insights about both modes of road transport and offer our advice on which transport option provides the best way to get around London.
What Are the Benefits of Travelling by Road in London via a Black Cab or Uber?
With more than 15,000 black cabs and 45,000 Uber drivers, there are certainly a lot of options available for those who wish to navigate London by road. Below we have gathered a few of the main benefits available for tourists who opt for cars to get around the city.
See the Sights
One of the main reasons why travelling by road is popular is because the sights of London can still be seen even when en-route to a different location. These famous London landmarks would be missed when travelling by the underground or on the train which is why some people like to choose a cab or Uber.
This option is also ideal for visitors who are considering booking a walking tour but have run out of time or for anyone who wants to have an outdoorsy trip to London as travelling by road offers the best of both worlds.
Quicker Access to Some Locations
With London being a busy city, it can sometimes take a while to get to chosen locations using some forms of public transport. When travelling via a black cab or Uber, visitors can arrive directly to their chosen location. This means whether the end location is a busy shopping area, a tourist attraction like the London Eye or a popular royal landmark, a speedier journey can be fulfilled.
This is also an ideal mode of transport for anyone planning a short weekend getaway in London, as time can sometimes be limited. Instead of having to rely on other ways of getting around, cabs can be hailed or pre-booked to make for a more organised itinerary. Both options are also ideal when visiting more unique locations that other forms of public transport may not service, such as restaurants or smaller parks.
Avoid the Tube and Buses for Nervous Travellers
The tubes, buses and river boats can be overwhelming for some visitors to London who may not be used to city transport options. Opting for a black cab or Uber ensures that travellers who are anxious about using other forms of transport have a safe option to choose.
Ideal for Business Travellers
Finally, choosing a taxi is perfect for those travelling to London for business as it means it’s easier to get to appointments on time plus navigate the city with extra luggage in tow.
What’s the Difference Between Black Cabs and Ubers?
Before choosing which mode of road travel is best for you, it’s important to understand the differences between black cabs and Uber. Understanding both forms of taxis is an important piece of information for anyone to know before visiting London.
Motor black cabs are the official taxis serving London otherwise known as a Hackney Carriage. The taxis have been in the city since the early 1900s and work by hailing or requesting a journey in advance. They get their names from their traditional black design which has evolved over the years to now include a mixture of colours plus cabs that include advertising messaging.
Uber is a popular company offering request-a-ride services in various countries across the world. Rides can be easily booked through the company’s app, allowing travellers to select the type of journey they require (i.e., shared or alone). London also offers Uber river boats as well as the popular taxis.
Which Is Easier to Hire in London, Black Cabs or Ubers?
Uber offers a simple way to secure a ride, as bookings can be made via the app. However, availability depends on which drivers are close by. This means for anyone looking for a lift in quieter areas or during busy peaks in traffic, journeys can take a bit longer to secure. Black cabs, on the other hand, are always nipping around the city with the yellow roof light being switched on to indicate when a driver is available for a booking. This makes it easier for some people to nip around the city without planning for travel, as hopping in and out of a black cab can be easier in some situations. Black cabs also have an app option available meaning there are more ways to hail one of these taxis.
Are Black Cabs or Ubers More Expensive in London?
Black cabs have a minimum charge of £3.20 and operate via a metered system, which is the same as most other forms of taxis in the UK. This means that the price for a journey relates to the length of time it takes to travel and the distance to the final location. Ubers can offer a more competitive option in some instances, with certain journeys offering special prices for off-peak journeys. However, Uber can also hike the prices for some journeys based on supply and demand, so it’s sometimes best to look for a black cab during busy periods.
Do Black Cabs or Uber Offer the Best Way to Get Around London?
Black cab drivers are tested on their knowledge of the city’s routes in order to obtain a licence, which means they know all of the back roads the city has to offer. This means journeys can sometimes be quicker than Uber drivers who tend to rely on sat navs to get around London. However, this can mean that black cabs don’t sometimes always choose the quickest method of travel as they rely on their knowledge of the city as opposed to navigation systems, which can highlight when delays are likely to lead to longer journeys.
However, all in all, both options are fairly matched in this category.
Can the Crown Group of Hotels Help Manage Travel Plans for Visitors to London?
When choosing which option is better, it really does depend on the personal preference of the traveller.
A black cab is ideal for anyone looking for a more authentic London experience filled by a knowledgeable driver who has insights to share about the city. However, if you are looking for a taxi journey that mimics one that can be experienced in any other country, Uber is ideal. Both options provide similar pricing and journey time, meaning factors such as in-car experience and ease of booking should be the determining factors.
For guests staying in any of our hotels (Great St Helen Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Mabledon Court Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, and Arran House Hotels), our teams are happy to arrange cabs for any journey. This eliminates the need to worry about booking taxis altogether as our concierge staff can take away the stress of planning London travel. Whether you are planning to visit seasonal events, like the Christmas Markets, travel to landmarks, or simply visit friends, we can make getting around London easier.
To book a room at one of our hotels, explore our available rooms and click here to confirm your stay. We also have many special offers available at all times to help travellers save money on their chosen accommodation.
You can also contact us for more information about any of our hotels or the information shared in this blog.
