The ride-hailing market in the UK is buzzing with innovation and options. While Uber remains a dominant player, many users and drivers are exploring alternatives that offer better pricing, customer service, or ethical standards. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, or Birmingham, there’s more than one way to catch a ride in 2025.
1. Bolt
Bolt has quickly become one of the most popular Uber alternatives in the UK, especially in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Known for its competitive pricing, Bolt charges lower commissions to drivers, which often results in cheaper fares for passengers. The app is user-friendly, and you can expect a smooth ride experience with features like estimated arrival times and ride ratings. Bolt also offers e-scooters in some cities, adding an eco-friendly transport option. Its balance of affordability and efficiency makes it a favorite for everyday rides.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
Available In: London, Birmingham, Manchester, and more
Pros:
- Lower fares than Uber
- Ethical commission model (15% vs. Uber’s 25%)
- Easy-to-use app with a clean interface
- Offers e-scooters in select cities
Why Use Bolt: It’s a budget-friendly, driver-friendly option with a growing footprint across the UK.
2. FREE NOW (formerly mytaxi)
FREE NOW, formerly known as mytaxi, blends traditional black cab service with modern ride-hailing convenience. Available in multiple UK cities such as London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, the app connects users with licensed black cab drivers, ensuring professionalism and safety. One standout feature is the ability to book black cabs or private hire vehicles, giving riders more flexibility. With accurate tracking, in-app payments, and tipping options, FREE NOW is ideal for users who prefer a traditional taxi experience via a reliable app interface.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Available In: Major cities across the UK including London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow
Pros:
- Wide range of vehicles (black cabs, private hire)
- Licensed taxi drivers
- Real-time tracking
- In-app tipping
Why Use FREE NOW: Perfect if you want the reliability of black cabs with the convenience of an app.
3. Gett
Gett focuses on providing high-quality, fixed-price taxi services, primarily in London. Unlike Uber, Gett eliminates surge pricing, offering passengers greater transparency and consistency. The app partners with licensed black cab drivers, ensuring excellent local knowledge and professionalism. Gett is also heavily used in the corporate sector thanks to its integration with business travel tools. If you want dependable transport with no pricing surprises, especially for business travel, Gett is a great option.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Available In: London & several international cities
Pros:
- Fixed pricing (no surge pricing)
- Professional black cab drivers
- Integration with business travel accounts
Why Use Gett: A smart option for business users or those who value pricing transparency.
4. Ola
Ola has made a strong impression in cities like Cardiff, Liverpool, and Birmingham. The app offers both private hire vehicles and black cabs, giving users the flexibility to choose based on preference and budget. Ola is known for competitive pricing, along with real-time driver ratings and live tracking. The platform also focuses on rider safety, often conducting rigorous background checks on its drivers. For those living outside of London looking for a trusted ride, Ola is a solid choice.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Available In: Cardiff, Bristol, Liverpool, Birmingham
Pros:
- Choice between private hire vehicles or black cabs
- Real-time driver ratings
- Competitive pricing
Why Use Ola: Great for users outside London looking for a reliable alternative.
5. Addison Lee
Addison Lee stands out from the crowd with its premium service and professional fleet. Primarily available in London and surrounding areas, it caters to both individual and business-class travelers. The app offers executive cars, courier services, and airport transfers, all with highly trained drivers. Addison Lee also allows advanced bookings, making it a top choice for those who want to plan trips ahead of time. If comfort and professionalism are your top priorities, Addison Lee delivers every time.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Available In: London, Heathrow, and select areas
Pros:
- Premium vehicles and professional drivers
- Corporate accounts
- In-app and phone bookings
- Airport transfer specialist
Why Use Addison Lee: Ideal for business-class riders or premium travel.
6. Lyft (Expected Launch 2025)
Lyft, one of Uber’s biggest competitors in the U.S., is finally set to launch in the UK by late 2025. Although not yet operational, anticipation is high due to its competitive pricing, transparent business model, and community-driven approach. Lyft is expected to offer multiple ride options — from shared rides to luxury vehicles — and may bring innovations in safety features and customer service. Keep an eye on this one if you’re in London or major UK cities; it could shake up the market significantly.
Rating: N/A (Coming soon in UK)
Available In: Expected launch in London, Q3 2025
Pros:
- Competitive pricing (based on US model)
- Community-focused service
- Strong US reputation
Why Use Lyft: If they enter the market successfully, Lyft could be Uber’s biggest competitor.
7. ViaVan
Via offers a unique shared ride experience that focuses on smart routing and affordability. Operating in London, Via connects riders heading in the same direction to minimize both wait times and costs. It’s an ideal solution for commuters who don’t mind sharing their ride and want to reduce their environmental impact. The service is optimized for cost-efficiency, with an easy-to-use app and clear pick-up/drop-off instructions. If you’re into sustainability and saving money, Via is worth a try.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Available In: London (on-demand shared rides)
Pros:
- Affordable shared ride options
- Eco-friendly travel
- Smart routing to reduce wait times
Why Use Via: Great for budget-conscious commuters looking to share their ride.
8. Wheely
Wheely is all about luxury. Available exclusively in London, this app connects users with chauffeur-driven, high-end vehicles. The focus is on privacy, comfort, and elite service. Wheely drivers wear suits, open doors, and maintain high professional standards — perfect for those who want a limousine-style experience. While it comes at a premium price, the app is perfect for business professionals, special occasions, or anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Available In: London only
Pros:
- Luxury rides with professional chauffeurs
- Focus on privacy and comfort
- Premium service experience
Why Use Wheely: For luxury rides with impeccable service and discretion.
9. Hailo (merged with mytaxi to become FREE NOW)
Hailo was once one of the UK’s favorite taxi apps before merging with mytaxi and eventually rebranding as FREE NOW. While the Hailo name is no longer used, many long-time users still refer to it out of habit. The legacy of Hailo lives on through FREE NOW, which continues to offer high-quality black cab services with the added convenience of app-based booking, real-time tracking, and contactless payments.
Note: Now part of FREE NOW, but still worth mentioning as many users search for Hailo.
10. Blacklane
Blacklane offers premium, pre-booked chauffeur services in London and many other international cities. It’s perfect for airport transfers, business meetings, or any situation where timing and presentation are crucial. Rides come with a fixed price, professional drivers, and complimentary wait time. Blacklane is known for its punctuality, excellent customer service, and a premium feel that caters to business travelers and high-end users. If you value reliability and luxury, this is your go-to app.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
Available In: London and globally
Pros:
- Pre-booked rides with fixed prices
- Chauffeur-level experience
- Airport pickups with wait time included
Why Use Blacklane: Perfect for airport transfers or premium bookings with no surprises.
Why Choose Codebrit to Build an App Like Uber
If you’re inspired by these Uber alternatives and thinking about building your own ride-hailing app in the UK or globally, Codebrit is the best Mobile app development partner you need. With a team of experienced developers, UI/UX designers, and mobility experts, Codebrit specializes in creating scalable, user-friendly, and feature-rich mobile applications tailored to your business goals. Whether it’s real-time GPS tracking, driver/rider matching, in-app payments, or admin dashboards — Codebrit delivers end-to-end solutions with unmatched precision and creativity. Explore their proven track record and successful projects by visiting their portfolio.
Final Thoughts
The UK’s ride-hailing scene in 2025 offers more variety than ever before. Whether you’re looking to save money, book a luxury ride, or support platforms that treat their drivers more fairly, there’s something for everyone. Uber might still be the biggest name, but these 10 Uber alternatives are proving that great service comes in many forms.
Summary Table
| App | Rating | Key Feature | Best For |
| Bolt | 4.6 | Low fares, ethical commission | Everyday rides |
| FREE NOW | 4.5 | Black cabs & private hires | Traditional taxi feel |
| Gett | 4.3 | Fixed pricing | Business users |
| Ola | 4.2 | Affordable & available | Non-London riders |
| Addison Lee | 4.5 | Premium vehicles | Business & airport rides |
| Lyft | Coming | Competitive, community-based | Potential new market leader |
| Via | 4.1 | Shared rides | Budget commuters |
| Wheely | 4.7 | Luxury chauffeur service | Premium travelers |
| Hailo | Merged | Now FREE NOW | – |
| Blacklane | 4.6 | Pre-booked luxury rides | Airport transfers |
FAQS
1. What are the best Uber alternatives in the UK for budget-friendly rides?
For budget-conscious riders, Bolt and Ola are among the best Uber alternatives. Both offer competitive pricing and are great options for everyday travel. Bolt, in particular, is known for its lower fares, while Ola often provides great deals for riders outside London.
2. Are these ride-hailing apps safe to use in the UK?
Yes, all the alternatives listed in this blog (such as FREE NOW, Gett, and Blacklane) operate with strict safety measures. These include background checks for drivers, real-time tracking, and driver ratings. Always ensure that you use apps that employ these protocols for a safer travel experience.
3. Can I book a ride in advance with these Uber alternatives?
Yes, many of these services, including Addison Lee, Gett, and Blacklane, allow you to pre-book your ride, particularly for business meetings, airport transfers, or special occasions. This is a convenient option for ensuring your transportation is ready when you need it.
4. Do these apps charge surge pricing like Uber?
Some of the listed alternatives, like Gett and Blacklane, avoid surge pricing by offering fixed fares. However, apps like Bolt and Ola may still have surge pricing during high-demand times, but it’s typically more transparent than Uber’s model.
5. How do I choose the best app for my needs?
To choose the best ride-hailing app, consider your priorities. If you’re looking for affordable travel, Bolt or Ola might be your best option. For luxury services, consider Wheely or Addison Lee. For those who prefer a traditional black cab service, FREE NOW or Gett are solid choices. Always check if the app operates in your city and offers the features that align with your needs.
