Sometimes you want to get from A to B pronto, or simply step from cab to curb to protect your new suede shoes and a fresh blow-dry.
Fortunately for those in London, there have never been more car apps to make sure you get where you need to go, ASAP.
Here are five of the best car companies you need to know to get around London on a budget:
1) Bolt
Launched in 2019, Bolt has some of the lowest cab fares in London.
It's also speedy with over 35,000 registered drivers, and great for those conscious of their carbon footprint as all Bolt rides in Europe are 100 per cent carbon-neutral.
How do I use it?
Download the app which works on all Android and Apple smartphones here.
How much does it cost?
Rides start with a base fee of £2.50, and an additional £1.25 per mile and £0.15 per minute.
Bolt often offers promotions and discount codes to those who refer friends to the app (refer someone and you get another £8 for you and them).
2) Kapten
This European company is the latest cab app to launch in London, so you might have to wait a little longer for a ride (it was estimated to have 20,000 drivers in the city, relative to Uber's 40,000, and 900,000 customers on its app in November 2019).
Kapten is worth the wait though, as it claims its fares are up to 20 per cent cheaper than its competitors.
How do I use it?
Download the app which works on all Android and Apple smartphones here.
How much does it cost?
Prices start at £5, with no cancellation fee. Trips in the congestion charge zone are at least £2 cheaper than Uber. It also offers a loyalty service that allows you to accumulate points and earn discounts.
3) Wheely
Consider Wheely the fashion editor's app of choice, used as a go-to for many glossy magazine teams during London Fashion Week.
This professional chauffeured service comes with five star treatment: drivers offer everything from mineral water to mints, and open doors for you. You can also book multiple rides at once for yourself and other people.
How do I use it?
Download the app which works on all Android and Apple smartphones here.
How much does it cost?
The Executive service starts with a base fee of £5, plus £1.60 per mile and £0.40 per minute.
4) Kabbee
Kabbee operates more like a price-comparison app showing you the cost of rides with multiple cab services, allowing you to choose (it compares over 50 companies in London).
This is the best app for those planning trips to London's many airports, with fixed rates rather than variable rates offered by apps like Uber.
How do I use it?
Download the app which works on all Android and Apple smartphones here.
How much does it cost?
Prices depend on the service you select.
When it comes to journeys to the airport, Kabbee claims to be up to 28 per cent cheaper than Uber. There's also no surge charge at peak-times.
5) Green Tomato Cars
This is London's leading eco-friendly car service as London’s first and largest companies operating with hybrid cars. As well as driving the greenest vehicles, it double offsets its emissions. The company also commits to supporting various charities each year.
How do I use it?
Download the app which works on all Android and Apple smartphones here. You can also book via the website.
How much does it cost?
Prices depend on the service you select.
When it comes to journeys to the airport, Kabbee claims to be up to 28 per cent cheaper than Uber. There's also no surge charge at peak-times.
The Best Street Style From London Fashion Week AW24
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. SIGN UP
