I'll be in London for a few days with my daughter before the start of our tour (in June). What experience do others have of using Uber or taxis or other rideshares to go short distances within the city?
I know we will try the Underground but I like to also use a taxi ride as part of sight seeing. I also get really disoriented underground and with tube maps.
I also have the same question for Glasgow about rideshares and taxis.
thoughts?
thank you!!
We used Uber in London this past April. It worked fine. The tube is really easy to figure out. The signage is very clear. It would be pretty difficult to get lost, really.
Thanks! I'm really good at getting lost so appreciate that it is well signed!
Not only is signage good, it’s also in English :)
The tube is super easy and often faster than a car. If I'm London for work, I do sometimes use Uber or a taxi. Aside from Uber, I use FreeNow for taxi bookings, although in central London they're usually easy to hail.
if seeing what's around you is what you want use the network of buses. Most, virtually all in the centre, are double deckers and nothing beats the view from the front seat upstairs, looking out picture windows and great views all around, and you are so high you see over trucks and walls, rather than down at street level in a taxi or awful uber.
And buses are frequent, follow an established route so you can follow where you are on Citymapper or other apps, so you don't get lost.
And they are the cheapest way by far. What's not to like?
Download the Citymapper app. It is by far the best for directions to anywhere with details for walking, public transit, etc. Live timing as well.
Taxis, Uber, The Underground and Buses are all plentiful and easy to use in London.
Glasgow also has taxis and buses. I've never used Uber there so I can't comment on it.
Have you thought about downloading a compass app to your phone?
Also, don't underestimate walking as a way to go short distances.
I find the maps app on my iPhone works really well in London on the public transport setting, and I agree that buses can be a great way of getting around.
That said, Uber is easy within London and also you could just hail a black cab on the street (more expensive but sometimes if you’re tired it’s just so easy).
Not sure about Glasgow. I’ve mostly used buses, underground and walking around the city.
Anther useful tool for public transport (not uber) is transport for London:
We used combination of everything in London. Used taxi when arrived at train station just because we were tired and it was easy and the taxi ranks are well regulated so you know you are not getting into an unlicensed taxi. The tube I found was super easy and if you are not sure just ask someone for help. Don't ask.someone with a.suitcase.though as they are.probably a tourist too. Buses were great as well. You will have no problems at all. Relax.and enjoy.
