Need to use Uber in London tips

[Eggybreadwithnuts]

Getting into London Kings X very late in a couple of weeks and need to get over to the Exel.
Friends suggested getting an Uber, never done before sorry to sound dim but do I simply download the App and put in my location, destination and it brings up nearby ubers with cost and you select one?

Yep, that's the long and short of it.

You will also be asked to link your account with a bank card.

However, you could also get a black cab from outside the station - there’s a really big rank there.

Ubers are getting v hard to get in London at the moment so be prepared for it potentially not working or being as expensive as a black cab anyway

Ah ok wasnt sure if black cabs would be there around 11pm friends saying Uber much cheaper.

Black cab if you want the historic "experience" a cabbie that knows the roads and can chat a bit.
Uber if you are price conscious. must admit the app is fab and i absolutely love following the cab's arrival and the messages but most have a very limited knowledge of the english language, fully rely on google maps.

Uber isn’t necessarily much cheaper these days. Even if there are no black cabs in the rank outside Kings Cross, the station is on a major road, so there will be plenty to hail.

You be can now request a black can via the Uber app in London!

If it’s only 11 I’d get the tube. Much safer than being alone in a car with an unknown man.

I've used hundreds of Ubers and have never had a driver who couldn't speak English. Yes, quite a few have English as an additional language but all that I've had spoke English fluently or very well. I don't see why it's an issue that they use Google Maps. They've always got me where I need to get to at a much cheaper price than a black cab.

🙄

@Adultautismdiagnosis I did say limited english not no english.
google maps is a problem when road works and accidents quickly crop up and alternative routes needs to be sorted.

Waze isn't which lots of them use

If it’s only 11pm and you don’t have lots of luggage, I’d just get the Elizabeth line over to Excel (get off at Custom House). One stop on the tube (or Thameslink) from Kings Cross to Farringdon then change to the Elizabeth line. Quicker and cheaper than an Uber/cab.

There will be 2 of us and one overnight bag. I did have a quick look at uber tonight and showing about £30. 40 mins

Ah right hadnt realised Elizabeth libe will be running still. Might do that. But just want to get to hotel asap

Driving is 45+ mins at this time of night, longer depending on the exact route/traffic. It’s impossible to get there any faster (regardless of traffic or not) due to the vast amount of traffic lights as well as many 20mph max zones in central/inner London. You’re almost as far as Canary Wharf before the limit increases above 20mph.

Whereas Thameslink (to Farringdon) then Elizabeth line, including connection time is 35+ mins.

Personally I would get an Uber/black cab just because it will be door to door and I am guessing you will have already been travelling that evening.

With uber you know what you’re paying upfront where as black cabs tend to be quite pricey

I live in London and don't use Uber often, I prefer public transport or take a black cab

In your position, OP, I would 100% be using a black cab, and not faffing around with Uber.

Also as I said it's ages since I last took an uber, I think it was over a year ago but the more regularly you use it, the higher your uber rating so mine is not particularly great so when I have tried to use them they show as being nearby then cancel on me.