London, Ontario, affectionately known as the Forest City, has grown into one of Canada’s most dynamic mid-sized urban centres. With a population exceeding 400,000, London serves as a hub for education, healthcare, manufacturing, and tech. As the city continues to grow and urbanize, the need for accessible, affordable, and efficient transportation has increased—enter Uber. Since its introduction to London, Uber has significantly transformed how residents and visitors navigate the city. This blog provides a detailed, guide to everything you need to know about using Uber in London, Ontario—from availability and cost to safety and support.
Is Uber Available in London, Ontario?
Yes, Uber is fully operational in London, Ontario. Uber officially launched in the city in 2017, filling a much-needed gap in the transportation network. It serves all major areas, including downtown London, Old East Village, Masonville, Wortley Village, and Hyde Park. Uber also operates from key transit hubs such as VIA Rail stations and London International Airport (YXU).
Uber’s availability in London is 24/7, although wait times may vary depending on the time of day and location. During peak hours, such as weekend nights and morning commutes, the demand may lead to surge pricing and slightly longer wait times.
How to Book an Uber in London
Booking an Uber in London is a straightforward process, whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned rider.
Step-by-Step Using the Uber App
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Download the App: Available on both Android and iOS.
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Create an Account: Register with a valid email, phone number, and payment method.
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Enter Pickup Location: Use GPS or type your address.
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Enter Destination: Input your drop-off location.
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Choose Ride Type: Options include UberX, Comfort, UberXL, and Reserve.
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Confirm Booking: Check estimated fare and ETA.
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Track Your Ride: See your driver’s live location and arrival time.
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Ride and Rate: After drop-off, rate your experience and tip if desired.
Booking via Web
For those without access to the app, Uber allows rides to be booked through m.uber.com. Login is required, and the process mirrors that of the mobile app.
Scheduling a Ride (Uber Reserve)
Uber Reserve allows users to schedule rides 30 to 90 days in advance. This is ideal for early morning airport trips or appointments that require punctuality.
Uber Ride Options in London
Uber offers various ride options in London to suit different needs:
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UberX: The standard and most affordable option for up to 4 passengers.
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UberXL: For groups of up to 6 passengers or extra luggage space.
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Comfort: Newer, more spacious vehicles with top-rated drivers.
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Reserve: Pre-scheduled rides with pickup guarantees.
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Uber Green (if available): Eco-friendly hybrid or electric vehicles.
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Uber Pet (select availability): Allows small pets to travel with you.
Uber Pricing in London
Uber's pricing is transparent and includes base fare, distance, and time components. Here's an estimate breakdown for UberX in London:
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Base fare: CA$2.50
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Booking fee: CA$3.35
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Cost per kilometre: CA$0.90
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Cost per minute: CA$0.15
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Minimum fare: CA$5.85
Fare Examples:
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Downtown to Masonville Mall: ~CA$12–15
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Downtown to Western University: ~CA$10–13
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London Airport to Downtown: ~CA$24
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London to Kitchener: ~CA$164
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London to Toronto: ~CA$301
Prices can fluctuate due to surge pricing during peak hours, special events, or bad weather.
Uber at London International Airport (YXU)
London International Airport (YXU) is served by Uber for both pickups and drop-offs. The pickup area is clearly marked in front of the arrivals terminal.
To book a ride from YXU:
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Open the Uber app
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Confirm your pickup at the terminal
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Choose your ride type
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Wait in the designated rideshare pickup zone
Estimated fare to downtown London: CA$24–30, depending on time and demand.
Uber vs Local Taxis in London
London has several local taxi companies:
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Checker Limousine
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Yellow Taxi
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U-Need-A Cab
Comparison Table
Feature | Uber | Local Taxis |
---|---|---|
Pricing | Dynamic/flexible | Metered/fixed |
App Booking | Yes | Yes (some apps) |
Cash Option | No | Yes |
Wait Times | Shorter (usually) | Varies |
Safety Rating | App-based | Varies |
Reddit users in r/londonontario often praise Uber for convenience, while others prefer Checker or U-Need-A for reliability.
Is Uber Safe in London?
Uber incorporates multiple safety features:
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Driver background checks
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Real-time GPS tracking
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Share My Trip feature
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In-app emergency assistance
Safety Tips:
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Confirm driver and license plate before entering
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Share your ride with friends/family
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Sit in the back seat
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Report suspicious behavior via the app
Becoming an Uber Driver in London
To drive with Uber in London:
Requirements:
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Age 21+
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Valid Ontario G driver’s license
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Vehicle insurance and registration
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Background check
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Vehicle inspection (Uber-approved mechanic)
Vehicle must:
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Be 10 years old or newer
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Have 4 doors
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Be clean and undamaged
Uber Greenlight Hub in London
The main in-person support office for Uber drivers:
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Location: 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd, London, ON
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Services: Application support, document verification, vehicle inspections
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Booking: Call 1-800-593-7069 or use the Driver app to make an appointment
Contacting Uber in London
For Riders:
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Help via App: Profile > Help > Trip Issues
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Web Help: help.uber.com
For Drivers:
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24/7 Support Line: 1-800-593-7069
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Emergency Line (Safety Issues): 1-800-285-6172
Note: Uber does not offer general customer support phone lines for riders in Canada.
Uber Promotions and Discounts
Uber frequently offers:
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Promo codes for first-time riders
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Discounts during holidays or local events
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Student promotions through partnerships with local colleges
To find promos:
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Tap Promotions in the Uber app
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Check with student groups or local event pages
Challenges Uber Faces in London
In 2024–2025, Uber filed a lawsuit against the City of London over increasing per-trip municipal fees (now CA$0.50 per ride). Uber argues these fees are excessive and reduce driver earnings while increasing customer prices.
Other challenges:
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Competition from LTC (London Transit Commission)
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Tension with legacy taxi services
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Regulatory oversight from the city
Alternatives to Uber in London
If Uber isn’t available or practical, consider:
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LTC (London Transit): Budget-friendly buses with extensive routes
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Taxis: Yellow Taxi, Checker, U-Need-A
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Car rentals: Enterprise, Discount, or peer-to-peer apps like Turo
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Carpooling: Poparide for out-of-town trips
Conclusion
Uber has become an integral part of London, Ontario’s transportation network. Whether you're heading to Western University, catching a flight from YXU, or commuting to work, Uber offers a flexible and convenient alternative to traditional transit. With a variety of ride types, fair pricing, safety features, and wide coverage, Uber continues to redefine mobility in the Forest City. For riders and drivers alike, understanding the full scope of Uber’s services in London is key to getting the most out of every trip.
Stay informed, ride smart, and enjoy the journey.
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