Short answer: you will need a different app. When Lyft completed its purchase of FREENOW on 31 July 2025, it said the Lyft app now prompts riders to download FREENOW when opened in FREENOW's European cities, and that the two networks would let riders roam on each other's apps "over time". We haven't seen that roaming confirmed for London, so check the app before you rely on it.
If you are used to opening Lyft at home, that is the practical answer. This guide covers what actually changed, which UK apps work in a similar way, and when a pre-booked minicab is the easier choice for a visitor.
What happened between Lyft and FreeNow
Lyft's own announcement of the FREENOW deal, dated 31 July 2025, says three things that matter to a visitor:
- Lyft now owns FREENOW, a ride app that runs in 180 cities across nine European countries.
- The FREENOW managers who run each country, including the United Kingdom, keep leading local operations.
- Opening the Lyft app in one of those cities prompts you to download FREENOW, and roaming between the two networks is planned for later.
That is the position as of Lyft's announcement. App features change, so treat anything beyond it as something to check in the app on the day, not something this page can promise.
The UK apps people compare to Lyft
Three apps cover most on-demand rides in London: FreeNow, Uber and Bolt. You open the app close to when you want to travel, it shows nearby drivers, and the price is typically confirmed just before you accept. Like most ride apps, that price can move with demand, as our surge pricing guide explains.
FreeNow is the one that shares an owner with Lyft. Uber and Bolt work in a very similar way, so which feels easiest is mostly a matter of taste and what is available near you. Our Uber, Bolt and FreeNow comparison sets out how they differ on coverage and booking ahead.
What is different in London
Two things surprise most visitors:
- There are two kinds of licensed vehicle. Black cabs can be hailed in the street or taken from a rank. A minicab, also called a private hire vehicle, has to be booked in advance through a licensed operator and cannot be hailed. Our black cab vs minicab guide explains the difference.
- Tipping is not expected. Rounding the fare up is the usual custom, as our tipping guide sets out.
You also need mobile data or Wi-Fi to use any of the apps, which is easy to forget on arrival with a foreign SIM.
When a pre-booked minicab suits a visitor better
Apps are built for "I need a car now". The first ride of a trip is usually the opposite: you know your landing time, you have luggage, and you would rather not hunt for a pickup point in an unfamiliar arrivals hall.
A pre-booked minicab covers that. Your fare is estimated when you book and confirmed by us when we accept the booking, and the driver is arranged before you land. For an airport arrival, give the flight number so the pickup follows your actual landing time. Our guide to booking an airport minicab in advance covers how far ahead to book, and the Heathrow minicab guide covers terminals and pickups. Arriving by Eurostar instead? See the St Pancras minicab guide.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Does Lyft work in London? A: Lyft's July 2025 announcement says that opening the Lyft app in FREENOW's European cities prompts you to download FREENOW, and that roaming between the two networks is planned over time. Check the app on arrival, and have FreeNow, Uber or Bolt ready as a backup.
Q: What is the equivalent of Lyft in the UK? A: FreeNow is the closest match in ownership, because Lyft bought it in 2025. Uber and Bolt also work in London in a similar way, so the choice is mostly about which has a driver nearby.
Q: Which UK ride-hailing app is most similar to Lyft? A: All three main UK apps follow the same pattern: request a ride, see the price, and track the driver. FreeNow is the one owned by Lyft. Uber and Bolt are used in much the same way.
Q: Can I use my Lyft account in the UK? A: Lyft has said account roaming with FREENOW would come over time, but we haven't seen it confirmed for London. Download FreeNow, or check Lyft's current help pages before you travel.
Q: How do I book a car in London if I'm used to Lyft? A: For a ride right now, use an app. For a planned journey such as an airport arrival, pre-book a licensed minicab so the driver and an estimated fare are arranged before you land.
Landing soon? Get a fare estimate for your journey and add your flight number so your pickup follows your landing time.