If you’ve ever split a cab fare with a friend, you already know the benefit of sharing a ride. But in the UK, where transport costs can stack up quickly, knowing the right hacks can make your taxi trips even cheaper and more convenient. Whether you’re heading home after a night out or catching a train, here are some clever tips to help two passengers save money when travelling together by taxi.

Use Fare-Splitting Apps

Many ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt now offer fare-splitting features. Simply invite your travel partner to split the fare before the journey starts. It’s automatically calculated, so no awkward maths or IOUs at the end. Just make sure both of you have the app downloaded and your payment methods set up.

Book a Private Hire in Advance

Pre-booking a private hire taxi (rather than hailing one on the spot) is often cheaper, especially during busy hours. Services like Addison Lee or local minicab firms usually offer flat rates, so you won’t get caught out by traffic or detours. If you and your mate know your plans in advance, booking early can save both time and money.

Use Multi-Stop Options

Apps like Uber let you add multiple stops to a trip. So if you and your friend are heading to different places, set your drop-off points in the app beforehand. This way, you’ll avoid the cost of two separate taxis, and the route can be optimised for time and fare.

Share with Strangers (Safely!)

In some cities, ride-pooling or ride-share options are back in action. While they might temporarily be paused in some areas due to regulations or safety concerns, keep an eye out for services like UberPool or Bolt’s ride-share features. These allow you to split a cab with other passengers going in the same direction for a much lower fare.

Check for Promo Codes

Before booking, do a quick search for promo codes or referral discounts. New users often get discounts on their first ride, and you can refer your friend to score extra credit. Keep an eye on social media or your email for limited-time offers from ride-hailing apps.

Avoid Peak Times When Possible

Taxi fares can surge during peak hours (rush hour, rainy evenings, Friday nights, etc.). If you can, delay your trip slightly to avoid these windows. Sharing a cab outside of surge pricing can save both of you a good chunk of change.

Know Your Local Rates

Traditional black cabs use meters with set tariffs. If you’re hopping in one, it’s worth knowing the base fare and cost per mile. Some areas even have online fare calculators. For short trips, a black cab might be cheaper, especially when split between two.

Travelling by taxi in the UK doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you’re not going solo. With some planning, app savvy, and timing, two passengers can significantly cut costs while staying safe and comfortable. So next time you’re heading out together, remember: sharing isn’t just caring, it’s also cheaper.