Uber Black is Uber’s flagship premium service, a smoother, more refined version of ride-hailing designed for people who expect more than just a lift.
Formerly known as Uber Lux, Uber Black blends the professionalism of a chauffeur with the flexibility of Uber, offering both drivers and passengers a higher standard of comfort, service and earnings potential.
Whether you’re thinking about driving Uber Black or simply want to know what makes it different, here’s your complete guide for 2025.
What Is Uber Black and How Does It Work?
Uber Black is Uber’s premium tier, offering executive vehicles and drivers who meet elevated quality standards. You choose Black (or Exec in some areas) in the app, see driver and vehicle details, and enjoy a more polished ride experience.
Every car must meet Uber’s vehicle criteria for premium tiers, and drivers must maintain high ratings and professionalism. You can see the criteria on Uber’s “Vehicle Requirements” page. [1]
How Much Does Uber Black Cost in the UK?
Uber Black fares are significantly higher than standard options — often two to three times as much, depending on city, demand, and distance. That’s because you're paying not just for the ride, but for superior cars, professionalism, and service level.
Riders in central London can expect short trips to cost £25–£40, with longer airport or cross-city rides sometimes reaching £60–£120, depending on surge and distance.
If you want to compare how driver earnings across Uber tiers work, check out our article on how much Uber drivers make in the UK.
How Do You Qualify as an Uber Black Driver?
To drive for Uber Black, you need more than just a regular car. Requirements typically include:
- A valid Private Hire Driver Licence for your area
- A premium vehicle in excellent condition
- A high driver rating (often ≥ 4.85)
- Commercial Hire & Reward insurance
All cars must pass Uber’s inspection standards. You can explore eligible vehicle lists in Uber’s “Eligible Vehicles” tool. [2]
For local licensing, in London you must have the correct PHV licence — you can see how to apply via TfL’s Private Hire Driver Licence page. [3]
How Much Can Uber Black Drivers Earn?
Because fares are higher, the revenue potential is better than standard Uber rides. In busy periods in London, Black drivers may gross £45–£60 per hour, with quieter periods closer to £25–£35. After costs (fuel, insurance, maintenance, idle time), net earnings often settle around £20–£28 per hour.
Note: some recent studies report that Uber’s algorithm changes have squeezed driver margins. [4]
Is Uber Black Worth It for Drivers?
It can be — but it’s a more demanding path.
You need to manage higher costs, keep your vehicle in top shape, and maintain strong ratings. Many Black drivers treat it like running a chauffeur service, optimizing routes, leveraging peak demand, and turning superior service into repeat bookings.
Why Choose Uber Black as a Passenger?
With Uber Black, you get peace of mind: cleaner interiors, discreet drivers, and elevated comfort. It’s ideal for business trips, airport transfers, or times when reliability matters most.
Some riders also take advantage of Black Hourly / Exec Hourly booking — you hire the vehicle by the hour with multiple stops allowed. That added flexibility can make Black more cost-effective for longer multi-stop trips.
The Bottom Line
Uber Black defines premium ride-hailing in the UK. For riders, it’s a cleaner, more reliable way to travel. For drivers, it offers higher income potential — but only if you master the balance of cost, service, and demand.
If you’re considering going premium, also check out our post on how much private hire / taxi insurance costs in the UK — insurance is one of your biggest ongoing expenses in the premium game.
References
Uber UK Vehicle Requirements — “Vehicle Requirements” page for Uber Black and premium tiers: https://help.uber.com/en-GB/driving-and-delivering/article/vehicle-requirements [help.uber.com]
Uber Eligible Vehicles tool — see which cars qualify for premium service: https://www.uber.com/gb/en/eligible-vehicles/
TfL Private Hire Driver Licence (London) — how to apply: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/private-hire-driver-licence
Study on algorithmic effects on driver income — Guardian report on Uber drivers’ earnings declines: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jun/19/uk-uber-drivers-earning-less-an-hour-dynamic-pricing-research
