DEMAND MOVES SOUTH OF THE RIVER: Greenwich tops London leisure travel growth as taxi and PHV demand shifts south east
- Perry Richardson
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Freenow by Lyft data shows Greenwich recorded the strongest year-on-year increase in taxi and private hire trips, while Shoreditch continued to attract high passenger volumes.
The mobility platform said taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) trips to and from Greenwich increased by 27% during the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. The figures suggest more passengers are travelling beyond London’s traditional entertainment districts in favour of emerging social and hospitality hotspots across South East London.
While Greenwich recorded the strongest growth, Shoreditch remained one of the capital’s busiest destinations, posting a further 12% increase in trip volumes. The East London district continues to attract visitors despite growing competition from newer leisure areas.
The data also pointed to increasing demand for destinations outside the West End. Peckham recorded a 13% rise in journeys, while Clapton saw trips increase by 12%. Nearby Deptford also continued its upward trend, registering growth of more than 7%.
More established visitor destinations continued to perform steadily. Notting Hill recorded a 6% increase in journeys, Covent Garden grew by 5%, and the South Bank saw a 3% rise, indicating that central London continues to generate strong passenger demand alongside emerging neighbourhoods.
According to Freenow by Lyft, the figures are based on taxi and private hire journeys made between January and June 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. The data reflects changing consumer habits as London’s food, drink and entertainment scene becomes more geographically diverse.
Danny O’Gorman, UK General Manager at Freenow by Lyft, said: “London’s social scene is so dynamic. The thousands of taxi and private hire trips map out where in the city’s people are moving. While traditional locations like Shoreditch and Covent Garden continue to draw crowds, we are seeing a surge into neighbourhoods like Greenwich, Peckham, and Clapton as Londoners explore new night time venues, restaurants or bars.”
He added: “Whether you’re heading to a rooftop bar in Peckham, checking out the markets in Greenwich, or catching a flight to Heathrow, our drivers are ready to get you there safely and efficiently.”
