Northerners drive surge in Valentine’s taxi and PHV demand as Veezu reports 172% rise in journeys since 2021
- Perry Richardson
- 10 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Northerners are driving a significant uplift in Valentine’s travel this year, according to new research from Veezu, which reports a 172% increase in Valentine’s journeys across its network since 2021.
The UK taxi and private hire vehicle operator said 59% of adults plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2026, equating to an estimated 30 million people nationwide. While nearly half of those surveyed, 49%, intend to travel no more than 10 miles, a growing proportion are opting for longer trips. Around 7% plan to visit another city and 1% intend to travel abroad.
Regional data indicates Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West are leading the shift towards extended travel. Respondents in these regions were the most likely to turn Valentine’s Day into a full evening out or weekend break, often travelling into city centres for dining and entertainment or booking overnight stays. By comparison, those in the South East and East of England were more likely to keep celebrations local.
Operational data from Veezu reflects the regional trend. Since 2021, Leeds has recorded an 86% increase in Valentine’s journeys. Other northern cities including Manchester, Liverpool and York continue to report consistently high levels of demand during the Valentine’s period. Across the group’s wider network, trips linked to Valentine’s Day have risen by more than 50% year on year in the past 12 months.
Yorkshire and the North West lead travel growth, with more than half of celebrants planning taxi bookings as experience-led spending reshapes the market
Growth has not been confined to the North. Cardiff has seen a 70% rise in Valentine’s journeys since 2021, while Birmingham and Bristol have also recorded sustained seasonal demand. Historic destinations and coastal cities such as Bath and Portsmouth remain popular, with travel patterns suggesting an increase in overnight stays and short breaks.
The survey points to generational differences in how Valentine’s Day is marked. Adults aged 25 to 34 are the most likely to celebrate, followed by those aged 18 to 24 and 35 to 44. Despite wider commentary around declining relationship trends among younger demographics, the data suggests working-age adults continue to prioritise the occasion.
Cost pressures appear to be influencing how, rather than whether, people celebrate. Almost two-thirds of respondents, 64%, said rising living costs have had little or no impact on their plans. This sentiment was most common among those aged over 55. In contrast, respondents aged 25 to 34 were more likely to report that higher household expenses had influenced their decisions, reflecting exposure to rent or mortgage payments, loan repayments and childcare costs.
Instead of scaling back entirely, consumers are reallocating spending. More than half, 56%, said they are prioritising experiences over gifts, while 25% are cutting back on presents in favour of meals out or short breaks. Among those travelling, stays of two nights or more are now more common than single-night trips, at 57% compared with 36%.
Dining remains central to Valentine’s plans. Of those celebrating, 47% intend to eat out at a restaurant, while 42% plan to cook or order food at home. A further 18% are planning to visit a bar or pub and 18% to attend the cinema or theatre. Around 10% include an overnight or multi-day trip as part of their plans.
Transport forms a core part of those arrangements. Just over half of respondents marking the occasion, 51%, said they are likely to book a taxi or private hire vehicle. The primary reasons cited were the ability to consume alcohol without driving, at 44%, alongside feeling safer travelling at night and avoiding parking or congestion in busy urban centres, both at 21%.
Sally Krouma, Brand Activation Manager at Veezu, says “Veezu’s data shows that Britain is a nation of romantics, and nowhere is this more evident than in the North. Millions plan to make memories with loved ones this Valentine’s, and we’re seeing that reflected in a sharp rise in journeys as people head out for long dinners, weekends away or catch-ups with friends. Valentine’s is very much on the menu, and Veezu is here to ensure people can make the most of the Valentine's weekend hassle-free.
