Need something delivered urgently in London? Same day courier services can get your parcel from A to B within hours, not days. Here's everything you need to know about urgent delivery options in the capital.
The UK same day delivery market is booming, valued at approximately $3.9 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at 10.2% annually. With 41% of UK consumers willing to pay extra for same day delivery, demand has never been higher.
What is Same Day Courier Service?
A same day courier is a dedicated delivery service that collects and delivers your parcel within the same day, often within just a few hours. Unlike standard postal services where your package joins thousands of others on sorting belts and distribution hubs, same day couriers typically provide:
- Direct delivery - Your item travels point-to-point without hub sorting
- Dedicated vehicle - Often your parcel is the only item in the van
- Real-time tracking - Know exactly where your delivery is
- Flexible timing - Collection within 30-60 minutes of booking
- Personal service - Speak to actual people, not automated systems
Key Difference
Standard next-day services handle millions of parcels through automated sorting. Same day couriers cut through this entirely with direct, dedicated delivery. That's why they cost more, but also why they're far more reliable for urgent items.
Same Day Courier Costs in London
Prices for same day delivery in London vary based on distance, urgency, vehicle type, and parcel size. Here's what to expect:
| Service Type | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bike courier (Central London) | From £6.50 | Documents, small packages under 5kg |
| Motorbike courier | From £15 | Urgent documents, small parcels, beating traffic |
| Small van (same borough) | £40-60 | Parcels, boxes, multiple items |
| Small van (cross-London) | £60-100 | Deliveries across zones (e.g., Hackney to Richmond) |
| Large van (Luton) | £80-150 | Furniture, large items, bulk deliveries |
| Out of hours/weekends | +20-50% | Evening, night, weekend deliveries |
What Affects the Price?
- Distance - Longer routes cost more (fuel, driver time)
- Urgency - Need it within an hour? Expect premium rates
- Vehicle size - Bikes cheapest, Luton vans most expensive
- Time of day - Rush hour can add to costs due to congestion
- Parking - Central London congestion zones add charges
- Waiting time - If the driver needs to wait, you'll pay extra
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Selecting the right vehicle for your same day delivery can save money and ensure your items arrive safely:
Bicycle Courier
Perfect for documents and small packages in central London. Cuts through traffic like nothing else.
- Max weight: ~5kg
- Best for: Legal docs, contracts, samples
- Weather: Not ideal for rain
Motorbike Courier
Fast through traffic with better capacity than bikes. Weather-protected storage boxes.
- Max weight: ~15kg
- Best for: Urgent parcels, medical supplies
- Weather: Top box protection
Small Van (SWB)
The workhorse for most courier needs. Handles boxes, equipment, and multiple items.
- Load: ~600kg / 3-4m³
- Best for: Boxes, equipment, small furniture
- Weather: Full protection
Luton Van
For large items, furniture, or bulk deliveries. Box body with tail lift available.
- Load: ~1000kg / 12-14m³
- Best for: Furniture, appliances, pallets
- Access: Tail lift for heavy items
Top Same Day Courier Services in London
Here are the most reliable options for same day delivery in London:
Platform Comparison Services
- Parcel2Go with CitySprint - UK's leading comparison site, partners with CitySprint for same day. Good for comparing options.
- Interparcel - Partners with DeliveryApp and CitySprint for discounted same day rates.
Dedicated Same Day Couriers
- CitySprint - Over 2,500 couriers, 26 hubs across UK. Collection within 60 minutes.
- Addison Lee - Premium London service with bikes, motorbikes, cars, and vans.
- Royal Mail Sameday - 24/7, 365 days. Compensation cover up to £2,500 included.
- Uber Direct - App-based booking, within 2 hours or scheduled delivery.
Man and Van Services
For larger items, furniture, or when you need someone to help load and unload, a man and van service like Van Thats Quick offers same day collection and delivery across London. We handle items too big for standard couriers and can wait while you inspect marketplace purchases.
When is Same Day Courier Worth It?
Same day delivery costs more than standard options, so when does it make sense?
Worth the Premium:
- Legal documents with deadlines - Contracts, court filings, completion papers
- Medical supplies - Prescriptions, samples, equipment
- Emergency spare parts - Keep machinery or vehicles running
- Time-sensitive business materials - Presentations, prototypes, samples for meetings
- Last-minute gifts - Birthdays, anniversaries you nearly forgot
- Forgotten essentials - Passports, keys, important documents
- Marketplace purchases - Collecting furniture/items same day
Probably Not Worth It:
- Regular ecommerce orders that can wait a day
- Non-urgent documents (use first class post)
- Items where the delivery cost exceeds the item value
- Anything that can be emailed or digitally transferred
How to Book Same Day Delivery
Booking a same day courier is straightforward. Here's what you'll typically need:
- Collection address - Full postcode and any access instructions
- Delivery address - Same details for the destination
- Item details - Weight, dimensions, description
- Contact numbers - Both sender and recipient
- Time requirements - When can they collect? When must it arrive?
Most services offer online booking, phone booking, or app-based booking. For urgent same day delivery, calling is often fastest as you can confirm availability immediately.
Tips for Best Results
Book Early
Earlier bookings have better availability and sometimes lower rates
Be Ready
Have your parcel packed and ready before the driver arrives
Clear Instructions
Note buzzers, floor numbers, parking restrictions
Track Your Delivery
Use tracking to coordinate with the recipient
Check Insurance
Confirm coverage for valuable items before booking
Avoid Rush Hour
8-10am and 4-7pm add significant time in London traffic
Need Same Day Delivery in London?
At Van Thats Quick, we offer same day collection and delivery across London and surrounding areas. Whether you need:
- Urgent parcel delivery
- Furniture or appliance collection from marketplaces
- Business document courier
- Large item transport
We can help. Unlike automated courier services, you'll speak directly to a real person who can give you an accurate quote and confirm availability immediately.
