Open the Uber app and enter where you're going
When you open the Uber app on your phone, the first screen shows a search box at the top that says "Where to?" Tap that box and type in your destination — a street address, a business name, or a landmark all work. The app will show you matching locations as you type.
Once you see the right destination in the list, tap it to select it. The app will then show you a map with your pickup location (usually your current location, which the app detects automatically) and your destination marked on it. If your pickup location is wrong, you can tap it and drag the pin to the correct spot on the map.
Key Takeaways
- Enter your destination in the search box, and the app will show you available ride types and their estimated prices before you request.
- You can choose between UberX (standard sedan), Uber Comfort (newer car with more space), or other ride types if they're available in your area.
- The app shows your driver's name, car details, and real-time location once you request a ride, and you can contact the driver through the app.
- Payment is automatic from your saved payment method, and you'll receive a receipt in the app after the ride ends.
Choose your ride type and see the price estimate
After you enter your destination, the app displays ride options available in your area. The most common option is UberX, which is a standard sedan. You may also see Uber Comfort (a newer car with extra legroom), UberXL (a larger vehicle for more passengers or luggage), or other options depending on where you are.
Each ride type shows an estimated fare — the price you'll pay for that ride. This estimate is based on distance, time of day, and current demand. The estimate appears as a range (for example, $12–$16) because the exact price depends on traffic and the actual route your driver takes. Surge pricing, which raises fares during very busy times, will be noted if it's in effect. Tap the ride type you want to use.
Request the ride
Once you've selected your ride type, a button at the bottom of the screen says "Request [Ride Type]" — for example, "Request UberX." Tap this button to send your request to nearby drivers. The app will show a screen that says "Finding your driver" with a spinning icon.
Within seconds to a minute, a driver will accept your request. Once a driver accepts, you'll see their name, photo, car make and color, and license plate number on your screen. The app also shows a live map with your driver's location and their route to you. You can tap the driver's name or photo to call or message them through the app if you need to.
Meet your driver and start your ride
Your driver will head to your pickup location. The app shows their real-time location on the map so you know exactly where they are. Most drivers arrive within 2 to 10 minutes, depending on how busy the area is and how far away they were when they accepted your request.
When your driver arrives, look for the car color, make, and license plate shown in the app. Get in the back seat. Once you're in the car, the app automatically updates to show your ride is underway. You don't need to do anything else — just sit back and the driver will take you to your destination.
Pay and rate your ride
When you reach your destination, the driver will stop and your ride ends automatically. The app shows your final fare, which may be different from the estimate if traffic was heavy or the route was longer than expected. The payment is charged to the payment method you have saved in your Uber account — usually a credit card or debit card.
After the ride ends, the app asks you to rate your driver on a scale of 1 to 5 stars and gives you the option to add a tip. You can tip through the app at that time or up to 30 days after the ride. Your receipt appears in the app under "Your Trips" so you can see the breakdown of the fare, distance, and time.
What to do if your driver is late or you need to cancel
If your driver is taking longer than expected, you can message or call them through the app to ask where they are. If you need to cancel before the driver arrives, tap "Cancel Ride" on the screen. Canceling is free if you do it before the driver has started driving toward you, but some areas charge a small cancellation fee if the driver is already on the way.
If you accidentally request the wrong destination or change your mind after a driver accepts, you can still cancel, but you may be charged a cancellation fee depending on how far the driver has traveled. It's always better to cancel quickly rather than let the driver drive all the way to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to add a tip when I request the ride?
No. You can tip after the ride ends through the app, or you don't have to tip at all. Tipping is optional. If you want to tip in cash instead, you can do that too, though most riders tip through the app.
What if I don't have a saved payment method?
You need to add a payment method to your Uber account before you can request a ride. Open the app, go to the menu (three horizontal lines), tap "Payments," and add a credit card or debit card. Some areas also accept other payment methods like PayPal.
Can I change my destination after I request the ride?
Yes. Once the driver has picked you up and the ride is underway, you can tap the destination on the screen and change it. The fare will adjust based on the new destination. You cannot change the destination before the driver arrives.
What if I left something in the Uber?
Open the app, go to "Your Trips," find the ride, and tap "I lost an item." Describe what you left behind and select the item type. The app will send a message to your driver. If the driver has your item, they can arrange to return it to you.
How do I know if surge pricing is happening?
When you enter your destination, the app shows the estimated fare. If surge pricing is active, it will say so on the ride type option — for example, "1.5x surge" means fares are 1.5 times the normal price. You can see this before you request, so you know the price before you commit.