Yes, you can order an Uber for another person using the Uber app
You can request a ride and send it to someone else's location instead of your own. The person receiving the ride will see it coming and can track the driver in real time. You pay for the ride from your account and payment method, and the driver picks up your friend, family member, or colleague at the address you enter.
This works whether you're sending a ride to someone across town or across the country. The recipient doesn't need their own Uber account — they just need to be at the pickup location when the driver arrives. The driver will have your name and photo, so the passenger knows who ordered it.
Key Takeaways
- Enter the recipient's address as the pickup location in the Uber app, and the ride will go to that person instead of you.
- You pay for the entire ride from your own account and payment method, regardless of who is riding.
- The passenger will receive a notification with the driver's name, vehicle details, and real-time tracking information.
- The recipient does not need an Uber account to ride in a car you've ordered for them.
- You can cancel the ride before the driver picks up the passenger, but cancellation fees may explore depending on timing.
How to order a ride for someone else in the Uber app
Open the Uber app and tap the location field at the top where it says "Where to?" Enter the pickup address — this is where the other person will be waiting. Then enter the destination address where they need to go. Select your ride type (UberX, Uber Comfort, or another option available in your area).
Before you confirm the ride, you'll see the estimated fare and pickup time. Tap "Request" to send the ride. The driver will be assigned and will head to the pickup location. The passenger will receive a notification with the driver's name, vehicle photo, license plate, and a map showing the car's location in real time.
If you want to add a note for the driver — such as "passenger is wearing a blue jacket" or "please call when you arrive" — you can do that before confirming the request. This helps the driver find the right person, especially in busy areas.
What the passenger sees and how they track the ride
When you order a ride for someone else, Uber sends them a notification that includes your name and photo. They'll see the driver's name, the vehicle type and color, the license plate number, and the estimated arrival time. They can open the notification to see a live map of the driver's location and watch the car approach in real time.
The passenger can also see the route the driver is taking and the estimated time to their destination. If the driver needs to contact them, the passenger can call or text through the Uber app without either party sharing their actual phone number. This is the same experience someone would have if they ordered their own ride.
Payment and who gets charged
You pay for the entire ride using the payment method linked to your Uber account. The passenger does not pay anything — the charge goes to you. This includes the base fare, distance and time charges, any surge pricing that applies at that moment, and tolls if the route includes them.
If you want to split the fare with the passenger after the ride, you can do that outside the app through a payment app or cash. Uber does not have a built-in fare-splitting feature for rides ordered by someone else, though the person who ordered the ride can see the final fare amount in their trip history.
Canceling a ride you ordered for someone else
You can cancel the ride from your app at any time before the driver picks up the passenger. Tap the active ride and select "Cancel Ride." If you cancel before the driver has started moving toward the pickup location, there is typically no charge. If the driver is already on the way, Uber may charge a cancellation fee.
The passenger will receive a notification that the ride has been canceled. If you need to cancel because the passenger is no longer available or the plans changed, contact them directly to let them know. You can then order a new ride if needed.
Situations where ordering for someone else is useful
Parents often order rides for adult children who are out late or don't have their own transportation. Employers may order rides for employees who need to travel for work. Friends send rides to each other when meeting up, especially if one person doesn't have a car or is unfamiliar with the area. Caregivers order rides for elderly relatives or people with mobility challenges.
You can also order a ride for someone at an airport, train station, or hotel — anywhere they need pickup. This is particularly helpful if you're coordinating travel for a group or if someone is arriving in a city where they don't know the transit system.
What happens if the passenger is late or doesn't show up
If the passenger is not at the pickup location when the driver arrives, the driver will wait for a few minutes (the exact wait time varies by location). If the passenger doesn't appear, the driver can cancel the ride. You will be charged a cancellation fee, which is typically smaller than the full ride fare but still applies.
To avoid this, make sure the passenger knows the exact pickup location and is ready when the driver arrives. Send them the ride details through text or another message so they have the driver's information and can track the car's approach. If the passenger is running late, let them know so they can be ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the person I'm ordering for need an Uber account?
No. The passenger does not need to have an Uber account. They will receive a notification about the ride you ordered, but they can ride without signing up. They only need to be at the pickup location when the driver arrives.
Can I order a ride for someone in a different city?
Yes. You can order a ride to any location where Uber operates, even if you're not in that city. Enter the pickup and destination addresses in the app, and the ride will be sent to that location. You'll pay the fare for that city's rates.
What if the driver can't find the passenger?
The driver can call or text the passenger through the Uber app to ask for their exact location or a description of where they're standing. You can also add a pickup note before confirming the ride with details like "waiting by the front entrance" or "wearing a red coat."
Can I change the destination after I've ordered the ride?
Yes. You can edit the destination in the app before the driver picks up the passenger. After pickup, the driver can take the passenger to a different location if they request it, but this may change the fare. It's best to confirm the destination with the passenger before ordering.
What if I want to ride along with the person I ordered the ride for?
You can meet the passenger at the pickup location and ride with them. The driver will pick up whoever is at that address. If you want to be picked up at a different location first, you would need to order a separate ride or use Uber's Group Ride feature if available in your area.