Uber can deliver packages for you through its Uber Eats app, but it works differently than ordering food

Uber does not have a standalone package delivery service in most cities. Instead, you use the Uber Eats app to send items to someone else — the same app you use to order restaurant food. When you open Uber Eats and select "Send" instead of "Order", you can pick up a package from one location and have it delivered to another. The driver picks it up, takes a photo to confirm, and delivers it to the recipient.

This service is not available everywhere. Uber Eats' package delivery feature exists in select cities, and availability changes. Before you try to send something, open your Uber Eats app and look for a "Send" tab or button at the bottom of the screen. If you do not see it, the feature is not yet available in your area.

The cost depends on distance and current demand, just like food delivery. You pay upfront when you request the delivery, and the driver is assigned within a few minutes if one is available. The whole process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the distance between pickup and drop-off.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Eats' "Send" feature lets you deliver packages, but it is only available in certain cities — check your app to see if it works in your location.
  • You need the Uber Eats app, not the Uber app, and you must have a valid payment method on file to request a delivery.
  • The sender pays the delivery fee upfront, and the cost is based on distance and how busy the service is at that moment.
  • You can send most items, but not alcohol, weapons, or anything illegal — the driver will refuse if the package seems unsafe.
  • The recipient does not need an Uber account; you provide their address and phone number when you request the delivery.

How to send a package through Uber Eats

Open the Uber Eats app and tap the "Send" button at the bottom of the screen. You will see a map where you enter two addresses: where the package is now (the pickup location) and where it needs to go (the drop-off location). You can use your current location, a saved address, or type in any address.

Next, describe what you are sending in a few words — "laptop", "documents", "birthday gift" — so the driver knows what to expect. You do not need to list every item, just give the driver a general idea of the size and type. Then enter the recipient's phone number and any delivery instructions, like "leave at front door" or "ring the doorbell twice".

Review the estimated cost and delivery time, then confirm the request. Uber Eats will show you the driver's name and photo once one is assigned, usually within a few minutes. You can watch the driver's location in real time as they pick up and deliver your package.

What you can and cannot send

You can send most everyday items: documents, gifts, groceries, clothing, electronics, and household goods. The package should fit in a car and not be so heavy that one person cannot carry it. Drivers are not required to help move large furniture or multiple boxes.

You cannot send alcohol, tobacco, weapons, cash, or anything illegal. Do not send items that are fragile and irreplaceable unless you are willing to lose them — Uber Eats does not insure packages, and drivers are not trained to handle delicate goods. Perishable food is risky because the delivery may take longer than the food will stay fresh.

If a driver arrives at pickup and sees something they are not comfortable delivering, they can refuse and cancel the request. You will not be charged if the driver refuses before picking up the package.

Pickup and delivery timing

When you request a delivery, a driver is usually assigned within 2 to 5 minutes. The driver then travels to the pickup location, which may take 5 to 15 minutes depending on traffic and distance. Once they arrive, they will contact you or the person at the pickup location to collect the package.

After pickup, the driver heads to the drop-off address. Total delivery time from request to arrival is usually 30 minutes to an hour in busy areas, and may be faster in quieter neighborhoods. You can track the driver's progress on the map in your app.

If the driver cannot reach the recipient or the address is wrong, they will call the phone number you provided. Make sure the recipient knows a delivery is coming and that their phone number is correct.

Payment and fees

You pay the full delivery fee when you request the delivery — the driver does not collect money. The fee is shown before you confirm, so you know the cost upfront. Fees vary based on the distance between pickup and drop-off and how busy Uber Eats is at that moment. During peak hours or in bad weather, fees are higher.

You can pay with any payment method saved in your Uber Eats account: credit card, debit card, or Uber Cash. If you do not have a payment method on file, you cannot request a delivery.

Tipping is optional but encouraged. You can add a tip when you request the delivery or after the driver completes it. Tips are paid to the driver and do not go to Uber.

What happens if something goes wrong

If the driver cannot find the pickup location or the address is incorrect, they will call you. Give them clear directions or a new address so they can complete the pickup.

If the package is damaged or lost, contact Uber Eats support through the app. Tap the trip in your history, then tap "Help" and describe the problem. Uber Eats will review your case, but coverage is limited because packages are not insured. You may receive a refund of the delivery fee, but not the value of the package itself.

If the recipient is not home when the driver arrives, the driver will call the phone number you provided. If no one answers, the driver will leave the package in a safe place if you included instructions to do so, or they will return it to the pickup location.

Alternatives if Uber Eats is not available in your area

If Uber Eats does not offer package delivery where you live, other services can help. DoorDash has a similar "DashMart" delivery option in some cities. Instacart can deliver items from partner stores. TaskRabbit, owned by Uber, handles larger deliveries and moves in some markets.

For packages going longer distances, traditional shipping through USPS, UPS, or FedEx is more reliable and insured. Those services take longer but cost less for items going across town or across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be home when the driver picks up the package?

No, but someone needs to be at the pickup location to hand the package to the driver. If you are not there, arrange for a roommate, family member, or coworker to give it to them. The driver will not enter a building or search for a package — they need someone to meet them outside or at the door.

Can the recipient refuse the delivery?

Yes. If the recipient is not home or does not want the package, the driver will call the phone number you provided. You can then ask the driver to return it to the pickup location or leave it in a safe spot. You will still pay the delivery fee.

What if I send the package to the wrong address?

Contact Uber Eats support when ready through the app before the driver picks up the package. If you catch it in time, you may be able to change the address. If the driver has already picked up the package, you cannot change the destination, and you will need to arrange with the recipient to return it or retrieve it from the wrong address.

Is my package insured if it gets damaged?

No. Uber Eats does not insure packages or their contents. If something breaks or goes missing, you can contact support and may receive a refund of the delivery fee, but not the value of what was inside. Do not send anything irreplaceable or extremely valuable.

Can I schedule a delivery for a specific time?

No. Uber Eats package delivery is on-demand only — the driver comes as soon as one is available. You cannot schedule a pickup or drop-off for a future time. If you need delivery at a specific hour, use a traditional shipping service instead.