Uber offers car seats through a separate service, but you must request and pay for them in advance
Uber does not include car seats in regular Uber rides. If you need a car seat for a child, you have two options: bring your own car seat and install it yourself in the vehicle, or use Uber Car Seat, which is a paid add-on service available in select cities. With Uber Car Seat, the driver arrives with an installed, sanitized car seat ready for your child.
The availability and cost of Uber Car Seat varies by location. Not every city offers this service, and pricing changes based on demand and your region. You request it the same way you request any Uber ride — through the app — but you must select the car seat option before you book.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Car Seat is a paid service available only in certain cities, not a standard feature of regular Uber rides.
- You must request a car seat through the app before booking your ride; drivers do not carry car seats unless you have selected this option.
- If Uber Car Seat is not available in your area, you can bring your own car seat and install it in the vehicle yourself.
- Car seats provided through Uber Car Seat are cleaned between rides, but you should inspect the seat before placing your child in it.
How to Request Uber Car Seat Through the App
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup and dropoff locations as you normally would. Before you confirm your ride, look for the option to add a car seat. This appears as a separate selection in the ride type menu — it is not automatically included with any standard Uber service.
Tap the car seat option to see the price for your trip and confirm availability in your area. If the option does not appear, Uber Car Seat is not currently offered where you are. Once you select it and complete your booking, the app will match you with a driver who has a car seat installed in their vehicle.
The driver will arrive with the car seat already in place. You do not need to install anything. When you reach your destination, you exit the vehicle and the driver prepares the seat for the next passenger.
What to Expect From an Uber Car Seat
Uber Car Seat provides forward-facing car seats suitable for children who have outgrown rear-facing seats but are still too small for a regular seat belt. The specific model and weight range may vary by region. Uber states that car seats are cleaned and sanitized between rides, but you should still inspect the seat before your child sits in it — check for visible damage, stains, or anything that concerns you.
If you have concerns about the condition of the car seat or believe it is not safe, tell the driver before the ride begins. You can also contact Uber support through the app to report issues. Do not use a car seat you believe is damaged or unsafe.
Bringing Your Own Car Seat Instead
If Uber Car Seat is not available in your area or you prefer to use your own seat, you can install your personal car seat in an Uber vehicle. You are responsible for installation, and you must do it correctly — an improperly installed car seat will not protect your child in an accident.
Before you book, let the driver know you will be installing a car seat so they understand what to expect. Most drivers will allow this, but arrival times may be slightly longer because installation takes a few minutes. Bring your car seat with you and install it in the back seat of the vehicle.
If a driver refuses to allow you to install your own car seat, you can cancel the ride without penalty and request another driver. However, this is uncommon — most Uber drivers accommodate car seats when passengers bring their own.
Which Cities Offer Uber Car Seat
Uber Car Seat is not available nationwide. The service is offered in select major cities, but the list changes over time as Uber expands or adjusts the program. The easiest way to learn about it is available where you are is to open the Uber app, enter your location, and look for the car seat option in the ride type menu.
If you do not see a car seat option, the service is not currently offered in your area. You can check back periodically, as Uber sometimes adds new cities to the program. In the meantime, bringing your own car seat remains an option in any city where Uber operates.
Cost and Pricing for Uber Car Seat
Uber Car Seat costs more than a standard Uber ride, but the exact price depends on your location, time of day, and current demand. Pricing works the same way as regular Uber rides — surge pricing applies during busy times, and the cost is shown in the app before you confirm your booking.
There are no hidden fees. The price you see in the app is what you will pay, plus any applicable taxes and tips. If you want to know the typical cost in your area, request a ride with a car seat selected and check the estimated fare before you book — you can cancel without charge if you decide the price is too high.
Safety Considerations for Car Seats in Uber
Whether you use Uber Car Seat or bring your own, the back seat is the safest place for a child. Never place a car seat in the front passenger seat of an Uber vehicle. The back seat protects children better in a crash and keeps them away from the airbag.
If you are using your own car seat, make sure it is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and your state's car seat laws. Different states have different requirements for car seat use based on a child's age and weight. Check your state's rules before your trip to may support you are compliant.
Uber Car Seat meets federal safety standards, but you should still verify that the seat is appropriate for your child's age and weight. If you have questions about whether a particular car seat is right for your child, consult your pediatrician or a certified car seat technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need a car seat but Uber Car Seat is not available in my city?
Bring your own car seat and install it in the back seat of the Uber vehicle. You are responsible for proper installation, so follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Let the driver know you will be installing a car seat when you book so they are prepared for the extra time it may take.
Can I use a booster seat instead of a car seat with Uber?
Uber Car Seat provides forward-facing car seats, not booster seats. If your child needs a booster seat, you will need to bring your own. Check your state's car seat laws to determine what type of seat your child needs based on their age and weight.
Are Uber Car Seats cleaned between every ride?
Uber states that car seats are sanitized between passengers, but cleaning standards may vary. You should inspect the seat before your child uses it. If you notice anything that concerns you — stains, damage, or odors — tell the driver and contact Uber support through the app.
What happens if the car seat is damaged during my ride?
Report the damage to Uber through the app when ready after your ride ends. Take photos if possible. Uber will investigate and may offer a refund or credit depending on the circumstances. If the damage occurred because of something you did, Uber may charge a damage fee.
Can I request a specific type or brand of car seat?
No. Uber Car Seat provides the model available in your area, and you cannot request a different brand or type. If you need a specific car seat — for example, one that fits a particular vehicle or accommodates a child with special needs — bring your own car seat instead.