What a stop is and when you'd use one
A stop on Uber is a waypoint you add to your trip after you've requested a ride but before the driver picks you up. The driver will take you to that stop, wait briefly while you handle what you need to do, then continue to your final destination. You can add up to three stops on a single trip.
Common reasons to add a stop: picking up a friend, grabbing cash from an ATM, dropping off a package, or stopping at a store on the way home. The driver's route adjusts automatically, and you pay one fare for the entire trip rather than requesting separate rides.
Stops work differently from splitting a trip with multiple passengers. A stop is a location the driver visits; splitting a trip means you and another person share the ride and split the cost. You can use stops and split a trip on the same ride.
Key Takeaways
- You add stops through the Uber app after requesting your ride but before the driver arrives, by tapping the menu icon and selecting "Add stop."
- The driver will wait at each stop, but Uber's timer limits how long they wait before charging you an additional fee.
- You can add up to three stops on one trip, and the app shows the driver your full route before they accept the changes.
- The total fare covers all stops and your final destination as one trip, not separate rides.
- If you add a stop after the driver has already picked you up, they can decline the change.
How to add a stop before the driver picks you up
Open the Uber app and request your ride as usual. Once you've confirmed your destination and the driver has been assigned, look at the bottom of the screen where your trip details appear. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) or the icon that looks like a list.
Select "Add stop" from the menu. A new screen will open where you can search for or tap on a location. Type the address, business name, or landmark where you want to stop. When you find the right location, tap it to confirm.
The app will show you the updated route and the new estimated arrival time. Your driver will see the stop on their map and can accept or decline the change. If they decline, you'll have the option to remove the stop or cancel the ride and request a new one.
Repeat this process if you want to add a second or third stop. The order matters — stops appear on your route in the order you add them, and the driver will visit them in that sequence.
Adding a stop after the driver has picked you up
You can add a stop after the driver has already picked you up, but the driver has the right to refuse. Tap the menu icon during your active trip and select "Add stop." Search for and confirm your location the same way.
The driver will receive a notification about the new stop and can accept or decline it. If they decline, you cannot force them to add it — you would need to end the trip and request a new ride from that location. For this reason, it's better to add stops before pickup whenever possible.
How long the driver will wait at your stop
Uber includes a brief wait time at each stop at no extra charge. The exact length varies, but it's typically a few minutes. Once that timer runs out, you'll start being charged a waiting fee for each additional minute the driver stays stopped.
The waiting fee is separate from your trip fare and appears on your receipt after the ride ends. The amount varies by city and by vehicle type (UberX, Uber Comfort, and so on). Check your city's rates in the Uber app under "Fares" or "Pricing" to see what the waiting fee is in your area.
If you know you'll need more than a few minutes at a stop, let your driver know when they arrive. Some drivers are willing to wait longer, but you should expect to pay the waiting fee if you do.
What happens to your fare when you add stops
Adding stops does not automatically increase your fare. Uber calculates the total trip cost based on the distance and time for the entire route — all stops plus your final destination. In most cases, adding a stop that's on or near your existing route costs the same or slightly more than going directly to your destination.
However, if a stop takes you significantly out of the way, the fare will increase to reflect the extra distance and time. The app shows you the updated fare before the driver accepts the change, so you'll know the cost before you commit.
If you add a stop after pickup and the driver declines, you won't be charged for attempting to add it. If they accept it, the fare updates and you'll see the new total on your receipt.
Removing or changing a stop
Before the driver picks you up, you can remove or reorder stops by tapping the menu icon and selecting the stop you want to change. Tap the X icon next to a stop to remove it, or drag stops up and down to change the order they appear in your route.
After the driver has picked you up, you can still remove a stop by tapping the menu and selecting it, but you cannot reorder stops. If you want to change the order, you would need to remove all stops and add them again in the new sequence.
Removing a stop may lower your fare if it was adding significant distance to your trip. The app will show you the updated fare before you confirm the removal.
Stops versus splitting a trip with another passenger
A stop is a location where the driver pauses; splitting a trip means you and another person share the ride and split the fare. You can use both on the same ride. For example, you could request a ride to your office, add a stop at a coffee shop, and then split the remaining trip with a coworker who gets in at the coffee shop.
To split a trip, tap the menu during an active ride and select "Split fare." You can share the cost with up to one other person. The person you're splitting with must have the Uber app and will receive a notification asking them to accept the split.
Stops and splits are independent features. Adding a stop doesn't automatically split the cost with anyone, and splitting a trip doesn't require you to add stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a stop if I'm using Uber Pool or shared rides?
Stops are available on most Uber ride types, including UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber XL. However, they may not be available on all shared or discounted ride options in your area. Open the Uber app and check your ride details — if the "Add stop" option appears in the menu, stops are available for that ride type.
What if my driver goes to the wrong stop or in the wrong order?
If your driver visits your stops in the wrong order or skips one, contact Uber support through the app after the ride ends. Tap "Help" on your trip receipt and describe what happened. Uber can review the trip and may adjust your fare if the driver made an error.
Do I have to tell my driver about a stop before I add it?
No. When you add a stop through the app, your driver sees it on their map automatically. You don't need to text or call them. However, if you add a stop after pickup, it's polite to let them know you're adding it so they're not surprised by the notification.
Can I add a stop to a ride I've already completed?
No. Stops must be added during an active trip — before the driver picks you up or while you're in the car. Once the trip ends, you cannot add stops to it. If you need to go somewhere else, you'll need to request a new ride.
What if the driver refuses to go to one of my stops?
If the driver declines a stop you added before pickup, you can remove it and request the ride again, or you can cancel and request a new ride. If they decline after pickup, you have the same options. You can also contact Uber support if you believe the driver refused without a valid reason.