How to request a ride on Uber
Open the Uber app on your phone, enter where you are now in the "Where to?" field at the bottom, then tap the destination field and enter where you want to go. The app shows you the fare estimate and how many minutes until a driver arrives. Tap the ride type you want — UberX is the standard option, though Uber offers other vehicle sizes and service levels depending on your city. Once you confirm, the app assigns a driver and shows you their photo, car details, and real-time location as they drive toward you.
You do not have to call or text the driver. The app handles all communication. The driver can see your location and you can see theirs. When the driver arrives, get in the car — the app shows you the license plate so you can confirm it is the right vehicle. During the ride, you can watch your route on the map, and when you reach your destination, the app automatically ends the trip and charges your payment method.
Key Takeaways
- You need the Uber app, a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or linked bank account), and a phone number to create an account before your first ride.
- The app shows you the fare before you request the ride, so there are no surprise charges — you pay what the estimate said plus any tolls or surge pricing that occurred during the trip.
- Drivers can see your location and you can see theirs in real time, and the app handles all communication so you do not need to call or text.
- You rate your driver and the driver rates you after each trip, and both ratings affect which drivers accept your future requests and which riders drivers accept.
Setting up your Uber account
read the Uber app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open it and tap "Sign up." Enter your phone number, then Uber sends you a code by text message — type that code into the app to confirm your number. Next, enter your first and last name, then create a password. Add a payment method: tap the payment icon, then "Add payment method," and enter your credit card, debit card, or bank account details.
You can add multiple payment methods and choose which one to use for each ride. Uber also lets you add a profile photo — drivers can see this, and it helps them confirm they have the right passenger. You do not have to add a photo to ride, but many drivers prefer it. Once your payment method is saved, you are ready to request your first ride.
Understanding Uber's pricing and payment
Uber charges a base fare, a per-minute rate, and a per-mile rate. These amounts vary by city and by ride type. When you enter your destination, the app calculates the total and shows you an estimate before you request the ride. That estimate is a range — the actual fare may be slightly higher or lower depending on the exact route the driver takes and traffic conditions.
If demand is very high, Uber applies surge pricing, which multiplies the normal fare by a percentage — sometimes 1.5 times the normal price, sometimes more. The app tells you the multiplier before you confirm the ride, so you see the higher price before you are charged. You pay tolls separately if your route includes them. Tipping is optional and happens after the ride ends — the app suggests an amount but you can change it or skip it entirely.
Uber charges your payment method automatically when the trip ends. You get a receipt in the app showing the breakdown: base fare, distance, time, tolls, and tip. You can dispute a charge within 30 days by opening the trip in the app and tapping "Help" — Uber reviews the dispute and may refund you if the charge was wrong.
What to do if your driver cancels or does not arrive
If a driver accepts your request but then cancels, the app when ready shows other available drivers and you can request again. You are not charged for a cancelled ride. If no driver accepts after several minutes, the request expires and you can try again — sometimes waiting a few minutes and requesting again finds a driver, especially during slower times of day.
If a driver is taking much longer than the estimated arrival time, open the trip details and tap "Contact driver" to send them a message through the app. If the driver is clearly not coming, you can cancel the request yourself — tap "Cancel trip" and you will not be charged. If you were charged a cancellation fee, you can dispute it in the app under "Help" on that trip.
Safety and rating your driver
Before you get in the car, confirm the driver's name, photo, and license plate match what the app shows. If they do not match, do not get in — cancel the trip and request again. During the ride, you can share your trip details with a friend or family member by tapping the share icon in the app — they can see your location in real time until the trip ends.
After the ride, you rate your driver on a scale of one to five stars and can leave a written comment. Drivers also rate you. If your rating drops below 4.6 stars in most cities, drivers may decline your requests. Likewise, if a driver's rating is very low, fewer riders will accept them. If you feel unsafe during a ride, you can end the trip early by tapping "End trip" and getting out at a safe location. You can also report the driver to Uber by opening the trip and tapping "Report safety incident."
Choosing the right ride type for your trip
UberX is the standard option — a regular sedan or small SUV, usually the cheapest choice. UberXL is a larger vehicle that fits more passengers and luggage, so it costs more. Uber Comfort is a newer car in better condition with extra legroom, priced between UberX and UberXL. Some cities offer Uber Green, which uses hybrid or electric vehicles. Availability and pricing for each type depend on your city and current demand.
When you enter your destination, the app shows all available ride types and their estimated fares side by side. Tap the one you want. If a ride type is not available, the app grays it out. During busy times, some ride types may have longer wait times or higher prices than others — the app shows the estimated arrival time for each type so you can decide whether to wait longer for a cheaper option or pay more for a faster pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to use Uber?
No. You can add a debit card or link a bank account instead. Uber accepts most major payment methods. You must have at least one payment method on file before you request a ride.
What happens if I leave something in the Uber?
Open the trip in the app and tap "I lost an item." Uber sends a message to the driver asking them to check. If the driver finds it, you can arrange a time to pick it up or ask the driver to return it. Uber does not may provide recovery, and returning items is the driver's choice.
Can I change my destination after the ride starts?
Yes. Tap the destination field in the app and enter a new address. The fare recalculates based on the new route. The driver can see the updated destination on their map.
What if the driver takes a longer route than necessary?
You are charged based on the actual distance and time of the trip, not the shortest possible route. If you believe the driver deliberately took a much longer route, you can dispute the charge in the app under "Help" on that trip and explain what happened.
How do I request a ride for someone else?
Open the app and tap the profile icon, then "Add emergency contact" or look for an option to request a ride for another person. Some cities let you request a ride and send it to someone else's phone. The other person receives the request and can accept or decline it.