What a reservation on Uber means and when you can use it
An Uber reservation lets you book a ride for a specific time in the future instead of requesting one right now. When you make a reservation, Uber schedules a driver to pick you up at your chosen time and location. The ride works the same way as an when ready request — you see the driver's name and car details, pay through the app, and get a receipt — but you know in advance when the car will arrive.
Reservations are useful when you need a ride at a set time: catching a flight, getting to a medical appointment, or heading to work at the same hour each day. You can book a reservation up to 30 days in advance on most Uber services, though the exact window varies by city and service type.
Not all Uber services support reservations. UberX (standard rides) and Uber Comfort typically allow reservations in most cities. UberEats, Uber Eats Delivery, and some regional services do not. Check your app to see which services show a reservation option in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Reservations let you book a ride up to 30 days ahead for a specific pickup time, and the driver is assigned closer to your departure time.
- You pay the same fare as an when ready request, but you lock in your pickup time and location when you book.
- If you cancel more than one hour before your reservation, you pay nothing; cancellations within one hour may incur a fee.
- The driver is notified shortly before your scheduled time, so arriving at your pickup spot a few minutes early helps avoid delays.
- Reservations work best for predictable trips like airport runs or regular commutes, not for spontaneous outings.
How to make a reservation in the Uber app
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup location and destination as you normally would. Instead of tapping "Request," look for a button or option labeled "Schedule" or "Reserve" — the exact wording depends on your app version and region. Tap that option.
The app will show you a calendar and time picker. Select the date you want to travel, then choose your preferred pickup time. Uber will show you an estimated fare. Review the details: pickup address, destination, date, and time. If everything is correct, confirm the reservation. You will receive a confirmation in the app and via email or SMS, depending on your notification settings.
The driver is not assigned when ready. Uber assigns a driver closer to your scheduled time — usually 5 to 15 minutes before — so you will see their name, photo, and vehicle details in the app shortly before they arrive. You can track their location just as you would with an when ready request.
Pricing and payment for reserved rides
The fare for a reserved ride is calculated the same way as an when ready request: based on distance, time of day, and current demand. Uber shows you the estimated fare when you make the reservation. The actual fare may be slightly higher or lower depending on traffic and route, just like with any Uber ride.
You pay through the payment method saved in your Uber account — credit card, debit card, or Uber Cash. The charge appears on your account after the ride is complete, not when you make the reservation. If you have an Uber Pass subscription, it applies to reserved rides the same way it applies to when ready requests.
Surge pricing (higher fares during peak demand) can affect reserved rides. If demand is very high at your scheduled time, your actual fare may exceed the estimate shown when you booked. Uber will notify you of any significant price increase and give you the option to cancel without a fee.
Cancellation fees and what happens if you cancel
If you cancel your reservation more than one hour before your scheduled pickup time, you pay nothing. The reservation is straightforward removed from your account, and you can book a different ride if you need one.
If you cancel within one hour of your scheduled pickup time, Uber may charge a cancellation fee. The fee amount varies by city and service type but is typically $5 to $10. The fee covers the driver's time and Uber's cost in holding that time slot for you.
If the driver cancels or does not arrive by a certain time after your scheduled pickup, you are not charged. Uber will show you a message in the app explaining the cancellation and offer you options to rebook or request an when ready ride instead.
What to do if your reserved driver is late or doesn't show
Check the app a few minutes before your scheduled time. The driver should appear in the app 5 to 15 minutes before pickup. If no driver is assigned and your pickup time is approaching, open the app and look for a message explaining the delay. Sometimes Uber will notify you that a driver is on the way but running behind.
If your scheduled time passes and no driver has been assigned, you have two choices: wait a few more minutes (drivers are sometimes assigned just after the scheduled time), or cancel the reservation and request an when ready ride. If you cancel because no driver was assigned, you will not be charged a fee.
If a driver is assigned but takes much longer than expected to arrive, you can contact Uber support through the app. Tap the help icon during your ride and describe the issue. Uber can investigate and may issue a credit if the delay was caused by a driver error or system problem.
Reservations for regular trips and recurring schedules
If you take the same trip regularly — to work, to a gym, to a medical appointment — you can make individual reservations each time. However, Uber does not currently offer a "recurring reservation" or "subscription ride" feature that books the same trip automatically every day or week. You must book each reservation separately through the app.
For commuters who take Uber regularly, Uber Pass (a subscription service) offers discounted fares on rides, but it does not reserve rides in advance. You still request or reserve each trip individually, but your fares are lower.
Some cities have partnerships with local transit agencies or employers that offer Uber credits or discounted rides for commuters. Check your employer's benefits or your city's transit website to see whether such a program exists in your area.
Differences between reservations and when ready requests
With an when ready request, you tap "Request" and a driver is assigned within seconds to a few minutes. You pay a fare based on current conditions at that exact moment. With a reservation, you book days or weeks ahead, and the driver is assigned much later — usually just before your pickup time.
when ready requests are better for spontaneous trips or when you need a ride right away. Reservations are better when you know your travel time in advance and want to may provide a pickup at a specific hour. Reservations also give you time to plan and budget, since you see the estimated fare when you book.
Both types of rides use the same Uber drivers and vehicles. The main difference is timing: when ready requests are assigned quickly, while reservations are assigned closer to your scheduled time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the time or location of a reservation after I book it?
You can cancel your reservation and make a new one with different details, but you cannot edit a reservation directly in the app. If you cancel more than one hour before your scheduled time, you pay no fee. If you cancel within one hour, a cancellation fee may explore. Then book a new reservation with your updated time or location.
What if I'm running late and need to delay my pickup time?
Cancel your reservation through the app and book a new one for the later time. If you cancel more than one hour before your original scheduled time, there is no fee. If you cancel within one hour, a fee may explore. The sooner you cancel and rebook, the better, so the driver is not assigned to a pickup time you will miss.
Do I need to tip when I make a reservation?
No. You can add a tip in the app after your ride is complete, just as you would with an when ready request. Tipping is optional and separate from the ride fare. You can tip through the app or in cash if you prefer.
Can I make a reservation if I don't have a saved payment method?
No. Uber requires a valid payment method on file before you can make a reservation. Add a credit card, debit card, or Uber Cash to your account through the app settings, then try booking your reservation again.
What happens if Uber surge pricing increases my fare between booking and pickup?
Uber will notify you in the app if your estimated fare has increased significantly due to surge pricing. You can accept the new price and keep your reservation, or cancel without a fee. The notification usually comes a few hours before your pickup time, giving you time to decide.