The basic steps to request a ride

Open the Uber app on your phone, enter where you are now in the "Where to?" field, then tap the destination you want to go. The app shows you available ride types, the estimated fare, and how many minutes until a driver arrives. Tap the ride type you want, review the price, then tap "Confirm" at the bottom of the screen. A driver will be matched to your request, and you'll see their name, car details, and real-time location as they head toward you.

Once the driver arrives at your pickup location, get in the vehicle. The app tracks your trip in real time and shows the route the driver is taking. When you reach your destination, the app calculates the final fare, applies any surge pricing that occurred during your ride, and shows a breakdown of the cost. You can pay with a saved card, cash (on some ride types), or Uber Cash, depending on what you set up in your account.

After the ride ends, you'll see a receipt in the app with the trip details, distance, duration, and fare. You can rate the driver and leave comments about your experience. The driver also rates you, and both ratings affect future ride matching.

Key Takeaways

  • Enter your destination in the app, choose a ride type, and confirm to send a request to nearby drivers.
  • The app shows you the driver's name, vehicle details, and real-time location before they arrive.
  • Payment happens automatically through your saved payment method unless you selected cash as your payment option.
  • You can schedule a ride in advance by tapping the clock icon and selecting a future date and time instead of requesting when ready.
  • Ratings from both you and the driver affect how the app matches you with drivers on future rides.

Scheduling a ride ahead of time

If you know when you need a ride but don't want to request it right now, use the scheduled ride feature. In the app, tap the clock icon next to "Confirm" after you enter your destination. Select the date and time you want the ride, then confirm. Uber will send a driver request at that time, and a driver will be matched to you a few minutes before your scheduled pickup.

Scheduled rides work the same way as regular requests once a driver is matched. You'll see their details and location, and the ride proceeds normally from there. Keep in mind that scheduled rides may have a small fee added to the base fare, and surge pricing can still explore if demand is high at your scheduled time.

Choosing between ride types

After you enter your destination, the app shows you different ride options. UberX is the standard option with a regular sedan. UberXL seats more passengers and uses larger vehicles like SUVs. Uber Comfort offers newer cars and drivers with higher ratings. Each option has a different base fare and per-minute charge, shown before you confirm.

Some cities also have UberEats Rides, which lets you combine a food order with your ride, or Uber Green, which uses electric or hybrid vehicles. Not all ride types are available in every location or at every time. If a ride type shows "Unavailable," no drivers of that type are currently nearby, and you'll need to choose a different option or wait a few minutes.

What happens if no driver accepts your request

When you request a ride, the app sends your request to drivers in your area. Usually a driver accepts within seconds or a few minutes. If no one accepts after several minutes, the app will notify you and ask if you want to keep waiting or cancel.

If you cancel, you won't be charged. You can request again right away, try a different ride type, or wait a few minutes and request again. Cancellations without a driver assigned don't affect your rating. If a driver accepts and then cancels, you also won't be charged, though repeated cancellations by drivers in your area may mean fewer drivers are willing to pick you up.

Pickup location tips

The app uses your phone's location to show where you are, but you can move the pickup pin on the map to a different spot if needed. This is useful if you're on a busy street and want the driver to pick you up at a safer or more convenient location nearby. Tap and drag the pickup pin to move it, or type a specific address or landmark.

Be at your pickup location when the driver arrives. Drivers can wait a few minutes, but if you're not there when they arrive, they may cancel the ride. If you're running late, you can message the driver through the app to let them know. Some drivers will wait longer if you communicate with them.

Using Uber with multiple passengers

You can add passengers to your ride before requesting. In the app, tap the person icon and select how many passengers total will be in the car. This helps the app match you with a driver who has enough seats. The fare is the same regardless of how many passengers are in your group, as long as the ride type has enough capacity.

If you're splitting the fare with other passengers, you can use the split payment feature after the ride ends. Tap "Split Fare" on the receipt and select which passengers to split with. You can send them a link through text or email, and they can pay their share through the app. The payment goes to the driver automatically once all passengers have paid their portion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my destination after the driver has been matched?

Yes. Tap the destination field during the ride and enter a new address. The driver will be notified of the change, and the fare will be recalculated based on the new route. If the new destination is significantly farther, the fare will increase.

What if I need to cancel after a driver has accepted?

You can cancel, but you'll be charged a cancellation fee if the driver has already started driving toward you. The fee amount varies by location and ride type. If you cancel before the driver has moved, you typically won't be charged. The app will tell you whether a cancellation fee applies before you confirm the cancellation.

How do I contact my driver before they arrive?

Tap the driver's name or photo in the app to open a chat window. You can send text messages to communicate about your location, gate codes, or any other details. You can also call the driver directly by tapping the phone icon. Drivers can see your messages and calls in real time.

What payment methods does Uber accept?

Uber accepts credit and debit cards saved in your account, Uber Cash (a prepaid balance), and cash on some ride types in some locations. You set your default payment method in your account settings. You can change your payment method before each ride if you want to use a different one.

Can I request a ride for someone else?

Yes, you can request a ride and have it sent to another person's phone. In the app, tap the person icon and select "Request for someone else." Enter their phone number, and they'll receive a notification with the ride details. They can track the driver and the ride in real time, and they'll be the one to rate the driver afterward.