Splitting an Uber ride means you and another passenger share one car and split the fare
Uber's Uber Pool feature (called UberX Share in some cities) matches you with another rider heading in a similar direction, and you both pay a reduced fare. You request the ride the same way you normally would, but you select the shared option instead of a standard UberX. The driver picks up both passengers and drops each off at their destination. Your fare is lower than a solo ride would cost, but the trip takes longer because the driver makes two stops instead of one.
Not every city offers this feature — Uber has discontinued it in some markets and kept it in others. Before you try to request a shared ride, check whether it is available in your area by opening the Uber app and looking at the ride options on the main screen. If you do not see a "Pool" or "Share" option listed, the feature is not currently running where you are.
Key Takeaways
- Shared rides cost less per person than solo rides, but the trip takes longer because the driver stops twice.
- You request a shared ride through the Uber app by selecting the Pool or Share option before you confirm your pickup location.
- The driver may pick up the other passenger first or you first, depending on the route and pickup locations.
- You and the other passenger do not need to know each other or exchange information — the app handles the payment split automatically.
- Shared rides are not available in all cities; check your app to see if the option appears in your area.
How to request a shared ride in the Uber app
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup location and destination as you normally would. On the screen that shows available ride types, look for an option labeled "Pool," "Share," or "UberX Share" — the exact name varies by city. Tap that option to select it. The app will then show you an estimated fare for the shared ride, which will be lower than the UberX price shown above it.
Confirm your pickup location and tap the button to request the ride. Uber will search for another passenger heading in a compatible direction. This matching process usually takes a few minutes. Once a match is found, you will see the driver's location and estimated arrival time, just as you would with a regular ride. The driver will pick up whichever passenger is closest or most convenient first, then pick up the second passenger, then drop each of you off in order.
What happens during a shared ride
When the driver arrives at your pickup location, get in the car as you would for any Uber ride. The driver may have already picked up the other passenger, or they may pick them up next — this depends on the route. You will see both destinations displayed on the driver's navigation screen. The driver will drop off whichever passenger is closest to their destination first, then drop off the second passenger.
You do not need to interact with the other passenger beyond normal courtesy. You will not see their name or contact information unless you choose to share it. The app handles all the payment splitting automatically — each of you will be charged only your portion of the fare based on the distance you traveled. You will receive a receipt in the app showing your share of the cost.
How the fare is split between passengers
Each passenger pays based on the distance they traveled in the car, not an even split of the total fare. If you travel 2 miles and the other passenger travels 3 miles, you will pay less than they do. Uber calculates this automatically and charges each phone number separately. You will see the final amount you paid only after the ride is complete, when your receipt appears in the app.
The exact amount you save compared to a solo UberX ride varies depending on the distance, the time of day, and demand in your area. Generally, shared rides cost 25 to 50 percent less per person than solo rides, but this is not may provide. During very busy times, the savings may be smaller.
When shared rides take longer and when they are faster
A shared ride will always take longer than a solo ride because the driver makes two stops instead of one. If you are picked up first and the other passenger is dropped off first, you might wait 5 to 15 minutes longer than you would in a solo ride. If you are picked up second, the wait is even longer — you are waiting for the driver to pick up the first passenger before they pick you up.
The time difference depends on how far apart the two pickup locations are and how far out of the way the first drop-off is. In a dense urban area with short distances, the extra time might be 5 to 10 minutes. In a larger area, it could be 15 to 20 minutes. If you are in a hurry, a solo UberX ride is a better choice, even though it costs more.
Why shared rides are not available in your area
Uber has removed the shared ride option from many cities over the past few years. In some places, the feature was not popular enough to justify the extra complexity for drivers. In others, Uber made a business decision to focus on other services. If you do not see a Pool or Share option in your app, it means Uber is not currently offering shared rides in your city.
You can still request a regular UberX ride and save money by using Uber's other discounts, such as riding during off-peak hours or using a promo code. You can also check the Uber app periodically — the company sometimes reintroduces shared rides in cities where it previously removed them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a shared ride if I have luggage or a lot of bags?
Yes, but be aware that the other passenger will also have luggage or belongings. The car is the same size as a regular UberX, so space is limited. If you have a large suitcase or multiple bags, a solo ride may be more comfortable for both you and the other passenger.
What if the other passenger is rude or makes me uncomfortable?
You can report the passenger through the app after the ride ends. Tap the rating screen and select the option to report a safety concern. Uber takes these reports seriously and may take action against the passenger's account. If you feel unsafe during the ride, you can also contact Uber support directly through the app.
Do I have to talk to the other passenger?
No. You are not required to have any conversation with the other passenger. A straightforward greeting is polite, but you can spend the ride in silence if you prefer. The other passenger is not expecting to make a friend — they are just trying to save money on their fare, just like you.
What if the driver takes a longer route than I expected?
The driver may take a route that is longer for you but shorter overall when both passengers' destinations are considered. You will still be charged only for the distance you traveled, so you are not paying extra for the detour. If you believe the driver took an unreasonably long route, you can contact Uber support and request a fare adjustment.
Can I cancel a shared ride request after I request it?
Yes. Before the driver arrives, you can cancel the request through the app. If you cancel after the driver has already picked up the other passenger, you may be charged a cancellation fee. Once the ride has started, you cannot cancel — you must complete the ride to your destination.