Uber offers car seats through UberX, but availability and cost depend on your location and how far in advance you book
Uber does not provide car seats in standard UberX rides. Instead, Uber offers UberX with car seat as a separate service in select cities. When you book this service, the driver arrives with an installed car seat already in the vehicle. You do not bring your own seat or install anything yourself — the seat is ready to use when you get in the car.
The service is not available everywhere. Uber operates UberX with car seat in some major metropolitan areas, but many cities and rural regions do not have this option. When you open the Uber app, you will see whether the service appears as a choice in your area. If it does not show up, that service is not running in your location.
Cost varies by city and demand. UberX with car seat typically costs more than a standard UberX ride because the driver has invested in the equipment and training. Prices fluctuate based on time of day and how many drivers with car seats are available, the same way regular Uber pricing works.
Key Takeaways
- UberX with car seat is a separate booking option that only appears in the Uber app if the service operates in your city.
- The car seat is already installed in the vehicle when the driver arrives, so you do not need to bring or install your own.
- This service costs more than standard UberX because drivers maintain and carry the equipment.
- Availability is limited to select cities, and you should check your app to see whether the option is offered where you are.
Which cities and regions have UberX with car seat
UberX with car seat is available in some U.S. cities, but the list changes. Uber has offered the service in cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York at various times, but availability is not consistent across all of them. Some cities have had the service and then stopped offering it.
The best way to check is to open your Uber app and look at the ride options available. If UberX with car seat appears as a choice when you request a ride, the service is currently running in your area. If you do not see it listed, it is not available where you are right now.
Uber does not publish a master list of cities where this service is active. Availability depends on whether enough drivers in your area have signed up to offer it and whether Uber is actively promoting the service in your region.
What type of car seat Uber drivers use
Drivers who offer UberX with car seat use forward-facing car seats designed for children who have outgrown infant seats. These are typically seats for children roughly 2 to 7 years old, though the exact age and weight range depends on the specific seat model.
Uber does not specify a single brand or model that all drivers must use. Different drivers may have different seats, as long as the seats meet federal safety standards. This means the exact seat you get may vary from one ride to another.
The seats are installed in the vehicle by the driver, and they remain installed between rides. Drivers are responsible for maintaining the seats and ensuring they are properly secured. You should inspect the seat before placing your child in it and let the driver know if anything looks damaged or loose.
How to book UberX with car seat
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup and dropoff locations. When the ride options appear, look for UberX with car seat in the list. If you see it, tap to select it. If it does not appear, the service is not available in your area at that moment.
You can book UberX with car seat for a ride starting now or schedule it in advance. Scheduling ahead may give you a better chance of finding a driver with a car seat available, since drivers can see scheduled requests and plan accordingly.
When you book, the app shows the upfront price before you confirm. You will see the driver's name and vehicle details once a driver accepts your request, just as with a regular Uber ride.
Cost and pricing for UberX with car seat
UberX with car seat costs more than standard UberX in the same city. The exact price difference varies by location. In cities where the service is offered, the app shows you the upfront price before you book, so you know the cost before you confirm the ride.
Pricing follows Uber's standard model: the base fare, per-mile charge, and per-minute charge are set by Uber for your city, but the total price also depends on demand. During busy times, prices go up. During slow times, prices go down. This applies to UberX with car seat the same way it applies to regular rides.
You pay through the Uber app using the payment method you have on file. Tips are separate and optional, just like with any other Uber ride.
Safety considerations and what to check
The car seat should be properly installed and secured before your child sits in it. When the driver arrives, take a moment to look at the seat. Check that it is firmly attached to the vehicle seat, that the straps are not twisted or frayed, and that there are no visible cracks or damage.
Make sure the harness straps fit snugly across your child's shoulders and that the chest clip is at armpit height. If anything feels loose or wrong, tell the driver before the ride starts. If the driver cannot fix the problem, you can cancel the ride and request a different one.
Uber drivers who offer car seats are required to pass a background check, the same as all Uber drivers. However, Uber does not require special training in car seat installation or child safety beyond standard driver requirements. You are responsible for ensuring the seat is used correctly for your child's age, height, and weight.
Alternatives if UberX with car seat is not available in your area
If UberX with car seat does not show up in your app, you have other options. You can bring your own car seat and use it in a standard UberX or Uber Comfort ride. You will need to install it yourself, and you are responsible for making sure it is installed correctly.
Some families use a portable booster seat that is lighter and easier to install than a full car seat. These are designed for older children and take up less space in the vehicle.
Another option is to use a different ride service if one operates in your area and offers car seats. Some local taxi companies and car services also provide car seats, though you would need to contact them directly to book and ask about availability and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own car seat instead of using the one in the vehicle?
Yes. If you prefer to use your own car seat, you can book a standard UberX or Uber Comfort ride and install your own seat. You are responsible for installation and making sure it is appropriate for your child's size. The driver cannot help with installation.
What if the car seat is damaged or does not look safe?
Tell the driver before the ride starts. If the driver cannot fix the problem or if you do not feel safe using the seat, cancel the ride. You will not be charged a cancellation fee if you cancel before the driver has started driving. Request a new ride and try again.
Can I book UberX with car seat for multiple children?
UberX with car seat typically comes with one car seat. If you have more than one child who needs a car seat, contact Uber support through the app to ask whether a driver in your area has multiple seats available, or book a larger vehicle like Uber XL that may have more space for additional seats you bring.
Is UberX with car seat available for infants?
No. UberX with car seat provides forward-facing seats for toddlers and older children, not infant car seats. If you are traveling with an infant, you will need to bring your own rear-facing infant seat and install it in a standard Uber vehicle.
How far in advance should I book UberX with car seat?
You can book as soon as you need a ride, but scheduling 30 minutes to an hour ahead increases the chance that a driver with a car seat will be available. Last-minute bookings may not find a driver with a car seat, especially during busy times.