Uber offers car seats through a separate service called Uber Car Seat, which pairs you with drivers who have installed child safety seats in their vehicles.
When you open the Uber app and request a ride, you can select Uber Car Seat as your ride type instead of UberX or Uber Comfort. The app will match you with a nearby driver who has a car seat already installed. The driver arrives, you place your child in the seat, and you travel as you would on any other Uber ride. You pay the same base fare as UberX, though surge pricing may explore during busy times.
Uber Car Seat is available in select cities. Not every market offers it yet, and availability can change. If the option does not appear in your app, the service is not currently running in your area. You can check Uber's website or contact Uber support to see whether it operates where you live.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Car Seat is a separate ride type you select in the app; the driver brings the car seat, and you do not need to bring your own.
- The service is only available in certain cities, and you can see whether it is offered in your area by looking at ride type options in the app.
- Pricing is the same as UberX rides, though surge pricing applies during peak demand.
- Drivers who offer Uber Car Seat have completed a background check and training specific to child safety seat installation and use.
- You should confirm the car seat is the right size for your child before the ride begins, since seats are designed for different age and weight ranges.
What car seat sizes Uber drivers carry
Uber Car Seat drivers carry infant car seats, which are designed for newborns and children up to about 35 pounds, depending on the specific model. These are the bucket-style seats that click into a base or directly onto a stroller frame. Not all drivers carry booster seats or forward-facing convertible seats, so if your child is older or larger, Uber Car Seat may not be the right option.
Before you request the ride, think about your child's age and weight. If your child is under one year old or weighs less than 20 pounds, an infant car seat is appropriate. If your child is older or heavier, check with the driver once they arrive to confirm the seat will work. If it will not, you can cancel the ride without penalty and request a standard Uber instead, though you will then need to bring your own car seat or hold your child (which is not legal in most places).
How to find and request Uber Car Seat
Open the Uber app and tap the ride type selector at the bottom of the screen. You will see options like UberX, Uber Comfort, and others. Scroll through the list to find Uber Car Seat. If it appears, tap it to select it. The app will then show you the estimated fare and how long until a driver arrives.
If Uber Car Seat does not appear in your ride type list, the service is not available in your location. You can still use standard Uber rides, but you will need to provide your own car seat. Some riders bring a portable car seat in the trunk or use a ride-sharing car seat they own.
Once you select Uber Car Seat and request the ride, the app works the same as any other Uber request. You can see the driver's name, vehicle, and real-time location. When the driver arrives, confirm that the car seat is the right size for your child before getting in.
What happens when the driver arrives
The driver will have a car seat already installed in the back seat. When you arrive, the driver may help you place your child in the seat, or you may do it yourself. The car seat should already be properly installed in the vehicle — the driver is trained to install it correctly — but you are responsible for buckling your child in securely once they are seated.
If the car seat does not look clean, is damaged, or does not fit your child, you can ask the driver to cancel the ride. You will not be charged, and you can request a different ride. If you notice a problem after the ride has started, you can still end the trip early and report the issue to Uber through the app.
At the end of the ride, unbuckle your child and remove them from the seat. The driver will take you to your destination just as they would on any other Uber ride. Tipping is optional but appreciated, and you can add a tip through the app after the ride ends.
Pricing and payment for Uber Car Seat
Uber Car Seat rides cost the same as UberX rides in your area. You pay a base fare plus per-mile and per-minute charges. If there is surge pricing during busy times, that applies to Uber Car Seat rides too, so the fare may be higher than usual. The app shows you the estimated fare before you request the ride, so you know the cost upfront.
You pay through the payment method linked to your Uber account — usually a credit card, debit card, or Uber Cash balance. You can add a tip after the ride through the app. If you have an Uber Pass subscription, the discounts may explore to Uber Car Seat rides, though this varies by location and subscription tier.
Driver training and background checks for Uber Car Seat
Drivers who offer Uber Car Seat have completed additional training beyond the standard Uber driver requirements. They learn how to install car seats correctly, how to help passengers find children safely, and what to do if there is a problem with the seat or the child during the ride. Uber requires this training before a driver can set up the Uber Car Seat option in their app.
All Uber drivers, including those offering car seats, go through a background check. Uber screens for driving violations, criminal history, and other factors before approving anyone to drive. Drivers must also maintain a good rating from passengers and follow Uber's community guidelines to keep driving.
Alternatives if Uber Car Seat is not available in your area
If Uber Car Seat is not offered where you live, you have a few other options. You can bring your own car seat and use a standard Uber ride, installing the seat yourself before the ride begins. This works if you have a portable car seat you can carry. Some parents keep a car seat in the trunk specifically for this purpose.
You can also look for other ride-sharing services in your area that offer car seats. Some cities have local services or taxi companies that provide child seats. Another option is to use a regular Uber and hold your child, though this is not legal in most states and is less safe than using a car seat.
If you travel frequently with a child, owning a lightweight, portable car seat designed for travel can make rides easier. These seats are smaller and easier to carry than full-size car seats, though they still meet safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own car seat instead of using the driver's seat?
Yes, you can bring your own car seat and use a standard Uber ride instead of Uber Car Seat. You will install your own seat in the back of the vehicle. This is a good option if you already own a car seat and want to use the one you know is properly installed.
What if my child does not fit in the car seat the driver has?
If the car seat is too small or too large for your child, you can cancel the ride without being charged. Tell the driver the seat does not fit, and request a different ride. If you need a car seat for an older or larger child, you may need to bring your own or use a standard Uber ride.
Is Uber Car Seat available for longer trips?
Yes, you can use Uber Car Seat for any length of trip — short rides across town or longer trips to the airport. The pricing and process are the same regardless of distance. Surge pricing may explore during busy times, which can increase the fare for longer trips.
Do I need to book Uber Car Seat in advance?
No, you request Uber Car Seat the same way you request any Uber ride — through the app when you need it. You do not need to schedule it ahead of time. However, if you request during a very busy time, it may take longer for a driver to arrive, or surge pricing may explore.
What should I do if there is a problem with the car seat during the ride?
If the car seat is dirty, damaged, or not working properly, tell the driver when ready. You can ask them to end the ride, and you will not be charged. After the ride, report the issue to Uber through the app so they can address it with the driver.