What Uber Courier does and who can use it
Uber Courier is Uber's same-day delivery service for documents, packages, and small items between locations in the same city. You request a pickup and dropoff address through the Uber app, and an Uber driver delivers the item for you. It is not a subscription service — you pay per delivery.
Availability depends on your city. Uber Courier operates in select US cities and some international markets, but not everywhere Uber Eats or rideshare operates. You can check whether it is available in your area by opening the Uber app and looking for the Courier option in the service menu.
Anyone with an Uber account can request a Courier delivery. You do not need a business account or special status. The person receiving the item does not need an Uber account — the driver will deliver to them directly.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Courier is available only in certain cities, so check your Uber app to see if the service operates where you are.
- You pay per delivery based on distance and demand, with prices shown in the app before you confirm the order.
- Deliveries typically arrive within an hour or two, though timing depends on driver availability and traffic in your area.
- The driver handles the delivery directly — you do not need to be present, and the recipient does not need an Uber account.
- Items must be legal, fit in a car, and weigh under the service limit, which varies by city.
How pricing works
Uber Courier charges a per-delivery fee that changes based on distance, time of day, and current demand. The app shows you the exact price before you confirm the order, so there are no hidden fees. Prices are typically higher during peak hours and in areas with fewer available drivers.
The cost structure is similar to Uber Eats delivery fees — a base fee plus distance charges. If you have Uber Pass or Uber One membership, some cities offer discounts on Courier deliveries, though this varies by location and membership tier. Check your app to see whether a discount applies in your area.
You pay through your Uber account using the payment method you have on file. Tipping is optional and can be added before or after the delivery.
What you can and cannot send
Uber Courier accepts most everyday items: documents, small packages, gifts, groceries, clothing, electronics, and similar goods. Items must fit inside a standard car and weigh under the service limit for your city — this limit typically ranges from 50 to 100 pounds but varies by location.
You cannot send items that are illegal, hazardous, perishable without proper insulation, or require a signature for legal reasons (such as alcohol or controlled substances in most places). You also cannot send items that need special handling, like live animals or extremely fragile goods that require professional packing.
The driver can refuse a delivery if the item appears unsafe or violates these rules. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, contact Uber support through the app before placing your order.
Delivery timing and tracking
Most Uber Courier deliveries arrive within one to two hours, though this depends on how far the item is traveling, current driver availability, and traffic conditions. The app shows you an estimated arrival time when you place the order, and you can track the driver's location in real time once they have picked up your item.
You receive notifications when the driver picks up the item and when they arrive at the dropoff location. The driver will contact the recipient directly if they cannot find the address or need access to a building.
If a delivery is delayed significantly or the driver cancels, you can contact Uber support through the app. Refunds are issued if the delivery does not go through.
How to place a Courier delivery order
Open the Uber app and tap the menu icon to see available services. Select Courier if it appears in your city. Enter the pickup address (usually your current location) and the dropoff address where the item should go.
Describe the item briefly so the driver knows what to expect — for example, "small cardboard box" or "envelope with documents." Add any special instructions, such as "leave at front door" or "ring the bell twice." The app will show you the estimated price and arrival time.
Review the details, confirm the payment method, and tap to request the delivery. You will see the driver's name and vehicle information once they accept the order, and you can track their location on the map.
Differences between Courier and other Uber services
Uber Courier is different from Uber Eats because it moves any item, not just food. Uber Eats is designed for restaurant orders with insulated bags and specific handling. Courier works for documents, packages, gifts, and other goods that do not need food-service equipment.
Uber Courier is also different from Uber's freight services, which are for businesses shipping large quantities or heavy items. Courier is for individuals sending single items within a city on the same day.
If you need to move multiple items or a large shipment, or if you need delivery across cities or regions, other services like UPS, FedEx, or regional courier companies may be better options. Uber Courier is built for quick, same-day local delivery of smaller goods.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the driver does not arrive within a reasonable time, open the Uber app and check the tracking map. If the driver appears to be going the wrong direction or is stationary for a long time, tap the support icon to contact them directly or reach Uber support.
If an item arrives damaged, lost, or not at all, report it through the app when ready. Uber will investigate and may issue a refund or credit. Keep photos of the item before delivery if you are concerned about damage.
If the recipient was not home or refused the delivery, the driver will attempt to contact them. Some drivers will leave items in a safe place if you have instructed them to do so. Check your order history in the app to see what the driver reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber Courier available in my city?
Open your Uber app and look for Courier in the service menu. If it does not appear, the service is not yet available in your area. Availability is expanding but still limited to select cities. You can check Uber's website or contact support to see if Courier is planned for your location.
Can I schedule a delivery for a specific time?
Uber Courier is designed for same-day, on-demand delivery. You cannot schedule a delivery for a future date or time. If you need a delivery at a specific time, you may need to use a traditional courier service or schedule it through a different platform.
What happens if the driver cannot find the address?
The driver will call or text the recipient to ask for directions or clarification. Make sure the address you enter is complete and accurate, and include any building or apartment details. If the driver still cannot locate it after multiple attempts, they will return the item and you may receive a partial refund.
Do I need to be home for the delivery?
No. The driver delivers directly to the recipient, and you do not need to be present. You can add instructions like "leave at front door" or "give to doorman" in the app. The recipient also does not need an Uber account — the driver will find them at the address you provide.
Can I change the dropoff address after I place the order?
It depends on how quickly the driver accepts and picks up the item. If the driver has not yet picked up, you may be able to cancel and place a new order with the correct address. Once the driver has the item, you cannot change the destination. Contact Uber support when ready if you need to change the address before pickup.