What Uber Premier Is
Uber Premier is a higher-tier ride option within the Uber app that pairs you with drivers who have maintained specific ratings and vehicle standards. It sits between UberX and Uber Black on Uber's service tiers. Premier drivers must meet stricter requirements than standard UberX drivers — typically a 4.85 or higher rating, a newer vehicle (usually 2015 or newer, depending on your city), and they undergo additional background screening.
When you request a Premier ride, you are matched with one of these vetted drivers. The vehicle is typically a newer sedan or similar mid-range car, cleaner and more well-maintained than what you would find in a standard UberX pool. The experience is meant to feel more polished than UberX but less formal than Uber Black, which uses luxury vehicles and professional drivers.
Premier is not available in every city. Uber rolls it out market by market, so availability depends on where you are. You can check whether Premier is offered in your area by opening the Uber app and looking at the ride options displayed on the main screen.
Key Takeaways
- Premier drivers must maintain ratings of 4.85 or higher and drive newer vehicles that pass Uber's inspection standards.
- Premier rides cost more than UberX but less than Uber Black, with pricing that varies by location and demand.
- You request a Premier ride the same way you request any other Uber ride — by selecting it from the app's ride options menu.
- Premier is not available in all cities; check your app to see if it is offered where you live.
- Wait times for Premier are typically longer than UberX because fewer drivers meet the requirements.
How Premier Pricing Works
Premier rides use the same pricing model as other Uber services: a base fare, per-minute charge, and per-mile charge, all multiplied by a surge multiplier when demand is high. The base fare and per-minute and per-mile rates are higher for Premier than for UberX in the same city. The exact amounts vary by location and change periodically.
Before you request a ride, the Uber app shows you an upfront price estimate. This estimate includes all charges — base fare, distance, time, and any surge pricing in effect at that moment. You see this price before you confirm the ride, so there are no surprises after the trip ends.
Surge pricing applies to Premier the same way it applies to UberX. When demand spikes — during rush hour, bad weather, or special events — the multiplier increases, and your fare goes up. Premier surge multipliers can be higher than UberX multipliers during the same time period because fewer Premier drivers are available.
Driver Requirements and Vehicle Standards
To drive Premier, a driver must first be an active Uber driver with a good standing account. Beyond that, Uber requires a minimum rating of 4.85 stars (some markets may vary slightly). The driver's vehicle must meet age and condition requirements — typically no older than a certain year (often 2015 or newer, but this varies by city) and must pass a vehicle inspection that checks for mechanical soundness, cleanliness, and safety features.
Drivers also undergo an additional background check beyond the standard Uber driver screening. This check looks for driving violations and other factors that might disqualify someone from the Premier program. Once a driver meets all requirements, they can opt into Premier driving through the Uber driver app.
Drivers can lose Premier status if their rating drops below the threshold or if their vehicle fails an inspection. Uber periodically re-inspects Premier vehicles to may support they continue to meet standards.
Requesting a Premier Ride
To request a Premier ride, open the Uber app and look at the ride options displayed at the bottom of the screen. You will see UberX, Premier, Uber Black, and any other services available in your area. Tap on Premier to select it. The app will show you an upfront price estimate and an estimated wait time for a Premier driver to arrive.
If the wait time is too long or the price is higher than you want to pay, you can switch back to UberX or another option. Once you confirm the Premier request, the app begins matching you with an available Premier driver. You will see the driver's name, photo, rating, and vehicle details, along with a map showing their location and route to you.
The pickup and dropoff process works exactly like any other Uber ride. The driver arrives, you get in, and you reach your destination. You rate the driver and the ride at the end, just as you would for UberX.
Premier vs. UberX vs. Uber Black
| Feature | UberX | Premier | Uber Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum driver rating | 4.6 stars (typical) | 4.85 stars | 4.85 stars |
| Vehicle type | Standard sedan or compact car | Newer sedan, well-maintained | Luxury vehicle (BMW, Mercedes, etc.) |
| Vehicle age requirement | Varies by city | Typically 2015 or newer | Typically 2015 or newer |
| Price relative to UberX | Baseline | 20–40% higher (varies by city) | 2–3 times higher |
| Typical wait time | Shortest | Moderate | Longest |
| Driver professionalism | Standard | Enhanced screening | Professional chauffeur service |
When Premier Makes Sense
Premier is useful when you want a more reliable, cleaner ride experience than UberX but do not need the luxury and cost of Uber Black. Some people use Premier for business meetings or client pickups where the vehicle appearance matters. Others choose it during times when UberX surge pricing is very high, because Premier's higher base rate sometimes results in a lower total fare than a heavily surged UberX ride.
Premier also tends to have more reliable drivers — the higher rating requirement and additional screening mean you are less likely to encounter cancellations or poor service. If you are traveling to an unfamiliar area and want extra confidence in your driver's knowledge and professionalism, Premier can be worth the extra cost.
However, if you are price-sensitive or in a hurry, UberX is usually the better choice. UberX has more drivers available, so wait times are shorter and surge multipliers are typically lower. Premier's longer wait times mean it is not ideal when you need a ride when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Premier available everywhere Uber operates?
No. Premier is rolled out by city and is not available in all markets. Check your Uber app to see if Premier appears in your ride options. If it does not show up, it is not yet available in your area.
Can I schedule a Premier ride in advance?
Yes. You can use Uber's scheduled ride feature to book a Premier ride for a future time. Open the app, select Premier, and tap the clock icon to set your preferred pickup time. Scheduled rides are confirmed when a driver accepts, usually a few minutes before your requested time.
What happens if no Premier drivers are available?
If no Premier drivers are nearby, the app will show you a longer wait time estimate. You can either wait for a Premier driver or switch to UberX or another service. Uber does not automatically downgrade you to a lower tier if Premier is unavailable.
Do Premier drivers accept tips through the app?
Yes. After your ride ends, the Uber app prompts you to rate the driver and add a tip. You can tip through the app, in cash, or both. Tips are optional but appreciated.
Can I become a Premier driver?
If you are already an Uber driver with a 4.85 or higher rating and a vehicle that meets Uber's age and condition standards, you can opt into the Premier program through the driver app. You will need to pass an additional vehicle inspection and background check. Requirements vary by city, so check with Uber's driver support in your area for specific details.