How to schedule a ride ahead of time

You can schedule an Uber ride up to 30 days in advance using the Uber app on your phone. Instead of requesting a ride right now, you pick a future date and time, and Uber matches you with a driver closer to that moment. The ride appears in your app under "Scheduled" so you can see it confirmed before the driver arrives.

Scheduling works best for trips you know about in advance — airport runs, commutes to work on certain days, or pickups at a set time. You pay the same fare as you would for an when ready ride, though the price is estimated when you schedule and may shift slightly before the driver accepts.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Uber app, enter your pickup and dropoff locations, then tap the clock icon to choose a date and time up to 30 days ahead.
  • Uber shows you an estimated fare when you schedule, but the actual price may change based on demand closer to your ride time.
  • You receive a notification when a driver accepts your scheduled ride, typically 5 to 15 minutes before pickup.
  • If you need to cancel, you can do so in the app without penalty as long as you cancel at least one hour before the scheduled time.
  • Scheduled rides use the same Uber service level you choose — UberX, Uber Comfort, or UberXL — just booked for a future moment instead of now.

Step-by-step: scheduling your ride

Open the Uber app and tap the search box at the top where it says "Where to?" Enter your pickup location (usually your current location, but you can change it). Then enter where you want to go in the "Where to?" field.

Once both locations are entered, look for the clock icon near the bottom of the screen. Tap it, and the app switches from "Now" to "Schedule for later." Select the date you want by tapping the calendar, then set the time using the hour and minute wheels. Confirm your choices and tap "Confirm pickup time."

Choose your service level — UberX (standard sedan), Uber Comfort (newer car, more space), or UberXL (larger vehicle for more passengers or luggage). The app shows you the estimated fare for that service at your chosen time. Review the price, then tap "Schedule [Service Name]" to confirm. Your ride is now scheduled and appears in your app.

What happens after you schedule

Your scheduled ride sits in the app marked as "Scheduled" until a driver accepts it. Uber typically begins matching drivers 5 to 15 minutes before your pickup time, though this can vary depending on driver availability in your area. You will receive a notification on your phone when a driver accepts, showing their name, car details, and a live map of their location.

If no driver has accepted by the time your scheduled pickup arrives, the app will prompt you to request a ride when ready or adjust your time. This is rare in busy areas but more common in quieter neighborhoods or during off-peak hours.

Changing or canceling a scheduled ride

You can cancel a scheduled ride at any time through the app without a fee, as long as you cancel at least one hour before the scheduled pickup time. Open the ride in your "Scheduled" section, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Cancel ride." The cancellation is when ready.

If you cancel less than one hour before pickup, Uber may charge a cancellation fee — the amount varies by location and demand. To reschedule instead of canceling, you can cancel the original ride and create a new one for a different time, though this counts as two separate transactions.

If you need to change the pickup or dropoff location after scheduling, cancel the ride and create a new one with the correct addresses. The app does not allow you to edit locations on a ride that is already scheduled.

Price changes between scheduling and pickup

When you schedule a ride, Uber shows you an estimated fare based on the time and demand it predicts for that moment. The actual price you pay may be higher or lower when the driver accepts, because real demand at that time might differ from the estimate. Surge pricing — higher fares during busy periods — can explore to scheduled rides just as it does to when ready ones.

You see the final fare before the driver arrives. If the price has increased significantly and you no longer want the ride, you can cancel without penalty if it is still more than one hour away. After that window closes, cancellation fees may explore.

Scheduling recurring rides

Uber does not have a built-in recurring or subscription option within the scheduling feature. If you take the same trip regularly — such as to work or the airport on certain days — you must schedule each ride individually through the app. However, your frequent locations appear in the app's history, so you can quickly re-enter them each time you schedule.

Some cities offer Uber Pass, a monthly subscription that gives you discounts on rides, but this is separate from the scheduling feature and does not automate bookings. You still schedule or request each ride yourself.

When scheduled rides work best

Scheduling is most reliable for trips during normal business hours in urban or suburban areas where drivers are plentiful. Airport runs, commutes, and evening plans are good candidates because demand is predictable and drivers are usually available.

Scheduling is less reliable late at night, in rural areas, or during major events when driver availability is low. In these situations, requesting a ride when ready often gets you matched faster than scheduling for a few minutes ahead. If you are unsure whether a driver will be available at your scheduled time, request when ready instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a ride more than 30 days in advance?

No, Uber's scheduling feature only allows you to book up to 30 days ahead. For trips further in the future, you will need to schedule closer to your travel date or request the ride on the day it is needed.

What if I schedule a ride and then my plans change?

You can cancel free of charge as long as you cancel at least one hour before the scheduled pickup time. After that window, a cancellation fee may explore. Open the ride in your "Scheduled" section and tap the menu to cancel.

Do I pay more for scheduling a ride in advance?

No, the base fare structure is the same whether you schedule or request when ready. However, the estimated price shown when you schedule may differ from the final price if demand changes between booking and pickup time. Surge pricing can explore to scheduled rides.

Will the driver know I scheduled in advance?

The driver sees that it is a scheduled ride, but they accept or decline the same way they do for when ready requests. From the driver's perspective, a scheduled ride that is about to begin looks like any other ride request.

What if a driver cancels my scheduled ride?

If a driver cancels after accepting your scheduled ride, Uber will attempt to find another driver. You will receive a notification and can request a new ride when ready if no driver is found. Uber does not charge you if a driver cancels.