What Uber's website does and who should use it
Uber's website at uber.com lets you request rides, track drivers in real time, and manage your account settings without opening the app. You can book a ride, view your trip history, update payment methods, and contact support — all from a browser on your phone, tablet, or computer. The website works the same way the app does, so if you prefer not to read software or your phone storage is full, the website is a complete alternative.
The website is also useful if you want to plan a trip before you leave home, check prices for different ride types, or handle account issues like a lost item or a driver complaint. Some people use both the app and website depending on where they are or what device is handy.
Key Takeaways
- You can request any ride type on the website — UberX, Uber Eats, Uber Black — using the same account you would use in the app.
- The website shows you the estimated fare, pickup time, and driver details before you confirm, so you know the cost upfront.
- You can save home and work addresses as favorites, which speeds up booking on repeat trips.
- Payment methods, trip history, and account settings are all managed through the website's account menu, accessible from any browser.
How to request a ride on the website
Go to uber.com and sign in with your email address and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one by entering your name, email, phone number, and payment method. Once you are signed in, you will see a map with a search box at the top.
Type or click your pickup location in the search box. Uber will show you your current location by default, but you can change it to anywhere — your office, a friend's house, an airport. Then type or click your destination. Uber will show you the available ride types, the estimated fare for each, and how long the driver will take to reach you. Select the ride type you want — UberX is the standard option, but you may see UberXL for larger groups, Uber Black for premium service, or other options depending on your city. Click "Request" and Uber will send your ride to nearby drivers.
Once a driver accepts, you will see their name, photo, vehicle details, and real-time location on the map. You can message the driver or call them directly from the website if you need to give them directions or let them know you are running late.
Saving addresses and managing your account
Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner of the website, then select "Account." From there you can update your name, email, phone number, and password. You can also add or remove payment methods — credit cards, debit cards, or a linked bank account. Uber stores these securely so you do not have to enter them each time you book.
To save addresses you use often, go to "Saved Places" in the account menu. Add your home address, work address, or anywhere else you travel regularly. When you book a ride, you can click a saved place instead of typing the full address, which saves time and reduces typing errors.
Your trip history is also in the account menu under "Trips." You can see every ride you have taken, the fare you paid, the driver's rating, and the date and time. This is useful if you need to remember where you went, how much you spent, or if you want to contact Uber about a specific trip.
Viewing fares and ride options before you book
Before you request a ride, the website shows you the estimated fare for each ride type available in your area. The fare is based on distance, time, and current demand. If demand is high — during rush hour or bad weather, for example — you may see a surge multiplier, which means the fare is higher than usual. The website will tell you the multiplier before you confirm, so you always know what you are paying.
You can also see how long it will take a driver to reach you. This is called the estimated pickup time, and it changes as drivers accept and complete other rides. If the wait time is longer than you want, you can wait a few minutes and check again, or you can choose a different ride type if one is available faster.
Contacting Uber support through the website
If you have a problem with a ride, a driver, or your account, click the menu icon and select "Help." You will see a list of common issues — lost item, safety concern, payment problem, driver behavior — and you can select the one that matches your situation. Uber will show you answers to frequently asked questions first, and if you need more help, you can submit a message to Uber's support team.
You can also report a lost item directly from your trip history. Find the trip where you lost something, click it, and select "Lost item." Describe what you lost and where you think you left it, and Uber will contact the driver to check the vehicle. If the driver finds it, Uber can arrange for you to pick it up or have it returned to you.
Differences between the website and the app
The website and app do the same things — request rides, pay, view history, contact support — and they use the same account. The main difference is convenience. The app sends you notifications when a driver is nearby or when your ride is arriving, and it can use your phone's location automatically. The website requires you to type or click your location each time, and you will not get push notifications unless you allow your browser to send them.
Some phones and browsers work better with the website than others. If the website is slow or does not load properly, try the app instead. If you do not want to read the app, the website works fine for occasional riders or people who prefer to plan trips in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the website on my phone?
Yes. The website works on any phone browser — Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or others. It is not as fast as the app because it does not have direct access to your phone's location, but it works for booking rides and managing your account. You can also add the website to your home screen so it looks and opens like an app.
Do I need a different account for the website and the app?
No. You use the same email and password for both. If you book a ride on the website and then open the app, you will see the same account, payment methods, and trip history. Your account is linked to your email, not to the device.
What payment methods does the website accept?
The website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and linked bank accounts. You can also pay with a gift card or promotional credit if you have one. Add your payment method in the account menu under "Payment Methods," and Uber will store it securely for future rides.
Can I schedule a ride in advance on the website?
Yes. When you enter your pickup and destination, look for the "Schedule" option. You can book a ride for a specific date and time up to 30 days in advance. Uber will send you a notification when it is time to confirm the ride, and a driver will be assigned shortly after.
What do I do if the website is not working?
Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then reload the page. If that does not work, try a different browser or device. If the problem continues, contact Uber support through the website's Help menu and describe what is happening. You can also read the app as a backup.