Yes, you can order an Uber for another person, but the ride works differently depending on who pays and who receives it
You can request a ride for someone else using your Uber account. The person riding does not need their own account or payment method — they just need to be at the pickup location when the driver arrives. However, the ride will appear on your account, you will receive the driver details and trip updates, and you will be charged for it. If you want the other person to have control over the ride or to pay for it themselves, you have other options that work better.
The method you choose depends on whether you want to pay, whether you want them to pay, and whether you want them to see the driver information in real time. Each method has different steps and different limitations.
Key Takeaways
- Ordering a ride on your account for someone else means you pay and receive all trip notifications, but the rider does not need an Uber account.
- The "Request for Someone Else" feature lets you order on your account but have the other person see the driver details and track the ride on their phone.
- Sending money through Uber Cash or a gift card lets the other person order and pay for their own ride using their own account.
- If you order a ride for a minor, you should stay in contact with the driver and confirm the child's safety before the ride ends.
Ordering a ride on your account for someone else
Open the Uber app on your phone and request a ride as you normally would. Enter the pickup location (where the other person is) and the destination. At checkout, you will see your payment method. Complete the booking. The ride will be assigned to your account, and you will receive notifications about the driver's arrival and location.
The other person will not see the driver's name, photo, vehicle details, or real-time location unless you show them your phone or tell them the information yourself. This method works if you are paying and the other person is simply waiting for the ride, but it means you are the only one tracking the trip. If the driver is delayed or the pickup location is unclear, you will be the one who knows about it first.
You will be charged the full fare to your payment method on file. If the ride costs more than expected due to surge pricing or a longer route, you will pay the difference. The other person cannot dispute the charge or adjust the tip — only you can.
Using the "Request for Someone Else" feature
Uber offers a feature that lets you order a ride on your account but have the other person receive the driver details on their phone. Open the Uber app, tap the profile icon, and look for "Request for Someone Else" or a similar option (the exact name and location vary by region and app version). Enter the pickup and destination addresses, then select the other person's phone number or contact information.
The other person will receive a notification with the driver's name, photo, vehicle details, and real-time location tracking. They can see exactly where the driver is and when they will arrive. You will still be charged and still receive notifications, but the other person has visibility into the trip on their own phone. This is useful if you are paying but want them to have full information about the ride.
This feature is not available in all regions or on all account types. If you do not see it in your app, your location or account may not support it yet. You can contact Uber support to confirm whether it is available where you are.
Sending Uber Cash or a gift card so they can order their own ride
If you want the other person to order and pay for the ride themselves, you can send them money through Uber Cash. Open your Uber app, go to the Wallet or Payment section, and look for an option to send Uber Cash or a gift card. Enter the amount you want to send and the other person's phone number or email address. They will receive a notification and can add the funds to their own Uber account.
Once they have the funds, they can open their own Uber account and order a ride. The money will be deducted from their Uber Cash balance first, then from any other payment method if the ride costs more. This method gives them full control over the ride — they see the driver information, they can cancel if needed, and they decide the tip amount.
Uber Cash balances do not expire in most cases, but you should confirm the current policy in your region. The other person can also use the funds for Uber Eats if they choose. If they do not have an Uber account yet, they will need to create one before they can use the funds.
Ordering a ride for a minor
You can order an Uber for a child, but Uber's policy requires that minors under 18 not ride alone. If you are ordering a ride for a child, you should either ride with them or arrange for an adult to meet them at the pickup location and ride with them. You are responsible for confirming that the child is safe and that an appropriate adult is present.
Before the ride ends, contact the driver or the child to confirm they have reached the destination safely and that an adult is there to receive them. Do not end the trip remotely if the child is still in the vehicle. Keep your phone available during the entire ride in case the driver or child needs to reach you.
Some regions have additional restrictions on unaccompanied minors in rideshare vehicles. Check your local Uber policies or contact Uber support if you are unsure whether a minor can ride alone in your area.
What happens if the other person is not at the pickup location
If the driver arrives and the other person is not there, the driver will wait for a short time (usually a few minutes). If the rider does not appear, the driver can cancel the ride. You will be charged a cancellation fee, which is typically smaller than the full fare but still costs money. The amount varies by location and how long the driver waited.
To avoid this, confirm with the other person that they are ready and at the correct location before you request the ride. Send them the pickup address and ask them to confirm they see it. If they are running late, wait a few minutes before ordering. If the driver cancels, you can request another ride once the other person is ready.
Payment and tipping when you order for someone else
You will be charged the full fare to your payment method. The fare includes the base fare, distance charge, time charge, and any surge pricing that applies at the time of the ride. You can see the estimated fare before you confirm the booking, though the final amount may be higher if the route is longer than expected.
You can add a tip through the Uber app after the ride is complete. The tip goes to the driver and does not go to the other person. If you want the other person to tip the driver, you will need to ask them to do so through their own account, or you can add the tip yourself after the ride ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order an Uber for someone if they do not have the app?
Yes. You can order on your account and the driver will pick up the other person based on the location you entered. They do not need an Uber account. However, they will not see driver details unless you show them your phone or tell them the information yourself. If you want them to have full visibility, use the "Request for Someone Else" feature if it is available in your region.
What if the driver goes to the wrong location?
Contact the driver immediately through the app or by phone. The driver's number appears in the app once they accept the ride. If the driver is at the wrong address, ask them to go to the correct pickup location. If the driver refuses or you cannot reach them, you can cancel the ride and request a new one. You may be charged a cancellation fee.
Can I order an Uber for someone in a different city?
Yes, as long as Uber operates in that city. Enter the pickup and destination addresses for that city, and the ride will be requested there. You will be charged based on the fares in that location. Make sure the other person knows the exact pickup address and is ready when the driver arrives.
Will the driver know I am not the one riding?
The driver will see the name on your account as the person who requested the ride. When they arrive, they may ask for the passenger by name or ask who is riding. You should tell the other person to be ready to confirm their identity or the destination address so the driver knows they are the correct passenger.
Can I track the ride after it starts?
Yes. You will receive real-time updates about the driver's location and the trip progress. You can see when the driver picks up the passenger, the route they are taking, and when they arrive at the destination. The app will show you the final fare and allow you to add a tip after the ride is complete.