Open the Uber app and select your destination twice
A round-trip ride on Uber means you book both your outbound journey and your return journey in a single transaction. The driver takes you to your destination, waits (or you arrange a pickup time), and then drives you back. You pay one fare that covers both legs, and the app shows you the estimated cost upfront before you confirm.
Start by opening the Uber app on your phone. Tap the search box at the top where it says "Where to?" and enter your destination — the place you want to go first. Once you've entered that address, the app will show you available ride types and prices for a one-way trip to that location.
Below the destination field, you'll see a toggle or option labeled "Round Trip" or a round-trip icon. Tap it. The app will then ask you to enter your return destination — which is usually your starting location, but you can change it if needed. Once you've entered both addresses, the app recalculates and shows you the total estimated fare for the complete round trip.
Key Takeaways
- Round-trip rides let you book your outbound and return journey together in one transaction, with one total fare shown before you confirm.
- You must enter both your destination and your return location in the app before requesting the ride.
- The driver will wait at your destination or you can set a specific pickup time if you need a longer stop.
- Round-trip rides are not available in all cities or with all ride types — check your app to see if the option appears in your area.
- You can modify or cancel the return portion of your trip before the driver picks you up again, though cancellation fees may apply.
Choose your ride type and set your return time
After you've entered both addresses, the app shows you available ride types — typically UberX, Uber Comfort, or UberXL, depending on your city and demand. Select the ride type you want. The price shown is for the complete round trip using that vehicle type.
Next, you'll see an option to set when you want to be picked up for your return trip. You can choose "Have the driver wait" if your stop will be short (usually 5 to 60 minutes, depending on the driver's willingness), or you can set a specific pickup time. If you set a scheduled time, the driver will return to pick you up at that time. Be realistic about how long you'll need — if you're running late, you can request the driver to wait longer through the app, though this may incur additional charges.
Confirm the fare and request your ride
Review the total estimated fare for both legs of your trip. This price includes the outbound ride, any wait time or scheduled return time, and the return journey. Tap "Request" or "Confirm" to book the ride.
The app will match you with a driver. Once a driver accepts, you'll see their name, vehicle details, and real-time location on the map. The driver will pick you up at your current location and take you to your first destination. When you arrive, the app will show that you're at your destination and remind you of your return pickup time or that the driver is waiting.
What happens during the wait at your destination
If you chose "Have the driver wait," the driver will remain at your destination. You can see the wait time accumulating in the app. Most drivers will wait for a reasonable period, but if you need more time than expected, message the driver through the app to confirm they're still available.
If you set a scheduled return time, the driver may leave your destination and return at the time you specified. The app will notify you when the driver is on the way back to pick you up. Make sure you're ready at your pickup location when the driver arrives, as they may not wait long.
If your plans change and you need to cancel the return portion of your trip, you can do so in the app before the driver picks you up again. Cancellation fees may apply depending on how close you are to your scheduled pickup time and your city's policies.
Round-trip rides are not available everywhere
Round-trip booking is available in many major US cities, but not all. If you don't see the round-trip option in your app, it may not be offered in your area yet. You can still book two separate one-way rides instead — request your outbound ride first, and once you arrive at your destination, request a return ride.
Some ride types may not support round-trip booking. Uber Eats, Uber Green, or Uber Reserve may have different rules or may not offer the round-trip feature at all. Check what options appear in your app when you enter your destination.
Paying for your round-trip ride
Your payment method is charged once, when you complete the round trip. The total fare covers both the outbound and return legs. If the driver waits at your destination, wait time charges are included in the final fare. If you set a scheduled return time, the fare is calculated based on the distance and time for both trips.
If you cancel the return portion of your trip after the driver has picked you up for the return leg, you may be charged a cancellation fee. If you cancel before the driver begins the return trip, policies vary by city — some allow free cancellation, while others charge a fee if you cancel close to your scheduled pickup time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm not ready when the driver arrives for the return trip?
If you set a scheduled return time and aren't ready, the driver may leave or charge a wait fee. If the driver is waiting at your destination, message them through the app to let them know you need more time. For scheduled pickups, try to be at your location a few minutes early.
Can I change my return destination after I book?
You can modify your return destination before the driver picks you up for the return trip by editing it in the app. Changes may affect your fare. Once the driver has started the return journey, you can still change the destination, but the driver may decline if it's too different from the original route.
Is a round-trip ride cheaper than booking two separate rides?
Round-trip rides are usually priced similarly to booking two one-way rides, though the exact cost depends on demand, time of day, and distance. The main advantage is convenience — you book both trips at once and see the total cost upfront, rather than paying for each ride separately.
What if the driver cancels during the round trip?
If the driver cancels after picking you up for the return trip, you'll be refunded the return portion of your fare and can request a new ride. If the driver cancels before picking you up for the return trip, you can request a new round-trip ride or book a one-way ride instead.
Can I use round-trip rides for airport trips?
Yes, you can book a round-trip ride to and from the airport. However, airport pickups and dropoffs may have additional fees or restrictions depending on your location. Check your app for airport-specific pricing before confirming your booking.