You can book an Uber ride up to 30 days ahead using the "Schedule" feature in the app, but the driver is not confirmed until closer to your pickup time

When you open the Uber app and enter your destination, you will see an option to "Schedule" instead of requesting immediately. Tap that button, choose your date and time, and the app will show you an upfront price. You pay at that moment, but Uber does not assign a driver until 5 to 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup. This means your ride is booked and paid for, but you will not know who is driving until shortly before they arrive.

The upfront price you see when you schedule is the price you pay — Uber does not charge surge pricing on scheduled rides the way it does on immediate requests. This can save you money during peak hours, but it also means you cannot change your pickup or dropoff location after booking without cancelling and rebooking at a new price.

Key Takeaways

  • Scheduled rides can be booked up to 30 days in advance through the Uber app, and the price is locked in when you book.
  • A driver is not assigned until 5 to 15 minutes before your pickup time, so you will not know who is driving you until close to departure.
  • If you cancel a scheduled ride, Uber's cancellation policy applies — free cancellation up to 5 minutes before pickup, then a cancellation fee.
  • Scheduled rides work best for airport trips, commutes, or other journeys where you know the exact time and route in advance.
  • If no driver accepts your scheduled ride by the time it is supposed to start, Uber will notify you and you can request an immediate ride instead.

When a driver is assigned and how to know if your ride is confirmed

Uber sends you a notification when a driver accepts your scheduled ride. This typically happens 5 to 15 minutes before your pickup time, though it can be sooner during quiet periods. The notification includes the driver's name, photo, vehicle details, and their current location on a map. At that point, your ride is confirmed — the driver is on the way and will arrive at the time shown in the app.

If no driver accepts your scheduled ride by the time it is supposed to start, Uber will notify you that the ride could not be matched. You can then request an immediate ride using the standard Uber request feature. You will not be charged twice — Uber refunds the scheduled ride fare and you pay for the immediate request instead.

Cancellation fees and what happens if you need to cancel

You can cancel a scheduled ride free of charge up to 5 minutes before your pickup time. After that window closes, Uber charges a cancellation fee. The amount varies by location and ride type, but it is typically $5 to $10. The fee is deducted from your original payment, and the remainder is refunded to your payment method.

If you cancel more than 5 minutes before your scheduled time, no fee applies. If you cancel after a driver has been assigned, the fee is higher because the driver has already begun heading to you. Check your app for the exact cancellation fee policy in your city, as it can differ by region.

How scheduled rides differ from immediate requests

The main difference is timing and price certainty. With an immediate request, a driver is matched within seconds and you see surge pricing if demand is high. With a scheduled ride, you book days or weeks ahead, the price is fixed, and the driver is matched much later — just before pickup.

Scheduled rides also have stricter rules about changes. Once you book, you cannot change your pickup location, dropoff location, or the number of passengers without cancelling and rebooking. Immediate requests allow you to adjust your destination after the driver has been assigned, though the price may change.

Scheduled rides are also not available for all Uber service types in all locations. UberX and Uber Comfort are typically available for scheduling, but UberEats, Uber Eats Alcohol, and some premium services may not be. Check your app to see which services offer scheduling in your area.

What to do if your scheduled ride does not show up

If your driver does not arrive by the time shown in the app, open the Uber app and check the driver's location. If they are still several minutes away, wait — traffic or navigation delays are common. If the driver is not moving toward you or the pickup time has passed with no driver assigned, tap "Help" in the app and report the issue.

Uber's support team can see whether a driver was assigned and whether they cancelled. If the driver cancelled after being matched, you will not be charged a cancellation fee — Uber covers it. If no driver was ever assigned, you can request an immediate ride at no additional cost. If you were charged a cancellation fee in error, you can dispute it through the Help section and Uber will review it.

Scheduled rides for airport trips and recurring commutes

Scheduled rides are most useful for airport trips, where you need to be at a specific place at a specific time and cannot afford to wait for surge pricing. Booking a day or two ahead locks in your price and guarantees a driver will be matched before your flight time.

For recurring commutes — the same route at the same time multiple days a week — Uber does not offer an automatic subscription feature. You must book each ride individually through the Schedule feature. Some cities have Uber for Business or corporate accounts that allow recurring bookings, but these are only available to companies, not individual riders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an Uber more than 30 days in advance?

No. The Uber app only allows scheduling up to 30 days ahead. For trips further in the future, you will need to book closer to your travel date. You can set a reminder on your phone to book the ride 30 days before you need it.

Will the price change between when I book and when the driver arrives?

No. Scheduled rides have a fixed price that does not change. The price you see and pay when you book is the price you pay when the driver arrives. This is different from immediate requests, where surge pricing can raise the fare.

What if I need to change my pickup or dropoff location after booking?

You will need to cancel your scheduled ride and book a new one with the correct location. If you cancel more than 5 minutes before pickup, there is no fee. If you cancel after that, a cancellation fee applies. The new ride will have its own price based on the new route.

Can I schedule a ride for someone else?

Yes. You can schedule a ride and add a contact as the passenger. They will receive a notification with the driver details and can track the ride in their own Uber app. The ride is paid for by the account that booked it.

What happens if I am late to my scheduled pickup?

The driver will wait for a short time — usually 5 to 10 minutes — before cancelling. If the driver cancels due to your lateness, you will be charged a cancellation fee. If you think you will be late, message the driver through the app to let them know.