Open the app and enter your pickup and dropoff locations

Launch the Uber app on your phone and tap the search box at the top that says "Where to?" Enter your starting location — the app usually defaults to your current location, which you can confirm or change. Then tap the second search box and type your destination address or a landmark you recognize.

The app will show you the address it found and ask you to confirm. If it's wrong, tap the address bar again and search for the correct one. Once both locations are set, the map will display the route and show you which Uber service types are available in your area right now.

Key Takeaways

  • You enter your pickup and dropoff addresses in the app, and Uber shows you available ride types and upfront prices before you request.
  • The app matches you with a driver and shows their name, car details, and real-time location as they approach.
  • You can communicate with your driver through the in-app messaging feature if you need to clarify your location or let them know you're running late.
  • Payment is automatic from your saved payment method, and you can tip through the app after the ride ends.
  • If you need to cancel, do it through the app — cancellation fees apply if the driver has already started toward you.

Choose your ride type and review the price

Uber shows you different service options — typically UberX (standard sedan), UberXL (larger vehicle for more passengers), and sometimes Uber Comfort or premium options depending on your city. Each option displays an upfront price based on distance, time, and current demand. This is the total you'll pay; there are no hidden fees added after the ride.

Tap the ride type you want. If the price seems high, it may be because demand is heavy right now — you can wait a few minutes to see if the price drops, or you can proceed. The app will tell you how many minutes until a driver arrives once you confirm your choice.

Request the ride and watch for your driver

Tap the button for your chosen ride type (it usually says "Request UberX" or similar). The app will search for available drivers near you. Once a driver accepts, you'll see their name, photo, car make and color, and license plate number. A map shows their real-time location and how many minutes away they are.

Stay at your pickup location and watch for the car. If you're not sure where to stand, you can share your exact location with the driver by tapping the location icon in the app. The driver can also message you through the app if they need clarification — for example, if your address is on a busy street and they need to know which entrance to use.

Communicate with your driver if needed

If you're running late, stuck in traffic, or need to give the driver special instructions, tap the message icon in the app to send a text. Common messages include "I'm on my way down" or "Please wait in the loading zone." The driver will see your message and can respond.

You can also call the driver directly by tapping the phone icon, though messaging is usually faster for simple directions. If you need to cancel before the driver arrives, tap "Cancel Ride" — you won't be charged if the driver hasn't started moving toward you yet. If they've already begun driving, Uber will charge a cancellation fee.

Get in the car and complete your ride

When the driver arrives, confirm the car matches what you saw in the app, then get in. The driver will confirm your destination and start the trip. During the ride, the app shows your route on the map and your estimated arrival time. If the driver takes a significantly different route, you can ask about it, but Uber's navigation usually accounts for traffic.

When you reach your destination, the driver will pull over and end the trip. The app will show your final fare, which should match the upfront price you were quoted (unless you added a stop during the ride, which can change the total).

Pay and tip through the app

Payment happens automatically from the payment method you saved in your Uber account — usually a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account. You don't need to handle cash or a card reader. A receipt appears in the app immediately after the ride ends.

You can add a tip right away through the app by tapping the tip option on the receipt screen. You can choose a preset percentage (15%, 18%, 20%) or enter a custom amount. Tipping is optional, but drivers depend on tips as part of their income. If you don't tip immediately, you have up to one hour to add one through the app.

Rate your driver and save favorite locations

After payment, the app asks you to rate your driver on a scale of one to five stars and optionally leave a comment. This feedback helps Uber maintain driver quality and helps other riders know what to expect. You can also report a problem — lost item, safety concern, or route issue — by tapping "Report an Issue."

If you take rides to the same places regularly, you can save them as favorites. Tap the heart icon next to an address in your ride history, and it will appear as a quick option the next time you open the app. This saves you from typing the same address repeatedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have a saved payment method?

You need to add a payment method before you can request a ride. Open the app, go to your account settings, tap "Payment," and add a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account. Uber will not charge your card until after your ride is complete.

Can I change my destination after the ride starts?

Yes. Tap the destination field during the ride and enter a new address. The fare will adjust based on the new route. If you add multiple stops, each one is added to your total fare. Let the driver know verbally as well so they're not surprised by the change.

What happens if the driver goes the wrong way?

You can speak up during the ride and ask the driver to correct course. After the ride, if you believe you were overcharged due to a wrong route, you can report it in the app by tapping "Report an Issue" on your receipt. Uber will review the trip and may refund the difference.

Do I need to sit in a specific seat?

No. Sit wherever is comfortable — front or back. Some riders prefer the back seat for privacy; others sit up front. The driver won't care. Just make sure you're buckled in for safety.

What if I leave something in the car?

Open the app, find the completed ride in your history, and tap "Report an Issue." Select "I left an item in the car" and describe what you left. Uber will contact the driver and help arrange a return. You may be charged a fee if the driver has to meet you to return the item.