You can add stops to an active Uber trip through the app, and the driver will take you to each location in order before dropping you at your final destination
Once your Uber driver has accepted your request and is on the way, you can add up to three stops total on most Uber services. Open the app, tap the route at the bottom of the screen, and select "Add stop." Enter the address or search for a location, and the app will show you the updated route and fare. Your driver will see the new stop appear on their map and will navigate to it automatically.
The order of stops matters. Uber routes them in the sequence you add them, not by geography. If you add stops out of order, you can rearrange them by holding and dragging each stop up or down in the list before the driver reaches it. Once the driver is close to a stop, you typically cannot move it anymore.
Key Takeaways
- You can add up to three stops to an active trip through the app by tapping the route and selecting "Add stop."
- Stops are visited in the order you add them, and you can rearrange them by dragging until the driver is near the first one.
- The fare may increase when you add a stop, and Uber calculates it based on the total distance and time for all stops combined.
- Your driver sees each new stop on their map in real time and can accept or decline the updated route.
- If a driver declines the new stops, the trip ends at your current destination and you will need to request a new ride.
When you can and cannot add a stop
You can add a stop only after a driver has accepted your ride request. If you are still waiting for a driver to accept, you cannot add stops through the app. Once a driver is en route, the window to add stops remains open until they arrive at your first destination.
Some Uber services do not support stops. UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber XL allow stops on most trips. UberEats, Uber Black, and some regional services may not. Check your app before requesting the ride — if stops are available, you will see the option in the ride details.
If you are using a shared ride service like Uber Pool or UberShared, you may not be able to add stops, because the route is already optimized for multiple passengers. The app will tell you whether stops are available for your specific ride type and location.
How the fare changes when you add a stop
Adding a stop usually increases your fare, but the amount depends on how much extra distance and time the stop adds to your trip. Uber recalculates the fare based on the total route — from pickup through all stops to your final destination. The app shows you the new fare before you confirm the stop, so you can see the cost before the driver is sent the update.
If the fare increase is large enough that you decide not to add the stop, you can cancel it by tapping the X next to the stop in your route. The fare will revert to the original amount. Your driver will not see a stop that you have removed.
Surge pricing can affect the fare when you add a stop. If demand is high at the time you add the stop, the increase may be steeper than it would be during normal demand. The app shows the current surge level, though it does not always break down exactly how much of the fare increase is from the extra distance versus surge pricing.
What happens when the driver reaches a stop
When your driver arrives at a stop, the app will notify you and the driver will wait. You have a limited time to get in or out of the vehicle — usually a few minutes. If you do not exit or enter within that window, the driver can end the trip or charge a wait fee, depending on your local Uber policies and how long they wait.
The driver can see on their map that a stop is coming up and will slow down as they approach. They will not automatically enter the building or wait inside — they will stop at the location you entered and wait in the vehicle or nearby. If your stop is inside a building or in a location the driver cannot easily reach, you may need to meet them outside or clarify the exact pickup point in the app notes.
Once you have completed the stop, the driver will continue to the next stop or to your final destination. The trip remains active the entire time, and you do not need to request a new ride between stops.
If your driver declines the new stops
When you add a stop, your driver receives a notification that the route has changed. In most cases, drivers accept the update automatically. However, some drivers may decline the new stops if they believe the route is too long or if they are uncomfortable with the change.
If a driver declines, your trip will end at your current destination — usually the location you originally requested. You will need to request a new Uber ride from that point to reach your next location. You will not be charged a cancellation fee, but you will have to pay for a separate trip.
To reduce the chance of a driver declining, add stops early in the trip rather than waiting until the driver is close to your destination. Drivers are more likely to accept changes when they have time to adjust their route.
Limits on stops and what counts as a stop
You can add up to three stops on most Uber rides, which means a maximum of four locations total: your pickup point, three stops, and your final destination. Each stop counts as one, regardless of how long you spend there. A quick bathroom break and a 20-minute grocery run both count as one stop.
Your final destination does not count toward the three-stop limit. If you add three stops and then realize you need to go somewhere else, you cannot add a fourth stop through the app — you would need to end the trip and request a new ride.
Some cities or ride types may have different limits. Check your app to see how many stops are available for your specific ride. If you need to visit more locations than the app allows, you can end the trip at one destination and request a new ride from there.
Tips for using stops smoothly
Add stops in the correct order before the driver gets close to the first one. Rearranging stops becomes difficult or impossible once the driver is nearby, so plan your route in advance if you can. If you realize you need to change the order, do it as soon as possible.
Use the app's search function to enter stops, rather than typing addresses manually. The search will show you nearby businesses and landmarks, which helps the driver find the exact location. If you type an address that is unclear or incomplete, the driver may have trouble locating the stop.
Add a note in the app if your stop is in an unusual location — for example, "Stop at the side entrance" or "I will be waiting outside the main doors." This helps the driver know where to find you and reduces confusion when they arrive.
If you think you will spend more than a few minutes at a stop, let the driver know through the app notes. Some drivers may charge a wait fee if you take too long, and communicating in advance can prevent disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a stop after the driver has already started driving?
Yes. You can add a stop at any point after the driver has accepted your ride, up until they arrive at your first destination. The sooner you add it, the more time the driver has to adjust their route and the less likely they are to decline the change.
What if I add a stop and then change my mind?
You can remove a stop by tapping the X next to it in your route list. The fare will recalculate to reflect the shorter trip. Your driver will see the updated route on their map. You can add and remove stops multiple times during the trip.
Do I have to pay extra if I spend a long time at a stop?
The base fare for the stop is included in the route fare you see when you add it. However, some drivers may charge a wait fee if you take significantly longer than expected — usually after 3 to 5 minutes. Check your local Uber policies or ask the driver through the app if you think you will be at a stop for a while.
Can I add a stop on a shared ride or UberPool?
Most shared ride services do not allow stops because the route is already optimized for multiple passengers. Your app will show whether stops are available for your specific ride type. If they are not available, you will need to request a separate ride to reach your next location.
What if my driver goes to the stops in the wrong order?
Drivers should follow the order shown on their map, but mistakes can happen. If your driver takes you to stops out of order, you can contact Uber support through the app to report the issue. Keep screenshots of your route and the order you added the stops to show support what happened.