Uber Delivery is a separate service from Uber rides, run through the same app
Uber Delivery (also called Uber Eats in some regions) lets you order food and groceries from restaurants and stores near you, and have them brought to your address. A driver picks up your order and delivers it — you do not ride in the car. You pay through the app, and the driver is paid by Uber, not by tips alone. The service operates in most US cities, but availability depends on your location and which restaurants or stores partner with Uber in your area.
The app shows you which restaurants are currently taking orders, how long delivery usually takes from each one, and what fees will be added to your bill. You can track the driver in real time once they pick up your order, the same way you would track an Uber ride.
Key Takeaways
- You order through the Uber app, pay upfront, and a driver delivers the food or groceries to your address within the time shown at checkout.
- Your total bill includes the restaurant's prices, a delivery fee (usually $2 to $5), a service fee (typically 15% to 30% of the order), and taxes.
- Delivery times vary by location and restaurant demand, but most orders arrive within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas.
- You can tip the driver through the app before or after delivery, and most drivers rely on tips as a significant part of their income.
- If your order arrives wrong or incomplete, you can report it in the app and Uber will usually refund the missing items or the full order.
What you pay: fees, taxes, and tips
The price you see at checkout is not the final price. Uber Delivery adds three separate charges on top of what the restaurant charges: a delivery fee (usually $2 to $5, but higher during busy times or in remote areas), a service fee (typically 15% to 30% of the subtotal), and sales tax on the food itself. Some restaurants also charge a small markup on menu prices when they sell through Uber.
Tips are separate and optional, but most drivers depend on them. You can add a tip when you place the order, or change it (including adding one) up to one hour after delivery. If you do not tip, the driver still receives a base payment from Uber, but it is usually small — often $3 to $5 per delivery. Tipping 15% to 20% of the food subtotal is standard in most areas.
Some cities have Uber Pass, a monthly subscription ($9.99 to $14.99 depending on your region) that waives delivery fees on orders over a certain amount. If you order frequently, the subscription can save money, but you still pay the service fee and tip.
How to place an order and what happens next
Open the Uber app, tap the food icon (or search for "Delivery"), and enter your delivery address. The app shows you restaurants and stores that deliver to that location. Tap a restaurant to see its menu, add items to your cart, and review the total cost including all fees. At checkout, you confirm your payment method and delivery address, then submit the order.
Once the restaurant receives your order, they begin preparing it. You see a timer showing the estimated pickup time. When the driver arrives at the restaurant and picks up your order, the app notifies you and shows the driver's location on a map. You can watch them drive to your address in real time. Most deliveries take 30 to 60 minutes from the time you order, though this varies by location, restaurant, and how busy Uber is at that moment.
When the driver arrives, they will call or text you (your phone number is hidden from them for privacy). You meet them at your door or a designated spot. Check your order before the driver leaves — if something is missing or wrong, tell them immediately and report it in the app right away. The driver does not have authority to refund you, but Uber will handle it through the app.
What to do if your order is wrong, late, or does not arrive
If your order is incomplete, arrives cold, or never shows up, open the Uber app, go to your order history, and tap the order. Select "Report an issue" and describe what happened. Uber will usually refund the missing items or the full order within a few minutes. You keep the food you received (Uber does not ask you to return it). If the driver never arrived and marked the order as delivered, report it immediately — Uber investigates these cases and refunds you.
If your order is very late (more than 15 minutes past the estimated time), you can cancel it and get a refund before the driver picks it up. Once they have picked it up, cancellation is not possible, but you can still report the delay in the app after delivery and request a credit.
Refunds usually appear in your Uber account as credit within minutes, or back to your original payment method within 3 to 5 business days. If you do not receive a refund after reporting an issue, contact Uber support through the app — tap "Help" at the bottom of the screen, select your order, and choose "Contact us."
Restaurants and stores that use Uber Delivery
Most chain restaurants and many independent restaurants partner with Uber Delivery. Grocery stores like Whole Foods, Safeway, and Kroger also offer delivery through Uber in many cities. Some restaurants use Uber Delivery exclusively; others use it alongside their own delivery service or other platforms like DoorDash. A restaurant's participation can change — some stop using Uber, and new ones join regularly.
When you open the app, you see only restaurants and stores that currently deliver to your address. If a restaurant you want is not listed, it either does not partner with Uber, does not deliver to your area, or is temporarily closed. You can search by restaurant name to see if they are available, or check their website to see if they offer delivery through other services.
How Uber Delivery differs from other delivery services
Uber Delivery and DoorDash are the two largest delivery platforms in the US, but they operate slightly differently. Uber Delivery is integrated into the Uber app (the same app you use for rides), so if you already have an Uber account, you do not need to create a new one. DoorDash is a separate app. Both charge similar fees and delivery times, though availability varies by city and restaurant.
Some restaurants use only one platform, some use both, and some use neither and handle their own delivery. Grubhub and Postmates are also available in many cities. The main practical difference is which restaurants are on which platform in your area — if a restaurant you want is not on Uber, you may find it on DoorDash or another service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the driver's name and rating before they arrive?
Yes. Once a driver accepts your order, the app shows their name, photo, vehicle type (if applicable), and rating. You can also see their real-time location on the map. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you can cancel the order before they arrive, though you may lose the delivery fee.
What if I am not home when the driver arrives?
The driver will call or text you. If you do not answer, they will wait a few minutes and then leave. You can add delivery instructions in the app (for example, "leave at front door" or "ring the doorbell twice") before the driver picks up your order. If the driver leaves without delivering, report it in the app and request a refund.
Do I have to tip in cash, or only through the app?
You can tip only through the app — there is no cash payment option. You can add or change your tip up to one hour after delivery. Some drivers prefer higher tips because they rely on them for income, but tipping is not required.
Can I order from restaurants that are closed?
No. The app shows only restaurants that are currently open and accepting orders. If a restaurant is closed or has stopped taking orders for the day, it will not appear in your search results or will show a "closed" label.
What happens if the restaurant runs out of something I ordered?
The restaurant will contact the driver or Uber to let them know. Uber will notify you through the app and ask if you want to replace the item with something else or remove it from your order. If you choose to remove it, that item will be refunded. The driver will not leave without confirming the change with you.