Uber Premier is a higher-tier ride option that pairs you with experienced drivers in newer, well-maintained vehicles
Uber Premier sits above UberX in Uber's service tiers. When you request a Premier ride, the app matches you with drivers who have maintained high ratings (typically 4.85 stars or higher), have completed a higher number of trips, and are driving newer vehicles that meet Uber's standards for condition and model year. The ride itself works the same way as UberX — you request it through the app, see the driver's location and vehicle details, and pay through your Uber account — but the vehicle quality and driver experience are different.
Premier is not available in all cities. Uber rolls it out in markets where there is enough demand and a sufficient pool of may have access to drivers. If you open the app and do not see Premier as an option, it means Uber has not launched it in your area yet.
Key Takeaways
- Premier drivers have higher ratings and more experience than UberX drivers, and drive newer vehicles that pass Uber's inspection standards.
- The price is higher than UberX but lower than Uber Black, and surge pricing applies the same way it does to other ride types.
- Premier is not available everywhere — check your app to see if it is offered in your city.
- You request Premier the same way you request any other Uber ride, by selecting it from the service options before you confirm.
How Premier pricing works
Premier costs more than UberX because you are paying for driver experience and vehicle quality. The exact price difference varies by city and time of day. Uber does not publish a fixed multiplier, so the best way to see the cost is to enter your pickup and dropoff locations in the app and compare the quoted price for Premier against UberX.
Surge pricing applies to Premier rides the same way it applies to other Uber services. If demand is high and few drivers are available, the price goes up for all service tiers. You will see the surge multiplier in the app before you confirm the ride, so you know the total cost before you commit.
Who drives Uber Premier and what that means for your ride
Premier drivers are not a separate class of employee — they are regular Uber drivers who have met Uber's requirements for the Premier tier. To may have access to, a driver must maintain a high rating over time, complete a minimum number of trips (the exact number varies by market), pass a vehicle inspection, and drive a car that meets Uber's age and condition standards. Typically this means a vehicle no more than 5 to 7 years old, depending on the market.
In practice, this means Premier drivers tend to have more experience with the platform and more invested in maintaining good ratings. The vehicle is likely to be cleaner and in better condition than a typical UberX car. However, Premier is not a luxury service — it is a step up from UberX, not a replacement for Uber Black.
When Premier makes sense to book
Premier is worth considering if you value a newer vehicle and a driver with a strong track record, and the price difference from UberX fits your budget. Some riders book Premier for important meetings or events where arriving in a well-maintained car matters. Others use it when they have had poor experiences with UberX and want a higher likelihood of a smooth ride.
If you are price-sensitive, UberX is usually the better choice — the difference in experience is real but not dramatic. If you need a luxury vehicle or a professional driver for business travel, Uber Black is designed for that purpose and may be worth the additional cost.
How to request a Premier ride
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup and dropoff locations. Before you confirm, you will see a list of available service options — UberX, Premier, Uber Black, and any others available in your area. Tap Premier to see the estimated price and driver arrival time. If you want to proceed, confirm the ride. The app will match you with a may have access to driver.
If Premier is not showing as an option, either it is not available in your city, or there are no Premier drivers currently available in your area. In that case, you can request UberX or wait to see if a Premier driver becomes available.
Premier availability and wait times
Because there are fewer Premier drivers than UberX drivers, wait times are often longer. During busy times, a Premier driver may take several minutes longer to arrive than an UberX driver would. During slow times, Premier drivers may not be available at all in your area.
Uber does not may provide Premier availability at any specific time. If you have a time-sensitive trip, request UberX as a backup plan, or check the app a few minutes before you need to leave to see whether Premier drivers are currently active in your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber Premier the same as Uber Black?
No. Uber Black is a luxury service with professional drivers and high-end vehicles. Premier is a mid-tier option between UberX and Black. Premier drivers are experienced and drive newer cars, but it is not a luxury service.
Can I request Premier if I am in a hurry?
You can request it, but UberX will usually arrive faster because there are more UberX drivers available. If speed is your priority, UberX is the safer choice. Premier is better when you have time and prefer a newer vehicle and experienced driver.
What if a Premier driver cancels?
You will be notified in the app and can request another ride. You will not be charged for the cancelled ride. If you need to leave immediately, switch to UberX, which typically has more drivers available.
Does Premier include any extra features like water or phone chargers?
Uber does not mandate specific amenities for Premier rides. Some drivers may offer extras like phone chargers or water, but it is not may provide. The main difference is the driver's experience level and vehicle condition.