Scheduling a ride ahead of time with Uber

Uber lets you book a ride for a future time instead of requesting one immediately. Open the Uber app, enter your pickup and dropoff locations, tap the clock icon or "Schedule" option, choose your date and time, and confirm. The ride will be assigned to a driver closer to your scheduled time — usually 5 to 15 minutes before — rather than right away.

Scheduled rides work best for trips you know about in advance: airport runs, appointments, or commutes at a set time. The driver sees your booking and can accept or decline it like any other ride. If no driver accepts within a few minutes of your scheduled time, the app will prompt you to request an immediate ride instead, or you can wait and try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule a ride by tapping the clock icon in the Uber app, selecting your date and time, and confirming your pickup and dropoff locations.
  • Drivers are matched to your ride 5 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time, not when you book it.
  • You can schedule rides up to 30 days in advance, depending on your location and the Uber service type.
  • If no driver accepts your scheduled ride, you will be prompted to request an immediate ride or wait for another driver.
  • Scheduled rides may have a small upfront fee or surge pricing applied at the time of booking, depending on demand and your location.

Step-by-step: How to book a scheduled ride

Start by opening the Uber app and entering your pickup location. If your current location is not correct, tap the location field and search for the address where you want to be picked up. Then enter your destination in the "Where to?" field.

Once both locations are set, look for the clock icon or "Schedule" button near the top of the screen. Tap it to open the date and time picker. Select the date you want to travel, then set the time. Most cities allow you to schedule rides up to 30 days ahead, though some areas may have shorter windows. After you choose your time, review the estimated fare and tap "Confirm" or "Schedule Ride."

The app will show you the service type (UberX, Uber Comfort, or another option available in your area) and an estimated pickup time. You will receive a notification when a driver has been assigned, usually a few minutes before your scheduled time. You can track the driver's location once they accept your ride.

What happens between booking and pickup

After you schedule a ride, the Uber system does not immediately assign a driver. Instead, it holds your booking and begins matching drivers roughly 5 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This gives drivers a chance to accept rides that work with their current location and direction.

During this waiting period, you can cancel your scheduled ride without penalty in most cases. If you cancel within a certain window before your scheduled time (usually 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your location), you will not be charged. If you cancel closer to your pickup time, Uber may charge a cancellation fee.

If no driver accepts your ride by the time your scheduled pickup arrives, the app will notify you and offer two options: request an immediate ride, or wait for another driver to accept your scheduled booking. Some users find it helpful to request an immediate ride as a backup if their scheduled ride has not been assigned a few minutes before the scheduled time.

Pricing and fees for scheduled rides

Scheduled rides are priced based on the time and location you book them for, not the current moment. Uber estimates the fare when you schedule and may apply surge pricing if demand is expected to be high at that time. The price you see at booking is typically the price you will pay, though it can change if you modify your route or location after booking.

Some cities charge a small scheduling fee on top of the ride fare, though this is not universal. Check your app before confirming to see the full breakdown: base fare, distance, time, and any additional fees. If the price changes significantly between booking and pickup, the app will notify you and give you the option to accept the new price or cancel.

Cancellations and what to do if no driver accepts

You can cancel a scheduled ride through the app at any time. Cancellations made more than 30 minutes to an hour before your scheduled pickup time are usually free. Cancellations made closer to your pickup time may result in a small fee, typically $5 or less, depending on your location and how close you are to the scheduled time.

If your scheduled time arrives and no driver has accepted, you will see a notification in the app. At that point, you can request an immediate ride, which may have different pricing than your scheduled booking. You can also wait a few more minutes for a driver to accept your scheduled ride, though this is not may provide.

If you are running late for your scheduled pickup, open the app and reschedule your ride to a later time, or cancel and request a new ride when you are ready. Drivers can also cancel scheduled rides if they are unable to reach your location, in which case you will be notified and can request another ride.

Service types and availability for scheduled rides

Not all Uber service types are available for scheduling in every location. UberX, the standard service, is almost always available for scheduled bookings. Uber Comfort, Uber XL, and other options may or may not support scheduling depending on your city and current demand.

When you enter your locations and tap Schedule, the app will show you which service types can be booked for that time and place. If your preferred service type is not available for scheduling, you can either choose a different service or request an immediate ride instead. Availability can change based on driver supply and local demand patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I schedule an Uber?

Most locations allow you to schedule up to 30 days ahead. Some areas may have shorter windows, such as 7 or 14 days. Check your app when you enter your locations to see the maximum scheduling window available in your area.

Will my driver know I scheduled in advance?

Yes. Your driver sees your ride as a scheduled booking and knows the pickup time you chose. They can accept or decline it like any other ride request. Drivers are matched closer to your scheduled time, not when you book.

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

You can edit your scheduled ride through the app before a driver accepts it. After a driver has accepted, you can still change your destination, though the fare may be recalculated. Changing your pickup location after a driver is assigned may result in a cancellation fee.

Can I schedule a ride if I do not have a payment method on file?

No. You must have a valid payment method saved in your Uber account before you can schedule a ride. Add a credit card, debit card, or other payment method through the app settings before attempting to book.

What happens if my scheduled ride is not assigned a driver?

If no driver accepts by your scheduled time, the app will notify you and prompt you to request an immediate ride or wait for another driver. You can also cancel your scheduled ride and try booking again for a different time.