How Much Do Uber Rides Cost?

Uber is a way, as you may know, to call for a car using a mobile phone app.  Just like a taxi, but more technologically advanced, you can get from point A to point B within no time.

“Uber e táxis em São Paulo” (CC BY 2.0) by nuclimeditorial

How much does an Uber ride cost?

The cost of an Uber ride will compromise of a few parts to determine your fare:  the base fare, the time inside the vehicle, the distance being traveled, the booking fee and if a surge variable in in effect.

To help you understand the fees in most cities, refer to our table below to see what you may be charged.  This is the AVERAGE price you may be charged.

NOTE:  You can receive an exact estimate by following this official Uber.com link or by opening up the app and inputing the destination you want to arrive at.  Once verified, the app will show you the multiple car options and price before you accept.  Simply input your address and Uber will offer an estimate based on your destinations and car choice.

In Chicago, for example, the rates for UberX is $0.95 per mile, $0.20 per minute, $1.70 for the base fare and the minimum fare is $4.60.

In Houston, an UberX is $0.93 per mile, $0.11 per minute, $1 for the base fare and the minimum fare is $5.75.

The different types of Uber

UberPOOL — An option where you share the ride with other riders requesting an Uber.  Seats up to two people.   The Express Pool option, available in some cities, is similar, but only one person can use it.

UberX — The budget option that offers an everyday car for up to four people.

UberXL — An XL can seat up to six people, but these cars won’t be required to be black or a higher-end model.

Uber BLACK — Known as the original Uber luxury service, the Black option is a higher-end sedan that seats up to four people.

UberSUV — A luxury SUV option that’s usually the most expensive option.  The SUV will seat up to six people.

Uber TAXI — In some cities, this is a taxi service that has an agreement with Uber.

Uber WAV — A wheelchair accessible vehicle that’s able to accomodate a customer’s wheelchair with either a lift and/or a ramp.

Uber SELECT  — Similar to Uber Black, but the car doesn’t have to conform the to the Black standard.  A step up from the UberX, Select will often be a higher-end sedan with lower prices.  The only requirements, according to Uber, is that the car must have leather seats.

Uber ESPANOL — The same service as UberX, with the exception of the driver being able to speak Spanish for the custoemr.

Uber ASSIST — Designed to provide additional assistance for people who need it, such as a senior citizen and/or someone with a disability.  These drives are specfically trained with the Open Doors Organization and their vehicles are able to accomodate wheelchairs, scooters and walkers.

Uber PLUS — An option that’s considered to be slightly better than an Uber Black.  With this option, you can expect a midrange car that seats upt o four people.

What are the extra costs?

During in-demand periods, such as after a professional sporting event or a concert, Uber may use the surge pricing feature, which will multiply the fares mentioned above by the current surge amount.  These surges, depending on the demand, can vary from 1.1x to more than 9.9x+  If there were a surge, then you would multiple your fare by the surge amount.

A cancellation fee, as mentioned, can be applied if you were to cancel an Uber and not show for the ride.  This fee will often be around $5.

While optional but appreciated, you can tip your driver after the ride is over.  This can be done after selecting a tip amount.

Tips to know

Uber does not charge per person, only per ride.

Can you request a specific uber driver?  The app, as of 2017 does not allow you to request a specfic Uber driver; it will always ping the closest driver available.

How far will an Uber take you? According to drivers and Uber, there isn’t a limit per se, but as a common courtsey, it’s best to call your driver ahead of time to see if they are willing to take the trip.  Remember, they more than likely have to drive back to their home, putting a lot of unpaid miles on thier car.  This can, of course, be offset by a larger-than-average tip.

How can I save money?

If you’re a new driver, you can always look for promotion codes as they are always readily available.  For example, at the time of this publishing, there were countless $15 free credit options.  Consider checking out Groupon.com or even Coupons.com.

Raise.com offers Uber gift cards at a discounted rate.

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Average Reported Cost: $6

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How much did you spend?

1. Amber Hayes (Las Vegas,  Nevada ) paid $ and said:

   I think the distance was approx 5 miles but the driver was extremely courteous & picked me up very quickly, only waited 5 min , I could track where he was too! Love Uber, I like that the drivers are much nicer than regular cab drivers too! I think the top U.S. Included also, I tipped a couple $$ because I didn’t realize that!

   Was it worth it? Yes
   

2. Smitten Kitten (Boston,  Massachusetts) paid $24 and said:

   Uber had a calculator now on their site and app.

   Was it worth it? Yes
   

3. ann (menomonee falls,  Wisconsin) paid $ and said:

   great ride, friendly responsible driver

   Was it worth it? Yes
   

4. Duncan (Phoenix,  Arizona) paid $ and said:

   Be sure to toss in your pickup/destination on http://uberestimate.com right before you take a ride to see if there’s any surge going on at the moment (and if not, you’ll know what the standard price should be).

   Uber still has surges but now they simply dont tell you it’s surging, it’s just a higher ‘upfront price’ so in other words its up to you to know what’s normal and what’s not, to know if theres a big surge or something. tedious yes but smart to do. takes 2 seconds.

   Was it worth it? Yes