How do I book an Uber for the first time?

How to request a ride on the Uber app
  1. Open and log into the Uber app on your device.
  2. Type your destination into the “Where to?” section.
  3. Select the type of vehicle you would like at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Tap “request” and then confirm the pickup location.




To book your first Uber in 2026, you first download the app from the iOS App Store or Google Play and create an account using your phone number or email. You must link a payment method, such as a credit card, PayPal, or Apple/Google Pay, before you can request a ride. Once set up, you simply enter your destination in the "Where to?" box. The app will display several ride options—such as UberX (standard), Uber Green (electric/hybrid), or Uber XL (large groups)—along with an upfront price for each. After selecting your preferred ride and tapping "Confirm," the app matches you with a nearby driver. You will see the driver’s name, photo, and vehicle details, and you can track their progress on the map in real-time. In 2026, many first-time users can also take advantage of "Uber Reserve," allowing you to book a trip up to 90 days in advance for a fixed price.

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How to request a ride on the Uber app
  1. Open and log into the Uber app on your device.
  2. Type your destination into the “Where to?” section.
  3. Select the type of vehicle you would like at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Tap “request” and then confirm the pickup location.


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We understand that some people would prefer to talk to someone on the phone, so we created the option to call us to request your ride. 1-833-USE-UBER is available in the US where Uber is available. You can request your ride 7 days a week, from 4am – 10pm EST by phone.

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You can pay for rides by cash or card. To pay for rides by card, first add the card in the app. You can add up to 5 cards. Card payments are available for rides in the iOS (version 8.0 or higher) or Android (version 4.0 or higher) app.

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You can follow these steps to ensure a smooth and convenient first ride.
  1. Download the Uber App and Create an Account. ...
  2. Enter Your Destination. ...
  3. Wait for the Driver to Pick You Up. ...
  4. Get Picked Up. ...
  5. Ensure You Get in the Correct Vehicle. ...
  6. Enjoy Your Ride. ...
  7. Get Dropped Off. ...
  8. Leave Your Driver a Rating.


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To get a free ride with Uber: Tap the menu button, and then tap Free Rides. Tap Invite Friends. Select a method such as text message, email, social media, or any other option you're given. Enter your contact's name and send the message.

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Inflated fare prices in times of high passenger demand, called SURGE pricing, often cause people to declare that rideshare prices are more expensive than cab fares. However, this isn't necessarily true. Business Insider published a report that found Uber, on average, to be cheaper than taxi cabs across the country.

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You can tip your driver once your trip is complete. Tips are neither expected nor required. After a trip has ended, you have 30 days to add a tip in the app, on riders.uber.com, or from your emailed trip receipt.

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You can pay for rides by cash or card. To pay for rides by card, first add the card in the app. You can add up to 5 cards. Card payments are available for rides in the iOS (version 8.0 or higher) or Android (version 4.0 or higher) app.

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Request a ride up to 90 days in advance at any time of the day. Make sure to book a Reserve trip more than two hours prior to your departure to access the full benefits of the trip. To book a Reserve trip, go to the Uber app on your mobile device and: Select Reserve on the home page in the app.

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How much should you tip Uber drivers? Similar to tipping for other services, like getting a massage or going to the nail salon, the rule of thumb is to tip 20%, says Sokolosky. So if your ride costs $30—an average cost for a moderate trip in most cities—then you'll tip $6, for a total of $36.

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For some cards that customers use as their payment method on the Uber platform, Uber might charge the upfront price of a trip before a trip is completed. This will help ensure that sufficient funds are present to cover a service from a partner of the app, such as a ride or a merchant delivery.

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Arab, the company spokesperson, added that “Uber's median take rate has remained the same” — that is, around 25 percent.

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Customers can dial 833-USE-UBER (873-8237) to speak with an Uber agent in English or Spanish to request or reserve a ride. The service is available 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET nationwide.

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Supply and Demand As demand for rides increases, the driver supply decreases, and the price of rides increases—as demand goes up, the cost of an Uber gets more expensive.

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Refer A Friend For Free Rides Or Credit Earn free rides or credit when you refer a friend using your personal referral code in the Uber app!

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Updating our no-front-seat policy However, to give drivers space, we ask that riders only use the front seat if it's required because of the size of their group.

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