The general rule for tipping in cabs is 15 to 20 percent per taxi ride, which usually equates to a dollar or two. For rideshares like Uber and Lyft, tip at least $2 per ride, says Jonathan Cousar, a former Uber driver and the director of outreach at Ridester, an online resource for rideshare drivers.

For rideshare services like Uber and Lyft in 2026, the standard tip follows the general service industry guideline of 10% to 15% for a standard, satisfactory trip. If the driver provides exceptional service—such as helping with heavy luggage, offering local travel tips, or navigating difficult traffic with professional ease—it is common to tip 20% or more. For very short "minimum fare" rides where a percentage-based tip might only be a few cents, it is considered polite to tip a flat amount of $2 to $5 to show appreciation for the driver's time. In many international destinations, tipping is less common; for example, in Japan, tipping a taxi driver is generally not expected and can even be seen as offensive. Always check the local custom, but in the United States and Canada, 15% remains the sweet spot for a job well done, and 100% of that tip goes directly to the driver through the app.