In 2026, booking an Uber Reserve (scheduling in advance) is generally not cheaper than requesting a ride on-demand; in fact, it often carries a premium. When you use the "Reserve" feature, Uber provides an "upfront price" that includes a reservation fee to compensate the driver for arriving early and waiting for you. This fee can range from a few dollars to a more significant amount during peak hours. The primary advantage of booking in advance is certainty and priority, not cost savings. By scheduling 30 minutes to 90 days ahead, your ride is offered to drivers earlier, ensuring you have a vehicle ready for critical trips like airport runs. While on-demand rides are subject to "surge pricing" at the moment of request, a reserved ride locks in a price that already accounts for predicted demand. If your goal is strictly to save money, requesting a ride 10–15 minutes before you need to leave is usually the most economical choice.