topic Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers in Community Chat

Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

Q-Checker — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:59:37 GMT

How much do you tip an Uber or Lyft driver for routine or superior service? (No need to describe any untoward events or circumstances where the service or conditions of the car were so poor that you did not tip.) Do you tip in cash directly or add the tip when prompted later by Uber or Lyft ? Are there special circumstances that encourage you to tio more? Does the current high cost of gas influence how much you tip?

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

MamaWick — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:17:11 GMT

I tip on the app, and then hand them some cash '"off the books" for exceptional service.

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

JeanLouiseFinch — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:49:14 GMT

@Q-Checker wrote:
How much do you tip an Uber or Lyft driver for routine or superior service? (No need to describe any untoward events or circumstances where the service or conditions of the car were so poor that you did not tip.) Do you tip in cash directly or add the tip when prompted later by Uber or Lyft ? Are there special circumstances that encourage you to tio more? Does the current high cost of gas influence how much you tip?

@Q-Checker - when we traveled to NYC we just added it to the CC charge rather than carrying a lot of cash. I can't recall exactly but we're usually 20%-ers. There was one instance where we hired a taxi driver to take us to one location. While enroute, we discovered somewhere else we wanted to stop on the way. The driver obliged and waited for us while we got out and took a couple of photos. The ticker was still going, of course, but we still gave extra in the tip since they did us that favor.

Increased gasoline costs are probably factored into the ride cost. We don't have a reason to use an Uber now but we probably still just tip our usual 20% on the charge rather than getting picky about analyzing the details of doing business.

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

Pink123 — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:27:32 GMT

I've used Uber on and off since inception. (I do not suggest Lyft at all!)

The rating and tip will come up after your ride is finished. You have the option then to rate and offer your tip. I want to mention they rate you as well so on the upper left hand corner you will see what you rate. They will text and thank you after awhile.

Most are new cars, friendly drivers. (Uber) Of course like a bad fruit you will get one once in awhile. But most are fun and talkative if you like too of course. I think there are options for your choices including conversation.

I would suggest if new you look at how many rides they have taken and their ratings. This tells a big story. Much better than taxi cabs price wise. And you will see where they are going and how many minutes away from them as they come closer to your home. Most Uber cars are better and cleaner than individual consumers.

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

I am still oxox — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:32:27 GMT

I have not been in a uber since before Covid. I always tipped for good service. Sometimes you get a terrible driver and ride

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

Desertdi — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:46:38 GMT

20%

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

wagirl — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:31:29 GMT

Depends on how far my ride is--I use both Uber and Lyft--no problems with either, altho Lyft is giving me some pretty good discounts lately. I tip thru the app.

As far as superior service---nothing jumps out at me. But--I have had a few that were not great--so left no tip. One was a car that reeked of smoke and another one of body odor. One driver actually rolled down his window and unleashed the f-bomb many times at another driver!!! THAT guy I should have reported but didn't. All the drivers are pleasant, some chatty some not and even had a couple of deaf drivers too--I don't

tip for pleasantries--thats just being human--well it used to be🤨

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

CelticCrafter — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:35:07 GMT

What would you consider exceptional or superior service? Making it to your destination in one piece?

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

spumoni99 — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:44:39 GMT

@CelticCrafter wrote:
What would you consider exceptional or superior service? Making it to your destination in one piece?

@CelticCrafter Promptness, cleanliness, courtesy/friendly.

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

Mz iMac — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:10:33 GMT

@Pink123 wrote:
Much better than taxi cabs price wise.

@Pink123 Not in my neck of the woods. Maybe it depends on the town or the cab company. In my area, most cab companies have set fees, like medical set fee, airport set fee & senior set fee which "can be" cheaper than Uber & Lift.

Yellow Cab Company in my area you can negotiate the fare in certain circumstances.

I just toss it up to them trying to stay competitive.

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

shoekitty — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:10:39 GMT

I always tip in cash, especially servers, hairdressers. As far as Uber. AAnd Lyft are concerned I usually add tio to fare.

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

Etoile308 — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:32:52 GMT

Exceptional service to me is assisting with doors, assisting with any luggage or packages, offering to carry something for a distance like the length of driveway, or offering to wait until you're inside.

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

Franklinbell — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:43:43 GMT

Yes I tip. I have seldom had a bad ride with both Lyft or uber. If I in a group it's a bigger tip. I use them often. I haven't used cab services in years.

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

KCDiva — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:51:21 GMT

I really only use Uber when traveling. Usually back and forth to the airport so I'm really relying on timeliness. Especially if it's a super early flight. I tip 30-40%. One guy who drove me a few times with a 4am pickup I tipped 50%.

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

pigletsmom2 — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:08:09 GMT

I rarely use them but did recently because of car repairs. Usually 10 or 15 bucks if they are really good. That was over the 20%. I'd give cash normally for a tip but I don't usually have cash on me when I seem to need an Uber.

I'm so glad Waymo is my city and I don't have to worry ab...

Auntie Goose — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:14:53 GMT

I'm so glad Waymo is my city and I don't have to worry about tipping driver's anymore

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

Q-Checker — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:20:45 GMT

@CelticCrafter Exceptional or superior service would include carefully putting luggage in the trunk and then carrying the luggage from the car to the residence (especially if there are stairs involved), stowing and retrieving walkers and wheel chairs from the trunk, making an unscheduled stop while en route (these drivers are paid by distance, not time), avoiding bad traffic and weather situations through unique knowledge of the roads and conditions, providing helpful "insider" information to tourists, facilitating entry and exit from the vehicle by sliding the seat or offering an arm, along with other assistance or courtesies that are not required but are very helpful, especially to those with physical challenges. I also agree with the promptness, cleanliness, and friendlinesss suggested by @spumoni99 although these are more basic and expected attributes of "a good ride."

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

Stray — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:09:23 GMT

Usually 25, locally. If I take Uber to NYC for MD appointments, 30-35% because many drivers don’t accept rides going into NYC.

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

KittySoftPaws — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:17:26 GMT

I can't say, as I have never ordered one myself, just in one with someone who did. I don't know if, or what she tipped. I do however know I am so tired of all the tipping with everything. We are tipping and being taxed to death these days. It used to just be for waitresses and hairdressers, which I think is right to do. Now it's expected for so many other things.

Re: Tippping Uber/Lyft drivers

Rockycoast — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:59:17 GMT

We tip 20-30% on the app.