How to Tip Your Uber Driver

How to Tip in the App

You can tip your driver right in the Uber app. You do not need cash. You can add a tip during the trip or after it ends.

During Your Trip

If you are on iOS, you can tip right from your lock screen while the trip is happening. Uber added this feature in late 2025, and early tests showed it led to more tips for drivers. On any phone, open the app during your ride, tap the white bar at the bottom to expand trip details, and tap "Rate or tip."

After Your Trip

1. Rate your driver: When your trip ends, the app will ask you to rate your driver from 1 to 5 stars.
2. Add a tip: After you rate, you will see preset tip amounts like $1, $2, or $5. You can also tap "Custom" to enter any amount you want.
3. Confirm: That is it. The tip is charged to your payment method on file. The entire tip goes to the driver. Uber takes no fees on tips.

You can also tip from your emailed trip receipt or by visiting riders.uber.com. Forgot to tip? You have up to 30 days after the trip to add one. Just go to your trip history, find the ride, and tap "Add a tip."

How Much Should You Tip?

Tipping is never required, but here is what most people do. The standard is 15 to 20 percent of the fare, similar to what you would tip at a restaurant. For very short rides where the fare is only a few dollars, a $2 minimum is a good rule of thumb.

Here are some common situations:

• Standard ride: 15 to 20 percent of the fare.
• Short ride: At least $2, even if the fare is small.
• Airport trip: At least $5, since drivers often wait in a lot before picking you up.
• Extra help: If your driver helps with luggage, waits while you run an errand, or drives through bad weather, consider tipping a little more.

Uber's CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, shared his own tipping habit in May 2026. He said that for a $30 ride, he tips $10 to $15. He also advised meeting your driver on time, asking before using your phone, and closing the car door gently to keep your rating high.

Common Questions

Do drivers know if I tip?

Yes, drivers can see the tip amount for each trip. But tipping is private. It is tied to your trip, not your name. Drivers see how much you tipped for that specific ride, but your personal information stays hidden.

Can I tip with cash?

Yes. Cash tips are always welcome. Some drivers prefer cash because they can use it right away. In-app tips are also fine. Both options are completely accepted.

Can I use a gift card or Uber Cash to tip?

Yes. You can use Uber Cash or a gift card balance to tip your driver. However, promo codes and ride credits cannot be used for tips. Only cash, a credit card, or Uber Cash from gift cards will work.

What if I am splitting the fare with friends?

When you use Split Fare, only the person who requested the ride can add a tip. The tip amount is not split among the other passengers.

Does a low rating mean I should tip more?

Tipping and rating are separate. Giving a 5-star rating and a tip is the best way to show you had a great experience. But a tip does not directly change your rating. You can check your own passenger rating in the app anytime.

Can I tip before a ride to get picked up faster?

In some countries, Uber has tested an advance tip feature that lets you add a tip before the trip to encourage drivers to accept your request. This is available in limited markets. In most places, you can only tip during or after the trip. Tipping is always optional, no matter when you do it.