A good tip for a $20 Uber ride is about $3, which is 15% of the fare, and $2 to $4 covers most situations. Multiply the fare by 0.10, 0.15 or 0.20 to get $2, $3 or $4.
Tipping is optional on Uber, and the amount is up to the rider. A smooth ride with a polite driver earns the middle figure, and extra effort earns the top one.
How tipping works in the Uber app
After a trip, the app asks you to rate the driver, and once you give a rating you can add a tip. If you skip it at that moment, you can still tip later. Uber has allowed tips for up to 30 days after a trip, and the tip goes to the driver without Uber taking a cut. To tip afterwards, open the trip in your ride history and look for the option to add a tip below the price.
In-app tipping launched in Canadian cities in 2017, so it has been part of the normal Uber routine for a long time. Paying cash is also possible if you prefer it, though the app tip is easier to record and leaves no trouble with change.
Amounts for a $20 fare
- $2 (10%): the ride was fine and nothing more.
- $3 (15%): a friendly driver and a smooth trip.
- $4 (20%): help with luggage, a tricky pickup or a very good ride.
Rounding is common on short fares. A $20 trip often becomes a $3 tip for no other reason than it is a clean number.
When to tip a bit more
Short rides in bad weather, pickups from a crowded spot, late night trips and rides with bags or a stroller all take more work from the driver. A dollar or two over your usual amount is a fair way to acknowledge that. A driver who waits patiently while you finish a call or find the entrance has also earned a little extra.
When to tip less
If the car was dirty, the driver took a route that clearly added time, or the trip felt unsafe, a lower tip or none is a normal response. You can also report a problem through the app after the ride, which does more to fix it than a small tip would.
Before you ride
If you want to plan the total cost, the Uber fare calculator gives a rough estimate. Prices in the app can change with demand, so treat any estimate as approximate and add your tip on top.