Have you ever come to the end of an Uber or Lyft ride and wondered, “Do you tip rideshare drivers?” After all, most people offer gratuity to traditional taxi operators, and a rideshare driver delivers a similar service. But these apps are still quite new, and many users still struggle with deciding when to tip, how much, or whether to do so at all.
At Remitly, we know that hard work deserves to be rewarded. So, this guide will clear up any confusion over tipping rideshare drivers and explain why it matters, how to tip, and how much to give. By the end, you’ll know exactly when and how to give in order to end rides on a positive note.
Why you should consider tipping your driver
When you find yourself considering whether or not to leave a gratuity after a trip, it helps to understand the implications of your decision.
The personal factor
Most rideshare drivers work as independent contractors, no matter which app they use. This means they don’t receive the same benefits or hourly wages as regular employees do. Instead, they have to cover their own costs, including fuel, insurance, vehicle maintenance, and even cleaning supplies to keep their cars comfortable for passengers.
These expenses can quickly add up. When you tip your Uber driver, you’re doing more than just showing your appreciation; you’re helping them make a decent living.
For many drivers, tips can mean the difference between earning a sustainable income and barely scraping by. Even a small amount could offset the rising cost of gas, vehicle wear and tear, and downtime between rides. A little extra can have a real impact on their take-home pay.
Saying “thank you”
A tip is a powerful way to show your appreciation for quality service. Some drivers go above and beyond to make the experience pleasant for their passengers. Perhaps they offer a bottle of water or some candy, play your preferred music, or adjust the temperature for your comfort. Or maybe they navigate heavy traffic expertly and ensure a quick and stress-free ride.
Small but thoughtful gestures can make your trip more pleasant, and tipping is the best way to acknowledge the extra effort. It’s a tangible way to say “thank you”.
Helping drivers build a strong profile
Of course, ratings are also crucial on rideshare apps. Positive ratings, combined with consistent tips, help drivers build and maintain a strong reputation on the platform. On both Uber and Lyft, high ratings can unlock better earning opportunities and access to priority trip requests. So, tip your driver and leave good reviews to help them succeed in their work.
Ultimately, tipping rideshare drivers is about mutual respect. This small act of appreciation can go a long way in making the experience more pleasant for everyone.
How much should you tip a rideshare driver?
Now that you understand the value of tipping, the next step is figuring out how much gratuity actually makes sense. That question could be even trickier than it seems.
Different countries and cultures have different attitudes toward tipping. Like in Italy, leaving a few euros is more than enough, but in the US, the general guideline is to set aside between 10% and 20% of your fare. This is similar to tipping amounts in many service businesses, from hairdressers to pet groomers, movers, and beyond.
Of course, there are nuances when it comes to this practice. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you determine the right gratuity for each situation.
Standard trip: 10–15%
Let’s say your ride was smooth and enjoyable. The car was clean. The driver was courteous and on time. You have nothing to complain about. In that case, a tip of 10–15% would be appropriate. For example, if your ride costs $20 USD, leaving $2 to $3 USD as a tip shows your gratitude for dependable and professional service.
This range is great for everyday commutes and quick city rides where the driver does everything they’re supposed to.
Excellent service: 20% or more
Sometimes, a driver goes above and beyond the typical job requirements. Maybe they assist you with heavy luggage or a stroller, or provide complimentary water or snacks. Perhaps they offer friendly conversation or local tips, handle difficult traffic like a pro, or wait patiently while you make a quick stop.
In these cases, it’s only fair to give a little extra to recognize the above-average service. This rewards the driver for their excellence, making it much more likely that they’ll be willing to help the next person.
A 20% tip is a good benchmark for excellent service. If the driver really impresses you, you can go even higher.
Minimum tip: $2–$5 USD per ride
Tipping as a percentage of the total cost is a quick and simple way to work out what you should give. But there are situations where it doesn’t really work. For example, if you take a quick ride for a couple of blocks, your total fare might only be $5 USD or less. In that case, a 10% or even 15% tip may seem too low.
However, you can tip a flat amount of a few dollars instead. This shows the driver that you value their time and professionalism. It may not seem like much, but a driver can make numerous trips like this throughout the day. If everyone leaves even a small amount, it can make a big difference in their daily pay.
Never mandatory, always appreciated
Tipping is never required, but it’s always appreciated. Even a relatively small amount helps drivers to feel appreciated.
How much to tip Lyft and Uber drivers comes down to several factors. It all depends on the job they do for you, but you should always take your own circumstances into account. If money is tight right now, it’s okay to leave less.
How to tip your driver in the app
Once you figure out how much gratuity to leave in any situation, you need to know how to do it. Luckily, ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Lyft make it easy to tip your driver and show your appreciation.
For Uber
To tip your Uber driver, just follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Rate your driver: After your ride ends, you’ll be prompted to rate your driver. Remember, this rating can have a big impact on their pay and ability to get future jobs. Ratings are assigned using a five-star system, with one star being the lowest and five stars being the highest. You must rate your driver before you can tip them.
- Step 2: Enter tip amount: Once you provide your rating, you’ll be given the option to “Tip Uber Driver” with various preset options. Typically, these are categorized as small, medium, and large amounts, depending on your fare. You can tap on any one of these options if you agree, or select “Custom Tip” and input your own figure..
- Step 3: Confirm payment: Once you’ve entered how much you want to tip, confirm your payment. The total fare, including the tip, will be charged to your saved payment method, whether it’s a credit card, debit card, or digital payment option.
- Step 4: Enter tip amount: Sometimes, you might be in a hurry and not have time to work out a fair tip. That’s okay. The app allows you to add a tip up to 30 days after your trip. Just go to the “Trips” section of the app, select your ride, and tap “Add Tip”.
Uber doesn’t charge service fees on tips. That means 100% of the amount goes to your driver. You can also tip in cash, as some drivers opt not to accept app-based gratuity, or use Uber Cash or gift cards.
Note: When using Split Fare, the user who originally requested the trip will be able to select the tip amount. If the original rider adds a tip, it won’t be split among the other passengers.
For Lyft
After deciding how much to tip your Lyft driver, use this step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: When the ride is over, the Lyft app will automatically open the payment screen. You’ll be asked to rate your driver from one to five stars, just like on Uber.
- Step 2: After leaving your rating, you’ll see tipping options displayed on the same screen. Lyft typically suggests percentage-based tips of 10%, 15%, and 20%, but you can also select “Custom Tip” to enter a specific amount. Or, hit “No Tip” to complete the transaction.
- Step 3: Once you’ve entered the amount, you’ll see the total charge, including the tip, and be asked to finalize payment.
Like Uber, Lyft allows you to tip a driver up to 30 days after the ride ends. You can do this by going to the ride history tab in the app, selecting a ride, and tapping “Tip Driver”. Alternatively, you can add a tip amount using the emailed ride receipt you receive after paying the fare.
As with Uber, 100% of the tip goes directly to the driver—no service fees applied.
Lyft also lets you set a default tip for every ride. In the “Settings” menu, you just select “Set Default Tip”. If you choose a percentage amount as your default, a minimum $1 USD tip will apply to all rides. Currently, this feature is only available for iOS users.
When might you choose not to tip?
Tipping is always a personal choice. There are times when withholding gratuity makes sense. Ultimately, this amount is supposed to reflect the quality of the service you received. But sometimes, that service may not meet expectations.
For example, you might choose not to tip a rideshare driver who is unprofessional or engaged in unsafe behavior. If they were rude, distracted by their phone, or drove aggressively, it’s reasonable to skip the tip.
The same applies if the vehicle was dirty, uncomfortable, or smelled strongly of smoke or food.
If you’re unsatisfied with the service you receive, just provide honest, constructive feedback in the app. Both Uber and Lyft monitor passenger ratings closely, and detailed feedback helps them address emerging issues and maintain service quality.
In the end, tipping is intended to recognize good service. If your experience isn’t good enough, your feedback is the best way to improve future rides.
The truth about tipping rideshare drivers
Tipping is never required. But as with other services, it’s greatly appreciated in the rideshare industry. And it can make the difference to the driver’s bottom line, helping ensure they are being fairly compensated for their work.
If you’re unsure how much to tip, 10–20% of the fare is a great guideline. However, you can always give more for better service.
This simple gesture doesn’t have to cost you a lot, but it can go a long way in helping rideshare drivers feel valued and respected. By tipping, you encourage them to try harder to meet their passengers’ needs, leading to better service for everyone.
FAQs
Do rideshare drivers know if you tip them?
Drivers can see how much you tip for a specific trip, but the information is kept separate from your personal details to protect your privacy. They’ll simply know whether they received a tip or not, but it’s not tied to your rating.
Is it okay to tip my driver in cash?
Absolutely. Both Uber and Lyft allow cash tips, and it can be a quicker and easier way to reward your driver’s work.
What if I forget to tip in the app right after my ride?
Uber and Lyft let you tip after the ride is complete. You have up to 30 days to access your trip history on the app and send a tip to your driver.
Should I tip more for longer rides or during bad weather?
You don’t have to, but giving a little extra for longer trips or when the driver is working in challenging conditions like heavy rain, snow, or bad traffic is a thoughtful gesture. Extreme weather can put more wear and tear on a car, so it isn’t a bad idea to raise your tip amount a little to help compensate for that.