How Much to Tip Your Uber or Lyft Driver

When taking a ride-booking vehicle, do you struggle when the tip screen appears on your phone, wondering what the tipping etiquette is? Is a tip customary or just a suggestion? Well, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for passengers who use ride-booking services to have similar thoughts about tipping protocols cross their minds. These tipping guidelines will help you avoid the confusion the next time you require an Uber or a Lyft ride.

IS TIPPING CUSTOMARY FOR UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS?

Tipping is a big deal for many gig workers, but it's not as common for rideshare drivers as you might think. According to recent data from Gridwise, tips make up about 51 percent of food and grocery delivery workers’ incomes. Compare that with Uber and Lyft drivers, who make only around 10 percent of their earnings from tips. In fact, while almost 9 out of 10 food delivery trips include a tip, just about 1 in 4 rideshare trips do.

 

So, why does this matter? Tips can make a huge difference in a driver's day. Nearly 8 out of 10 drivers say tips are crucial to their overall income, and about 7 in 10 say it directly affects how happy they are doing the job. After all, a happy driver usually means a better experience for you, too.

SHOULD YOU TIP YOUR UBER OR LYFT DRIVER?

So, should you tip your rideshare driver? Even though Uber and Lyft say that tips aren’t required, there are some reasons why it makes sense to tip your driver.

Many drivers with families depend on tips to supplement their income since the median income for drivers falls below the average living wage for a family of four in the U.S. In addition, many drivers rely on tips for expenses not covered by the ride-book service company, such as car maintenance and gas. As a result, drivers pay a lot to operate their vehicles on their own dime.

Uber and Lyft drivers make about $20 to $33 per hour on average, which doesn’t account for extra costs like gas, maintenance, and insurance, according estimates from Indeed. So, they actually take home much less than the fee you pay for the ride. That's why tips are an ideal way to help drivers cover these expenses and earn a bit more. Plus, it's a great way to thank your driver for a safe and comfortable trip.
  

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU TIP YOUR DRIVER?

While Uber might suggest $1, $2, or $5 to keep it simple, it's a good idea to base your tip on the total cost of your ride. In restaurants, for example, they often recommend tipping percentages at the bottom of your receipt or on the payment screen. You can use a similar approach when tipping your Uber driver: Aim for 10 to 20 percent of the total fare. So, if your ride costs $30, a tip of around $3 to $6 would typically be appropriate.

If you’re using a promo code and getting a discount on your ride, tip on the amount of the ride before the discount.

WHEN SHOULD YOU TIP YOUR DRIVER MORE?

While tipping is always up to you, there are times when you may feel like giving your driver a little extra. Here are a few reasons why some riders may decide to tip more.

• Good experience: Your driver went out of their way to make your ride enjoyable.
• Extra perks: Your driver offered niceties like a phone charger, water, or even some car karaoke.
• Long ride: The trip was over an hour, but your driver made the trip comfortable.
• Odd hours: The ride was at an unusual time, like late at night or very early in the morning.
• Inclement weather: Rain, snow or other challenging weather conditions made the drive more difficult, but your driver made the trip safe and as smooth as possible.
• Clean car: The vehicle was spotless, tidy, and smelled great.
• Help with bags: Your driver helped you load (and unload) your luggage.

Another time when tipping extra is a good idea is when you accidentally leave a mess behind. For example, Uber usually charges a cleaning fee for spills or other messes. But since the car is typically the driver's personal vehicle, giving your driver a little extra tip can help cover the inconvenience and cost of the cleaning.

HOW DO YOU TIP UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS?

The most convenient way to tip your driver is through the app of the ride-booking company. First, you’ll be prompted to rate your driver at the end of your trip. Then, after you’ve provided a rating, you’ll see an option to add a tip. But, of course, giving a cash tip directly to the driver will always be accepted, too. And if you tip with cash, your driver can take the money home right away, without waiting for it to be added to their next paycheck.

Remember, you have up to 30 days after your trip to tip your Uber driver. For Lyft, you have 72 hours to add a tip. If you need to tip for a ride that's already closed out, you can reach out to the Lyft support center through the company’s app. Flexible tipping windows let you enjoy your ride without stress. Tip whenever it works best for you.

IS IT EVER OKAY TO NOT TIP YOUR DRIVER?

So, does that mean you should always leave a tip? In most cases, you should leave a tip—even if the driver wasn’t particularly friendly or the customer service experience wasn’t entirely up to your standards. But if your driver harasses you, threatens you, or tries to extort money, it should go without saying that you should not leave a tip. If you have any of these experiences, you should report the driver to the appropriate authorities immediately.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T TIP YOUR RIDESHARE DRIVER?

Since tipping isn’t a rider requirement, you won’t face any penalties if you decide not to tip, and your driver will not be notified of your decision not to tip. Still, tipping can be a thoughtful way to show appreciation, especially for drivers who depend on it. Some people believe that employers should provide better wages to service workers, but it’s important to remember that drivers are providing a service that adds convenience to your life. A small tip can go a long way in showing appreciation for that service.

If tipping feels like a stretch, consider using a cash-back credit card for your rides and tips. This way, you’ll earn a little money back while still supporting your driver.

SHOULD YOU TIP YOUR UBER EATS, DOORDASH, AND POSTMATES DELIVERY DRIVERS?

What about if you’re using services from companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates? Do you tip these drivers (or bike riders)? Yes, just like you would tip someone delivering pizza or Chinese food to you.

While the restaurant industry tipping standard is 15 to 20 percent of the total bill, a good rule of thumb is to tip between $4 and $6 for these services. Tipping these workers based on the cost of your food or beverage may not be perceived as fair, as the delivery distance for a $5 latte could be the same as that for a $25 meal, regardless of the item's price.

When tipping, also keep in mind the weather. If the worker has to drive or ride a bike in a storm, tip them extra to express your appreciation for their work.

For tipping etiquette while traveling, find out how much to tip in hotels, what to tip around the world, and how tipping on cruises works.