Uber is generally cheaper for short, standard trips and in cities where, like NYC, they compete with high-cost taxis. However, yellow cabs are often more cost-effective during Uber’s peak "surge" pricing, for long-distance travel, and for flat-rate airport transfers. Yellow cabs often cost less in Manhattan for short trips ($10-$15).
For short trips within Manhattan, yellow taxis remain the cheapest option, with most rides ranging between $10 and $15 under the regulated fare system. Uber can be cheaper during off-peak hours, but becomes unpredictable during surge pricing.
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.
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.
Cash or app is fine. As a uber/lyft driver cash is always nice but you can tip on the app too. Some drivers don't like to do cash for safety reasons, for most drivers tips are very much appreciated.
Uber is cheapest during off-peak hours, like late nights, early mornings, or mid-afternoons, avoiding rush hour, weekends (Fri/Sat nights), and big events, when demand is low and surge pricing is less likely, with Wednesday often cited as the best day of the week for lower fares. Using options like uberPOOL, scheduling rides in advance, and checking the fare estimator helps find lower prices by avoiding high-demand periods.
Yes, Uber takes cash in many locations, but it's not universal; you must select "Cash" as your payment method in the app before booking, and you'll be matched with drivers who accept it, requiring you to have exact change as drivers don't always carry change, with any overpayment often becoming Uber Cash.
If you need a benchmark, consider calculating your tip based on the total ride cost. In the service industry, restaurants may leave recommended percentages at the bottom of receipts. Some restaurants suggest tipping between 15% to 20% of the bill — a benchmark you could also apply to Uber rides.
The study found that nearly 90% of food-delivery trips got a customer tip, compared with 75% of grocery-delivery trips and 28% of Uber and Lyft ride-hailing trips.
Drivers typically earn a base fee per delivery, plus tips and occasional bonuses. On average, couriers can expect to make between $15 to $25 per hour before expenses. Actual earnings depend on completed deliveries, accepted orders, and active hours on the Uber Eats app.
How do tips work with my earnings? Tips belong to you and are automatically added to your total earnings. If you previously agreed to use your earnings to pay for services like Xchange Leasing or FuelCard, your tips may be used as part of your total earnings to make those payments.
Yes, your driver will know whether or not you tipped, as well as how much you tipped. The driver will be able to see that you tipped as soon as you do it (a little heart will appear in the app next to your ride), and they have a function to send you a thank you through the app.
Company oversight: Unlike Uber, taxi companies monitor their drivers closely. Many have real-time communication with dispatch centers and in-car security cameras. Vehicle maintenance: Taxi companies enforce strict vehicle safety inspections, whereas Uber drivers are responsible for maintaining their own vehicles.
