Using Uber In NYC

Uber is here to help!

Is Driving In NYC Your Worst Nightmare? Ours too.

There are multiple ways to get around New York City. Uber is an app that will help you get around affordably and at your convenience especially when the MTA isn’t working in your favor. Driving in NYC can be a pain if you are not used to it, but using Uber in NYC makes it less stressful!


  • How Uber Works

To book a ride with Uber in NYC you’ll need to download the Uber app to your smartphone. After installing the app to your smartphone, you will be required to add your payment method which can be a credit card or a Paypal account.

It’s pretty simple to get from point A to point B. In the app, just enter the addresses where you want to be picked up and dropped off. You can even enter the name of the location instead of the address (for example, Madison Square Garden) and then click on “Request”. If you want to know how much your ride will cost you, Uber will provide a price estimate.

After making your request, you will then see the photo and the vehicle information of your driver (private driver with his car) and can follow his way to you live on the map. Make sure you’re not on a road where the driver won’t be able to pull over and pick you up. You can also confirm you are walking to the correct car by looking at their license plate. Their license plate # will be shown in the app.

Uber in NYC

  • Types of vehicles that Uber uses: from cheap to luxurious Uber in NYC

Uber offers a vehicle for every occasion. You can choose exactly which vehicle class you would like before you place the order of the ride. However, caution should be exercised, as this has a strong impact on the price. The following are available:

ECONOMY (standard car)

PREMIUM (luxurious vehicles)

UBERPOOL (next section)

  • What is Uberpool?

Uberpool is a feature on the app where you can choose to book a car with others who can join. They will either be picked up or dropped off along your route. Uber does their best to only pool people together who are going to or from the same area.

There is, of course, the risk that the journey takes longer because the other person has to be taken to their destination. Perhaps you are also lucky and are dropped off or picked up first. This type of trip is particularly worthwhile for expensive trips. The fare is split and exactly calculated, depending on how many people are in the vehicle.

  • How do I recognize the Uber driver?

Before your driver arrives, you will see the name and a photo of the driver, the car and the license plate in your app. This ensures that you always get into the right vehicle. Often the driver also calls you, or sends a text message. If it is a bit confusing at your pick-up location, go to somewhere where the driver can pick you up and inform the driver your location through text. As soon as you sit in the car, the driver will confirm your name to make sure you’re the correct person. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Uber in NYC

  • When your Uber trip is complete

At the destination you just have to get off and overbook the ticket automatically from your credit card or PayPal account. A tip is not necessary, but can be given. Here I have already experienced a lot: When I go to the airport, for example, and the driver helped me with suitcases and everything, I give a small tip. Some drivers accept this, others reject it, which is simply not required at Uber. How safe is Uber?

I use Uber more than once a week, a Yellow Cab is just an emergency when there is no Uber Car nearby, which is almost never happening: driving in New York City is absolutely certain, I have never had a negative experience And the prices are also right. A Yellow Cab costs 20-30% more for the same ride.

  • Insider Tips for using Uber in NYC

Uber Pool whenever you can

Drivers will not let you squeeze more than the appropriate amount of people into the car

Make sure your phone is charged before requesting a car!

Try to be in a pick up location that is easily accessible for the driver.

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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