The Definitive Guide to UK Uber Trips

Across the UK, Uber has become the go-to option for people, whether they are commuting to work, going to buy groceries, or heading home after a night out. You can find Uber in almost every major UK city, from London to Leeds, Manchester, and Birmingham.

However, despite Uber being less of a novelty in recent years, few people know how it really works and what different ride options are available. Whether you are curious about the different Uber offerings or are a first-time rider, keep reading. This guide will discuss everything, from how to book a ride, Uber pricing, how to ensure your safety, and types of Uber rides.

So, let’s get right to it.

How To Book A Ride

Create an Uber Account

If you're new to Uber, the first step is to create an account. You can download the Uber app from the Google Play Store or the App Store and sign up using just your phone number and email address.

If you prefer not to download the app, you can also create an account from your browser and request a ride from there.

Enable Location Services

You need to turn on the location services on your phone if you want to request a ride. This is because Uber uses your phone’s location services to find rides for you easily. With location data, Uber can find drivers near you and improve navigation and pick-ups.

Request a Ride

Once you have completely set up your account, you can enter your destination in the 'Where to' box. Then, you will confirm your pick-up location to allow you to match with nearby drivers. Select the type of Uber you like, click on request, and confirm your pick-up location.

Once a driver accepts your request, you will see the car model, registration plate, and driver's name on your app to enable you to know who to look for. Additionally, you will get an ETA for when your driver should arrive at the pick-up location.

Meet Your Driver

You can watch your Uber approach on the map in real-time, and when it is a few minutes away, you should wait at the pick-up location. However, before you get into an Uber, confirm that it is the right driver and car by matching it with the one shown in your app.

Enjoy Your Ride

When you reach your destination, you can pay with cash, a card, or your Uber Cash balance. To make it seamless for you, you can choose the card option through the app when booking your ride.

Rate Your Ride

After your journey, you can rate it, which is a good way for Uber to know if the driver and journey were good. Plus, you can tip your driver in the app.

How Does Uber Pricing Work?

Uber uses a system called dynamic pricing. This means that Uber's pricing factors in multiple variables, like the time and distance of your journey, current demand, and traffic. So, during busy periods, bad weather, or even special events, there may be temporary price surges on the app. For example, a short Uber ride that may cost around £10 in the morning may be double that on a Friday night in Birmingham.

However, these surges are Uber's way of dealing with the continuous demand during these peak periods, as it encourages more drivers to get on the road to balance the supply.

Whenever there is a price surge, Uber always informs riders in the app, some choose to pay while others wait for the price to go back to normal.

Different Uber Trip Options You Can Choose From

UberX

Uberx is an affordable Uber option for your everyday needs, whether you're running an errand or commuting to work. This option can accommodate parties of up to four people, with one person in the front seat and three in the back.

UberX Share

With UberX Share, you get UberX benefits but at a more affordable price. You can choose this option to share with other riders and save up to 20%. However, you need to be at your pick-up location in time, as drivers will only wait a maximum of two minutes.

UberXL

This option is for riders travelling in large groups or those with extra bags. With this option, you will get a bigger vehicle than Uber X.

Uber Green

Uber Green works the same way as regular Uber, with the only difference being that you will be riding a 100% electric vehicle. This option is available for riders throughout London, and you can book it in the same way you would book other ride options.

Uber Exec

If you need a sleeker car, you can request the Uber Exec option. This Uber ride option offers premium car options and highly rated drivers.

Uber Car Hire

You can use Uber Car Hire to hire cars close to you for any occasion. You also have the option of choosing from a wide range of vehicles, from convertibles to SUVs. Besides, you can book a car hire well in advance.

RELATED: Uber Driver App Guide

Uber Reserve

With Uber Reserve, you can reserve your Uber ride in advance to allow you to relax on the day of your journey. Your trip schedule includes an additional 15-minute waiting time, and you can tailor the reservation to fit your budget and timing.

Uber Assist

If you are travelling and need extra assistance, you can request Uber Assist. Uber Assist drivers are trained to help passengers with mobility issues, and most of these vehicles are wheelchair accessible.

How to Ensure You Are Safe During Your Uber Trip

Uber has several in-built safety features to ensure that riders are safe and protected throughout their trip. Some of the safety features include:

Share My Trip – This feature lets your loved ones know where you are always. The Uber app also allows you to choose your trusted contacts with whom you will share your trip details.
Ride Check – Uber uses GPS tracking data and sensors to detect if your trip has taken an unexpected long stop or if an accident has occurred.
Phone Number Anonymisation – Riders' details are automatically protected, as calls and messages made through the Uber app do not show their phone numbers.
Two-way Rating – This rating system allows both riders and drivers to read others' feedback and ensures a safe experience for both parties.
Real-time ID Check – Uber randomly asks drivers to take a photo of themselves in real-time to ensure that they are the ones driving.
Verify your Trip – You can choose to receive a unique PIN that will be sent to your driver automatically for verification. Once the correct PIN is verified, the driver will be able to start the trip.
Emergency Contacts – Uber allows riders to create an emergency contact list within the app in case of an accident or if support cannot reach a rider in case of Uber crashes or other unwanted issues.

Other safety features include 24/7 customer support, GPS tracking, advanced privacy, and bike lane alerts.