Uber’s pricing structure is not the easiest thing to understand, particularly when you are just beginning to use the service. The short answer is that Uber does not charge per person. But, they do charge by what type of service they offer.
There is also one way to use Uber that allows you to split the cost amongst folks that are heading in a similar direction. It is called UberPool.
How Does Uber Charge You?
There are many variables used to calculate Uber pricing. Here’s what goes into the formula:
Base Fare
Base fare is the amount of money that you’ve committed to spending just for an Uber to show up to your door (or bar). There isn’t always a base fare at all. The base fare is not charged on a per passenger basis.
Booking Fee
Much like the base fare, a booking fee is an upfront amount of money that you are expected to pay in order to take the ride. It’s often not a factor in the cost. You can see an example of a typical UberX ride in Manhattan below.
Distance
The amount of distance that your Uber physically covers to get you to your destination is one of the larger variables.
This can be the largest portion of your ticket when you are traveling a large distance at a great rate of speed. For example, a ride home from the airport down a clear highway when it’s not rush hour would have a lot of distance charge calculated in.
Time
Time is a critical part of the equation. It plays a major part of the total cost of a trip, particularly in densely populated urban centers.
Other Factors
- Taxes– There may be a nominal tax fee associated with the ride.
- Tipping– You can offer a driver a tip. This part of the fare is entirely up to you.
- Fees– Uber does have fees that you may experience outside of a normal ride. These include cleaning fees, ride cancellation fees, and more.
Here is Uber’s official calculator: https://www.uber.com/us/en/price-estimate
How Many Passengers Can Uber Hold?
All Uber services can take 4 or more passengers. It does cost more per passenger if you are taking more than four people, as there are only a few Uber services that hold more than that.
UberXL and UberSUV can hold up to six riders. They are a bit more expensive, but if you are trying to get 5 or 6 riders home, this may be your best option in terms of price per passenger.
UberPOOL
The one exception to all of this is UberPool. This service allows you to share your Uber with more than one person in order to spread the cost of the ride. The catch with this is that you can expect a longer wait time. It is often the cheapest version of the service.
Conclusion: Does Uber Charge Per Passenger?
Uber does not charge per person. But, if you have a large party, you may need a XL or SUV. UberPool can help you spread the cost of a ride with other folks, but the ride takes longer.