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How much does Lyft cost? Get a Lyft price estimate

By Doug H , Updated April 25, 2023 27 Comments

How much does a ride with Lyft cost? Lyft makes it easy to get a fare estimate inside the Lyft app or at Lyft.com.

Enter your destination in the Lyft app to see an instant price estimate.

But you might want to know more—How does Lyft calculate prices, and why do some ride types cost more than others?

What you need to know

• Get an instant Lyft price estimate by entering your destination into the Lyft app
• Lyft uses upfront pricing: Instant quotes that don’t show cost per mile or minute
• Ride types with more features (like XL & Extra Comfort) cost more than a standard Lyft

Save on Lyft with Promo Code ‘ 9MQ5JB ‘

Read on to learn more about how Lyft pricing works and how you can save on your next Lyft ride.

Article Contents

• How Much Does Lyft Cost?
• How to Get a Lyft Estimate
• An Example of Lyft Prices
• How to Save Money on Lyft Rides

Download the Lyft app and input your destination for a price quote , or go to lyft.com/cities and use the fare calculator tool.

How Lyft calculates ride prices

Lyft calculates the cost of a ride using these factors:

• Lyft fare — A variable fee based on the ride route, ride type, demand, and ride availability
• Service fee — A flat fee based on the region the ride was in
• Third-party fees — Any local fees & taxes, airport fees, and other surcharges
• Tolls — The cost of tolls is passed onto riders
• Ride Demand — Prices increase when demand is high
• Other market factors — Lyft can use unexplained other factors to increase the price

Upfront pricing: Why prices are unpredictable

The Lyft app instantly quotes an upfront price when you input a destination. Lyft says that the upfront price is based on factors “ which may include estimated time and distance, travel to pickup, ride demand, and other market factors. ”

Lyft guarantees that you will pay the upfront price unless the trip is unexpectedly longer or shorter than Lyft’s estimation.

But after your ride, you might notice that the receipt doesn’t give you much detail about the price you paid. It doesn’t say how much you paid per mile or per minute, or how Lyft calculated the fare.

Receipts don’t offer much insight into pricing. You won’t see per mile or per minute prices

Before upfront pricing, ride prices were calculated with a rate card that specified the exact base fare, cost per mile, and cost per minute. 

The benefit of up-front pricing is that you’ll always know exactly how much you’ll pay before you request the trip. 

The downside is that it’s not always entirely clear why Lyft charged  the price you paid.

How to get a fare estimate in the Lyft app

• Open the Lyft app and input your destination
• View the price estimate at the bottom of the screen
• Scroll to see price estimates for other Lyft ride types

How to see the mileage & time rates for a ride type

Even though upfront pricing means that the cost of a ride isn’t entirely connected to a rate card, you can still see the per-mile and per-minute rates for any ride type.

Enter a destination into the app, then tap on a ride type for more pricing information . Next, tap on the small i  to bring up Price details .

See mileage and time rates by tapping on a ride type

That’s where you can see the base fare, minimum fare, per mile, per minute rate, and Prime Time rate.

Note that the Lyft fare also factors in ‘ride availability’ and ‘demand,’ which can add additional charges that make the exact cost of a ride less predictable.

Get a fare estimate at Lyft.com

• Head to the Lyft fare estimate page
• Enter your pickup and drop-off locations into the fare estimator and click Get Estimate

The fare estimate tool at Lyft.com gives ranges of prices

The price differences between Lyft ride types

Lyft features several ride types , each with different prices and features. In general, expect to pay more if you need a larger or more luxurious car .

Lyft ride types from least expensive to most expensive

• Lyft – The standard ride
• Extra Comfort – Newer cars with more legroom, top-rated drivers
• Lyft XL – Larger vehicles, seating for more passengers
• Lyft Lux Black – High-end luxury car
• Lux Black XL – High-end luxury SUV

Different ride type, different price

Priority pickup: Pay more for faster pickup times

The standard Lyft ride has a Priority Pickup option to speed up your pickup time for a few extra dollars. 

Wait & Save: Pay less to wait longer

If you’re not in a rush, you can save on the cost of a standard Lyft by choosing the Wait & Save option.

Your driver will take longer to pick you up, but you will save a few dollars off the typical ride cost.

Pay more for a faster pickup or less for a slower one

What is the minimum cost of a Lyft?

Each Lyft service has a minimum cost that guarantees drivers are fairly compensated for short rides.

In Los Angeles, minimum fares range from ~$3.50 for Lyft, $6 for Lyft XL, and $25 for Lux Black XL .

To check the minimum cost of a Lyft, input a destination and tap on a ride type for more info. Then, tap the small ‘i’ to see more pricing info, including the minimum fare for that ride type.

Lyft prices go up when demand is high

Lyft charges higher prices when passenger demand is high by adding a pricing multiplier to the cost of the ride.

To see if a pricing surge applies to your fare, tap on the ride type you want to select, then tap on the small “i” next to Payment.

Pricing changes with demand, so if there is a large increase in pricing, consider waiting a few minutes or walking to a less busy location.

How to tip your Lyft driver

You can choose to tip your Lyft driver after the ride has ended. Tipping is optional, and drivers keep 100% of your tip .

You can choose to tip your driver during the ride, or after the ride is over. During the ride, tap on the ride information to find the tipping area. After the ride ends, rate your driver and select a tip amount.

Lyft prices vary from city to city

Prices are different in each Lyft market. For example, Lyft costs more in a market like New York City and less in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Head over to the Lyft Cities page to see Lyft prices in your city or the city you’re visiting.

Real-world Lyft prices: How much Lyft costs in Los Angeles

Lyft prices in Los Angeles are close to the average for US cities, so prices in LA are a good general indicator of how much a Lyft costs nationwide.

How much a Lyft costs on a 4.6-mile, 18-minute ride in LA

What’s the cost of a Lyft for an average ride? The table below shows how much a 4.6-mile, 18-minute Lyft would cost in Los Angeles.

When Lyft Lux is cheaper than a regular Lyft: Weird pricing!

A higher-end service like Lux can be cheaper than a regular Lyft if a sudden burst of requests for regular Lyft rides drives prices higher than luxury rides.

In the ride below, a Lux is only $14, while a regular Lyft is $16. It looks like this rider might go for the luxury option today!

Lux cheaper than a regular Lyft? It happens

About Lyft fees

Lyft may charge several fees that can add to the cost of your ride.

Many fees are built into the upfront cost of every ride , but others are avoidable fees based on passenger behavior.

Lyft Service Fee : A flat-rate fee charged on every ride that is used for Lyft operation costs. It is included in upfront price estimates.

Cancellation fee : You will be charged a cancellation fee if you cancel your ride more than two minutes after a driver has accepted your request and the driver is on time to arrive within 5 minutes of the estimated arrival time.

For scheduled rides , you will be charged a $10 fee if you cancel more than 1 hour before your scheduled pickup time.

No-show fee : You will be charged a no-show fee if your driver arrives at your location and you fail to arrive at their car within five minutes.

Third-party fees : You may have to pay for local fees & taxes, fees for an airport ride , or other surcharges that Lyft doesn’t charge. 

For example, the riders in California pay the California Driver Benefits Fee and Portland riders pay the City of Portland Surcharge.

Lost item return fee: Lyft charges a $15 fee if you lose an item and your driver returns it to you. The full lost item fee goes to your driver.

Damage fee : If you leave a mess or cause damage, Lyft may add a charge to compensate the driver. If you are charged a damage or cleaning fee, you will receive an email from Lyft detailing why.

Tolls:  Lyft passengers pay for tolls. The Lyft app will detect when your route involves a toll road, and the cost will be automatically added to your up-front price estimate.

• The complete guide to Lyft fees, and how to get a refund 

How to save money on Lyft rides

There are several ways to save money on Lyft rides.

Promo codes for new users  — All new Lyft users can enter a promo code to get a discount on their first ride. Our code “9MQ5JB’ works for all new users, and similar codes are available on coupon sites.

• No Promo Codes for Existing Users? Ways to Save on Lyft

Lyft Pink —  A subscription service that offers ‘ member-exclusive pricing ‘ on all rides for $9.99 per month or $99 per year.

It also offers relaxed cancellations, waived lost and found fees, free Grubhub+ membership, and more.

Credit card cash back & travel rewards  — Lyft has partnerships with some credit card companies that offer additional cash back on Lyft rides.

For example, some Chase credit cards offer extra cash back when you use the card to pay for Lyft.

Limited-time discount promos —  Lyft occasionally runs limited promotions that offer discounts on rides. Keep an eye out for emails and in-app notifications about a discount opportunity.

Lyft Pink is a good option if you use Lyft frequently

How to contact Lyft customer service

Lyft does not have a customer service phone number or an email address, but you can contact Lyft using tools inside the Lyft app or at help.lyft.com.

If you have an issue with a ride, the best way to get help is to go to the ride receipt in the app and scroll to “Get help.” Report your issue and Lyft will get back to you via email and an in-app chat.

• What’s the fastest way to contact Lyft customer service?

Try Lyft! New users can use promo code ‘ 9MQ5JB ‘

Want to try Lyft? Download the app and input a promo code before you request your first ride.

We may receive app credits if you sign up using our download link or promo code.

About Doug H

Gig economy driver, writer, and expert since 2013. I created Ridesharing Driver to help drivers navigate all of the challenges we face in the on-demand world! Read more about my story!

Donna Jennings says

August 28, 2022 at 9:51 pm

This evening we experienced an shady event leaving a concert this evening. Let me start by stating that we had used an UberX to get to the conceronly 2 miles away. Costing only $13.00. It was just after a concert near Buckhead Atlanta. Chastain Park. For some reason, we had no signal to reserve an Uber . So… All Riideshare drivers were lined up at the exit. A driver in a black Suburban drove up next in line. We asked who he was with? He replied “ Lyft” . Then politely asked where we were going? We told him the hotel 2 miles away. Then he asks if we minded sharing the ride? We didn’t mind. They got in and off we went. We arrived at our hotel first. We wanted to pay cash. He informed us his Suburban was a Limousine and we owed him $125.00!!!! For 2 miles AND a shared ride no less! We were floored! Not sure if it was because we were paying cash? We told him we would give him $100 and he took it! Is this normal?????? Wonder if he did the same thing to the other couple in the car? They were paying with a card?

Carmen says

February 9, 2020 at 11:50 am

I love doing lyft it pays really good. Where I live in muscatine Iowa they dont even know we have lyft. In just 1day in muscatine I would make 4 rides. So i decided to hit bigger cities like Iowa city Iowa on a Saturday I went at 3:00 got there at 3:30pm I turned it on lyft and got hits 1 over another one didnt stop til 2:30am had 35 ride all together from January 27th to February 9th I have made over $461.74. That how much I make in 2 wks in my regular job..

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How Much Does Lyft Cost?

Understanding how lyft pricing works, can the final lyft cost differ from the estimated fare, know before you ride: getting a lyft estimate, how you’re charged after your lyft ride, sample lyft ride fare, how lyft payments work, how to save money when using lyft, frequently asked questions, wrapping up, how much does lyft cost in 2024 learn how your fare is estimated and more.

Since 2012, Brett Helling has built expertise in the rideshare and delivery sectors, working with major platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.

He acquired Ridester.com in 2014, the first ridesharing marketplace, leveraging his direct experience to enhance the site. His insights at Ridester are recognized by Forbes, Vice, and CNBC.

Expanding his reach, Brett founded Gigworker.com and authored “ Gigworker: Independent Work and the State of the Gig Economy “, demonstrating his comprehensive knowledge of the gig economy.

More about Brett | How we publish content

Ridester articles are reviewed by gig economy experts before getting published to ensure accuracy, thoroughness, and quality. Learn about our editorial standards .

How Uber Ride Pass Works To Save Riders Money

Citi bike membership: how it works, types, costs & more, how grubhub+ works: pricing, features & is it worth it.

Key Takeaways

• Lyft’s fare varies by location, route, time, mileage, and selected vehicle type, with potential peak hour rate increases.
• Additional charges may include tolls, service fees, and local taxes, with a general recommendation to tip drivers.
• Lyft’s pricing is competitive with Uber, often being the cheaper option during high-demand periods.
• Fare estimates consider mileage, time, and base fare, with options for economy to premium rides affecting costs.

The cost of a Lyft ride varies based on location, route, and vehicle type. The app calculates fares using mileage, time, and a base fare, which differs by city.

Ride types, from economy to premium, also influence the price. During prime time or peak hours, rates may increase due to high demand.

Additional fees like tolls, service charges, and third-party fees like local taxes and airport surcharges may apply.

We almost always recommend tipping your driver as well. You can usually expect to budget an extra $3-10 to your total ride cost, depending on the length of the ride.

Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert

Any more, most ridesharing services cost about the same. The cost of a Lyft ride is very similar to the cost of an Uber ride , so most passengers compare prices before choosing a service.

I personally use both apps equally , but choose which one to use depending on the pricing and wait time.

I’ve found both services cost roughly the same day-to-day, but Lyft to be a cheaper option when demand between the two apps is surging.

Lyft also limits their Prime Time pricing, while Uber doesn’t limit their surge. So in times of high demand, Lyft is usually my go-to option because it is usually cheaper.

A trick to getting cheaper Lyft rides is checking the higher-tier service like Lyft Lux . These services can sometimes be cheaper than regular rides, especially during high-demand times.

Lyft’s pricing structure consists of two distinct components: Lyft’s base fare and the factors influencing it, as well as the additional fees that may apply to your ride.

Factors That Go Into a Lyft Fare

When you enter your ride details on Lyft, it shows you an upfront price. This estimated fare is based on three major variables:

1. Location

In the U.S., the Lyft app is available in all 50 states. Each city has its own pricing formula, with varying base fares and rates per mile and per minute.

Lyft’s basic calculation of your final ride charge includes the mileage traveled and time spent, along with a fixed fee applied in some cities, which is called the base fare.

The company doesn’t cast a cloud over cities’ rate information; you can easily look them up on its website.

For instance, we were able to find out that requesting a standard Lyft ride in New York City costs  $1.75 per mile and $0.75 per minute, with no base fare. But rides in Chicago will cost you  $0.81 per mile and $0.29 per minute, with a $1.77 base fare.

2. Ride Type

Lyft divides its ride types into economy, extra seats, premium, and other modes of transportation, such as bikes. The type you select will naturally affect your final fare because prices vary from one category to the next.

When it comes to Lyft car rides, you’ll notice that the economy category has the most affordable options. It essentially includes standard rides with vehicles seating up to four people.

If you’re traveling with a larger group, you can book a Lyft XL car, which has more seats—up to six—for a slightly higher fee. If you’re feeling more posh, you can request its black SUV with leather seating.

And, of course, anything labeled as “premium” will most likely cost you a pretty penny. But if you prioritize superior comfort and riding with experienced drivers, then it’ll be well worth your money.

3. Prime Time

If you’re confused about why the price of Lyft fares spikes at some points during the day, we’ve got an answer: prime time, or peak hours.

Lyft’s peak hours  include any time when there’s a high demand for rides but not enough drivers. When this happens, Lyft raises the rates to encourage drivers to hit the road, which is why your typical ride may cost way more.

Additional Lyft Fees To Be Aware Of

In some cases, your ride can be subject to the following fees:

• Tolls:  Any tolls that you encounter during your trip will be added to your total fare.
• Service Fee:  The app charges you a service fee  in some cities that goes directly to the Lyft platform.
• Third-Party Fees: Surcharges imposed by other entities, like local taxes and airport fees, will be added to the ride’s cost.

Yes, the total cost of your completed Lyft trip may not match what the app suggested when you requested the ride.

Now, before you enter the mindset of “how dare they?” there are a few good reasons why this could be the case. Some of them include:

• Request Delay: If you entered your trip information and waited 10 seconds or more to place your request, a new rate may be applied to your ride.
• Traffic: Time counts on Lyft, so being stuck in traffic can increase your bill.
• Route Adjustments:  Whether you change your destination, add stops, or make a roundtrip , all this will affect your final fare.

But there are a few things you could do if you think that the fare cost is unfair.

For instance, if you think the driver took multiple unnecessary detours, which you’re held responsible for, you can contact Lyft’s customer service and request a refund .

In order to calculate accurate Lyft estimates for your upcoming rides, you must know the exact rates in your area, broken down by ride type.

To pull up the current rates in your market, you’ll need to start by selecting your location from this Lyft cities listing .

Once you’re on your city page, scroll down to the “Fare Estimate” section and enter in any pick-up location and drop-off location within your city. Tap “Get Estimate.”

You should then see a list of estimates for the random trip you entered. Scroll down just past this list to tap “More,” located on the right hand side.

This will open up a complete list of Lyft rates for your city, broken down by Lyft services, like the one pictured below.

To see special fees (including airport, venue, and event fees) that you should be aware of in your city, head back to your city page.

Then, scroll all the way down to the small text directly above the footer to learn more about what costs you may run into.

Pictured below are special fees for users in Las Vegas, as an example.

Now that you have detailed information about the exact rates and fees in your city, you’ll be able to make a Lyft fare estimate at any time, and always know when you’re getting a fair price.

Free Lyft Estimate Tools

While knowing your local Lyft rates is helpful for making rough estimates, calculating exact Lyft fares does take time and can be subject to human error.

When you need the most accurate Lyft price estimate possible — for example, when you’re budgeting for a trip or your commute — free online fare estimator tools can get you the best results.

1. The Lyft Website

The first tool you can use is, of course, the Lyft Fare Estimate tool you already tried out when finding your city’s rates.

You can directly reach the ride calculator that works for all cities by heading to this page.

Then, enter your pick-up and drop-off destinations, and tap “Get Estimate” to see Lyft estimates for all available ride types.

Another option for Lyft estimates is to use the Lyft website.

• Navigate to Lyft.com/cities.
• Enter your city into the box labeled “Find My City” or click on your city from the full list below.
• Add a pick-up location.
• Add a destination.
• Click the “Get estimate” button to reveal an approximate trip cost.

Enter the pick-up location and destination to get a Lyft quote from within their website.

Like using the Lyft app, the Lyft website’s fare estimator is fairly basic and doesn’t go into a great amount of detail about pricing or travel times. It’s great for basic quotes, but if you want the full data, use the app method below.

If you’re planning on requesting your ride soon, you may also want to take into account current Prime Time pricing.

In this case, you can simply pull up your Lyft app on your smartphone and enter your pick-up and drop-off destinations.

You can then view real-time prices without requesting your ride quite yet.

2. The Lyft App

Riders can open the app and get a ride cost within the app before they take a ride.

Lyft added upfront pricing into the app recently, allowing riders to see exactly how much they will pay before they request the ride.

• Open the Lyft rider app and enter a pick-up location. Once “Set pickup” is tapped, your pick-up location will be locked in.
• Enter a destination for the quote by tapping “Add Destination” below the pick-up location.
• Once pick-up location and destination are entered, you’ll see a vehicle icon.
• Tapping the vehicle icon takes you to the different types of rides, and when each one is tapped, detailed ride pricing is revealed.

The steps to take to get a Lyft estimate within the rider app.

Using the Lyft app to estimate the cost of a Lyft ride is quick and easy, but it’s not as detailed as many users would like it to be.

If you’re on the road and need to quickly check the ride cost, this can be helpful, but if you would like more detailed information including map routes, city-specific pricing, or Prime Time alerts, stick to using our tool above.

3. Ridester Pricing Tool

Alternatively, you can get the best of both worlds with our Ridester Pricing Tool.

This tool can help you calculate Lyft estimates with real-time Prime Time pricing, like your Lyft app, but you’ll also be able to get a more detailed breakdown of how your local rates are affecting your total cost.

There are two ways to calculate a Lyft fare: the hard way and the easy way.

The hard way involves using pen and paper (or a spreadsheet), hunting through Lyft’s pricing formula, and manually figuring out what a fare would cost.

On the other hand, the easy way would be to use our nifty Lyft estimate calculator to do the math for you.

Here’s how to use it:

• Enter your pick-up point in the first box.
• Enter your drop-off point in the second box.
• Click the “Estimate Lyft Fare” button, and you’ll get a real-time estimate!

We told you it’s easy to use. Give it a try yourself.

Why Use Our Lyft Estimator Widget

We worked hard to pack as much as we could into our Lyft calculator.

Here are some things it can do for you:

• Lyft fare estimates: Easily get accurate, real-time fare quotes calculated with data from the Lyft API. Your estimate will be as accurate as possible without using a crystal ball to see into the future.
• Lyft vehicle pricing:  Get quotes that include pricing for the different types of Lyft vehicles in your city. Figure out how much it’ll cost to arrive in style.
• Prime Time updates:  Our tool takes into account changes in Prime Time pricing, so you’re aware of price increases. Never get caught out with Prime Time pricing again.
• City-specific quotes:  Don’t want to use pick-up and drop-off locations to calculate a ride? You can still get an estimate with our tool on a per-city basis. This is perfect whether you’re traveling in New York, San Francisco, or anywhere in between.
• Popular estimates:  Find out what the most popular quotes users are calculating in real time.

On top of these, you can also share your route and estimate with others.

This might be handy if you’re planning a conference or a work trip amongst colleagues.

This widget is constantly being updated and fine tuned based on user feedback, so check back regularly for more features.

Because demand is always changing, Lyft fare estimates don’t always get you the exact price you pay.

You will always be charged based on the upfront fee that you see on your Lyft app right before requesting your ride.

As soon as your ride ends, Lyft will charge your credit card or debit card with the price you read.

However, there are a handful of common situations — which no Lyft estimator will be able to anticipate — that may warrant additional charges on top of your upfront fee.

These include:

• When you tip your driver: Tips are customary when ridesharing, but since it’s up to you to select your own gratuity amount after your ride, it won’t be included in any Lyft estimate. Gratuity will typically show up on your credit card statements as a separate charge from your upfront fee, since you have up to 72 hours to tip your Lyft driver.
• When you pass a toll: The exact cost of any tolls you pass will be charged to your account to reimburse your Lyft driver. You may be charged a return fee if passing a toll causes your driver to be outside of Lyft’s coverage area.
• If you leave a mess: A damage fee of $25 to $250 may be charged based on the severity of the mess you leave.
• If you leave behind an item and need it returned: A lost-and-found fee of $15 will be charged to compensate your driver for their return efforts.

Other voluntary fees that may arise and are not included in Lyft estimates include cancellation fees and fare adjustments (for any changes in destination or added stops).

Both of these fees replace your upfront fee.

Here are a few examples of what you might expect from Lyft ride fares in Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix in the US.

We based all the following sample fares on the cost of a Lyft ride between a city’s museum and another location five miles away within the same city.

The basic Lyft cost for a 5-mile ride ran between $9 and $18.

Sample Lyft Fare for Chicago

Using the Lyft rate calculator, From the Chicago Midway International Airport to the Illinois Institute of Technology located on 35th St you can expect to pay the following rates:

• Standard Lyft personal rate: between $24-$28
• Supersized XL Lyft rate: between $36-$40
• High-end XL Lyft rate: between $40-$45
• Luxury rides in Lux Black Lyft rates: between $60-$65
• Spacious luxury ride in Lux Black XL: $77-$84

This ride will take approximately 18 minutes.

Sample Lyft Fare for Dallas

Using the Lyft rate calculator, from the Dallas Love Field Airport on Herb Kelleher Way to the Museum of Illusions on Ross Avenue, Dallas Texas, you can expect to pay the following ratea:

• Standard Lyft personal rate: between $20-$25
• Supersized XL Lyft rate: between $25-$30
• High-end XL Lyft rate: between $42-$49
• Luxury ride in Lux Black Lyft rate: between $60-$70
• Spacious luxury ride in Lux Black XL Lyft rate: between $86-$89

Sample Lyft Fare for Phoenix

Using the Lyft rate calculator, from the airport in Phoenix, Arizona on East Washington Street to the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa, you can expect to pay the following rates:

• Luxury ride in Lux Black Lyft rate: between $60-$65
• Spacious luxury ride in Lux Black XL Lyft rate: between $77-$84

This ride will take approximately 14 minutes.

Riders pay for their Lyft ride directly through the app. The driver calculation begins when the passengers are in the car, and they have clicked on pick up in the app.

Payment Types Accepted by Lyft

Lyft accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards (like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover).

You can also link your checking account or use apps such as Lyft gift cards , PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Venmo in some cities.

However, you also must have a valid debit or credit card on file. The app will let you know if the card you have on file will expire soon in case it’s been a while since your last ride request.

Prepaid cards are accepted as a form of payment, as long as they are added to your Lyft account.

• Lyft gift cards are not an option to cover your driver’s tip or charges due to cancellation or damage.
• Lyft does not take cash as a form of payment.

The Payment Process After a Ride

Your Lyft ride will begin with a temporary authorization to ensure your payment method works and can fund your ride.

You may see pending transactions related to your payment method when you do any of the following:

• Create a Lyft account for the first time
• Put in a request for a ride
• Payment method changes
• Final destination changes
• Add extra stops on your route
• Rent a bike or scooter from Lyft

5-7 days after you complete a ride (or cancel it) and Lyft formally charges you, Lyft pre-authorization charges will disappear from your bank account and change to final charges.

You can tell the difference between an authorization charge before your ride and the final charge because it will include the total number of Lyft rides you took for the day along with the date of the rides like this: Lyft *3 rides 8/25 lyft.com/charges.

Can I Get a Lyft and Pay Later?

You cannot pay later for a Lyft ride. When you request a Lyft ride, the system will attempt to use your default payment method.

If Lyft declines the default payment method, it will ask you to select a different payment method. You cannot ride without a valid payment method.

However, riders can opt-in to buy now and pay later for Lyft services using third party companies. If interested, riders can use Quadpay to pay for your next Lyft with interest-free payments with 25% of all costs upfront.

Can You Split a Lyft Ride With Somebody Else?

There once was an option in the Lyft app to split the cost of the ride with another rider. However, Lyft removed their ride-splitting feature in 2018 and haven’t added it back.

Most people don’t carry much cash with them these days to help split the cost of a ride. However, you can use Venmo or PayPal to divide payments with other people in your riding party.

Here’s how you can lower the cost of your Lyft ride using four of the most effective tips:

• Use the “ wait and save ” option if you’re not in a hurry; you’ll get cheaper rates just by waiting longer.
• Request shared rides, where you can save up to half the original fare by traveling with another rider.
• Actively look for promotions and discounts on Lyft’s website and social media platforms; you can find some decent offers there.
• Subscribe to a Lyft plan  if you’re a frequent user, and you can save a ton with its special pricing and exclusive discounts.

Does Lyft Have a Minimum Fare?

Yes, Lyft has a minimum fare set in case of super short trips that don’t fairly compensate the driver. The fare varies depending on the city and the type of ride you select.

In Los Angeles, for example, the minimum fare for standard rides is $2.83  and $6.00 for Lyft XL.

Is Lyft Cheaper Than Uber?

A recent study  of major cities in the U.S. revealed that Lyft is more expensive than Uber. However, you should understand that, generally, both apps rely on adaptive pricing. This means that one of them may be cheaper at a certain time and location and pricier at another.

Various factors and fees can affect the cost of your ride with Lyft, and it’s best that you familiarize yourself with them.

Believe us when we say that it’s the only way you can ensure your future trips are smooth and free of unpleasant surprises.

Don’t forget to make the most of your ridesharing experience by using our cost-cutting hacks on your upcoming rides!

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Your Rideshare Questions, Answered

Uber help. fare comparison. trending topics..

Potential Surge Pricing!

{{ r.service.company.name }} varies their pricing based on demand. The estimate here is a baseline estimate. To see how demand-based pricing would change the estimates you see here, use the Surge Pricing tool. Surge Pricing tool on the left.

The actual multiplier used when you take your trip may vary depending on time of day, the number of drivers on the road, and the number of users looking for rides.

Uber's "upfront pricing," which is their guaranteed rate, can contain a surge multiplier without warning. If RideGuru's estimate is noticeably different from Uber's proposed price, you may be looking at this secret surge pricing. Beware!

{{ r.service.company.name }} varies their pricing based on demand. The estimate here assumes a multiplier of {{ r.getMultiplier() }}x , which is the current surge multiplier at the time of this estimate, but the actual multiplier used when you take your trip may vary depending on time of day, the number of drivers on the road, and the number of users looking for rides.

To change the surge calculation, use the Surge Pricing tool.

{{ r.service.name }}

{{ r.entity.service_area }}, {{ r.totalfaretext() }}.

1 && r.supportsSurge()">{{ r.surgeDescription() }}

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Uber Eats Introduces New Features for Consumers with Food Allergies

Posted by lilly on June 12, 2024

Image Credit: Uber.com For hundreds of millions of people around the world, food allergies have drastically changed their everyday lives, making simple tasks like ordering food difficult and frustrating at times. After successfully testing Uber’s new allergy features in the UK and Ireland in 2023, … Read more

Uncork the Summer: Uber Launches Exclusive 'Uber Bubbles' Experience in France

Posted by RideGuru on May 31, 2024

This summer, Uber in France is offering an extraordinary opportunity for riders to discover the renowned Champagne Houses of G.H. Mumm and Perrier-Jouët through their exclusive "Uber Bubbles" experience. François-Xavier Morizot, VP Champagne for G.H. Mumm and Perrier-Jouët, expressed his excitement… Read more

The Role of Data in Ridesharing: Privacy Concerns and Innovations

Posted by RideGuru on May 29, 2024

The advent of ridesharing has revolutionized urban transportation, with companies like Uber, Lyft, and others leveraging technology to create seamless, on-demand ride services. At the heart of this innovation lies data. From improving service efficiency to enhancing user experience, data plays a pi… Read more

Uber Enhances Accessibility with New App Features

Posted by RideGuru on May 21, 2024

Image Credit: Uber.com Uber’s technology is enhancing mobility and independence for millions of people with disabilities worldwide by providing greater access to transportation, earning opportunities, and basic necessities like food and groceries.The company's mission is to build a platform accessi… Read more

Lyft Guarantees Transparency in Driver Earnings

Posted by RideGuru on May 16, 2024

Image Credit: Lyft.com Earlier this year, Lyft instituted a new standard in driver compensation, and now, this benchmark is being rolled out nationwide for all drivers. In February, Lyft pledged that drivers would consistently earn 70% or more of rider fares each week, after external fees. This ass… Read more

From Rides to Restaurants: Inside Uber's Service Expansion

Posted by RideGuru on May 10, 2024

In the beginning, Uber disrupted the transportation industry with its innovative ridesharing platform. However, what began as a convenient way to hail a ride has since evolved into a multifaceted technology company offering an array of services beyond transportation. From food delivery to freight l… Read more

Trending Forum Topics

Nyc ride volume - uber "officially" destroys taxis going into 2018.

Posted by ippei on February 1, 2018

Is it official?  More Uber trips being taken more than taxis now.

Number of medallions control the # of cars in NYC.  While number of Ubers continue to climb.  

Source: http://toddwschneider.com/posts/taxi-uber-lyft-usage-new-york-city/

How is the rideshare market in frederick, md i just moved to the area and ....

Posted by kjroncarati on June 12, 2024

How is the rideshare market in Frederick, MD? I just moved to the area and would love to drive!

Surge and upfront pricing coming to Taxis! Say bye to meters!![NBC]

Posted by SmittenKitten on April 4, 2018

It's happening.  The re-merging of Uber and Taxis will happen.  I've been waiting for this to happen for a long time.  It'll all be the same thing once again.

Yellow Taxis to Test Upfront Fares and Surge Pricing Amid Ongoing Clash With Ride-Hailing Apps [NBC]

The two-year pilot program, which …

If you were the new CEO of Uber, with absolute power, what would be the first thing you'd change?

Posted by DaimsLer on June 9, 2018

I am asking the current Uber drivers, but anyone's welcome.

What's a typical passenger rating for Uber? Is 4.50 good?

Posted by JudgeItoh on March 28, 2018

As a driver, have you kicked out a passenger? Ended a ride early mid-trip?

Posted by WWBlueStuff on April 29, 2018

Please do share. Remember when some dude died after getting kicked off Lyft?  I can't help it to think he did something to be kicked out, you know? 

Lyft Passenger Killed in Fatal Hit-and-Run on Freeway After Driver Demands He Exits Vehicle https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Lyft-Passenger-Killed-in-Fatal-Hit-and-Run-on-Freeway-473302203.html

Do I need car seats for small children?

Posted by Anonymous on March 27, 2017

If drivers are really losing money with Uber then why do you keep driving for Uber?

Posted by babarett on February 6, 2018

I just don't get it, everyone always complains that they don't make any money with Uber but if you really were losing money then why would you keep driving....???

Can I bring my dog in an Uber?

Posted by Dan on September 19, 2016

Do Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers actually pay their taxes?

Posted by Anonymous on November 14, 2017

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We’ve got your easy ride across town, Las Vegas.

Whether you’re riding to work, taking your #1 for a night on the town, or anything in between, count on Lyft for a ride in minutes. The Lyft app matches you with local drivers in just a few taps. Request, ride, then simply pay in the app.

Go to town.

Plug in your favorite playlist and practice your moves. A reliable ride for you and the whole crew is always just a few minutes away.

Head out of town.

Whether you’re just taking off or riding back home, Lyft is your worry-free airport ride.

If your upfront price for a ride looks high, it might be busier than usual. This can happen when there are more ride requests than available drivers.

Rides in Nevada are subject to a 3% Nevada Cost Recovery Fee.

Trips to and from Clark County Department of Aviation facilities (McCarran International, Henderson Executive, and North Las Vegas Airports) are subject to a $2.60 surcharge.

Trips to or from Top Golf (4627 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109)) taken during 5/1 may be subject to an $0.50 event fee. For more information on this event, please visit the Las Vegas help center at http://lft.to/2pTVxzY

Applicable tolls and surcharges may also be added to your fare.

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How much does a ride with Uber cost?

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How prices are estimated

In most cities, your cost is calculated up front, before you confirm your ride. In others, you will see an estimated price range (see applicable price terms in your city). Here are some fees and factors that can affect your price:

The base rate is determined by the time and distance of a trip.

Operating fee

In your city, a flat fee might be added to each trip. It helps support operational, regulatory, and safety costs.

Busy times and areas

When there are more riders than available drivers, prices may temporarily increase until the marketplace is rebalanced.

Ways to ride in the area

Making money by driving with the uber app, behind the wheel.

Drive using Uber when you want and make money on your schedule.

Find out what resources and promotions are in the app that can help you maximize your earnings.

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After you arrive at your destination and exit the vehicle, your final cost will be automatically calculated and charged to the payment method you’ve set.

Yes, you can request a ride to and from most major airports around the world. Go to our airports page to see the locations where Uber is available.

In most cities, Uber is designed to be a cashless experience. In cities where cash payments are available, this option must be selected before you request your ride.

Open the app and input your destination in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear; scroll to see what’s available in your area.

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