Okay let's be real – I messed this up so many times before figuring it out. That moment when you're halfway to dinner and remember "Oh crap, I need to grab my dry cleaning!" Used to cost me extra $15-20 in detours until I mastered how do I add stops on Uber properly. Turns out most riders don't know you can actually plan multi-stop trips in the app. Even Uber drivers told me about 70% of passengers just verbally ask for stops mid-ride instead of setting it up correctly.
Why does this matter? Because doing it wrong means:
- ❌ Paying way more than necessary (wait time fees add up fast)
- ❌ Annoying your driver when you randomly ask to pull over
- ❌ Possibly getting rejected if they have another ride queued
After 327 Uber trips last year (yes I tracked it for expense reports), I've got this down to a science. Here's everything Uber doesn't clearly tell you about adding stops.
Before Your Ride: Setting Up Stops Correctly
This is where most people go wrong – they don't realize you MUST set stops before confirming the ride. Once drivers accept your trip, they can't modify your route on their end. I learned this hard way when my driver refused to stop at CVS because he had back-to-back rides.
Open the Uber app and type where you're ending up. Saw people try to add stops first – doesn't work. Has to be final stop in main box.
Right below destination field, there's tiny gray "+" icon that says "Add stop" when you tap it. Seriously, why is this so small? Missed it for months.
Type addresses or business names. Pro tip: Add "ATM" or "Walgreens" instead of addresses – app recognizes chains better. You can drag stops to reorder (critical for efficient routing).
When drivers see multi-stop trips, some instantly cancel. Can't blame them – Uber pays like $0.11/minute for wait time. If your stop requires more than 3 minutes, expect cancellations.
🚨 Got burned: Tried adding stops on Uber for quick coffee run. Driver waited 7 minutes then drove off with my phone charger still in the car. Uber refunded $5. Lesson? Never leave valuables during stops.
Stop Limit Cheat Sheet
| Uber Service | Max Stops | Wait Time Included | Extra Stop Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| UberX / Uber Comfort | 2 stops | 3 minutes free | None (but wait fees apply after) |
| Uber Black | 3 stops | 5 minutes free | $3 per additional stop |
| Uber Pool | No stops allowed | - | - |
Mid-Ride Stops: How to Add Them Without Pissing Off Your Driver
Sometimes emergencies happen. Last month I suddenly remembered my dog was locked on the patio – had to add emergency stop. Here's how to do this smoothly:
- Ask BEFORE confirming route change: Say "Could we quickly stop at [place]? I'll add it in the app." Drivers appreciate you modifying through the system.
- Use the app: Tap "Change destination" > "Add a stop" while en route. Takes 10 seconds.
- Time it right: Don't ask when driver is navigating complex intersections (safety first!).
💰 Cost alert: Mid-ride stops increase your fare faster than pre-planned ones. Why? Uber recalculates route including current position. Saw my fare jump $9 for 2-mile detour!
When Drivers Will Say No (And How to Increase Your Chances)
Based on conversations with 14 Uber drivers at LAX:
- "If they ask politely before I accept next ride? Maybe. During busy hours? No." - Carlos (5,200+ trips)
- "I only allow stops under 3 minutes if rider tips cash upfront. $5 minimum." - Priya (3.7k trips)
- "Never for Uber Pool riders. Against policy." - Marcus (4.1k trips)
Translation: Bring cash tips if you'll need unplanned stops.
Hidden Fees & When Uber Charges Extra
Uber isn't transparent about how stops affect pricing. After analyzing 12 receipts:
| Scenario | Average Cost Added | Why It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Per-minute wait time after free period | $0.28 - $0.55/min | Varies by city (check rates in your area) |
| Route deviation over 0.5 miles | $4 - $12 | Based on distance from original path |
| Stops during surge pricing | 2.1x - 3.5x multiplier | Multiplier applies to entire modified route |
🔍 Check your city's rates: Google "Uber wait time [your city]" to see exact per-minute fees. Chicago charges $0.40/min while Austin is $0.28.
Pro Rider Hacks for Smooth Multi-Stop Trips
After my disaster trip trying to hit 3 bank branches in rush hour:
- Cluster nearby stops: Instead of "Bank → Post Office → Pharmacy", do errands within 5 blocks of each other.
- Schedule buffer time: Add 15 minutes per stop for parking/unexpected delays.
- Text driver immediately: When they accept, message "Hi, I have 2 quick stops (under 3 min each). Will tip cash for prompt service!" Cancellations dropped 80% when I started doing this.
Airport Hack: The "Ghost Stop"
Need to pick up luggage-toting friends? Instead of paying $5/minute curbside wait fees:
- Add airport cell phone lot as first stop
- Text friend to meet you there
- Driver waits free since it's designated waiting zone
Saves average $12 per airport pickup compared to terminal stops.
Uber Stops FAQ: What Riders Actually Ask
Q: Can I add a stop for someone else to get in?
A: Technically yes, but drivers hate this. Uber's policy requires all riders on profile. Got lectured by driver when picking up my cousin. Safer to order separate Uber.
Q: Why does my Uber app not show add stop button?
A: Usually means:
- You're using Uber Pool (not allowed)
- App needs update (check App Store)
- Service outage (check @Uber_Support on Twitter)
Happens to me monthly. Restarting phone fixes it 90% of time.
Q: How do I add stops on Uber for a future scheduled ride?
A: Schedule normally > After booking, go to Upcoming Trips > Edit > Add Stops. Must do this at least 1 hour before pickup.
When Adding Uber Stops Isn't Enough
If you need more than 2 stops or longer waits:
- Uber Hourly: $50-100/hour depending on city. Best for shopping trips or meetings.
- Split into separate rides: Cheaper than $0.55/minute wait fees if stops exceed 15 mins.
- Rental alternatives: For all-day errands, Kyte or Turo often cost less than Uber with stops.
Last month I paid $92 for 4-stop UberX trip vs. $68 for Kyte rental. No-brainer for complex routes.
What Drivers Wish You Knew
After dozens of driver conversations:
- 🚗 "Don't say 'quick stop' if you're going into Whole Foods for groceries. That's 20 minutes!"
- ⏱️ "Set timer when exiting car. We track it too."
- 💸 "Cash tip upfront = happy extended stop. App tip later = we might not see it."
Ultimately, how do i add stops on Uber is about more than button clicks. It's understanding the invisible rules that make drivers and riders cooperate. Master this and you'll save both money and awkward car silences. Still think Uber should make the stop feature more obvious though – but hey, that's another rant.
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