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What Is UberX, and How Does It Work for Riders?

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Uber is one of the most popular ridesharing companies, offering affordable and flexible rates in many urban areas.

While there are a wide range of Uber services and ride types, UberX is the standard option that passengers most frequently request.

Before you take your next Uber ride, ensure you are familiar with the UberX option, its prices, its restrictions, and possible benefits.

Keep reading to discover the details of UberX!

What Is UberX, and What Does It Mean?

vector graphic of UberX - affordable rides on demand

UberX is a peer-to-peer ridesharing service that makes it easy to access affordable, private rides.

When you request an UberX ride, you are matched with a nearby driver in a standard sedan with room for up to four.

It’s a no-frills service that’s simply meant to help you reliably get from your current location to your destination.

In short, UberX is one of many Uber services.

There are many service levels available, including Uber Black, UberPool, Uber Comfort, and Uber Green.

Each one has different Uber car requirements, space restrictions, and prices.

In general, UberX is the most common and affordable option for most people.

The passenger capacity allows a small group or family to easily travel for shopping, an event, or the airport.

UberX is considered the standard economy-level service, which provides a vehicle that can safely transport between one and four passengers to their destination.

UberX cars include regular-sized vehicles and four-door sedans or SUVs for a safe and comfortable ride.

The UberX option offers some extra services, such as car seats, accessible rides, and additional options to accommodate passengers for a small fee.

UberX is a peer-to-peer ridesharing service that makes it easy to access affordable, private rides.

How Does UberX Work?

When you book your UberX ride through your mobile app, the Uber app will use GPS technology to find your pickup location.

After that, it will request the destination’s coordinates or address and then request the destination’s coordinates or address.

Based on these criteria, the Uber app will offer price ranges based on various service levels, including UberX.

UberX is typically the first or second option to populate the list of services.

When you select this option, you’ll need to confirm your pickup location, pay the fare, and one of the nearby UberX drivers will arrive for pickup.

Main Benefits of Uber X

UberX is one of the fastest ride options provided by the company.

It’s one of the most popular options, which means you’ll have no difficulty accessing this option in most, if not all places, where Uber driving services are available.

Typically, UberX services are reasonably priced, and there is often a nearby driver ready for pick up within just a few minutes.

UberX Size and Capacity

UberX drivers and vehicles are generally efficient and offer a quick ride without calling in advance, as you can order a ride on your app within minutes of leaving.

UberX cars typically have enough room for up to four passengers for each ride.

UberX cars must be no older than the model year 2006.

They must pass a vehicle inspection that ensures tires, brakes, and other safety features are in good working condition.

How Many People Fit in an UberX?

UberX can accommodate anywhere between one and four passengers.

Since UberX is a standard service, you may need to upgrade to UberXL for additional people (up to six) or luggage.

What you can expect from the UberX service:

  • No more than four passengers (vehicles with four passengers are usually sedans)
  • UberX doesn’t include luggage, though if there are one or two passengers, a small bag or backpack is acceptable

Is UberX Shared with Others?

UberX offers the option of sharing a ride with other passengers.

You can choose ridesharing from the mobile app and split the cost easily.

It’s always best to discuss how you plan to share the cost of a ride before confirming the trip so that everyone knows how much they need to pay.

Can UberX Carry Luggage?

While the UberX service isn’t meant to carry luggage, there may be room for a small bag or suitcase, primarily if only one or two passengers use the service at once.

For extra space, UberXL or UberSELECT is best.

UberX Car List

The list of cars for UberX includes a wide range of vehicles such as the following:

  • Audi
  • BMW
  • Buick
  • Chevrolet
  • Toyota Camry
  • Honda Accord
  • Toyota Prius
  • Lexus
  • Ford
  • Volkswagen

You may notice other vehicles when you use the UberX service, though these cars are the most common.

How Much Does UberX Cost?

UberX is a basic economy service, so it’s often the cheapest ride option you have.

UberX prices are generally affordable, though they may increase during peak travel times.

Depending on how far you are traveling, they are often cheaper than taxis.

Usually, you can expect to pay between $9 to $12 for a ride just under five miles or around fifteen minutes.

This amount may increase to $15 or $20 for the same ride during peak times or in major cities like Chicago, Baltimore, Tampa, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, Los Angeles, or Dallas.

There are multiple tools out out there that make it easy to get an Uber estimate, so you can see the exact price before you book your trip.

Did you Know? UberPool and Express Pool are the only ride types that cost less than UberX, though these carpool-style services aren’t even close to being as widely available.

What Is the Main Difference Between UberX and UberXL?

The main difference between UberX and UberXL is comfort and space.

While UberX offers sufficient space for up to four passengers, UberXL provides more legroom and space for luggage, bags, and groceries.

a vector graphic showing an Uber XL vehicle with the text "affordable rides for groups up to 6" above it

Suppose you’re expecting more people to join your ride, even after booking your trip.

It’s best to change from UberX to UberXL, especially if more than four people are at your party.

UberXL is ideal for traveling with sports equipment and other gear that fits adequately in an UberX vehicle.

Related: UberX vs Uber ComfortMain similarities and differences

How to Request an UberX Ride

If you’ve never taken an UberX ride before, there’s a good chance that you’re new to Uber altogether.

If this is the case, you’ll need to download the Uber app from the App Store or Google Play and set up your account before you request your first ride.

To sign up, simply open the app and tap “Register,” then follow the prompts to create your account.

You’ll need to provide your full name, contact information, and preferred password, then verify your phone number with a code (sent via SMS).

You should also get an email to verify your email address, too.

The Uber app should then prompt you to enter your desired payment method, but if you don’t get the prompt or if you need to update your credit card information, just head to the “Wallet” section of your app to do so.

Once you have an account, requesting an UberX ride only takes three simple steps:

  1. Tap the “Where to?” bar to enter your pick-up and drop-off locations.
  2. Select “UberX.”
  3. Review your ride price, estimated drop-off time, and payment method, then tap “Confirm UberX” to request an on-demand ride. Alternatively, tap the schedule icon to schedule a ride for later.

If you ever want to request a different ride type, follow the same steps, but select your desired vehicle option instead.

Make sure to check your rideshare driver’s license plate before getting into their car.

Tips for Using UberX

UberX is the most common service used by the majority of passengers.

Before you book your trip, the following tips are essential to keep in mind when using the company’s services, whether it’s your first time or you’re familiar with them.

1. Be Prompt and Courteous

Always be prompt and polite.

Make sure you’re at the exact pickup point when the driver arrives.

The app will track your driver and indicate when they are on their way, offering the exact time in minutes so that you can be well prepared.

2. Do Not Ask Driver to Take More Than 4 Passengers

Never request the Uber driver to take more than four passengers when you request UberX.

According to local laws, the vehicles used for this service should not accommodate more than four passengers.

It’s also less safe because there are not enough seatbelts and safety features to accommodate more than four people, in addition to the driver.

3. Do Not Overload the Car with Luggage

When you use UberX, you may have the option of taking one small bag or piece of luggage in the car.

It’s important to avoid bringing large items or too many bags, as the driver isn’t required to accommodate and may not have sufficient room.

There is an option to upgrade for additional space for luggage if needed.

4. Tip Your UberX Driver Well

Always tip your UberX driver well.

You don’t have to tip during the ride or immediately after your trip.

You can opt to pay the tip once you’ve reached your destination or sometime later.

If your ride is short, typically under $20, you’ll have the option of tipping in set amounts of $1, $3, or $5.

For longer trips, you can choose a percentage: 10%, 15%, or 20%.

You can choose to pay your driver in cash, which may be convenient just before you leave the car.

Tip generously, and always be courteous to your driver.

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