Uber Ride Cancellation Policy: Can You Cancel After Requesting a Ride?

Many Uber users have wondered if they can cancel a ride they’ve already requested, but before a driver has accepted it. The answer is yes, you can, with one important caveat: if you wait longer than 2 minutes, you may be charged a cancellation fee. This fee is understandable because the driver has expended time, effort, and fueled their vehicle to reach you.

What Happens After 30 Seconds?

Once the Uber driver starts moving towards your destination after 30 seconds of your request, the client must pay a baseline tariff, which is usually reimbursed by the ride service. The amount varies, but it's typically around $3.50. If you feel this cost is not justified, you can contact the dispatch center for a possible alternative. However, once a driver is on their way to you, a baseline cost applies.

What About After a Driver Accepts Your Ride?

There are significant differences in cancellation policies based on the stage of the ride. If no driver has accepted your ride, you won’t face any charges. However, if a driver has been on their way to you for some time, there may be a cancellation fee.

How to Cancel Your Ride

You can cancel your ride at any stage, including during the ride. However, it's better to inform the driver if you need to stop the ride. The cost of cancellation depends on how far along in the process you and the driver are. If you manage to cancel before the driver accepts your request, there won’t be any charges.

What Happens If You Don’t Find the Cancel Button?

Some clients are unsure if they can cancel a ride after a driver has been assigned. If you don’t see a cancel button on the current requests page, it might be that you can’t cancel the ride. In such cases, check if there is a way to contact support or if there’s a live chat available to help with your request.

It's always better to cancel your ride as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary costs or inconveniences. If you’re unsure about the cancellation process, contacting support can provide clarity and assistance.