How to save money on your Uber rides

Money is a finite resource for the vast majority of us and being able to save a few dollars here and there can make a big difference at the end of the month. Here are our top five tips to cut costs on your rideshare rides so you can have more money to spend on the things you like!

1. Promo Codes - Coupons aren’t just for grandmas. Promo codes are this millennium's coupon. A promo code is a random(ish) code you can enter in the designated area for Uber and Lyft (and any other e-commerce site), which will give you a specific discount. Who doesn’t love discounts? There’s no embarrassing hand off of the coupon to the cashier either, so there’s no reason not to use promo codes if you have one. Visit our promo code page to find new savings on your rides.
   
   
2. Share Rides - Try UberPool or Lyft Line. This is an option that will cut your cost by sharing your ride with a stranger going in a similar direction. This is just about the cheapest option for both Uber and Lyft, and it can significantly reduce the cost. It might make the trip a few extra minutes to get where you’re going, but you can save a decent amount of money riding with strangers. Worst case scenario: awkward silence and a few more dollars in your pocket. Best case scenario: you meet a new friend or significant other.
   
   
3. Friends or Coworkers - Who doesn’t like carpooling with friends? When you have multiple people in the car with you, you can split the cost between you and your friends/coworkers. It doesn’t make sense to all catch different rides if you’re going to the same place. You can always meet at a central location and go from there. $15 by yourself or $5 if you ride with two friends. Venmo was created for this reason.
   
   
4. A Few Steps - Location can be a huge dictator of price. Sometimes, a quarter mile can have a significant impact on the cost of Uber or Lyft. Exercise is important for your health, so why not take a few steps to a cheaper location. You’ll save on your ride and probably medical expenses later in life by getting those steps on your fitbit.
   
   
5. Timing - Timing is everything. There are peak times for just about anything in life, so it makes sense Uber and Lyft have peak times where prices are at an all time high. Basic economics, demand drives up the price. During peak times, there is a greater demand for a finite number of drivers. Rush hour, lunch, bar close, New Year’s Eve are all peak times. If you know in advance, you can make plans around these peak times.
   
   

Saving on Uber or Lyft doesn’t have to be a huge effort. Making those adjustments can have a huge impact on your wallet in the present. If you do so consistently, the money will add up significantly over time.