How to Request an Uber Ride for Local Trips and Commutes

Traveling within a city or between nearby towns was always pretty stressful, but Uber created a simple method to do so while someone else drives.

Just fire up an app, and you can request a ride from one place to another. You're in a regular vehicle and don't have to pay a ton of money. It's become the go-to way for millions of people to travel locally.

Uber couldn't have built its service to be any easier. As long as you know where you're heading, the ride-sharing service takes care of the rest. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

How to request an Uber ride

Open the Uber app on your iOS/Android device, and hit the 'Where to?' textbox at the top of the menu

The app leverage Google Maps; therefore, it can pick up on specific addresses or names of places

Decide where you're off to by typing in the address or location's name, then select it in the drop-down list

Uber will show the pickup time, estimated time of arrival, and pricing

The standard layout will show you an UberX (1-4 seats), an UberXL (1-6 seats), and an UberPool (1-2 seats shared)

Surge pricing could be in effect when demand increases due to bad weather, rush hours, or special events; either choose to pay a higher rate or wait for prices to come back down

Pick your ride type, and hit the 'Request' button

If you need a fancier vehicle or something specialized, Uber offers additional options

Need something snazzy to roll up in? UberBlack and UberBlack SUV consists of rides in high-end vehicles but cost some more money

Uber has options for unique seating, too; some vehicles are equipped with car seats and others are wheelchair accessible

In moments, you'll get a notification that a driver is on the way. Generally, Uber rides take around 5 minutes to arrive. Sometimes it'll take 10 minutes, so be prepared for any potential wait. Live updates are fed through the app. You don't have to stare at it, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to know how soon you're leaving.

Uber lets everyone communicate during the process. If you need to contact the driver, the app enables calling and messaging. That's useful if you're running behind or need to get specific about the pickup.

When the Uber ride pulls up, check its license plate and ask the driver's name. There's also the option to pair up via color. Uber will turn your smartphone's display the same color as a marker on the driver's vehicle. Not all drivers in Uber's network have that yet, but be on the lookout for it in crowded areas.

Now you're all set to go from Point A to Point B. Happy traveling, folks.