Uber Insights Shows Destination Wait Times and Prices Before You Arrive

Updated: July 16, 2024, 2:27pm CDT

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Use Uber Insights To View Wait Times and Costs in Other Cities
Final Thoughts

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Have you ever wondered how long you’d have to wait for an Uber at your destination airport and how much it may cost? Uber’s latest update will let you find out.

Through Uber Insights, you can now check the average wait times in another city, even if that’s not the current location of your phone, plus get an estimate on the cost of a ride in the city or from the airport. The best part is that you can use the Uber Insights platform to book rides in other cities.

Here’s how it works.

Use Uber Insights To View Wait Times and Costs in Other Cities

You’re likely familiar with how Uber and other ride-sharing apps work at your home airport. You are aware of the average wait times, costs, and Uber pick-up locations.

However, what about when you arrive at your destination? You’re probably less familiar. Uber is removing the mystery by allowing you to see these details in over 10,000 cities with Uber Insights.

To access this feature, open the Uber app as usual. After clicking “Where to?” scroll down until you see “Search in a different city.”

Uber app search in a different city — You’ll see city suggestions, or you can type a destination name. Image Credit: Uber

In the following example, we chose to search in New York City, but it’s worth repeating that this feature is available in over 10,000 cities around the world. These include everything from major cities like Paris and Rio de Janeiro to Billings, Montana, and Youngstown, Ohio.

On the next screen, you’ll see information about average wait times and average prices. Near the bottom of the app, you will find information about rides from both airports in the city: LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

After tapping on JFK, we saw average wait times of 2 to 3 minutes for an Uber and price estimates for rides from this airport between $68 and $133.

Uber ride estimates New York City — Ride estimates in the app. Image Credit: Uber

It’s even possible to check fares for a specific destination, such as from JFK airport to the Park Hyatt New York. After choosing your pickup location and destination, you can see current wait times and pricing for your specific ride. In this example, an UberX ride would cost $125.93 — with an estimated wait of 2 minutes from JFK airport to the Park Hyatt New York.

Uber ride JFK to Park Hyatt New York — Uber fare and wait time from JFK to Park Hyatt New York. Image Credit: Uber

Additionally, Uber provides the convenience of reserving your ride up to 90 days ahead of time. This feature, although not new, allows riders to conveniently modify their pickup location and destination using Uber Insights. Further, they can now view estimated costs and wait times when planning a trip to their desired destination.

In the aforementioned example, arranging a ride in New York City 2 days in advance requires you to enter your flight number and guarantees that the driver will be available when you arrive, including up to 60 minutes of waiting time. The app claims that if your flight is delayed, the driver will adjust the pickup time.

However, reserving a ride in advance comes at a higher cost, as this ride from JFK Airport to the Park Hyatt New York in Midtown Manhattan costs nearly $15 more than a ride with a “pick me up now” setting. Thus, you’re paying for the convenience of scheduling in advance.

Uber Reserve ride JFK to Park Hyatt New York — Pricing to reserve a ride in advance. Image Credit: Uber

Hot Tip:

Want to understand Uber pricing to ensure you’re not overpaying? Consult our guide to Uber pricing, including surge pricing and per-mile rates.

Final Thoughts

Uber now lets you check wait times and price estimates in over 10,000 cities, available in Uber Insights. You can get an idea of how much you’ll pay and how long you’ll wait, and you can use this information to plan your trip or even schedule a ride before you arrive at your destination.