Complete Uber Eats Tipping Guide 2026
Figuring out how much to tip on Uber Eats can be confusing. With delivery fees, service fees, and suggested tip amounts, it's easy to wonder: how much should you really tip? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about tipping Uber Eats drivers.
⚠️ Important: Delivery Fees ≠Driver Tips
The "delivery fee" and "service fee" charged by Uber Eats do NOT go to your driver. These fees go to Uber Eats. Your driver relies on your tip for the majority of their earnings. Always tip separately, regardless of what fees you're charged.
How Much Should You Tip Uber Eats?
The Standard: 15-20% with a $5 Minimum
- Standard delivery: 15-20% of order total
- Absolute minimum: $5 even for small orders ($10-15)
- Bad weather (rain, snow): Add $2-5 extra or tip 25%
- Large orders (multiple items): 20-25%
- Long distance (5+ miles): Add $3-5 more
Why the $5 Minimum Matters for Uber Eats
Even if your Uber Eats order is small, always tip at least $5. Here's why this matters:
- Gas costs: Drivers pay for their own gas, which can be $3-5 per delivery
- Time investment: A delivery takes 20-30 minutes (navigate to restaurant, wait, drive, find parking, deliver)
- Vehicle wear: Miles add up, and drivers cover all maintenance costs
- Low base pay: Uber Eats drivers earn only $2-3 base pay per delivery plus your tip
- Uber Eats takes a cut: Drivers don't receive 100% of what you pay
Example: If you order a $12 meal and tip 15% ($1.80), the driver might earn $4 total for 25 minutes of work—about $9.60/hour before gas costs. A $5 tip brings their earnings to a fairer $14-16/hour.
How Uber Eats Tipping Works
🍔 Pre-Tipping vs. Post-Tipping
Pre-tipping (recommended): You can tip when placing your order. Drivers see the expected payout (base pay + tip) before accepting. Good tips mean faster pickup.
Post-tipping: You can add or adjust tips for up to 1 hour after delivery. If service was exceptional or poor, you can change the tip amount in the app.
Pro tip: Pre-tip generously for faster service. You can always adjust it later if needed.
Uber Eats Tipping Scenarios
đź’° Small Order ($10-15)
Tip: $5 minimum (even though 15% would be $1.50-2.25)
Why: Driver's time and gas costs don't change with order size
🍕 Standard Order ($25-40)
Tip: 15-20% ($3.75-8.00)
Most common order size, standard tip applies
🌧️ Bad Weather
Tip: 20-25% + $2-5 extra
Drivers are risking safety to bring you food
🛣️ Long Distance (5+ miles)
Tip: 20% + $3-5 extra
More gas and time required
📦 Large Order (50+ items)
Tip: 20-25%
More weight and effort to carry
Common Uber Eats Tipping Questions
Can I change my tip after delivery?
Yes! You can adjust your Uber Eats tip for up to 1 hour after delivery. If service was exceptional (or terrible), you can increase or decrease the tip in the app.
Do delivery fees go to the driver?
No. Delivery fees and service fees charged by Uber Eats go to the company, not the driver. Your driver only receives base pay ($2-3) plus your tip.
Should I tip more for bad weather?
Absolutely! Bad weather (rain, snow, ice) makes driving dangerous. Add $2-5 extra or tip 25% to show appreciation for drivers risking their safety.
What if my order is late or wrong?
Late orders are often the restaurant's fault (slow prep), not the driver's. Wrong items are always the restaurant's mistake. Don't punish drivers—contact Uber Eats support for refunds.
Uber Eats vs. Other Delivery Apps
Uber Eats tipping is similar to DoorDash and Grubhub, but there are small differences:
- Uber Eats: Can adjust tip for 1 hour after delivery. Base pay typically $2-3.
- DoorDash: Can adjust tip for up to 30 days. Base pay similar.
- Grubhub: Drivers see full payout upfront. Lower base pay, making tips even more critical.
Bottom line: All delivery apps operate similarly. Always tip 15-20% with a $5 minimum, regardless of which app you use.
Quick Reference: Uber Eats Tipping Cheat Sheet
| Order Amount | Recommended Tip |
|---|---|
| $10-15 | $5 minimum |
| $20-30 | 15-20% ($3-6) |
| $40-60 | 18-20% ($7-12) |
| $60+ | 20% or $12+ |
| Bad weather | 20-25% + $2-5 |
| Long distance (5+ miles) | 20% + $3-5 |