I drove Uber and Lyft in Denver for 7 years. Let me tell you exactly how tipping works from the driver's perspective.
You don't HAVE to tip. But here's what most passengers don't realize: tips often make the difference between a good shift and barely breaking even after gas and car expenses.
How Much Should You Tip?
| Fare Amount | Suggested Tip | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Under $10 | $2 minimum | 20%+ |
| $10-$20 | $2-$4 | 15-20% |
| $20-$40 | $4-$8 | 15-20% |
| $40-$60 | $6-$12 | 15-20% |
| $60+ | $10-$15 | 15-20% |
| Airport runs (DIA) | $5 minimum | 15-20% |
The standard: 15-20% of your fare, same as you'd tip at a restaurant.
When to Tip More (20-25%)
Tip extra (20-25%) when your driver helped with luggage, waited while you ran an errand, navigated rush hour downtown, drove in bad weather, made multiple stops, or took a long airport trip like DIA to Boulder. For these situations, $5-$10 tips are really appreciated. I once got a $20 tip for helping someone move three giant suitcases up to their apartment during a snowstorm. Made my whole week.
When to Tip Less (or Nothing)
Skip the tip if your driver was genuinely rude, drove dangerously, had a dirty car, took a bad route on purpose, or was on their phone the whole ride. In these cases, rate them low and don't tip. That feedback matters and helps improve the platform for everyone.
Tipping by Situation
Airport pickups (DIA): Always tip at least $5. We drove to the airport, waited in the lot, and navigated that chaos.
Late night rides (2-3am): Tip 20% minimum. We're sacrificing sleep, dealing with drunk passengers, and taking risks.
Snow days: Tip 25% or more. We're risking damage to our personal vehicles in dangerous conditions.
Multiple stops: Add $2-3 per stop to your normal tip. Each stop is extra time.
Car seat requests: Tip $5+ extra. Installing car seats takes 5-10 minutes, and not all drivers will do it.
Pool/shared rides: Still tip $1-2 minimum. Multiple pickups make the job harder for drivers.
Denver-Specific Tipping
For DIA to downtown, tip $5-10 on top of the fare. On Broncos game days and Red Rocks shows, tip extra - traffic around Mile High and that parking lot are brutal. Snow days deserve 25%+ because we're risking our vehicles. Even short downtown hops deserve $2-3 minimum on those $8 rides.
Denver drivers are generally friendly and laid back. We're not as demanding as drivers in NYC or LA. But we absolutely remember passengers who consistently tip well versus those who never do.
How to Tip (It's Easy)
Both apps make it super simple. After your ride ends, open the app, rate your driver 1-5 stars, and you'll see tipping options appear. Pick a preset amount or enter a custom one. Done - driver gets notified instantly.
Cash tips work too. Some drivers prefer cash because there are no app fees and we can use it for gas immediately. But in-app tips are totally fine.
Forgot to tip? You can add a tip later through your trip history. We'll get it and appreciate it. I've gotten tips days or even weeks later.
What If I Can't Afford to Tip?
Look, I get it. Sometimes money is tight.
It's okay. Seriously.
If you're struggling financially, don't stress about it. We'd rather get you where you need to go safely than have you feel guilty.
That said, if you're taking Ubers multiple times a week and never tipping at all, that's worth examining. We're gig workers trying to survive in an expensive city, not employees with benefits.
Things You Should Never Do
Please don't say "I'll tip you in the app" and then not do it. We hear this all day and we know what it means. Don't tip and then remove it later - yes, you can do this, and it's brutal.
Don't throw luggage at your driver (not kidding, it happens) or expect us to load your stuff - we might help, but it's not required. And please don't skip tips on long rides. DIA to Boulder with $0 tip hurts.
What Drivers Actually Think
Here's the truth most drivers won't say out loud:
We absolutely notice when you tip, and we remember regulars who tip well.
Not tipping doesn't make us hate you. But knowing someone is a good tipper means I'm more likely to accept their ride request quickly instead of letting it time out while waiting for something better.
I've had passengers I've driven 5-6 times over months who've literally never tipped once. After a while, I'm just less excited to see their name pop up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to tip Uber and Lyft drivers?
No, tipping is not required. But drivers are independent contractors with no benefits, and tips often make the difference between a profitable shift and barely breaking even after expenses.
How much should I tip my rideshare driver?
15-20% of your fare is standard, same as a restaurant. For short rides under $10, tip at least $2. For airport runs, tip at least $5 regardless of fare.
Should I tip in cash or through the app?
Either works fine. Some drivers prefer cash (no app fees, can use for gas immediately), but in-app tips are convenient and drivers get them instantly.
Can I add a tip after my ride?
Yes! Open the app, go to your trip history, and add a tip anytime. Drivers will get it and appreciate it even if it's days later.
Should I tip on short rides?
Yes, $2 minimum even on short rides. The driver still had to drive to you, wait, and complete the trip. Short rides often pay drivers very little.
The Bottom Line
Here's my advice as a 7-year Denver driver: Tip 15-20% as a default, with a $2 minimum for any ride. Airport runs deserve $5+ minimum. Bad weather? Bump to 25%. If your driver helped with luggage, add $3-5 extra. Bad experience? No tip, low rating.
Tipping isn't mandatory, but it matters more than most passengers realize.
We're out here every day trying to make ends meet, dealing with traffic, slowly wearing out our personal vehicles, and handling all kinds of people. A tip tells us: "I see you, I appreciate this, thank you for getting me there safely."
That acknowledgment is worth something real.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for riding with us. And thanks for tipping when you can.
See you on the road, Denver!