Uber vs Lyft in Denver: Comparing prices, wait times, and features

Hey! I’m Sammy.
I’ve been driving Uber and Lyft in Denver for 7 years. Let me tell you which app to use.

You’re probably here because you’re standing outside a bar at 2am. Or you just landed at DIA. And you’re like “which one is cheaper?”
I got you.

So Which One’s Actually Cheaper?

Okay so I tested both apps. Took screenshots. Different times. Different spots around Denver.

Uber was cheaper both times.

But wait. Here’s the catch.
Rideshare pricing is like Denver weather. Changes every 5 minutes. Totally random.

The price in LoDo right now? Could be completely different in Arvada. Or even LoDo in 20 minutes.
It depends on how many drivers are nearby. And how desperate the app thinks you are.

The Surge Pricing Thing

Can we talk about surge pricing?

It’s the WORST.

I hate it as a driver. I hate it as a rider. Everyone hates it.

Both apps do it. And you can’t predict which one will charge more.

Here’s what I do: Download both apps. Takes 2 minutes.

Then when you need a ride? Check both. Pick the cheaper one.

If both are charging $47 to go 3 miles? Grab a scooter. Or take RTD. Get some fresh air.

Who Gets You There Faster?

As a driver for both Uber and Lyft, I can tell you the airport and downtown Denver are driver havens.

You’ll likely score a ride quicker than winning a game of musical chairs.

But venture north or south, and things get dicey.

Uber has more drivers in Denver

My gut tells me Uber might shave some precious minutes off your wait time.

I see those order pings flood my Uber driver app more often than not, which means your ride might just be around the corner.

Is Uber or Lyft Better Overall?

Lyft wins the “buddy vibe” award, hands down. It feels like you’re hopping in a ride with a friendly acquaintance, not just a stranger behind the wheel.

Uber, on the other hand, throws a buffet of options at you – food delivery, scooters, you name it.

But when it comes to the app itself, Uber takes the cake. It’s clean, simple, and straight to the point.

Lyft, with its three different price tiers for the same basic ride, can be a bit confusing. Honestly, who wants to play price roulette when you just need a ride, right?

Lyft, ditch the driver proximity pricing – it’s more drama than any rider needs.

Advice from a Driver Who’s Seen It All

Don’t fall for proximity pricing.

Seriously. Don’t.

Why not?

Reason 1: The app might not connect you to the closest driver anyway.

There’s no guarantee. Zero. It’s just what they show you on the screen.

Reason 2: That “close” driver? They might not accept your ride.

Or they cancel last minute. Happens constantly.

I see it from the driver side every single day.

The proximity thing is more marketing than reality.

Keep it simple. Check both apps. Pick the cheaper one. Done.

My Final Thoughts

Remember, your experience might differ based on location and timing, so test drive both apps and see who tickles your transportation fancy.

Here’s what I tell my friends:

Get both apps. Takes zero effort. You’ll save money.

Airport and downtown? Either one is fine. Quick pickup. Similar prices.

Suburbs and late night? Uber probably has more drivers. Faster pickup.

Want simple app? Uber’s interface is cleaner. Less confusing.

Want friendly vibes? Lyft drivers are chattier. More personal.

Most important? Your results will vary. What works today might not work tomorrow.

Prices change. Driver availability changes. Location matters.

Both apps work great in Denver. We’ve got tons of drivers.

You can’t really go wrong.

Just check both when you need a ride. Pick the cheaper one. Don’t stress about app loyalty.

Important Update

Since I published this article, I lost 70% of my income on Uber.
I drive a Black Tesla Model Y on the Uber Black program.
Out of nowhere, Uber dropped my vehicle eligibility for Black on September 17th, 2025. About 14 days before my vehicle registration.

So I started using my regular Uber account. You know, the one where you get paid less per ride.
Then on September 27th? Uber deactivated my second account too.
Yeah, it became active again the next day. But I stopped driving altogether.
It’s sad how rideshare drivers get treated by these companies.
Zero accountability.

I wanted you to know this. Because while I still think the advice in this article is solid, I can’t ignore what happened to me.
The system isn’t fair to drivers. And riders should know that.