Uber suits people who want one app for rides in lots of countries, including UK cities, plus food delivery, hourly bookings and car seats. Lyft suits riders in the US and Canada who want a simple ride app with bikes, scooters and transit routes built in. If you travel outside North America or want more than rides, use Uber; for everyday trips in a Lyft city, keep both on your phone.
If you live in the UK, this one's simpler than it looks, because only one of these apps runs where you live. In the US and Canada it's a much closer call. I read Uber's US and UK ride pages, Lyft's rider and cities pages, and both App Store listings.
Uber and Lyft compared
| Uber | Lyft | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | US, UK cities such as London, Manchester and Edinburgh, and more | Over 650 cities across the US and Canada |
| Ride options | UberX, Electric, UberXL, Comfort, Black, Uber Pet, Taxi | Priority Pickup, Lyft XL, Lyft Lux and a wait-longer option |
| Bikes and scooters | Yes, in the app | Yes, in the app |
| Booking ahead | Reserve rides in advance | Schedule for later |
| Beyond rides | Uber Eats, Uber Connect, Charter, Hourly, Car Seat | Transit routes and Rentals |
| Membership | Uber One | Lyft Pink |
Where each app works
Lyft's cities page says it runs in over 650 cities across the US and Canada. The detail most UK readers won't know is further down: Lyft has a first look at Europe, where US and Canada riders get early access on their next trip abroad. So for now it's a ride app for North Americans travelling, not one you can count on at home in Britain.
Uber's UK ride pages list cities from London and Birmingham to Leeds, Leicester and Edinburgh, and its App Store listing points you to uber.com/cities to check your own town. If you fly between the UK and the US for work, Uber is the one app that comes with you.
The ride options side by side
Uber offers more flavours of car. Its listing runs from UberX and UberXL for groups of up to 6, through Comfort for newer cars with extra legroom and Comfort Electric, to Black with professional drivers, Uber Pet for you and your dog, and Taxi in select cities. You can share with riders heading the same way using UberX Share, or set up Group Rides with friends.
Lyft keeps its menu shorter. You can pick Priority Pickup when you're in a hurry, an option to wait a little longer, Lyft XL for groups and Lyft Lux for something smarter. Both apps show your route before you confirm, and Lyft notes that ride types vary by region, so check the app in each new city.
More than a car ride
Uber has grown into a travel and errands app. The same app orders food and groceries through Uber Eats, sends a parcel across town the same day with Uber Connect, and books vehicles for 14 to 55 people with Uber Charter. Uber Hourly keeps a car and driver with you for hours, and Uber Car Seat adds one forward-facing seat for a child who's at least 2 years old.
Lyft stays closer to getting around. Alongside cars, it shows bikes and scooters, the fastest public transit routes, and rentals, all from one screen.
Who each app suits
Uber suits frequent travellers, UK riders, parents who need a car seat, and anyone who'd like rides and food in one place. Lyft suits people who live in a Lyft city and want a quick, simple app, and it's worth having as a second option when one service is busy. If you travel a lot for work, these productivity tips for digital nomads and this guide for the business traveller in LA pair well with either app.
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My advice on Uber or Lyft
If you're in the UK, use Uber, and remember that Lyft is something to try on a trip to the US or Canada rather than at home. If you live in North America, install both, compare the arrival time and route for the same journey a few times, and keep the one that turns up faster where you live. Turn on your safety features in whichever app you use before your first late-night ride.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Lyft work in the UK?
Not as a home service. Lyft's cities page lists the US and Canada, and says US and Canada riders get early access to Lyft in Europe on trips abroad.
Can I book an Uber in advance?
Yes. Uber's App Store listing says you can reserve rides in advance for a specific time.
Does Uber offer car seats for children?
Yes, in some places. Uber Car Seat provides one forward-facing car seat for a child who is at least 2 years old, and Uber lists the height needed in its app.
Can I keep a car and driver for a few hours?
Yes, with Uber Hourly, which Uber describes as keeping a car and driver with you for hours.
Do Uber and Lyft show bikes and scooters?
Yes. Uber lists 2-wheels options and Lyft lists Bikes and Scooters in their apps, depending on the city.
