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Rideshare service Uber is in Sydney and it's very much here to stay.
This on-demand service is powered by an app and works by matching nearby drivers with riders at a very competitive price.
If you've yet to try the service, or are curious about its rates, availability and vehicle types, we've outlined it all in our guide. First-time users can also trial the service for a discount using our coupon code.
We don't currently have any Uber discount codes for Sydney, but will add them to this page as soon as they're available.
On the basis of a journey lasting 14 minutes and covering 4 kilometres, here are the comparative costs for each Uber type.
Click on the Uber type to learn more about the car and how it's priced.
| Uber type | Total cost | Minimum cost | Cancellation cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| UberX | $13.90 | $9.00 | $10.00 |
| UberASSIST | $13.90 | $9.00 | $10.00 |
| UberSELECT | $21.16 | $12.00 | $10.00 |
| UberBLACK | $35.60 | $25.00 | $10.00 |
| UberSUV | $42.00 | $30.00 | $10.00 |
| UberLUX | $52.00 | $30.00 | $10.00 |
Uber came into the market as a cheaper alternative to taxis and by price, they are generally cheaper. There are a few key areas that we found in our Uber vs Taxi comparison where taxis may come in handy however. This includes pre-booking a ride (which isn't an option with Ubers) and using cab-charges. Taxis are also more widely available around Australia whereas Ubers are only available in certain cities and don't charge a minimum fare so may work out better for super short journeys.
Here's an idea of cost difference. These fees are based on a ride in Sydney using Uber's Fare Estimate tool and the taxi fare calculator Taxi Fare. They don't include any additional fees or charges and were checked on 17 January 2019.
| Fare | Uber | Taxi | Which is cheaper? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base fare | $2.50 | $3.60 | Uber |
| Booking fee | $0.55 | $2.50 | Uber |
| Minimum fare | $9.00 | - | Taxi |
| Charge per minute | $0.40 | - | Taxi |
| Charge per kilometre | $1.45 |
|
Uber |
| Cancellation fee | $10 | - | Taxi |
The following areas and times are where and when you're most likely to encounter surge pricing:
| Area | Weekdays | Weekends |
|---|---|---|
| Bondi Beach and the Eastern Suburbs | 5am-9am and 6pm-10pm | 10am-2am |
| CBD | 4pm-12am | All weekend |
| Double Bay | 9pm-2am | 9pm-2am |
| The Inner West and Newtown | 5am-9am | 10am-12am |
| Lower North Shore | 5am-9am | 6pm-8pm |
| Manly | 5am-9am | 10am-2am |
| North Sydney | 10am-6pm |
Update: we've now got complete Uber guide to Sydney Airport, which lists these tips and more.
All Uber services available in Sydney travel to and from Kingsford Smith Airport. A trip to the airport from Sydney's CBD will typically set you back around $43 for UberX or UberASSIST and $88 for UberBLACK.
If you do opt for taking an Uber to or from the airport, consider the following tips:
Know your terminals and signs
At Sydney Airport's domestic terminal, your Uber driver will pick you up from the Priority Pick-up Zone, which can be found by following the green signs between T2 and T3.
For the international terminal, you will need to follow the yellow signs.
When arriving at the airport your Uber will drop you off at the departures terminal.
Leave plenty of time before your flight
As with a taxi, your Uber will only know about your trip once it's been requested and the driver may even need to finish a job before coming to get you. It's recommended that you leave a little more time to accommodate for your ride being processed.
There are a number of different Uber types available for you to select from in Sydney. Below we list each type, what makes them special and how their rates are calculated.
This is the cheapest of all Uber cars and generally the most available at any point in time.
All UberX cars must be able to seat at least four passengers.
A 14-minute, 4-kilometre trip will cost you around $13.90, based on:
It's important to note that the minimum fare for UberX in Sydney is $9.00 and the cancellation fee sits at $10.00. You can avoid this fee by cancelling at least 3 minutes before the Uber's expected arrival time.
These are the originals and a slightly more exclusive ride. Use these cars to really impress your co-riders.
All UberBLACK cars must be able to seat at least four passengers.
A 14-minute, 4-kilometre trip will cost you around $35.60, based on:
It's important to note that the minimum fare for UberBLACK in Sydney is $25.00 and the cancellation fee sits at $10.00. You can avoid this fee by cancelling at least 3 minutes before the Uber's expected arrival time.
The luxury of UberBLACK combined with the space of an SUV. Now you can impress even more people.
All UberSUV cars must be able to seat at least six passengers.
A 14-minute, 4-four kilometre trip will cost you around $42.00, based on:
It's important to note that the minimum fare for UberSUV in Sydney is $30.00 and the cancellation fee sits at $10.00. You can avoid this fee by cancelling at least 3 minutes before the Uber's expected arrival time.
The ultimate luxury Uber.
All UberLUX cars must be able to seat at least four passengers.
A 14-minute, 4-four kilometre trip will cost you around $52.00, based on:
It's important to note that the minimum fare for UberLUX in Sydney is $30.00 and the cancellation fee sits at $10.00. You can avoid this fee by cancelling at least 3 minutes before the Uber's expected arrival time.
Think UberX, but with assistive technology, because everyone needs to get somewhere.
All UberASSIST cars must be able to seat at least four passengers and must have the capacity for mobility aids.
A 14-minute, 4-four kilometre trip will cost you around $13.90, based on:
It's important to note that the minimum fare for UberASSIST in Sydney is $9.00 and the cancellation fee sits at $10.00. You can avoid this fee by cancelling at least 3 minutes before the Uber's expected arrival time.
The premium rides in high-end cars.
All UberSELECT cars must be able to seat at least four passengers.
A 14-minute, 4-four kilometre trip will cost you around $21.16, based on:
It's important to note that the minimum fare for UberSELECT in Sydney is $12.00 and the cancellation fee sits at $10.00. You can avoid this fee by cancelling at least 3 minutes before the Uber's expected arrival time.
Yes. There are hundreds of restaurants and cafes available through Uber's food delivery service and we've even got a code for $10 off your first order.
Yes. Select areas of Sydney offer UberPOOL which matches you and your ride up with similar journeys, allowing you to save more on your ride. To use it, select UberPOOL when requesting a ride (it won't show up if it's unavailable) and follow the instructions to your pick-up point. This will usually be a block or two away from where you are.
Some UberX cars come equipped with baby seats. To be matched with a car that does, request an UberX then tap the the "car seat" option. A $10 fee will be added to your ride for its use.
All service animals are allowed in Uber cars as per accessibility laws. Pets however are at the discretion of the driver. Contact your driver immediately to request this.
I am not asking for deals. May I get quotes if I am from 5 Coleen Close, Cherrybrook to Sydney International Airport on 9th of November around afternoon?
Hi Joyce,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
The estimated fare from 5 Coleen Close, Cherrybrook to Sydney International Airport is $99-$127 via Uber X or Uber Assist. The Uber trip allows up to 4 riders. To book your trip, please open your Uber app or visit their official page and proceed with its booking process.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Already downloaded the app but haven’t received SMS for verification.
Hi Fionna,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Please make sure that you have entered your valid and correct email address to receive the verification email. If you need further assistance, please contact Uber directly.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Please advise to download the Uber app for Australia.
Hi Fionna,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Downloading the Uber app varies depending on your device.
For iOS users:
1.Open the App Store app.
2. Tap Search. This is on the bottom of your screen.
3. Type in “Uber.”
4. Tap “uber.” It should be the first result in the drop-down menu.
5. Tap Get. This should be to the right of “Uber.”
6. Tap Install.
7. Enter your Apple ID and password.
8. Wait for it to appear in your phone’s home screen, open the app and create an account.
For Android users:
1.Open the Google Play Store.
2.Tap the magnifying glass icon.
3. Type in “Uber.”
4. Tap Go.
5. Tap “Uber.” Make sure the version you’re accessing was developed by “Uber Technologies, Inc.”
6. Tap Install. This will be in the top right section of your screen.
7. Tap Accept if prompted.
Hope this helps. Feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki
I did have uber apps but got different ph number now. Cannot login to book taxi from botany to airport. Tried several times . Looks like I not use uber ever again
Hi Bill,
Thanks for getting in touch! Sorry to hear you are having technical troubles with using Uber at the moment.
The Uber app is not a mobile number sensitive app. I would suggest to uninstall and reinstall the Uber app.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
My daughter is 5 and we will be traveling around Sydney and Cairns. I would love to use the Uber service. Do I legally need a booster seat when using Uber in AU? I won’t have one with me. We live in China and we use taxis here without a booster seat, so I’m not sure. Thanks.
Hi Wendy,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Since your daughter is only 5 years old, you need to have an approved forward facing child car seat or booster seat. You may check if Uber drivers you may book with have the said type of child car seat since you will include that you have a child with you to travel then.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I need a ride from darling harbour to international airport on 21/4. Can I book an UberX in advance? When should I start booking? How?
What if he doesn’t turn up, when should I try calling taxi instead?
Many thanks
Hi Lee,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
You can start pre-booking an Uber ride as early as now. Uber allows early booking up to 30 days from the trip date. You can follow the below steps.
1. Open the Uber app and tap the ‘car-and-clock’ icon. Set up your pickup day and time.
2. Enter your location and destination to get a fare estimate
3. Tap ‘Confirm pickup.’ A window will pop up to confirm your upcoming ride details.
Note that You can edit or cancel your ride at any time—simply tap ‘Manage Ride’ in the app to make changes to your ride ahead of time.
You can communicate with the driver once you already have a confirmed driver. If you will need to call a taxi instead, make sure you cancel your Uber booking to avoid confusions.
Hope this helps.
Kind Regards,
Mai
can you book few days ahead from uber
Hi Prithipal,
Thanks for getting in touch! Yes, and they are called Scheduled Rides. You can access this app and you can schedule your ride 15 minutes to 30 days in advance and have the comfort of knowing your Uber will be there on the time of your trip.
You can find more information on the UBER website and it shows steps on how to do this. Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.
Best,
Nikki
Hi,
I would like to know how much an Uber ride will cost from the corner of Marsh Street and Rockwell Avenue in Arncliffe to the T1 terminal on Sunday 16th June approx 630 am.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
If you visit Uber’s official page, they have fare estimate where customers can enter their details and find out the approximate cost of the trip, depending on the type of the Uber drive and location. Using the location details you mentioned, it would cost you $11-15 via UberX and Assist while $14-18 if using UberX Plus and Uber Taxi $20-24.
I suggest that you log in on your Uber account online to compare your other Uber ride options and to start booking your ride.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
How much approximate is the cheapest uber fare from Royal Northshore hospital to Sydney airport?
Hi Jean,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
On our table, UberX and UberASSIST are both the cheapest ride from Uber. It takes around 30 minutes to get from Royal Northshore hospital to Sydney airport. If we are going to use the example above, it says the total cost for a ride that takes around 14 minutes is $13.90. So, you might be looking at around $30 for your destination.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
I will be travelling in Sydney with my wife and 2 boys (6yrs and 4yrs). Can Uber provide 2 car seats for my boys?
Hello David,
Thank you for your comment.
Legislation for Child Seats varies depending on the state and rideshare companies such as Uber. Uber Car Seat provides uberX vehicles equipped with a car seat. However, upon checking, the Car Seat option when booking for a ride isn’t available in Uber Australia as of yet.
Because the boys fall on the 4-7 years old category, they are restrained in either a forward-facing child restraint or booster seat restrained by a correctly adjusted and fastened seat belt or child safety harness. Therefore, you can still book online to Sydney without requesting for a car seat. The cost will appear before you confirm the booking.
Regards,
Jhezelyn