You can request a female driver on Uber, but the process and availability depend on your location and which Uber service you use
Uber does not have a built-in feature that lets you filter drivers by gender before you request a ride. However, you can communicate your preference to the driver after you've matched with someone, and in some cities Uber offers Uber Women+, a service specifically designed around female drivers and passengers. The availability of this option varies by region, and it's not available everywhere yet. If you're in a location where Women+ isn't offered, your best approach is to cancel and request again if you're uncomfortable with a driver assignment, though this can add time to your wait.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Women+ is available in select cities and pairs female drivers with female passengers, but you must check whether it operates in your area before requesting.
- The standard Uber app does not have a gender filter, so you cannot pre-screen drivers before matching.
- You can cancel a ride after matching with a driver and request again, but this may increase your wait time and surge pricing.
- Some cities outside the United States have female-driver-only services through Uber, so location matters significantly.
How to Find Uber Women+ in Your Area
Open the Uber app and look at the ride options screen where you normally select UberX, UberXL, or other service types. If Uber Women+ appears as an option in your city, it will be listed alongside the standard services. Tap it to see the fare estimate and expected wait time. The service works the same way as a regular Uber ride—you enter your destination, confirm the price, and the app matches you with an available female driver.
If you don't see Women+ as an option, it is not currently available in your location. Uber has rolled out this service to specific metropolitan areas, and the list changes over time. You can check Uber's website or contact Uber support through the app to ask whether Women+ is planned for your city in the future. Some regions have it available only during certain hours or days, so if you see it sometimes but not always, that's why.
Canceling and Requesting Again if You're Uncomfortable
If you've already matched with a driver and want to cancel, open the ride details screen and tap "Cancel Ride." You'll see a reason selector—choose the option that best describes why you're canceling. After you cancel, you can request a new ride when ready. However, understand that canceling and re-requesting can have real costs: your wait time will restart, and if surge pricing is active, your new fare may be higher than the original quote.
Canceling multiple times in a short period can also affect your account standing with Uber. The app tracks cancellation patterns, and frequent cancellations may eventually limit your access to the service. Use this option when you genuinely need to, but it's not a reliable way to may provide a female driver on every ride.
What Happens After You Match with a Driver
Once you've requested a ride—whether through Women+ or standard Uber—you can see the driver's name, photo, vehicle details, and real-time location on the map. If you have concerns about the driver assignment, you can cancel before they arrive. After they arrive and you're in the vehicle, you cannot change drivers mid-ride without canceling the entire trip, which will charge you a cancellation fee.
If you need to communicate something to the driver before they pick you up, use the in-app messaging feature. You can send a text message through Uber's system, and the driver will receive it on their phone. This is useful if you want to clarify your pickup location or mention any special requests, but it's not the right channel for discussing driver gender preferences after a match has already been made.
Safety Features Beyond Driver Gender
Uber offers several safety tools that work regardless of which service you use. The Share My Trip feature lets you send your ride details—including the driver's name, vehicle, and real-time location—to a trusted contact. You can enable this before your ride starts and it updates automatically as you travel. The app also has an emergency button that connects you directly to emergency services if you need help during a ride.
You can also rate and review drivers after each trip, and you can report safety concerns through the app. If you've had a negative experience with a specific driver, Uber takes these reports seriously and may deactivate drivers who receive multiple safety complaints. These tools are available to all users and work alongside any driver preference you might have.
Regional Differences in Female Driver Services
Uber Women+ is not available everywhere. The service has launched in cities including New York, Chicago, and several others in the United States, but coverage is limited. Outside the US, some countries have different versions of female-focused services or partnerships with local female driver networks. If you travel frequently or live in a smaller city, Women+ may not be an option for you.
Some cities have alternative rideshare services that specialize in female drivers, though these are separate from Uber. If Women+ isn't available where you live and you want a female driver consistently, researching local alternatives is worth your time. You can also check Uber's support pages or contact them directly to ask about expansion plans for your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a female driver on regular UberX if Women+ isn't available?
No, the standard Uber app has no gender filter. Your only option is to cancel after matching and request again, though this adds wait time and may increase your fare if surge pricing is active. Uber Women+ is the only official service designed around female drivers.
Will I pay more for Uber Women+?
Pricing for Women+ is typically similar to standard UberX in the same area, though it can vary based on demand and surge pricing at the time you request. Check the fare estimate before confirming your ride, just as you would with any Uber service.
What if a driver doesn't show up after I request Uber Women+?
If no drivers accept your request within a few minutes, the app will show you a message. You can cancel and try again, or switch to a different service type if you're in a hurry. Long wait times usually mean few female drivers are available at that moment.
Can I message the driver before they pick me up to ask about their gender?
You can send a message through the app, but it's not necessary if you've already matched. If you matched through Women+, the driver is female. If you matched through standard Uber and have concerns, canceling is your only option.
Does Uber Women+ work for all trip types, like UberEats or Uber Comfort?
Women+ is a passenger ride service only. It does not explore to food delivery or other Uber services. Check your app to see which services are available in your area.