What Is Uber and How Does It Work? Guide for Riders & Drivers

Uber is a modern ride-hailing service available through a mobile application in many cities across Poland and around the world. It has become a convenient alternative to traditional taxis for passengers and a source of income for thousands of drivers.

In this article, we will explain in detail what Uber is, how it works, how to book a ride, the different types of fares, and the advantages of the service. You will also learn how to become an Uber driver, what documents are required, and how much you can earn. Whether you are planning to use the app or want to work with Uber, this guide provides a complete overview.

What is Uber – in simple terms

Uber is a digital platform that allows you to book rides through a mobile application. You open the Uber app, enter your destination, and find a driver ready to take you there. Everything happens quickly and without phone calls – from fare calculation to contactless payment.

History of Uber

Uber was founded in 2009 in the United States to simplify taxi booking. It quickly spread worldwide, offering an alternative to traditional taxis where convenience, transparency, and quality control are prioritized. The service arrived in Poland in 2014 and gained popularity in major cities.

What Does Uber Mean

What does Uber mean? The name comes from the German word über, meaning “above” or “over.” It reflects the company’s goal to provide a service far superior to traditional taxis – more flexible, technologically advanced, and customer-focused.

Where the Service Operates

Today, Uber is available in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Poznan, Gdansk, Lodz, and other cities in Poland. Globally, it operates in more than 10,000 cities. This makes Uber rides accessible to millions of users, especially tourists and people without personal transportation.

How Uber Works for Passengers

Using the Uber app is very simple, even if you have never ordered a taxi online before. First, you need to download the app on your smartphone, register with Uber, and link a payment method – cash or cashless. After that, you can easily book a ride: enter your pickup and destination points, choose the desired fare (for example, UberX or Uber Black), and confirm the request.

The system will automatically find the nearest driver and show their name, car model, and Uber rating. You can track the vehicle in real time and estimate the arrival time. Uber fares are calculated in advance: you see the cost before the trip begins, making the service transparent and convenient.

How to order a taxi through Uber is a question especially relevant for tourists and new users. Everything is intuitive: one click – and the driver is on the way. During the ride, cashless payment is available, and you can leave a tip and a review.

Uber routes can be saved if you frequently travel the same route. In case of unforeseen situations, customer support is available. All of this makes Uber a fast, safe, and user-friendly service for passengers.

Uber for Drivers

If you want to learn how to become an Uber driver, start by submitting an application through an official partner. The driver must have:

• Polish driving license;
• Medical certificate and a psychological evaluation;
• Drivers without experience are allowed;
• Clean record of traffic violations.

The onboarding process is fast – usually within 1–2 days. Conditions are transparent: you choose your own schedule, work with your own car or rent one. Potential earnings depend on the city and the number of trips – a detailed calculation can be found in our separate guide on this topic.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Uber

To understand what Uber is and why it is popular in Poland, it is important to consider the pros and cons of the service.

Advantages

The main advantage is convenience. Through the Uber app, you can book a car in a few clicks, select the desired fare, and immediately see the cost. Uber fares are transparent, routes are tracked in real time, and payment is cashless.

Safety is ensured by driver ratings, the review system, and recording of every trip. Passengers see the driver’s name, car model, and can quickly contact support. Uber routes are flexible, and the loyalty program allows saving on trips.

Disadvantages

Despite the advantages, Uber in Poland and other countries faces criticism. For example, Uber prices may change depending on the time of day, demand, and location. During peak hours, fares can be higher than standard – this causes dissatisfaction among some users.

It is also important to note that service quality depends on the specific driver: although the rating system helps maintain standards, sometimes unreliable drivers appear. In addition, with a weak internet connection, the app may work slowly or experience glitches. For some users, a drawback is the inability to book a car in advance for a specific time – unlike traditional taxis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uber

Uber vs Traditional Taxi – What’s the Difference?

Uber compared to a traditional taxi is primarily about mobility and control. You know the price in advance, see the driver’s rating, and pay for the ride through the app. Traditional taxis do not offer these features, and the cost is often unpredictable.

What Types of Rides Are Available?

In Poland, the following options are available:

• UberX: basic and most popular option;
• Uber Comfort: larger and newer cars;
• Uber Black: premium class with professional drivers and business-class vehicles;
• Uber Van: for trips with a larger group;
• Uber Green: eco-friendly choice with electric cars (not available in all cities).

How to Cancel a Ride?

You can cancel your booking in the app before getting into the car. In some cases, a small fee may apply (if the driver is already on the way). All conditions are specified in the Uber app.

How to Become an Uber Courier?

If you want to earn money delivering food, you can work with Uber Eats. You don’t necessarily need a car – a bicycle, scooter, or even an electric scooter will do. More details about working as an Uber Eats courier are available in the Uber Eats guide.