Did you know that Lyft has 5 ride types in some cities? Each ride type has a different cost, a different maximum passenger capacity, and a different purpose.
So, how can you tell which ride is right for you? Read on to learn the difference between every ride type and the best use for each one!
The difference between Lyft, Lyft XL, Extra Comfort, and Lyft Black
- Lyft seats up to four passengers. The standard Lyft ride
- Lyft XL seats up to 6 passengers in a minivan or SUV. More expensive than regular Lyft
- Extra Comfort is a ride in a newer car with more legroom. You can personalize your temperature and noise preferences
- Lyft Black & Black SUV is the most expensive Lyft option. New luxury sedans & SUVs with highly-rated drivers
- Lyft Green is a ride in a hybrid or electric car
- Lyft Pet allows one well-behaved animal and up to four people
- Ride types with more amenities cost more than the standard Lyft ride
How to select between Lyft ride types
On the home screen of the Lyft app, input your destination to see all available ride types and a fare estimate.
Scroll to see different options and tap 0n the ride type you want to use.
The text in the purple request button will change to your selected ride type, which is a good way to confirm that you’re getting the ride you want.
Lyft: The standard ride
Lyft is the standard service that offers a personal ride with seating for 4. It is the default ride type when you open the app. As one of the cheapest ride types, it’s a popular option for Lyft users.
Lyft Priority Pickup and Wait & Save
In some markets, the Lyft ride type has extra options called Lyft Priority Pickup and Wait & Save.
With Priority Pickup, you can pay more for faster pickup time. The app will let you know how much faster the wait time will be. Typically Priority Pickup costs a few dollars more than a standard Lyft.
With Wait & Save, you can get a discount for waiting longer for your ride to arrive.
Lyft XL: For larger groups
Lyft XL is for groups of up to 6 passengers. When you request a LyftXL, the vehicle will be a minivan, small SUV, larger crossover, or full-size SUV. It is a good option for large groups, transporting luggage, or trips to the airport.
Lyft XL costs more than a regular Lyft. Lyft XL drivers receive ride requests for both regular Lyft requests and XL Lyft requests, so it’s possible to get an XL vehicle even if you request a regular Lyft.
Extra Comfort: Newer cars, more room, & control over temperature and noise
Extra Comfort is an upgraded service that offers newer, more spacious cars and highly-rated drivers. It costs around 20–25% more than a standard Lyft.
The cars that qualify for Extra Comfort must be model year 2018 or newer with more legroom than smaller sedans. Drivers must maintain a 4.85-star average, so you can expect a more professional experience.
Extra Comfort gives you control over the ride experience. You can select preferences for the car’s temperature and, you can let your driver know if you prefer a quieter ride.
With Extra Comfort, you can set preferences before you request the ride
Extra Comfort replaced Lyft Preferred and Lyft Lux in 2023.
Lyft Black and Black SUV: A luxury experience
Lyft Black and Black SUV are the most luxurious and expensive services that Lyft offers. Only high-end luxury sedans and SUVs qualify for Black and Black SUV.
Lyft Black drivers must maintain an average rating of 4.7 stars or higher, which is higher than the standard required driver rating of 4.6.
Expect a higher level of professionalism from Lyft Black drivers. They will help you with your luggage and typically provide the best customer service.
Lyft Black is comparable to Uber Black and Uber Black SUV.
Lyft Black and Lyft Black SUV are not available in every city, so check the Lyft app or Lyft.com/cities to see if Black and Black SUV are available in your location.
Lyft Green: Hybrid and electric vehicles
With Lyft green, you will be matched with an EV or hybrid vehicle for the same price as a standard Lyft.
Lyft Green: Rides in an EV or hybrid vehicle
Lyft Pet
Need a ride with your pet? When you choose the Lyft Pet ride type your driver can accommodate one well-behaved animal. Your animal should ride at your feet, on a blanket, or in a carrier.
Service animals are always welcome in any Lyft ride type, so you don’t need to pay extra for Lyft Pet if you have an animal required due to a disability.
Select Pet to ride with your animal
Lyft Bike & Scooter
With Lyft scooter and bike, you can rent an electric scooter or bicycle to ride around town.
It is similar to other scooter companies like Bird: You use the Lyft app to locate and rent scooters.
Lyft vs Uber ride types
Lyft and Uber both offer similar ride types. Here’s a quick comparison guide.
- Lyft is similar to Uber X
- Extra Comfort is similar to Uber Comfort
- Lyft XL is similar to Uber XL
- Lyft Black and Black SUV are similar to Uber Black and Black SUV
Read about the differences between all the Uber ride types.
Discontinued ride types
Many ride types have come and gone over the years. The ride types below are no longer available.
- Lyft Shared — Share your ride with another passenger heading in the same direction as you and get a discount
- Lyft Preferred — Similar to Extra Comfort. Vehicles were newer, roomier, and allowed you to customize your ride preferences
- Lyft Lux — A premium ride in a newer luxury sedan, but not as expensive as Lyft Black. Similar to Uber Premier
About Lyft pricing: How Lyft calculates ride prices
Lyft gives an upfront price estimate for every ride. All you have to do is enter your destination to see the exact price for the ride.
Lyft prices are calculated based on an algorithm that factors mileage, time, fees, and local market demand.
Lyft will honor the upfront price as long as your ride isn’t significantly longer than the estimate. Prices are typically competitive with Uber X, so it’s smart to bounce between the apps to find the best price.
If you’re ever overcharged by Lyft, you can request a fare review in the help section of every ride receipt.
How to schedule a Lyft ride
You can schedule a Lyft up to 30 days in advance. To schedule a ride, input your pickup and drop-off locations, then tap the ‘schedule’ button that appears near the “Select Lyft” button.
Pick a date and time for your pickup, then confirm your details.
To cancel a scheduled ride, tap the Trips button in the bottom menu, find the scheduled ride, select Edit ride, then select Cancel.
One word of warning: Cancellation fees are higher for scheduled rides, so make sure to cancel more than one hour before your scheduled pickup time. Learn more about Lyft cancellation fees.
Which Lyft ride type is best for the airport or trips with luggage?
Getting the correct ride type is especially important when you’re traveling with luggage. A standard Lyft should be able to accommodate 2–3 passengers with carry-on luggage.
A Lyft XL is the best option if you have large checked bags or a group of more than 4 people.
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JC says
If I am a Lyft premier driver using a Lincoln Navigator, can I also get Lyft plus and lyft regular rides?
DougH says
Yes, by default you’ll get requests for all three. You can ask Lyft to change that though.
Margarita Olivo says
What can I do when I pick up a ride with a child that need a car seat by law??? Because lyft don’t said anything about it.
DougH says
You can refuse the ride if you want to.
Adam says
Im lyft driver and always have one car seat with me if you parents good think keep own car seat i welcome strap in my car some parent saying its safe for their children
Matt weber says
I’m a Lyft/Uber driver. My wife is an attorney. In MN, any vehicle for hire does not require seat restraints(seat belts) including required car seats for children. So no car seat is required but as a driver with 3 children who need child seats, I cannot in good conscience allow a child in my car without a seat. Any driver can refuse any passenger for any reason. It’s our right as we are using our private property to get passengers where they are going. I usually carry a couple of my kids seats in just such an occasion, although rarely requested. I have heard that in some cities, Lyft/uber offers riders the option to request a driver with seats, adding a $10 cost. I think this should be incorporated by all ride share companies in all cities as this would ensure a safer ride for our children and create a new incentive for drivers.
jean petit says
I wonder as a driver who wins more money, lyft or lyft plus, on page says it is approximately $ 1000 week, as is the amount for plus lyft thanks for your help
DougH says
It’s hard to say because Lyft Plus pays more per mile but you will get fewer requests. If you have a car that qualifies for Plus you’ll have to experiment and find out.
Matt weber says
I drive a minivan that seats 8 people so I can get plus requests. Key word “can”. That means that I drive around all day as plain old Lyft but if someone requests a plus and I’m the closest plus, then I get the request. So you do not drive in a mode that does not let you get single passenger requests, it just allows you to get plus requests if there are any.
DougH says
That may be possible if you ask Lyft to give you a Plus only profile. Uber allows that in some cities, and Lyft may do it as well.
Jim says
Loki g for a Lyft to the airport in Orlando around 4am Saturday, March 19. Question: can I pre-schedule a Lyft ride; if not can I be certain there is one available at that early hour.
DougH says
Hi Jim. You can’t pre-arrange a Lyft or an Uber, but in your area you can be pretty sure that there will be a driver within 15 minutes of you. Start looking at the app a half hour before you need to leave just in case.
Rose says
Traveling fr dulles airport to hotel. Will have luggage for 3 people. Is there an extra fee?
DougH says
There is no extra fee for luggage, but make sure to request a Lyft Plus so you’ll have enough room for all the people and luggage.
Judith Sampson says
Is it possible for my daughter to ride with me on my Lyft ride? If so, will her accompanying me increase the cost of the ride?
DougH says
Hi Judith. Your daughter can ride with you while you take a Lyft at no extra charge.
Matt weber says
A Lyft/uber x request is for a 4 seat car including the driver. So you and 2 other souls can ride for the same price. Price is based on ride type request, not the number of people getting the ride.
DougH says
Correct!
Judith Sampson says
I’ve downloaded the Lyft app on my phone. When I’m ready to request a ride, how do I enter the freerideshare code for my first free ride?
DougH says
In the app, tap the profile icon in the upper left corner, then tap “Payment,” then scroll down and find the box that says ‘add credit code.’
That’s where you’ll input “freerideshare.” Thanks for using my code, I appreciate it!