What’s the difference between Lyft, Lyft XL, Extra Comfort, and Black?

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

• What is Lyft scooter? Is it better than Bird?

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.

• How much does Lyft cost? Get a Lyft fare estimate

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.

• A guide to Lyft at the airport

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