How to Request a Lyft Car for Someone Else

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to summon a Lyft ride for a friend using your Lyft app.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid4758682-v4-728px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a pink app with "lyft" written in white on it. If you're already logged in, doing so will bring you to a map of your immediate surroundings.
    • If you aren't logged into Lyft, first enter your phone number, then type in the code that Lyft texts to you when prompted.
    • If you don't have an account already, you'll need to create one and add payment information to join Lyft.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid4758682-v4-728px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the white box near the bottom of the screen, just above the Set pickup button.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid4758682-v4-728px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll do so in the white bar at the top of the screen. If your friend is at a well-known location (e.g., an airport or a local restaurant), you can enter the location's name; otherwise, type in your friend's exact address.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid4758682-v4-728px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It should appear below the search bar as you type. Tap the result that matches your friend's location.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-5.jpg\/aid4758682-v4-728px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the bottom of the screen.
    • You can also tap the Lyft button (the car icon to the left of the Set pickup button) to change the car style if needed.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-6.jpg\/aid4758682-v4-728px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While adding a destination isn't required for starting a ride, Lyft recommends adding a destination so the driver knows ahead of time where your friend is going. [1]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-7.jpg\/aid4758682-v4-728px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll do so in the white bar at the top of the screen.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-8.jpg\/aid4758682-v4-728px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    As you type, search results will appear below the search bar. Tap the correct destination that matches where your friend's needs to go.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-9.jpg\/aid4758682-v4-728px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This button is at the bottom of the screen. Doing so will prompt the Lyft driver to navigate to your friend at the pickup location you specified.
    • You can also change your payment settings or add a destination on this page before requesting the Lyft.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-10.jpg\/aid4758682-v4-728px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Lyft recommends that you contact the driver to inform them that the passenger they will be picking up is not the person who requested the ride. [2] This way the driver won't think your friend is trying to steal the ride you requested.
    • Once the Lyft has been initiated, tap Contact to contact the Lyft driver.
    • Provide the driver with your friend's name and a brief description of what they look like.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-11.jpg\/aid4758682-v4-728px-Request-a-Lyft-Car-for-Someone-Else-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once your friend arrives at the destination, your Lyft account will be charged using the payment method you previously selected.
    • You can have your friend reimburse you later if need be.
    • Since your friend is the one taking the ride, consider asking them to cover a tip in cash.
    12. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I pay a driver with cash?
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately, you don't. You can tip a driver with cash if you like, but the toll for the ride itself will be charged to your Lyft account.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
  • Question
    Can I schedule a ride in advance?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely! If you tap the clock icon to the right of the "Set pickup" button, you can schedule a ride for a different time (or even day).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 10
  • Question
    How do I contact the driver?
    Community Answer
    There is a button labeled "Contact" once you get matched up with a driver after you press "Request Lyft".
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • You can always ask your friend for their PayPal or card details to add to your Lyft account if you want to bill them directly.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Some Lyft drivers will refuse to pick up passengers who aren't using the Lyft app. Don't take this personally--Lyft drivers aren't obligated to pick up a non-app user at an app-user's request, and doing so can result in liability issues or scams for the driver.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Request Multiple Stops on Lyft
      How to
      Contact Lyft
      How to
      Use Lyft
      How to
      Schedule a Lyft Ride in Advance
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/articles/115013080388
      2. ↑ https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/articles/115013080388

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Lyft .
      2. Type your friend's pickup location in the address bar.
      3. Tap Set pickup .
      4. Tap Add destination .
      5. Type your friend's destination in the address bar.
      6. Tap Request Lyft .
      7. Contact the driver and inform them of your friend.

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 198,072 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Wally Perterson

        Dec 30, 2016

        "I am a first-time user. I wasn't too sure if I could make ride appt. for others, but it assured me I can."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement