Uber very early in the a.m.

Question

Hello, do you think I would have trouble getting an Uber XL at around 3:30/4am from Union Square or Financial District to SFO on a Sunday morning in August?

Answer

It’s definitely possible to get an Uber XL at 3:30 or 4:00 AM from Union Square or the Financial District to SFO, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Availability of Ubers at Early Hours: Uber does operate 24/7, but the availability of rides during very early morning hours can be lower than during peak times. While drivers are generally active at any hour, you may need to wait a bit longer than usual for an Uber XL, especially since it’s a larger vehicle and not all drivers may have one available.

2. Demand for Ubers at SFO: While there may be fewer rides in the city during the early morning, there is usually consistent demand from passengers heading to SFO for early flights. As such, there should be some drivers in the area, but the wait times may vary. Uber tends to prioritize airport runs, so the chances of finding a ride to SFO are fairly good.

3. Surge Pricing: Depending on the time of year (August can be busy with tourists) and any special events happening in San Francisco, you might experience surge pricing during those early hours. It’s a good idea to check the fare estimate before requesting the ride to avoid any surprises.

4. Alternatives if Uber XL is Unavailable: If you do have trouble finding an Uber XL specifically, you can still request a regular Uber (such as UberX) and make do with a smaller vehicle if that’s an option for your luggage and party size. Alternatively, you can check the availability of taxis or shuttle services from Union Square, which are often reliable during early hours as well.

5. Booking Ahead: One way to ensure a smoother experience is to book your Uber ride in advance. Uber now offers the option to schedule a ride up to 30 days in advance, which would guarantee that a driver is available at the time you need. This can be especially useful for airport runs.

In conclusion, while it's generally easy to get an Uber at 3:30 AM, the larger Uber XL may take a little longer to find. If you can, consider booking in advance to avoid any delays. But overall, it's a doable option, especially for an airport trip like this!