What to Do If Your Uber Driver Takes the Wrong Route (And Charges More)

The story’s conclusion:After the incident was reported to the platform, Owl not only got his bonus docked but also received a warning notice. Staring at his account balance with regret, he made up his mind to turn over a new leaf. Little by little, the forest critters noticed that the once – clumsy, always – lost Owl had transformed into a reliable, top – notch driver.

Have you ever been in an Uber or Lyft and noticed your driver taking a suspiciously long route? Maybe they missed a turn, ignored your GPS, or even intentionally drove extra miles to increase the fare. If this happens, you don’t have to just accept it—Uber and Lyft have policies to protect passengers from unfair charges. Here’s what to do if your driver takes the wrong route and how to get your money back.

1. Check the Route in Real Time

If you notice your driver going off course:

Open your Uber/Lyft app and compare the driver’s route with the suggested one.

Politely speak up: “Hey, I think the app’s route is faster—could we follow that?”

Some drivers genuinely make mistakes, while others may try to inflate the fare. A simple reminder often fixes the issue.

2. Dispute the Fare After the Ride

If you were overcharged due to a wrong route:

Go to your ride receipt in the Uber/Lyft app.

Select “Review my fare” or “I was overcharged.”

Explain the issue: Mention that the driver took an unnecessarily long route.

Uber/Lyft’s system automatically detects unusual routes, but a manual complaint speeds up the refund process.

3. Contact Uber/Lyft Support for a Refund

If the app doesn’t resolve it:

Use the “Help” section and submit a complaint.

Provide details:

Screenshot of the correct vs. actual route (Google Maps timeline can help).

Estimated time/mileage difference.

Demand a fare adjustment—both Uber and Lyft usually refund the difference if the route was unreasonable.

4. Rate the Driver Honestly

If the detour seemed intentional, leave a low rating (1-3 stars) and explain why in the feedback.

Repeated complaints can lead to Uber/Lyft suspending drivers who manipulate fares.

5. Prevent It in the Future

Use “Upfront Pricing” (Uber) – If your city has this feature, your fare is locked in, so detours shouldn’t increase the cost.

Enable “Share Trip Status” – Friends/family can track your route in real time.

Stick to the app’s navigation – If the driver ignores it, speak up early.

Final Tip: Know Your Rights

Uber and Lyft’s Terms of Service require drivers to follow reasonable routes. If you’re charged unfairly, you have the right to a refund. Most disputes are resolved within 24 hours.

Have you ever been overcharged due to a wrong route? Share your experience in the comments!