Adding a stop takes three taps in the Lyft app
Open the Lyft app and start or request a ride as usual. Once the driver accepts and is on the way, tap the route icon (it looks like a line with dots) at the bottom of the screen. Select Add Stop, then enter the address or business name where you want to pause. Confirm the stop, and the app will show your driver the updated route with both your destination and the new stop marked.
Your driver will see the stop appear on their map when ready. The stop is added to the route in the order you create it — if you add a stop before reaching your first destination, the driver will go there first, then to your original destination. You can add up to three stops per ride on most Lyft rides, though some ride types may have limits.
Key Takeaways
- Tap the route icon at the bottom of your Lyft app screen during an active ride to add a stop.
- You can add up to three stops per ride, and your driver sees each stop on their map as soon as you add it.
- Stops are visited in the order you add them, so plan your sequence before confirming the first one.
- The driver's time at each stop counts toward your total fare, so longer stops will increase what you pay.
When the route icon does not appear
The route icon only shows up after your driver has accepted the ride and is heading toward you. If you do not see it, the ride may still be in the request stage — wait for the driver to accept first. On some ride types like Lyft Shuttle or Lyft Shared, the stop feature may not be available because the route is fixed for multiple passengers.
If you requested a ride and the driver has accepted but you still cannot find the route icon, try closing and reopening the Lyft app. If the icon remains missing, you can tell your driver about the stop using the in-app messaging feature instead, though adding it through the app is faster and more reliable.
How stops affect your fare and time
Each stop you add extends your ride time and increases your total fare. Lyft charges based on both distance and time, so if you spend five minutes at a coffee shop, those five minutes are added to your ride cost. The app shows you an updated fare estimate when you add a stop, so you can see the change before confirming.
Your driver is paid for the time spent at stops as well, so they have no reason to rush you. If a stop takes longer than expected, the fare will reflect that extra time. Plan your stops in advance if you can — adding stops one at a time during the ride can make the route less efficient and increase the total cost.
Changing or removing a stop
To remove a stop after adding it, tap the route icon again and select the stop you want to delete. Tap the X or delete option next to it. The route will update when ready, and your fare estimate will adjust downward. You cannot edit a stop's address once it is added — you must delete it and create a new one with the correct address.
If you want to change the order of your stops, delete the ones you do not want and add them again in the correct sequence. The app visits stops in the order they appear in your route, so if you added them out of sequence, removing and re-adding them in the right order is the fastest fix.
What happens if your driver misses a stop
If your driver passes a stop without pulling over, use the in-app messaging to let them know right away. Most drivers will turn around and go back if they realize the mistake quickly. If the driver refuses to stop or you feel unsafe, you can end the ride early by tapping the End Ride button and report the issue to Lyft support.
Lyft support can adjust your fare if a driver skipped a stop you added through the app, since there is a record of it in your ride history. Take a screenshot of your route showing the stop if you plan to contact support, as it makes the report clearer.
Adding stops on the web version of Lyft
You cannot add stops through the Lyft website — the stop feature only works in the mobile app. If you booked a ride on a computer, open the Lyft app on your phone once the driver accepts to add stops. The ride will sync across both devices, and your driver will see the updated route on their end.
This limitation exists because the stop feature requires real-time communication with your driver's map, which the web version does not support. Once you are in the app on your phone, you have full control over adding, removing, or changing stops throughout your ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a stop after the driver has already started driving?
Yes. You can add, remove, or change stops at any point during the ride as long as you have not reached your final destination. Tap the route icon and make your changes — the driver's map updates when ready with the new route.
Do I have to pay extra for adding a stop?
You do not pay an extra fee for the stop itself, but you pay for the time and distance added to your ride. If a stop adds ten minutes to your trip, those ten minutes are included in your fare.
What if I add a stop but change my mind before the driver gets there?
Delete the stop from the route before the driver arrives. Tap the route icon, select the stop, and delete it. Your fare will adjust, and the driver will see the updated route without that stop.
Can I add a stop if I am using Lyft Shared or Lyft Shuttle?
No. Shared rides and Shuttle rides follow a set route for multiple passengers, so you cannot add personal stops. Only standard Lyft rides and some premium options allow stops.
What if my driver goes to the stops in the wrong order?
Message your driver through the app to clarify the order. If they continue in the wrong sequence, you can contact Lyft support with a screenshot of your route to report the issue and request a fare adjustment if needed.