How to Get Free Rides on the Fourth of July If You’ve Been Drinking: Uber & Lyft Coupons

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There’s no reason to drink and drive on the Fourth of July. Many transportation companies are offering reduced-price coupon codes for the day, some which might even earn you free rides depending on how far you have to travel. You can also reduce your price even more if you know how to avoid surge pricing. If you know of any other good coupon codes, let us know in the comments below.

Uber Codes & Surge Pricing Tips

If you’re a new Uber user, the following codes may be able to get you a free or reduced-price ride today. Keep in mind that when the fireworks end, Uber might surge its prices during higher traffic times. If you want to check on surge pricing, the app Flare is advertising that it helps with this service and lets you compare prices from multiple Carshare and Rideshare trips. SurgeProtector is another app that lets you find close locations that don’t have Uber surges. To avoid surges, try to leave a little before the fireworks end or stay at your location longer. You can also pay attention to fare estimates on your phone, to get an idea of when is the best time to call your Uber. You can also share rides with people going to similar locations using UberPOOL where it’s available.

According to RetailMeNot and other sources, the following codes may work for you:

• Free Ride for new customers: sams15137ue
• Free first ride for new users: FOODIEVALUE
• Free first ride: EATSL11UE
• Free next ride: nx14x2pbue
• $10 off your order: 3VTK9
• $10 off your order: MIKEA14817UE
• First Uber ride free: ji2fv
• Free Uber rides on the 4th of July: Hittheroad
• $15 off for existing users: If you access Uber by clicking on “Request” in Google Maps, you may get $15 off. (See Groupon for details)
• 50% off your first 2 rides if you use your Chase card to get a new Uber account: CHASE50

Note that these discount codes can be cancelled by Uber at any time.

Remember, even if there is Uber surge pricing, the cost is still cheaper than the cost of a DUI, impounded car prices, lost wages from being in jail, the cost of hiring an attorney, etc.

Lyft Codes

If you prefer using Lyft to Uber, the following codes may be useful. Note that Lyft may change or cancel these codes at any time. (Look at RetailMeNot  or PromoCode2017 for more codes if these don’t work.)

• $5 off your first 3 rides: LYFTMENOTNEW15
• $20 Ride credit (amounts to only $2 credit per ride for 10 rides): 20LYFTPROMO
• $10 Ride credit ($5 credit for 2 rides): NEWUSER10
• $5 off your first 3 rides: LYFTAFF15
• $9 total ride credit ($3 credit per ride for 3 rides, new customers only): LYFTCOUPON9
• Up to 25% off Lyft: WELCOME
• $20 credit for $10 in Phoenix: Groupon

Lyft may also use surge pricing, like Uber does, during peak hours. This means that if you get a Lyft ride during the busiest times right after the fireworks, the ride may cost more than it typically does. However, if you schedule your Lyft ride in advance, you may be able to lock in current rates and avoid the surge. (Note: Some locations charge surge prices anyway, and it appears that Uber does not offer this option for avoiding surges.) But just remember, even if there is Lyft surge pricing tonight, the cost is still cheaper than the cost of a DWI.

Uber & Lyft Alternatives

If you’re really concerned about surge pricing, you can also look into alternatives to Uber and Lyft. There are some similar services, although they aren’t available in all areas.

One is Wingz, which lets you book rides in advance, 24/7. You can find some coupon codes for $5 off here.

Via is another app that some people like. You can download the iTunes version here and the Android app here. It serves New York City, Chicago, and D.C.

Flywheel in another alternative, downloadable on Android here and iTunes here. It works in LA, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle.

ZTrip lets you book a private sedan without the surge. You can choose a VIP black car or a taxi. The downside is that the waits can be longer. It’s available at 70 airports, plus Austin, Baltimore, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Houston, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Northern Colorado, Orlando, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.