Does Subway Deliver? Everything You Need to Know

Subway is one of the most popular fast food chains in the world, known for its customizable submarine sandwiches piled high with fresh ingredients. With over 40,000 locations globally, chances are there‘s a Subway near you when a craving for a footlong sub strikes. But what if you want to enjoy a Subway meal without leaving the house? The good news is that Subway does indeed deliver, providing multiple convenient options to get your sandwich fix brought right to your door.

Content Navigation show

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about Subway delivery: what services are available, how to place an order, typical costs and wait times, tips for saving money and more. By the end, you‘ll be fully equipped to have a delicious Subway lunch delivered whenever the mood strikes. Let‘s dig in!

Subway Delivery Options: Mobile App and Third-Party Services

The easiest way to order Subway delivery is directly through the restaurant‘s mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to browse the full Subway menu, customize your sandwich or salad exactly how you like it, add drinks and sides, and check out with a few taps. Delivery is available at participating locations and the app will prompt you to enter your address to see if the Subway nearest you offers the service.

Alternatively, Subway has partnered with all the major third-party restaurant delivery platforms to make ordering more convenient than ever. You can get Subway delivered through:

  • DoorDash
  • GrubHub (and their affiliate brand Seamless)
  • Postmates
  • Uber Eats

If you already have an account with one of these popular services, simply search for Subway in the app or on the website to view the menu and place an order. The process is the same as ordering delivery from any other restaurant on the platform.

Another handy tool is Subway‘s online delivery locator, where you can input your address or zip code to instantly see which delivery services are available in your area and compare estimated fees and wait times. This takes the guesswork out of figuring out the best option.

Ordering Subway Delivery Through the Mobile App

For the most seamless ordering experience, we recommend using Subway‘s official app. Not only is it easy to use, but you‘ll also get access to exclusive deals and a rewards program where you can earn points towards free food with every purchase. Here‘s how it works:

  1. Download the Subway app from the App Store or Google Play and create an account.

  2. Open the app and tap "Order Now." Enter your address or grant location access to find the nearest Subway offering delivery.

  3. Browse the menu and tap on an item to customize it. You can choose your bread, cheese, toppings, and condiments, plus add extras like double meat or avocado for an upcharge.

  4. Once your sandwich or salad is perfected, tap "Add to Bag." You can continue adding more items and editing them in your bag before checking out.

  5. When ready to place your order, tap the bag icon, review the details and add any delivery instructions. Select your payment method (credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Subway gift card) and tap "Place Secure Order."

  6. Track your delivery progress in real-time on the app or kick back and wait for your food to arrive!

While you‘ll generally see the same menu in the Subway app as you would in the store, there may be some limitations due to topping availability and food safety concerns with delivery. But rest assured all the most popular sub varieties, salads, wraps, sides, and drinks are there.

Subway‘s Third-Party Delivery Partnerships

Over the past few years, Subway has aggressively expanded its delivery network by teaming up with all the biggest names in the booming food delivery space. Let‘s take a closer look at how Subway delivery works on each platform.

DoorDash

DoorDash is one of Subway‘s closest delivery partners and you‘ll find an extensive selection of locations on the DoorDash platform, even in smaller markets. The DoorDash app and website offer the full Subway menu and the ability to customize your meal as you would on Subway.com or in the restaurant. DoorDash also frequently runs promotions where you can score free delivery or discounts on Subway orders.

GrubHub

GrubHub is another major Subway delivery partner, with a user-friendly interface for browsing the Subway menu and placing an order on the app or web. GrubHub absorbs Subway into its network of over 300,000 restaurant partners, so it‘s a great one-stop-shop if you‘re also ordering food for others and Subway is just part of the equation. In some cities, you may see Subway on GrubHub‘s affiliate brand Seamless, but the ordering process is identical.

Postmates

Postmates was one of the first third-party delivery services to offer Subway and continues to be a solid option with good geographic coverage. The Postmates app provides the core Subway menu and the ability to leave detailed customization instructions for your sandwich artist. You can also take advantage of Postmates‘ "Party" feature to waive delivery fees during designated busy ordering windows if your Subway order meets the price minimum.

Uber Eats

The most recent addition to the Subway delivery roster is Uber Eats, which now offers delivery from a large number of Subway locations nationwide. The Uber Eats app is known for its slick interface which makes ordering Subway a breeze, and Uber‘s massive network of drivers means your sandwich could arrive faster than with other services. Plus, if you‘re an existing Uber rider, paying is simple and you‘ll earn points on Subway delivery orders.

Subway Delivery Menu

Unlike some rival sub chains, Subway has made its entire menu available for delivery. That includes:

  • All famous Footlong and 6-inch submarine sandwiches, from the classic Italian B.M.T. to newer creations like the Baja Steak & Jack
  • Subway‘s Fresh Fit salads like the Black Forest Ham and the Oven Roasted Turkey
  • Signature Wraps, which are Subway‘s take on a burrito-style handheld
  • Sides such as chips, cookies, and apple slices
  • Fountain drinks and bottled beverages

Everything on the delivery menu can be customized just as in the store. Pick your bread type, cheese, veggies, and sauces, and add premium toppings for a small upcharge. The Subway app even lets you save your favorite orders so you can quickly re-order your go-to meal.

Subway Delivery Fees and Times

The cost and speed of your Subway delivery will vary based on several factors, including which service you order through, your distance from the store, and demand at the time you place your order. In general, expect to pay a delivery fee that‘s a small percentage of your order total, usually ranging from $1.99 to $5.99. At busy times, some platforms will add an additional "surge" fee.

Most delivery services also give you the option to leave a tip for your driver, which we always recommend to ensure excellent service. Tip can be percentage-based or a custom amount and you can usually adjust it after delivery based on your experience.

As for delivery times, Subway orders are typically pretty fast since the food is made fresh and doesn‘t require extensive preparation. From the time you place your order, your sandwich or salad should arrive in around 20-40 minutes on average. However, at peak times your order may get caught in a queue and take up to an hour or more to arrive.

The good news is that all the major Subway delivery partners offer real-time order tracking, so you‘ll know exactly when your food goes into production, leaves the store, and is arriving at your door. This helps take some of the guesswork and frustration out of waiting for delivery.

Tips for Saving Money on Subway Delivery

While delivery from Subway is undeniably convenient, the fees can add up over time. To enjoy the ease of delivery without breaking the bank, use these money-saving tips:

  • Order directly through the Subway app to access exclusive deals and earn rewards points toward free food. You can also save your payment info for faster checkout in the future.

  • Check each third-party delivery platform before ordering, as they run different promotions week to week. You may find free delivery on DoorDash one day and $5 off $15 on GrubHub the next.

  • Order during off-peak hours like mid-afternoon and late night to avoid surge pricing and get your food faster. Just avoid placing Subway delivery orders within an hour of the store‘s closing time.

  • Meet the minimum spend requirement to waive delivery fees. Each platform and store location has a different minimum, usually around $10-15.

  • Referral programs! Most delivery apps offer a credit or free delivery to both you and the friend you refer to join.

Subway Delivery vs. the Competition

Compared to other major sub sandwich chains, Subway offers some of the most robust delivery options through its own app and third-party partners. The main competition – Jimmy John‘s, Jersey Mike‘s, Firehouse Subs – all offer delivery, but typically with a smaller geographic footprint and fewer platform partners than Subway.

What sets Subway apart is the sheer number of stores that now offer delivery (over 9,000 in the U.S. alone) and the fact that you can order its entire core menu, not just a limited selection of items. The ability to fully customize your sub or salad and add a la carte extras is also relatively unique, as some competitors limit alterations to delivery orders.

Where Subway lags slightly behind is in its native digital ordering capabilities and rewards program, which aren‘t as robust as some of its rivals. But the chain is quickly catching up with a revamped app and website that make ordering delivery a fairly seamless process.

The Impact of Delivery on Subway‘s Business

Like most major fast food chains, delivery has become an increasingly important part of Subway‘s business in recent years. With dine-in traffic dwindling and consumers demanding more convenience, offering delivery has allowed Subway to reach new customers and boost sales in an challenging environment.

In 2019, Subway‘s U.S. sales grew 2.6% and the company attributed much of that success to its expanded delivery program and digital ordering capabilities. Subway has also said that delivery orders tend to have a higher average check size than in-store orders, likely because customers feel inclined to add more items to meet minimum order thresholds and justify fees.

However, delivery is not without its challenges for Subway and other restaurants. The fees charged by third-party platforms can eat into already slim profit margins and Subway has to relinquish some control over the customer experience to outside drivers. There‘s also the issue of cannibalizing in-store sales, as some customers who may have dined in or ordered carryout will now opt for delivery instead.

To mitigate these concerns, Subway is investing in its own digital ordering capabilities to drive more direct sales and exploring new store formats like ghost kitchens optimized for off-premise dining. The chain also continues to grow its partnerships with the major third-party players to maximize its reach.

While delivery may not be a silver bullet for Subway, it‘s clear that it will remain a critical part of the brand‘s strategy going forward and help the company adapt to rapidly changing customer preferences. The ability to connect with customers and bring them a handcrafted sandwich wherever they are is sure to keep Subway relevant and top-of-mind in an crowded market.

Subway Delivery: Pros and Cons

Now that we‘ve covered all the ins and outs of Subway delivery, you may be wondering if it‘s right for you. There are certainly some compelling reasons to give it a try, but also a few drawbacks to consider. Here‘s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Unmatched convenience of having a freshly made sandwich delivered to your exact location
  • Access to exclusive deals and rewards through the Subway app
  • Ability to fully customize your order and get exactly what you want
  • Multiple trusted delivery platforms to choose from (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.)
  • Generally fast delivery times within 30-45 minutes
  • Higher average order sizes vs. in-store purchases

Cons:

  • Delivery fees can add up, especially if you‘re not meeting order minimums
  • Potential for longer wait times during peak hours
  • Less control over quality and accuracy of order compared to in-store
  • Some menu limitations based on item portability and delivery radius
  • No opportunity to use in-store coupons or other local offers

Ultimately, whether Subway delivery is worthwhile for you depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. If you‘re short on time, looking for a convenient meal option, and willing to pay a small premium for the privilege, it‘s definitely worth considering. But if you‘re on a tight budget or craving a fully customized sub that you can watch being made in front of you, ordering at the store still has its perks.

The Future of Subway Delivery

With delivery exploding in popularity across the restaurant industry, we expect Subway to continue doubling down on its off-premise capabilities in the coming years.

Some potential areas for expansion and innovation:

  • Investing in its app and digital platform to drive more direct orders and build customer loyalty
  • Adding more delivery-friendly menu items such as prepared meals and family bundles
  • Experimenting with automated delivery through drones and robots to speed up service and reduce costs
  • Optimizing kitchens and back-of-house operations to handle higher delivery volumes
  • Expanding partnerships with third-party platforms into new markets, especially internationally

No matter how the details play out, it‘s clear that delivery will remain core to Subway‘s business model and customer proposition. Being able to access a fresh, delicious sandwich with just a few taps is now table stakes for fast food, and Subway is well-positioned to meet that demand. We‘re excited to see how the brand continues to innovate in this space and bring its craveable subs to hungry customers wherever they are.

So go ahead, open your Subway app or jump on your preferred delivery platform and order with confidence. With just a little bit of planning and savvy, you can enjoy all your Subway favorites from the comfort of your home, office, or wherever your adventures take you. Happy eating!