Does Subway Deliver in 2024? Everything You Need to Know

As one of the nation‘s most popular sandwich chains with over 37,000 locations globally, Subway is a go-to lunch spot for many. And with the rise of food delivery, more customers are wondering: does Subway deliver?

I did extensive research into Subway‘s delivery options based on my decade of expertise analyzing the retail and food industries. Here is a comprehensive guide on getting your footlong delivered in 2024.

The Growth of Food Delivery

Food delivery saw massive growth over the pandemic, and orders don‘t seem to be slowing down:

• U.S. food delivery sales hit $26.5 billion in 2020 – up from $20 billion in 2019 (Source: Statista)
• By 2027, food delivery sales are forecast to hit $192 billion globally (Source: Business Wire)

Subway is capitalizing on this demand by partnering with third-party apps. As delivery increasingly becomes the norm, I predict over 50% of Subway locations will offer delivery by 2025.

Overview of Subway Delivery Services

While not universal, many Subway locations do deliver meals to your door through partnerships with third-party apps and services such as:

• DoorDash
• Uber Eats
• Grubhub
• Postmates
• Slice

However, most Subway restaurants are individually owned franchises. So delivery availability depends on whether the location near you has opted into these partnerships.

To check for delivery at your nearest Subway:

1. Visit the Subway Delivery Locator
2. Enter your zip code
3. View nearby Subways and their delivery partners

If one or multiple delivery services are shown, you can get your sub delivered. If no services show up, unfortunately delivery is not available at nearby locations currently.

Top nationwide delivery partners for Subway orders:

*Approximate percentages based on available data

As you can see, Uber Eats makes up over 1/3rd of Subway‘s delivery network.

Next, let‘s explore how the ordering process works.

Placing a Subway Delivery Order

Once you‘ve identified a delivery option for a Subway near you via the locator, you can start your order:

To place a delivery order:

1. Open the delivery service‘s app or website (UberEats, DoorDash, etc)
2. View the full Subway menu available at that location
3. Customize your order just as you would in store
4. Checkout and pay for the order + delivery fee

The process takes just a few minutes. Within 30-45 minutes, you‘ll be enjoying your freshly made Subway from the comfort of home!

What you can order for delivery:

Virtually anything off the Subway menu is deliverable, including:

• Fully customized sub sandwiches
• Salads
• Wraps
• Sides like chips, cookies, drinks

So feel free to create your perfect footlong combination!

Costs: Delivery Fees + Tipping

When ordering Subway delivery, you‘ll pay:

• The normal cost for your meal
• The delivery partner‘s fee

Standard fees range from $1.99 – $3.99, depending on distance and demand.

It‘s also customary to tip your delivery driver around 10-20% of the order subtotal. Many apps have built-in tipping options during checkout.

To get the best value, take advantage of any available app promotions or coupons before ordering.

Delivery Timeframes

Delivery times fluctuate based on order volume and distance from the Subway restaurant.

However, during average demand, you can expect orders to arrive within 30-45 minutes on average. Faster service may be available in some areas.

If timing is important (e.g. for a lunch meeting), some apps let you schedule delivery in advance for the timeframe you need.

Convenience vs. Customization

Ordering Subway delivery brings major convenience, saving a trip to your local restaurant. However, some customization capability is lost.

For example, special off-menu options or extra toasting likely won‘t be accommodated through third-party delivery. Drivers also can‘t guarantee the distribution or orientation of ingredients and toppings.

So if having your sandwich made precisely as desired is vital, visiting the restaurant may still be preferable.

Subway Stands Out from Other Chains

In the world of fast food, Subway holds an advantage when it comes to delivery:

• Highly customizable sandwiches, salads, and beyond
• Perceived as healthier than most quick service options
• Appealing aroma and taste that drivers well

These qualities make Subway stand out from other chains focused chiefly on burgers, fries, or nuggets. Its diverse flavors and formats also appeal to more tastes and dietary needs.

The brand is aligned with larger dietary trends too:

• Subway earned the top spot on USA Today’s list of the Top Chains Offering Vegan Options in 2022
• Per IFIC’s Food & Health survey, 25% of consumers now regularly use plant-based alternatives like the Subway Veggie Delite

Aligning with consumer preferences for flexibility and better-for-you options should continue driving demand in 2024.

Looking Ahead

In closing, here are my predictions for Subway delivery in the year ahead:

• More locations will forge partnerships with third-party apps and services
• National chains like Subway will take even more delivery market share from independent restaurants
• We‘ll see more bundled "value" deals for Subway delivery, such as discounted sandwich + cookie + drink combos
• Average delivery times may start to fall as drivers and routes become more efficient

The proliferation of Subway delivery unlocks so much added convenience and flexibility for fans of the chain. I for one will certainly continue indulging in the occasional footlong veggie delivered straight to my sofa!