Best Times to Drive for Uber and Uber Eats (2023 Guide)

Are you looking for an easy way to make money in your spare time? 

If you enjoy driving, working for Uber could be an excellent option. Uber and Uber Eats allows you to choose your own working schedule and meet new people on your own terms. You can work as a driver for ridesharing or a food delivery driver. While the salary from both of these options is generally good, carefully choosing when you work can earn you much more.

So, let’s take an in-depth look at the best times to drive for Uber and Uber Eats to maximize your income.

How To Maximize Your Uber Income

The secret to success is choosing to work when the fares are high. If you drive for ridesharing, the fare can be doubled at certain times of the day due to surge pricing. Here are some ways to earn more without having to increase your working hours.

Choose busy times 

It stands to reason that you will get more work and higher rates at times when demand is high. When demand for food delivery or rideshare drivers is high, the prices increase on the Uber app. Choosing to work those hours essentially means that your hourly rate goes up. You will also be busier at these times, which will result in a much higher salary.

Do some research

The Uber website offers a wide range of information for new drivers. This includes details of how to offer the best possible service for customers. Following these tips is sure to increase customer loyalty, which will boost your income.

It is also worth reaching out to other drivers. They are likely to have extra tips for you, which can prove to be very useful. Take the time to review all the information and use it to create your strategy. 

Be aware of promotions

The company sometimes runs special promotions to get people to use the app. From time to time, customers can enjoy a 20% discount on rideshares. There may also be discounts of up to 30% on food deliveries at certain times of the day.

Naturally, more people will decide to use the app when the promotions are active. Therefore, these are the best times to work if you want to get more customers. Make sure you keep track of these and arrange to work during those times.

Best Times To Drive For Uber And Uber Eats – Peak Hours

The peak hours are the best times to drive for the company because you will get work. In some cases, you can even secure a higher rate for working during these hours. Let’s take a closer look at the peak hours each day and the advantages of working at those times.

Ridesharing

If you want to work in the morning, it is best to drive when people are heading to work. The peak commute times vary slightly in different parts of the United States.

Figuring out when people are heading to work can score you more customers. You can also catch large numbers of customers when they are heading back home at the end of the workday.

Weekends are always busier…

While weekends are generally busier than weekdays, it is still a good idea to plan your shift. If you don’t mind driving late at night, you are likely to get more customers. However, this only really applies if you work in large towns or major cities. The number of people looking for a late-night driver in the suburbs will be much lower. 

Peak hours for Food Delivery

It stands to reason that more people will order food delivery around standard lunch and dinner times. However, you may also get a lot of beverage orders in the morning. In addition, you should never underestimate the power of ‘the munchies’ to increase late-night food orders. 

The times when people typically eat their main meals can vary in different parts of the country. In areas where the population tends to be older, people typically like to eat earlier. In college towns, many people get up later and tend to eat their meals later. 

How To Find The Peak Hours

Choosing to work during peak hours can considerably boost your income. However, these can vary depending on where you live and other factors. Here are some simple yet effective ways to work out the peak hours in your area.

Check out the company’s information

The company’s website offers detailed information on the best times to drive and the peak hours. This can help to guide you in the right direction if you are new to driving. This information is generally based on country averages and may vary slightly in your area. 

Explore online driver communities

Professional drivers will know from experience when the best times to work are. Many people are happy to share their knowledge and give you advice to help you get started. Make sure you choose people who work in your area to connect with who can share local driving tips. 

Closely monitor the Driver App

This special app allows you to monitor updated prices and demands at different times. By studying the app, you are likely to notice certain trends. This will help you to plan your work schedule more effectively. 

Download Gridwise 

This app has been created especially for people who use rideshare and food delivery services. The app contains a wealth of information about the best times to drive. It is worth taking the time to download the app and check out the various features.

If you enjoy using the app, it is worth paying to become a Gridwise Plus member. This will give you access to the innovative When to Drive feature. This gives you up-to-date information on the best times to drive in your part of the United States. 

The Best Times For Uber Ridesharing

There are certain times of the day when you can maximize your income. In addition, local events and other factors can increase demand at certain times of the year. Here are some of the factors that help you earn more money during your shift. 

Concerts and festivals

Festivals, fairs, and concerts never fail to attract large crowds. Taking the time to search for these events and working during them will get you more customers. The higher demand for rideshare at these times can also lead to surge pricing. 

Sporting events

Major sporting events always raise demand, which results in surge pricing. The rates are particularly high when the sporting events end. Therefore, it is a good idea to try and work during these major events.

However, you will want to choose the events carefully to maximize your earnings. Sporting events on weekends typically attract more people than those during the week. Some sports are more popular in certain parts of the United States than others. 

Friendliness costs you nothing but makes you money!

If you are a sports fan, you should have a good idea of which events to choose. Even though you will be working during the game, you can have fun talking about sports with your customers. This shared interest can also help you to score higher tips. 

Other types of special events

If you live in a major town or city, a wide range of other events will be held throughout the year. Take the time to find out when big conferences will be held at your local convention center. Many people travel from all over the country to attend these events. In addition to traveling to and from the convention center, they will have a range of other transportation needs. 

Work commutes

While these are good times to grab fares, they are often overlooked by drivers. If someone’s car breaks down, they are likely to use rideshares to get to and from work. Simply working the morning and evening rush hours is a good option for part-time drivers. 

Airport drop-offs

Due to high airport parking fees, a large number of people choose to get rideshares to and from the airport. After a long flight, few people are willing to wait around for public transportation. Therefore, you can make good money if you focus on airport transfers.

The busiest times at airports are usually from 04:00 to 07:00 and 21:00 to midnight. If you are happy to work nights, you can make a lot of money in this way. Start your shift at around 20:30 and work through to 07:30. This will allow you to get higher rates as well as a higher number of customers. 

Weekends

People are more likely to go out on weekends than during the week. Driving from Friday night to Sunday afternoon is a good way to increase your income. However, the types of rides you offer at the weekend will also affect how much money you make. 

The highest fares are usually generated by people traveling from the suburbs to downtown. While demand will be higher in downtown areas, there will also be more competition from other drivers. It is a good idea to experiment with being based in different areas to see where you can earn the most. 

Bar closing times

Most people find themselves in need of transportation when the bars close. People who were planning on driving home may realize they drank more than they intended. Therefore, they will suddenly find themselves in need of safe and comfortable transportation.

If you want to work this shift, you need to be aware of the closing times in your local area. This can vary considerably in different parts of the United States. Stationing yourself close to the hottest bars and clubs when they close will get you more customers. The rideshare prices are also a bit higher late at night. 

During bad weather

People are much less likely to walk, cycle, or ride the bus during a heavy storm. However, driving conditions can also be more hazardous during snow, ice, strong winds, and hail. You need to make sure you know how to drive safely in these conditions before deciding to work.

If you can rise to the challenge, you can make a lot of extra money during bad weather. Not only will demand be higher, but prices also tend to rise. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep your eye on the weather forecast when planning your work schedule. 

Public holidays

It is important to choose the public holidays that you want to work on carefully. Some can boost your earnings considerably, while others could be a waste of time. Most people tend to stay at home on holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day. As a result, you would be better off spending time with your loved ones on those days.

However, other holidays such as New Year’s Eve, are times to party, and people like to go out. On these days, you are sure to get a lot of work, and rates will be at a premium. Other good holidays to work include Independence Day, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve.

Always check your traffic report…

Bear in mind that the roads are likely to be quite busy on these days and you should choose your area carefully. Getting stuck in downtown traffic for hours will reduce your earnings considerably. Sacrificing time with friends and family and making next to nothing is sure to be a bummer. 

Best Times To Drive For Uber Eats And Uber  

People eat food every day, and you are likely to get a certain amount of orders each day. However, Friday evenings and Sunday mornings tend to be particularly popular. You are also likely to find that the number of orders increases throughout the weekend.

The peak lunch hours are typically from 10:30 until 15:00. When it comes to the dinner rush, they will be between 18:00 and 22:00. 

The slowest day

If you choose to work on Tuesdays, you are sure to notice that you receive fewer orders. Many people have eased into work by Tuesday and are more willing to make their own meals. 

However, the main advantage of choosing to work on Tuesdays is that there is less traffic on the roads. This means that you will generally be able to complete your deliveries more quickly. Your speedy service could earn you more money in tips on this day of the week. 

How To Get More Uber Eats Orders

There is nothing worse than sitting around waiting for orders if you have already committed to work. Not only will this waste your time, but it will also mean that you will make less money. Here are some ways to make sure you get as many orders as possible.

Work prime time hours

By now, you should have worked out when the peak hours are in your area. These are the times when more people order food and beverages. Working during these hours means you are likely to score more orders and increase your revenue. 

Cover busy areas

It stands to reason that the more people live in a certain area, the more orders you will receive. This is particularly true of areas where transportation options are limited. The only downside is that you are more likely to get stuck in traffic in busy areas. 

Don’t count out the suburbs

There tend to be fewer restaurants and takeout options in some suburbs and other areas. As a result, people are less likely to pick up food on their way home from work. If you focus on these areas, you may find that you get more orders.

Experiment

There are likely to be several areas that you could easily work in. However, being based in some areas will score you more orders than others. Try experimenting with different areas and times of the day to see which factors earn you the most. 

Use promotions

Uber Eats often offers special promotions to entice both new and existing customers. Orders will increase during these times as customers take advantage of these promotions. Keep an eye out for upcoming promotions and arrange to work during these times. 

Refer family and friends

Make sure all your loved ones are signed up for the app. If you know the person, you are more likely to be their choice of delivery driver. When you refer someone, their first order will be discounted. You will also receive a nice bonus each time that person places an order. 

Get a good rating

The higher your driver rating is, the more likely customers are to choose you. There are several ways to get your rating up, and it is best to do a little research. Popular methods include being polite at all times and delivering food quickly. 

Best Times To Drive In Different Cities

Each city in the United States has its own unique rhythms. This means that the peak hours vary slightly in different cities. Let’s take a closer look at the best times to work in some of the largest US cities. 

Chicago

The best time to work as a driver in ‘the Windy City’ is from 05:00 to 10:00 every day of the week. The afternoon rush starts at 15:00 and typically ends around 18:00. If you prefer to work late at night, the best bet is from midnight until 03:00. 

Atlanta

The weekday rush hours are from 06:00 to 9:00 and 16:00 to 20:00. If you are a night owl, you will make plenty of money working weekend evenings. The best times to work are from 23:00 to 03:00 on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Phoenix

The peak hours start a little later in Phoenix and run from 07:00 to 10:00. The evening rush usually runs from around 16:00 to 19:00. The best late-night hours are from 23:00 to 4:30 on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Los Angeles

It can take nerves of steel to drive in Los Angeles, and many people choose to avoid it. Therefore, you can often make good money as a rideshare driver if you dare. The peak hours are usually from 5:30 to 10:00 and 16:00 to 20:00 on weekdays. 

New York City

It is notoriously difficult to get a cab in the Big Apple, so you can make good money as a rideshare driver. On weekdays, the peak hours are 04:00 to 9:30 and 16:00 to 22:00. Weekends are always busy, and you can make the most money by driving at night. 

Miami

Depending on which part of Miami you choose to work in, driving there can be fairly pleasant. The standard peak hours in the morning are from 06:00 to 9:30. The evening peak hours are typically 16:30 to 20:00. 

Best Times To Drive For Uber And Uber Eats – Driver Requirements 

You need to be at least nineteen years old to work as a driver for Uber or Uber Eats. Applicants must have at least a year of driving experience and a clean driving record. You will be driving your car, and this vehicle must be a maximum of 15 years old or newer. Naturally, you need to have a valid driver’s license, along with car insurance, to secure a job.

Read more: Tim Hortons Holiday Hours

Let’s Help You Apply Today!

With home deliveries for pretty much anything on the rise, learn more about which company will suit you best with our in-depth Uber Mission And Vision Statement Analysis and Lyft Mission And Vision Statement Analysis for a comparison.

Next, consider your options with our in-depth look at the Uber Application and the Uber Eats Application, or how about the Doordash Application? But if you have a criminal record, please check up on Can A Felon Drive For Lyft as well as Can A Felon Drive For Uber.

And before applying, find out more about How Much Do Uber Eats Drivers Make, what the difference is between Lyft vs Uber Income for drivers, or perhaps get a bit more insight into our Delivery Driver Job Description and Pizza Delivery Driver Job Description in 2023.

Best Times to Drive for Uber and Uber Eats – Final Thoughts

Doing a little research before you start working as a driver can help you maximize your income. There are certain times of the day, week, and year, when you are likely to earn much more. Take the time to work out when these times are, and try to arrange your schedule based on this.

In addition to the fare, Uber drivers can make a lot of money in tips. Being the best driver possible and offering a first-rate service will help to increase your tips. For rideshare drivers, this means offering little extras like bottled water and being a good conversationalist.

Good luck working for Uber, and remember to drive safely!