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40 ways rideshare and delivery drivers can make money from home
Beat the Coronavirus Blues
As a rideshare driver, you’re probably suffering from a severe case of Coronavirus Blues since everyone is stuck at home--including you. Even though you have your car packed and loaded with hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes, your app just isn’t pinging you the way it used to because very few people are moving around.
Hopefully this will change before too long. But in the meantime, whether you’re a part-time driver who’s more attached to that extra income than you’d like to admit, or a full-time rideshare warrior who relies on it as your main source of cash flow, you’ll need to find some other ways to earn.
The Gridwise team doesn’t want you to feel financial pain. So we spent a lot of time pulling together a list of money-making ideas that you can work on from home, which can help you stave off financial scarcity while being productive.
Be Resourceful
When the sinking feeling of losing your passengers hits, you can get lost in negativity and ask the question, “What am I going to do now??”--but you’ll be in far better shape if you skip that and take action right away. Believe in yourself. There are other ways to make money, and some good things can happen as you find new ways to work from home. Such as ...
- Getting some cash coming in to cover expenses
- Finding out you have more talents than you thought
- Maybe discovering this new way of earning can add to your income permanently, even after the coronavirus crisis has ended.
One thing you can definitely do is make a shift from driving to delivery. Many rideshare drivers find traffic on the food and dry goods delivery apps is reaching new peaks. This is something you can do safely, and continue to bring in at least some money to meet your basic needs. Check out our article about delivery driving for more tips and tricks.
If you don’t find enough delivery traffic to keep you collecting some cash, or if you’re not in a position to take the risk of venturing out into the public, you still have alternatives.
There are plenty of jobs you can do from home, and along with making you money they might turn out to be fun. We hope this list of portals and places inspires you to explore, and find, your ideal way(s) of working from home, at least until you can get back on the road--and maybe even after that.
Surveys for Cash and Cards
There are quite a few services that pay people to complete surveys. We picked out the best below.
Survey Junkie
Yes, you really can earn money sitting at your computer, or even using your phone, to offer your opinion to companies who want to know what’s on your mind. Survey Junkie will pay you with points, which you can cash in for gift cards or payments via PayPal. All you need to do is create your profile, and you’ll be matched to surveys that match your needs and interests.
Branded Surveys
Here’s another chance for you to get paid for your opinions. You’ll be sent surveys, based on what you tell the company when you sign up and create your profile. The company pays with points, which you redeem for gift cards or cash. Some surveys might be geared toward TV shows, while others focus on brands that you love or have special knowledge about.
LifePoints
The LifePoints model is similar to the others: you earn points for completing surveys, which you can trade for cash on a card or gift cards. This company has been around since the 1940s so the topics might seem less trendy, but meatier. You could be asked about automobiles and household goods rather than shoes or nail polish, but you’ll get paid just the same.
Vindale Research
If you just want the cash and don’t want to fool around with a point system, Vindale Research could be the company for you. The hitch is, you’ll have to accumulate $50 or more before you can cash out. Since you’re collecting only $.50 to $2.00 for each survey, you’ll need to keep busy! This can still work for you, though, because the surveys are short and there are a lot of them. Besides … where do you think you’re going to go?
Swagbucks
Rideshare drivers like variety. So, because Swagbucks lets you do more than just fill out surveys, this might appeal to you more than the others. You can get paid with cards or cash, and you can watch videos, shop online, or search the web … and then give your feedback and get paid.
Survey Club
Now, if you really want to get sophisticated about your survey game, Survey Club will hook you up with just about any survey that exists in the known universe. The pay varies, and you’ll notice the site is actually an aggregator of many of the companies mentioned here. Still, this brings them all together and allows you to pick and choose what you want to do on a given day, based on what’s available in your area and for your demographic group.
GetPaidTo
This one literally involves fun and games. You can get paid for testing games, writing reviews, testing out offers, and of course, filling out surveys. When you get bored with rearranging your furniture, this can definitely help you pass the time, and make some money in the process.
Computer as Cash Cow
If you can type, even at the basic hunt-and-peck level, you can make money with your computer. Companies want you to post links, send emails, and make social media posts on their behalf. This may not be as exciting as a Saturday night rider surge, but it’s a somewhat lucrative way to pass the time while you’re holed up in the house.
Computer Purpose
You’ll get tutorials, coaching, and coaxing from this company, and word has it they do pretty well by you. Your tasks will range from posting links and opening emails to making social media posts, and you’ll put in about 60 minutes a day. You have to pay $47 to get started, but if you’re even halfway serious about developing this into a side gig, that’s a drop in the bucket. By some accounts, if you get serious enough about it you can make $500 or more a week.
Rev (Transcription Service)
If words are your thing, and you’re really, really fast with your fingers, and you’re as accurate as you are fast, you can type your way to a fatter bank balance by signing up with this service. You listen to a recording and type every word that’s said. There are very specific instructions, and if you follow them, you’ll build your confidence and be able to build up to some decent pay.
Mechanical Turk
In case you’ve ever thought computers were smarter than you, the fact that this mechanism exists will prove you wrong. Amazon (who’s behind Mechanical Turk) collects requests from a wide variety of companies. You might be asked to complete a survey, rephrase a sentence, or create a title for a video you watch. The pay isn’t so great, but it goes up as you do more work. This is one way to salvage your brain before it turns into a pool of Netflix-inflicted mush.
Freelance marketplaces
All drivers have talents that go way beyond the road. Freelance marketplaces are great places to sell your skills and services.
Upwork
Diverse is one way to describe this site. It’s also project-based. The pay might be hourly or by the piece, depending on the kind of work you can and want to do. You’ll probably be pulling a skill out of your back pocket here, such as writing or even drafting or engineering. It’s worth a try to see if you have some stuff you can offer to the huge community of employers this website serves.
LocalSolo/Comuno
It’s important to connect the right gig professional with the proper employer, and that seems to be the thing at LocalSolo. Now, they used to work solely with face-to-face relationships, but now, like most of the rest of the world these days, they’re embracing telecommuting. That will eliminate any fear you might have of not getting hired until after the social distancing rules are relaxed, at least enough to be in the same room with your team!
Guru
If you would call yourself a “guru” at something, be it web developing or legalese, this is a great sight for you to peruse. From the artistically creative to technologically imaginative, there are jobs to suit people with all different kinds of talents, and chances are you could be one of them.
Fiverr
This is a very cool electronic bulletin board, and you can put yourself on it. Fiverr offers freelance workers to the business community, so you will create a beautiful profile detailing what it is you’re able and willing to do for money. You’ll be inspired to assess yourself, identify your talents, and put your abilities to the test, as you make money engaged in things you can and enjoy doing! Write blog posts, offer consulting services, create websites, produce business cards, produce or edit videos … the possibilities are virtually endless.
Behance
“Creative “ is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but if you know you are, it’s good to find out about this site. It offers full and part time jobs to people who have visual or verbal talents. A little tech savvy-ness never hurts when you’re looking at gigs like this, either. Never say no one’s looking for someone like you, because this company has a ton of people in heavy pursuit of hot creative talent.
Freelancer.com
You know that hobby you have, or that little knack for design, writing, or coding? You might not want to do that kind of thing full-time, but there’s plenty of work out there for you to bring in a little money now. You might even get hooked on using your other-than-driving skills, and discover a whole new stream of income! Employers put up listings of what they need, and you bid the jobs. If you’re selected, you do the job...and get paid. Worth trying, right?
Jobs That Keep You Moving
If you’d be shocked to hear it’s possible to make money while doing things that actually benefit you, join the club. You might have to be self-motivated as well as eager to learn for these gigs, but there is some decent money involved; and even some gift cards and free merchandise. Plus, there are side benefits you might not have ever expected.
HealthyWage
With the painful absence of fresh sporting events, those of us who like to place a bet here and there will be happy to hear about this opportunity. Healthy Wage allows you to (get this) bet on your ability to lose weight! You tell them how much weight you want to lose, the amount of time you bet it will take you, and you’re on. You have to pay to play, which is incentive enough to stop opening your refrigerator! If you “win,” there can be serious money coming your “weigh.”
DietBet
This one brings out your competitive spirit. You sign up for challenges in exercise and weight loss, and everybody who’s “in” contributes to the pot. If you beat out all the other people in the challenge with you, you get all the money. Sound good? Start cranking out those crunches.
Runtopia
If you’re more into moving than staying in one place, this is the game for you. It’s more about self-motivation than competition, and there’s no betting involved. You simply track your progress in the running game, and set goals. Your ability to outdo yourself can win you prizes such as smartphones and gift cards. Not up for being a marathoner? You can do a walking or walk/run version, too.
Swagbucks
You don’t even really have to move a whole lot to get prizes here. You do have to let them know how you like the items they recommend for you. The other catch is you have to buy the items, which include everything from fitness wear to protein powders. Still, when you redeem your Swagbucks, you get far more than you put in, and you can cash out for gift cards from more than 200 brands.
Map My Fitness
With your wages on the downslide, it can’t hurt to get some free stuff from everybody’s favorite brand. Under Armour invented this app, and you get to sign up for challenges, prove you met expectations (possibly even by connecting to your Under Armour Smart Shoes), and then get some really useful and cool Under Armour gear.
For the Handy. Hearty, and Clean
When your head is filled with bad news, like it’s been lately, it can be very therapeutic to work with your hands. Now, some of us are better at doing work around the house than are others, but as the economy begins to open up, there will be a lot of demand for people to come by to fix leaky toilets and squeaking doors.
If you have that ability to look at something that needs to be fixed and make it work again, here are some ways you can get gigs that will hold you till they let everyone out to ride in your car once more.
Angie’s List
Trust is a big deal when people let you into their house, and this service puts that quality about its people up front. It will cost you money, but you’re almost guaranteed to get referrals for your investment. If you have the ability to do work around people’s houses, this could work for you. Gutters seem to be a big thing these days, so if you’re good at that, it looks like you could make out particularly well!
Home Advisor
You’ll need to pay for a listing on this service, but it’s very well advertised and highly trusted by the people who will ultimately be doing the hiring. It can’t hurt to have an app right there on your phone, too. Even after you go back to driving, you can pick up gigs here and there to pay for extra expenses, right?
Cleaning Gigs
Glamorous? Maybe not; but cleaning for a gig can be flexible, rewarding, and lucrative - all the things you love about driving. While you can always do this as a private, cash-only kind of thing, working with a service has its perks. One of them is insuring you, and also getting the gigs so you don’t have to exhaust yourself finding people who need your services.
Commercial Sanitizing
What kind of crazy maneuvers do you think companies will go through once they have to clean up after coronavirus? One can only imagine. But...if you happen to memorize the steps recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, and can talk some local businesses into letting you clean up for them, you can probably get a lot of work once the economy starts to open up. Here’s a cheat sheet for you, here and in the title above.
Simple Start-Ups
What do you do well? What do you like to do? Answer those two questions, and you have the key to success in starting your own side hustle/business. You don’t have to make a million bucks; all you have to do is keep the money flowing while you’re waiting for the quarantine to come to a most welcomed end.
But...as a driver, you have the incentive to make your own way through any economy, so who’s to say you won’t keep your little biz going even after we’re back to whatever “the new normal” might be?
Here are some ideas you might want to ponder:
Be a personal/virtual assistant
This isn’t always the most glamorous of jobs, but it can bring in money and keep you busy during quarantine. In essence, you’ll be in charge of keeping someone else organized. You’ll make and take calls, run errands, and be a good listener. You’ll have to know what you like to do and be honest about what you can do well, but don’t limit yourself. You’ll never believe how easily this job puts all your talents to good use.
Kiss up to being a dating consultant
Who? You? Who better than you? As a driver, how many romances have you witnessed? From first dates with all the right sparks flying, or two people who were ready to throw in the towel, they’ve all been in your vehicle, and you probably had some advice you wanted to offer. As a dating consultant or coach, you won’t have to bite your tongue any longer. You can get right in there and help people find the love that will entertain and enchant many rideshare drivers in the future.
Flip Websites for Fun
You’ve heard about flipping houses, and that would be cool...if only you had a couple of hundred grand or so to spare. Chances are, especially post-COVID, that you don’t; but there’s no need to give up. You can flip websites instead! This is the art of buying and selling urls - the names people use to attract visitors to their sites. Pick something you’re passionate about, think of some catchy names, and put them up for sale. This could be kind of addicting, come to think of it, but potentially lucrative, too.
Translate Your Way to Pay
Do you happen to be...bilingual? There are tons of drivers who speak more than one language, and we’ve taken a lot of flak for English maybe not being the one we speak best. Now...you can make money with your native language, or any you happen to be fluent in, by being a translator. This is one of those jobs that can also be really heart-warming. Picture yourself helping an older person navigate some government bureaucracy with you by his or her side, using all the right words!
Tutor Eager Pupils
You’ve got skills, so why not share them with others, and get paid? You can teach languages, math, and just about any subject or topic on line, from your home. With all the social distancing rules in effect, can you imagine the demand for people like you who can help people learn everything from academic ABCs to welding, keyboarding, or even driving? You’re a smart cookie, so let your brain leverage a little dough for you.
Cook for Corporate Sharks - in Their Homes
Sounds dangerous, but it isn’t. Can you imagine what it’s like to work from home, run a huge corporate job, manage kids, AND cook meals? People must be pulling their hair out. Keep their coifs intact by selling them your culinary skills. There are plenty of openings for you, if you’ve got the cooking chops, to provide healthy meals for families who might otherwise be living on bad pizza and burgers.
Convert Old Video to New Formats
With all that time...days on end with nothing to do but binge on trashy TV, there’s something you can do to make the most of the time and create a cash stream, too. Tons of people have video stored on old media, such as VHS tapes and even those awkward video cameras people hauled out at all those 1990s birthday parties. With a minor investment, you can make a mint converting the old stuff to new and usable formats!
Okay. People aren’t going on those three-week treks to New Zealand these days, but there still is a need for dog walkers! Think about those health care workers who are hardly ever home now, or the disabled vet down the street, whose two huge huskies are just too much for him to handle. There are no-contact ways of doing this good deed, and people pay a lot for you to do it, too. In a world where human touch is taboo, the unconditional love of a pet - even someone else’s - will brighten your day, too.
Become an Influencer
It may be some time before you become an Instagram sensation, but you have lots of that on your hands these days. “Influencers” are people with large social media followings, who then leverage all the contacts they make to get free swag. Those marketing new products, from grooming aids to masks you can wear to protect yourself while driving (hint-hint), look for people who will display them on social media, and “influence” their following to click and buy.
Get Crafty and Creative
Are you good at making useful or fun things for people to buy? You could jump on the COVID train and create your own special hand sanitizer, craft reusable gloves, or design protective masks. If you figure there’s enough competition already, maybe you have another craft you’re good at. Create a jigsaw puzzle, invent a card game, or build toys that can keep little hands busy at something besides playing video games.
The next question is, how do you find advice about being an entrepreneur of this nature? Check out this sub-reddit group, Entrepreneur Ride Along. It might have little or nothing to do with Uber or Lyft, but it sounds about right for rideshare and delivery driver types, right?
Jobs Inside, Outside, and Even Around the Town
The coronavirus crisis has left us with just a few businesses staying open so the rest of us can get essential goods and services--and this has created job openings. Your local drugstore, for example, will need help, as will local grocery stores and big box stores that remain open for business. And of course Amazon is hiring vast numbers of new workers to help them handle the surge in orders they’re suddenly dealing with.
These companies advertise job openings, part-time and otherwise, and can really be a lifesaver as you wait for your rideshare app to start pinging you again.
Steady
This job listing service works on your computer or as an app on your phone. It lists a wide variety of jobs, from work at home and work anytime, part-time, and full-time. Simply enter your zip code and the listings will populate your screen. There’s way more work out there than you might imagine, and Steady lists lots of it for you, all in one place.
Indeed
This is a wildly popular site for job seekers of all kinds. Although you’re probably already aware of it, there are some things about Indeed you might not realize. For instance, did you know there are more than a thousand delivery-type job listings? Even if you don’t decide to apply, reading through the listings can give you leads and ideas for other things you can do, with or without your car.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor runs as a phone app or a browser site. It lists jobs from just about any field you can imagine, and in every location you can think of, including your living room or car. One of the sweet features of this outfit is their company reviews. While the employer you’re applying to sweetalks you in the listing, you can get their backstory from people who actually work there - or used to!
UberWorks
Most rideshare drivers recognize that name, right? In case you didn’t notice, Uber is rolling out a way to introduce people like you to shift work in a variety of industries. You could find yourself packing stuff up part time in a warehouse, lugging chairs and tables to set up events, or logging in time as a customer service agent. Say what you want about Uber, but this outfit is pretty good at bringing people together, so chances are you might be able to meet the perfect part-time gig to fill you in till “Coronavirus” is no longer a word you hear every 3 minutes. Check and see if it’s made it to your area yet.
Task Rabbit
You have to play to the audience you’ve got, and right now people are stuck in their homes. There’s no way it’s easy to take care of a houseful of family while you’re trying to please a boss while you’re “working from home.” That’s where you come in. Task Rabbit connects you with people who need you to run the errands they can’t even think about having time to do. As a great driver who knows your way around, you’ll be every client’s favorite “bunny” runner.
Win Your Victory Over This Virus
You’re a rideshare driver--resourceful, dynamic, and ready for anything. There’s no doubt you can overcome the obstacles that might be in your way at the moment. We hope the suggestions we’ve offered here will help you rearrange your life just enough to keep money coming in until the crisis is over.
If you still find yourself falling short of the income you need, don’t forget about the new provisions in the CARES Act that allow you to collect unemployment benefits, even as an independent contractor. Here’s some insight into what’s available, and how you can apply for assistance in this recent Gridwise article.
Meanwhile, keep in touch with us on the app. If you haven’t done so already, one of the many things you do while you’re all secluded and sequestered is download Gridwise now!
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Thanksgiving Dilemma: Should Gig Drivers Hit the Road?
As Thanksgiving 2025 approaches, many gig drivers are asking a familiar question: Is it worth working during the holiday?
Last year’s discussions across Reddit and driver communities were divided. Some drivers described slow days and low pay, while others saw strong post-holiday surges that made the week worthwhile. The data from Gridwise’s 2024 reports paints a clearer picture — one that shows both the challenges and opportunities of the season.
Whether you drive for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart, understanding what happened in 2024 can help you make smarter choices this year.
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Initial Concerns and the Thanksgiving Dip
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving 2024, drivers across forums and social groups voiced familiar frustrations: long waits, slow evenings, and the sense that the holiday week wouldn’t be worth the time on the road. While those experiences were real, the nationwide averages from 2024 show a more steady picture.
Trip pay for both Uber and Lyft stayed almost unchanged during Thanksgiving week. Lyft held level, and Uber saw only a slight dip before returning to a similar range the following week.
Nationwide Average Trip Pay (All Trips)
(Rideshare Pulse – Trip Pay, Nationwide)
PlatformNov 11–17, 2024Nov 18–24, 2024 (Thanksgiving Week)Nov 25–Dec 1, 2024 (Post-Thanksgiving)% Change (11→18)% Change (18→25)Lyft$12.41$12.42$12.53+0.08%+0.89%Uber$14.49$14.43$14.56–0.41%+0.90%
Source: Gridwise
These small national shifts don’t always reflect what drivers feel on the ground. Any slowdown often comes from changes in routine—travel beginning earlier in the week, restaurants adjusting hours, and households planning meals at home. These patterns can make several days feel quieter even when nationwide averages remain stable.
Because markets behave differently, the most reliable way to understand Thanksgiving week in your area is by checking your own past trends inside the Gridwise App. Your November 2024 driving patterns—by app, by day, and by time of day—offer the clearest insight into how your city responds to the holiday.
The Post-Thanksgiving Surge
After a quieter Thanksgiving Day, many drivers hope for a strong rebound heading into the weekend. Nationwide averages from 2024 show a modest lift in trip pay the week after the holiday, with both Uber and Lyft increasing slightly from Thanksgiving week levels.
Lyft’s nationwide average rose by just under one percent, and Uber’s followed a similar pattern. While not dramatic at the national level, some cities experienced more noticeable shifts tied to return travel, shopping traffic, and people easing back into their routines.
Nationwide Average Trip Pay
(Rideshare Pulse – Trip Pay, Nationwide 2024)
PlatformThanksgiving Week (Nov 18–24)Post-Thanksgiving (Nov 25–Dec 1)% ChangeLyft$12.42$12.53+0.89%Uber$14.43$14.56+0.90%
Source: Gridwise
While these national changes were small, they don’t capture the differences drivers felt within their own cities. Markets with busy airports or active commercial districts often saw stronger post-holiday momentum than those with more subdued travel patterns.
Checking your own Thanksgiving weekend performance inside Gridwise—by app and by time of day—can help you determine whether the weekend after the holiday is typically worthwhile in your area.
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Why Thanksgiving Feels Different for rideshare drivers
Thanksgiving week often feels unpredictable, and rideshare drivers aren’t imagining it. Several factors explain why Thanksgiving week looks like a “valley” in gig earnings data:
- Travel and Family Gatherings: Many people leave town or stay home, reducing local demand.
- Home Cooking: Food Delivery Orders Dip as More Families Prepare Meals at Home
- Business Closures: Fewer rides to offices, bars, and events during the holiday itself.
Equally predictable trends drive the recovery:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping boost deliveries and trips.
- Return travel fills airport routes again.
- Post-holiday fatigue drives more food delivery orders.
What stands out is that Thanksgiving doesn’t dramatically reshape nationwide trip pay—it simply shifts demand throughout the week. Because each city behaves differently, looking at your own driving patterns in Gridwise is the best way to understand how Thanksgiving typically plays out in your specific market.
Platform-Specific Resilience
While many drivers felt the effects of a slower Thanksgiving week, the nationwide averages for Lyft and Uber showed only small changes. Lyft remained almost flat throughout the week, and Uber dipped slightly before returning to a similar range the following week. These minimal shifts suggest that the holiday’s impact varies more by city and driver behavior than by platform.
In some markets, rideshare demand held steady thanks to early-week airport traffic or weekend shopping activity. In others, Thanksgiving Day brought a more noticeable slowdown. Delivery services also varied from place to place, depending on local dining habits and how quickly households returned to normal routines.
Because these patterns aren’t consistent across regions, it’s helpful to look back at how each platform performed for you last year. Using Gridwise to compare your Lyft and Uber activity from Thanksgiving 2024 can offer clearer guidance on where to focus your time during the holiday week in 2025.
Thanksgiving 2023: A Tale of Resilience in the Gig Economy
Looking back at Thanksgiving 2023 helps put last year’s patterns into perspective. Driver conversations that year echoed many of the same concerns—slower days, uneven demand, and uncertainty about whether working through the holiday was worthwhile. Yet, just as we saw in 2024, the period surrounding Thanksgiving showed signs of stability and recovery once the holiday passed.
Rideshare drivers who approached the week with flexibility often found ways to make it work, whether by leaning into early-week travel demand, focusing on delivery in specific neighborhoods, or returning to the road once activity picked back up over the weekend. The broader lesson from both 2023 and 2024 is that Thanksgiving tends to reshape the rhythm of the week rather than dramatically shift earnings overall.
The rideshare drivers who benefited most were those who understood how their market behaved—recognizing when activity typically slowed, when it returned, and which services held up better in their area. That same approach remains useful heading into Thanksgiving 2025.
How to Plan Your Thanksgiving 2025 Strategy
Every driver’s experience during Thanksgiving week is different — what works in one city or on one platform may look completely different somewhere else. Still, looking at how Thanksgiving 2024 unfolded reveals a few consistent patterns that can help guide your approach this year. These can serve as a starting point for building a strategy that fits your habits, location, and preferred services.
StrategyWhy It Often WorksHow to Personalize ItWork Earlier in the Week (Mon–Wed)Travel activity often picks up before Thanksgiving as people head out of town.Check Gridwise trends for your local airport to see when outbound traffic is strongest.Take Thanksgiving Day Easy — or Stay FlexibleMany markets see reduced ride and delivery volume on the holiday itself.If you stay online, use Gridwise’s real-time demand view to identify areas with bonuses or steady activity.Prioritize the Weekend (Fri–Sun)Return travel and holiday shopping can create more consistent opportunities.Review your past Thanksgiving weekend in Gridwise to see which platforms performed best in your area.Use More Than One AppFlexibility can help you adjust as demand shifts across services.Compare how each app behaves in your city throughout the week using your Gridwise history.Know Your Own PatternsUnderstanding your typical earnings and trip rhythm gives you better expectations.Use your Gridwise reports to see how your Thanksgiving 2024 results compared with your normal weeks.
Source: Gridwise
While these patterns offer helpful context, the best strategy will always depend on your driving style and your city. Some markets tend to favor rideshare early in the week, while others rely more on delivery or return-travel demand after the holiday. By combining national context with your personal insights, you can design a Thanksgiving plan that’s informed and realistic for how you drive.
Key Takeaways
- Thanksgiving week can feel slower, but nationwide trip pay stayed fairly steady last year.
- The days following the holiday often bring more activity, especially in markets with strong return travel or shopping patterns.
- Using more than one app can help you adjust when demand shifts across services.
- Reviewing your own trends in Gridwise is the best way to understand how your city typically behaves during the holiday week.
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Uber vs Lyft: Which Platform Pays More for Comfort and Black Rides in 2025?
If you drive a vehicle that qualifies for Comfort or Black rides, you’ve probably wondered which platform, Uber or Lyft, will help you earn the most. These higher-end ride options come with premium fares and a more selective passenger base, which can significantly impact your overall earnings.
Recent Gridwise insights show a clear pattern: Uber drivers tend to earn more on Comfort and Black rides than Lyft drivers do. The gap is particularly high in the higher-tier ride categories, where Uber’s pricing structure and rider demand provide drivers with more consistent access to profitable trips.
For those with eligible vehicles, these findings suggest that Uber’s premium ride tiers may currently offer greater earning potential and steadier demand than Lyft’s.
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Why Compare Uber and Lyft Comfort/Black Payouts?
Comfort and Black rides pay more than standard trips, but they also attract a different type of passenger and require vehicles that meet specific standards. Many drivers buy or lease higher-end cars with these premium categories in mind, knowing they can open the door to better earnings opportunities.
If you’ve made that kind of investment, it makes sense to understand where your time brings the best return. Comparing Uber and Lyft payouts helps you decide which app deserves more of your focus, especially since both companies regularly adjust pricing, incentives, and market strategies.
When you understand how these payouts differ, you can make informed decisions about which trips fit your goals and how to get the most from the vehicle you’ve worked hard to qualify.
Vehicle Requirements: Are They the Same?
For Comfort and Black rides, Uber and Lyft set very similar standards for the vehicles that qualify. Both platforms prioritize newer cars with high-quality interiors and extra passenger comforts, such as additional legroom, smooth rides, and premium finishes.
Comfort rides usually include mid-sized sedans or SUVs that are only a few model years old and consistently receive high passenger ratings. These cars are meant to offer a quieter, more comfortable ride without being full luxury vehicles.
Black rides are in a different class. They require luxury models with black exteriors and interiors, as well as drivers who maintain a professional appearance and provide a higher level of service. These trips often appeal to business travelers and passengers who expect a top-tier experience.
If your car qualifies for Uber Comfort or Black, it almost always meets Lyft’s requirements for the same categories. In other words, the type of vehicle you drive probably won’t limit your earning potential on either platform. The real difference comes down to how each company structures its pay and how demand for premium rides varies in your market.
4. Uber vs Lyft: 2024 vs 2025 Earnings Comparison
The table below shows what we found after analyzing pay from both platforms. These averages represent total gross earnings per trip, including all rider payments, for Uber and Lyft Comfort and Black rides throughout 2024 and into 2025.
While both platforms saw fluctuations throughout the year, the overall trend is clear: Uber drivers consistently earned more per trip than Lyft drivers across the Comfort and Black tiers. The gap is especially noticeable in the higher-end ride types, where Uber’s pricing model and passenger demand helped boost payouts.
Lyft drivers still performed well in some areas, particularly during seasonal peaks, but Uber’s stronger, more consistent earnings suggest it has an edge in the premium market right now.
For drivers who already qualify for these higher-tier categories, this can be an essential factor when deciding where to focus their time.
Average gross pay per ride in Q3, 2024 vs 2025 (Uber vs Lyft).
Ride TypeQ3 2024 LyftQ3 2024 UberQ3 2025 LyftQ3 2025 UberStandard$12.09$12.75$11.95$13.01Comfort$20.00$21.61$20.48$21.30Black$31.75$39.47$28.96$39.08
Driver Observations and Feedback
Many drivers have shared consistent observations about Uber’s premium ride tiers. Their firsthand insights help explain how Comfort and Black influence ride volume, fare consistency, and overall earning potential.
Uber Comfort: Higher Fares, Lower Volume
Uber Comfort offers riders newer vehicles with extra legroom and quieter experiences. For drivers, the category introduces a modest pay premium but often less consistent demand. As The Rideshare Guy notes:
“Per trip, you’ll earn more doing Uber Comfort but there is not enough demand for you to do only Uber Comfort rides.” — The Rideshare Guy
Drivers echo this trade-off in various discussions. While Comfort trips typically pay about 20 percent more than UberX rides, that higher fare is offset by fewer requests — particularly outside major metro centers.
Similarly, Ridester underscores the need for a newer vehicle and a high driver rating to qualify, both of which raise the cost of entry:
“Comfort pays higher fares than standard Uber rides, but you’ll need a newer car, a 4.85 rating or higher, and excellent passenger reviews.” — Ridester
Key takeaway: Comfort can yield better per-trip earnings, but drivers often maintain UberX access to fill downtime and stabilize income.
Uber Black: Premium Pay, Premium Costs
At the top of Uber’s service tiers, Uber Black continues to attract experienced drivers seeking higher fares and professional clientele. Yet drivers consistently highlight the steep costs and fluctuating demand that accompany this category.
“I’ve been driving for Uber Black for about two years now. On a good week, I can make upwards of $1,500. However, I also spend more on maintenance and gas for my SUV.” — Michael, Los Angeles (Apps UK)
“The tips are definitely better with Uber Black. I’ve had passengers tip me as much as $50 for a single ride. But there are also slow days where I barely make anything.” — Sophia, Chicago (Apps UK)
Driver income reports show a broad range: $60,000 to $120,000 in gross annual revenue, depending on market size and vehicle type (TinyGrab). However, Ridesharing Driver emphasizes that operating expenses — from insurance and licensing to downtime between premium rides — can sharply reduce net profits (Ridesharing Driver).
Key takeaway: Uber Black can deliver strong earnings and generous tips, but the higher overhead means profitability hinges on efficient scheduling, location strategy, and cost control.
Strategic Insights for Drivers Considering Premium Categories
Across both Comfort and Black, consistent themes emerge from driver experiences and Gridwise performance data.
1. Understand your market dynamics. Premium ride categories perform best in areas with strong business travel, active airports, and event-driven demand. Recognizing these patterns allows drivers to plan hours more strategically.
2. Measure true profitability. Higher gross fares don’t always translate to higher take-home pay. Premium vehicles and commercial insurance raise expenses, widening the gap between gross and net income.
3. Maintain a flexible mix of ride types. Many drivers find that combining Comfort or Black rides with standard requests helps stabilize revenue during slower premium periods.
4. Prioritize service quality. Professionalism, vehicle presentation, and passenger comfort often lead to stronger tips and repeat riders.
5. Rely on local performance insights. Gridwise data pinpoints when and where premium categories generate the highest returns, enabling smarter driving schedules and market targeting.
Success in premium tiers depends not just on earning potential but also on strategic planning that understands when, where, and how to make those higher fares truly pay off.
How Gridwise Helps You Earn More on Comfort and Black Rides
Driving a high-end vehicle gives you access to premium rides—but knowing when and where to drive can make an even bigger difference in your bottom line. That’s where Gridwise comes in.
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Here’s how Gridwise helps you drive smarter:
- Know exactly when and where to work. Get personalized insights that pinpoint your city’s busiest hours and neighborhoods so you can plan shifts around real demand.
- See which app pays better right now. Compare your Uber and Lyft earnings side by side to understand which platform gives you more substantial returns in your specific market.
- Track your actual performance. Monitor your hourly and per-ride averages to spot trends, adjust your schedule, and make each shift more efficient.
- Understand your real profit. Log mileage and expenses automatically so you always know what you’re actually taking home after costs.
These data-driven insights take the guesswork out of driving, helping you plan smarter routes, reduce downtime, and increase your overall earnings efficiency.
Gridwise shows your Uber vs. Lyft averages side by side, so you can see whether your own results match national trends.
Pro tip: Drivers who regularly use Gridwise’s data insights tend to earn significantly more per hour than those who rely on trial and error.
The Point?
For drivers with vehicles that qualify for Comfort or Black rides, Uber currently provides the stronger earning potential. The gap between Uber and Lyft widened slightly from 2024 to 2025, showing that Uber’s premium ride categories continue to deliver better returns for most drivers.
Still, the platform you choose is only part of the equation. What really determines your results is how you work. Understanding when demand peaks, where high-value trips start, and how your city’s ride patterns change over time can make all the difference in your weekly totals.
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More resources for drivers
The Halloween Gig Driving Guide
The gig driving guide that all drivers need for halloween!
Halloween gig driving can be lots of fun, and it’s also a great time for gig drivers to make more money. With haunting going on for several days at a stretch, parties, parades, and other events will attract lots of business for rideshare and delivery drivers alike. You can probably go out as usual and still make a little more than you normally do, but why settle for that?
In this post, we’ll tell you how to make Halloween gig driving as rewarding as it is fun. We’ll talk safety, strategy, and how to earn bigger tips.
Rideshare earnings over Halloween
Last year, when Halloween landed on a Thursday (2024), rideshare drivers saw a strong jump in earnings.
Compared with typical October weeks, earnings were 3.5% higher the week before Halloween and 7% higher during Halloween week.
On Halloween night itself (Thursday, Oct 31, 2024), hourly pay surged +14% compared to a typical Thursday in October, as riders traveled to and from parties and events.
This year’s Friday Halloween means those same surges could extend through Friday night, Saturday, and even Sunday morning, potentially boosting weekend earnings by 10–15%.
Source: Gridwise
2024’s Halloween fell on a Thursday, creating a perfect setup for extended weekend activity — giving drivers more opportunity to earn from October 31 through November 3. The data shows that rideshare drivers benefited significantly from party and event-related travel, with a strong +7% week-over-week gain.
Rideshare earnings over Halloween
Delivery drivers also saw solid seasonal growth last year — +3.5% the week before Halloween and +6.8% overall during Halloween week.
On Halloween night (Thursday, Oct 31, 2024), delivery earnings per hour jumped +12% compared to a typical Thursday, as customers ordered food and supplies for parties and gatherings.
With the holiday on a Friday this year, deliveries may peak later into the evening and continue through the weekend.
Getting in on the fun–and money–with Lyft or Uber on Halloween
From parents who want to keep their small ones dry and safe on the way to school events to hardcore party people who dive into the Halloween holiday spirit headfirst, you’ll come across many passengers during this super busy week.
Since so many will be super excited about this spooky season, the way you approach your halloween gig driving could make your customers extra generous and appreciative. Here are a few pieces of sound Lyft and Uber driver advice:
- Remain professional. Always greet your passengers as you would at any other time, and stay away from getting overly dramatic about acting like a scary zombie, axe murderer, or vampire, especially with young kids in the car.
- Offer treats. Even jaded business travelers on the way to the airport might enjoy a sweet Halloween treat. Put a smile on passengers’ faces by ensuring your offerings are in their original wrappings so they can feel safe eating them. You might want to offer bottled water, too. Super-high doses of sugar can make all goblins, big and small, mighty thirsty.
- Present your Halloween playlist. You’ll want to do this carefully, of course, but a subtly crafted sequence of songs appropriate to the season will make you stand out with your passengers, who’ll just have to tip you for your great musical taste.
- Decorate your car. A temporary Halloween wrap for the exterior or some subtle orange and white lights on the interior could make yours the car they all want to be in when they celebrate their Lyft or Uber Halloween holiday.
- Brush up on customer service skills and keep them in mind no matter what Halloween horrors you might encounter. This post from Gridwise will help.
- Check in with your company for further tips, tricks, and features you can use to make Halloween safe and profitable. Uber offers Halloween tips for drivers here, and you’ll find advice from Lyft for Halloween driving in this article on their website.
Costume and car safety tips on Halloween
Halloween costumes can be a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, but as a gig driver, safety must come first—both for you and your passengers.
- Dress up with discernment. If you decide to dress up, keep it to common-sense costume choices. Make sure your face is recognizable, and avoid makeup, clothing, or props that make seeing clearly or moving freely while driving difficult. If you don’t want to get too wildly creative, you can always assemble a Halloween costume for a Lyft or Uber driver! Slap a sign on your chest that says “Scary good driver,” and you’ll be good to go. (More tips below!)
- Costume Considerations for Safety: Avoid masks or large headpieces that block your view, and make sure your costume doesn’t interfere with the operation of your vehicle. Simple, easy-to-wear costumes like themed hats or shirts are great options. And don’t forget—your costume should still allow you to present yourself professionally to customers.
- Car Safety and Decorations: Decorating your car can add to the fun, but it’s important not to overdo it. If you’re putting up Halloween lights or adding decor inside your vehicle, ensure that none of it obstructs your mirrors, windows, or the operation of the vehicle. Opt for subtle touches like small orange lights or temporary window decals that you can remove easily after Halloween.
Delivery tricks to earn you treats
Is DoorDash busy on Halloween? You bet! People have to eat something besides candy at all those parties and parade pregaming sessions, right? This Reddit thread speaks to opportunities waiting for Halloween delivery drivers.
There’s every reason to expect delivery drivers to have their own kind of Halloween fun, and to profit from it, too. Here are some moves DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Shipt, and Grubhub drivers can make to share in this fun-filled holiday’s eerie, magical spirit.
- Carry treats for restaurant workers. You might see these people more than once a week, or you might have only one encounter with them ever. In either case, offering them a little something will keep them cheerier and get you better ratings from the restaurant.
- Follow the call of the Halloween spirit. If restaurant workers or customers seem to be celebrating, it’s fine to chime in with a spooky comment or quirky quip. But if it looks like the people you’re dealing with have no idea there’s anything special about this time of year, act like you always do, with friendliness, grace, and professionalism. Read more about how to be a 5-star delivery driver in this Gridwise blog post.
- Tread lightly through backyard Halloween displays. So many people get extremely serious about decorating their yards with blow-up ghosts, gravestones, skeletons, and witches. What’s fun the rest of the day can be downright treacherous for delivery drivers. A headlamp or other means of shining light on what’s underfoot might be called for, so you don’t hurt yourself or destroy a well-thought-out ghoulish (and garish) display. Keep your DoorDash Halloween safe and fun.
Halloween-Specific Customer Service Tips
Halloween gives drivers a unique opportunity to stand out and create a memorable experience for passengers and customers. Excellent customer service is key to higher ratings and bigger tips.
- Boosting Your Ratings: Go the extra mile this Halloween by getting into the spirit with friendly, light conversation about the holiday or complimenting customers on their costumes. Passengers appreciate a driver who engages with them, especially during festive times like Halloween. However, be mindful of your passenger’s mood—if they’re not in the Halloween spirit, it’s best to keep the conversation professional.
- Seasonal Treats for Tips: Offering candy or small, sealed treats to your passengers can earn you great reviews and bigger tips. Just be sure to offer items that are pre-packaged and safe to consume. A thoughtful, themed gesture like this can leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of positive feedback.
By focusing on seasonal customer service, you can turn Halloween into an opportunity for higher earnings through great ratings and tips.
Top Halloween Events in Major Cities for Gig Drivers
Halloween is all about knowing where the action is happening, and as a gig driver, you can position yourself to take full advantage of these high-traffic zones.
- Know the Hotspots: Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago host some of the biggest Halloween events. Parades, block parties, and haunted houses all draw large crowds and create high demand for rides. Use Gridwise’s event calendar to track these events and plan your route accordingly. By focusing on areas with heavy foot traffic and event venues, you’ll maximize your earnings from both rideshare and delivery gigs.
- Balancing the Right Zones: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket by sticking solely to high-demand areas. Popular areas will attract a lot of drivers, which could lead to oversaturation. Use Gridwise to analyze traffic patterns and mix it up by also covering nearby neighborhoods where competition is lighter but demand is still solid.
By knowing where the top Halloween events are happening, you can make sure you’re always in the right place at the right time to get the best fares.
Know where to drive and when
Keeping track of events when you’re doing Halloween driving can be tricky. That’s why you’re so lucky to have Gridwise. It’s not just the best mileage tracking app out there. Use the Gridwise events calendar to see where the parades, shows, scare houses, and public parties are happening. Having this info at your fingertips will make it easy to put together a winning Lyft or Uber driving strategy—but Gridwise has even more to offer.
Gridwise features Where to Drive and When to Drive give you real-time data on where drivers are making the most in your neighborhood. Studying the patterns in these features will tip you off as to when the peak passenger and delivery traffic is humming and where to find the most business. With Gridwise, you get all this and a free mileage tracker, too!
Stay safe and keep clean
The truth about Halloween is that it can be fun, but there are hidden dangers and inconveniences you’ll want to beware of. Consider these tips for keeping yourself and your passengers safe, and for preventing damage to your vehicle:
- Identify your passengers and delivery customers. Dress some people in a costume, and they can get downright silly and, sometimes, even dangerous. Don’t be shy about asking a passenger who appears somewhat sketchy to remove their mask, so you can make sure you’re picking up the right person. Same goes for delivery. The word “trick” is very popular this time of year, and there could be a masked imposter hoping to pilfer that awesome spread of wings, burgers, and fries you’re carrying.
- Use in-app phone safety features. In case someone is acting out a Halloween stalker movie, you don’t want to become their prey. Your app most likely includes features that let a friend or family member follow your trips and know your whereabouts, and will let you contact emergency services with one swipe or tap. Get familiar with these features, and use them. It’s better to be overcautious than to find yourself in some real trouble.
- Demand full visibility. The chowderhead in your back seat dressed in a giant lobster costume might be cute and creative, but if the oversized claws are blocking your view, you’ll need to ask that they come off till the ride is over.
- Stay alert. Halloween is a very exciting time, particularly for children. Drive slowly and carefully, looking in as many directions as possible for people who might walk right in front of or behind your car. Make sure your lights are on at all times, even in the daytime, which really does help people notice there’s a car in their vicinity.
- Try a tarp. This sounds somewhat extreme, but if you’re creative, you can turn a protective seat cover into an enticing Halloween decoration for your car. You’ll want this for more than just the messes mentioned above. Glitter, face paint, green slime, and other costume components might look fabulous on your customers, but it’s not such a great look when they get ground into your upholstery. (More tips on keeping your car clean below!)
- Choose parking spots carefully. This one is mainly for you 5-star delivery drivers, but even rideshare drivers stopping for a quick bevvy or a bio break have to park somewhere. Remember that people still use Halloween as an excuse to soap windows and smash pumpkins. Avoid parking where they might be able to make this mischief with your car.
- Read more about safety for drivers in this Gridwise article, and additional safety tips for female drivers in this Gridwise blog post.
- Keep your cool. Even if you see a clan of kids TP-ing your pine trees when you come in from a long night, try to remember Halloween is all about the fun of being just a little bit naughty. That thing about everybody being “nice” all the time is for a totally different holiday.
How to Prep Your Car for Halloween Cleanups
With the excitement of Halloween, there’s always a chance for messes—whether it’s glitter from a costume or candy wrappers left behind by passengers.
- Halloween-Specific Car Prep: Equip your vehicle with essential cleaning supplies to handle any spills or messes quickly. Paper towels, disinfectant spray, air freshener, and trash bags are a must. These items will allow you to clean up any small accidents on the go without losing valuable driving time.
- Protecting Your Upholstery: To prevent costume glitter, face paint, or other Halloween accessories from damaging your seats, consider using temporary seat covers or a tarp (mentioned above). You can even turn this practical solution into a fun Halloween decoration by choosing themed covers that fit the spooky spirit.
- Carry daycare equipment for drunks. For many of the party-prone among us, Halloween is a huge opportunity to tie on more than a costume. Carry sick bags, a roll or two of paper towels, cleaning solution, and plastic garbage bags to take care of any spills or “upheavals” that might occur. Sparkling bottled water could be convenient to have on hand at times like this, too. And remember, if they make a mess, your passengers have to pay to clean it up. Claim with your company to cover detailing costs. Read this post about how to deal with drivers who are, er, “under the influence” for further helpful hints.
By prepping your car ahead of time, you can ensure that it stays clean and presentable throughout the busy Halloween season.
Managing Drunk Passengers During Halloween
As Halloween brings out the partygoers, it’s inevitable that rideshare drivers will encounter intoxicated passengers. Handling these situations properly is key to staying safe and ensuring a smooth ride.
- How to Handle Intoxicated Passengers: If you notice your passenger is drunk, stay calm and professional. Avoid engaging in arguments or encouraging excessive conversation. If the passenger is disruptive or potentially unsafe, don’t hesitate to end the ride early or pull over to a safe location. Politely ask them to leave the vehicle if necessary, and report any concerning behavior to the rideshare platform.
- Safety Features and Claims: Most rideshare apps come equipped with safety features, such as the ability to share your trip with family or friends. Be sure to activate these when you feel uneasy. Also, keep in mind that if an intoxicated passenger makes a mess in your vehicle, you can submit a cleaning fee claim through Uber or Lyft. Keep your vehicle equipped with cleaning supplies like paper towels, disinfectant, and air freshener to handle any accidents.
Managing drunk passengers safely will help you avoid potential problems and ensure a smooth Halloween shift.
Enjoy your Halloween driving, and may you avoid tricks and get many treats, especially tips! Be sure to bring Gridwise along for the ride to track your awesome earnings during this spooky holiday time!
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Whether you drive, deliver, or pick up shifts — Gridwise helps you track earnings, mileage, and performance so you stay in control of your work. Download the app and take charge today.
