The Best Times to Drive in London: A Guide for Uber Drivers

Driving in London can be a rewarding experience, especially if you know the best times and areas to maximize your earnings. While experience will help you get a feel for peak demand, starting with some insights from Uber can give you an edge. Here’s a breakdown of when and where to drive in London for the best results, based on Uber’s recommendations.

Best Days and Areas to Drive

Weekends: Your Best Bet for Higher Earnings

Driving Friday through Sunday tends to be more lucrative than weekdays, with Uber data showing that weekend earnings are around 44% higher than Monday-Thursday. If you’re looking to make the most of your time on the Uber app, prioritising weekend hours is a smart move.

That said, the best locations will vary depending on the day and time you’re driving. Below is a detailed guide on optimal areas to target throughout the week.

Monday to Thursday: Early Mornings Are Key

Best Areas to Drive (5 AM - 9 AM)

If you’re driving early in the morning, focus on areas where commuters and travellers are looking for rides:

• Clerkenwell

• Soho & The Strand

• Marylebone

• Paddington (especially the station)

• King’s Cross & Euston (especially the stations)

• Liverpool Street

• London Bridge Station

• Victoria Station

• West Fulham & Parsons Green

• City Road

Areas to Avoid

Some locations tend to be quieter or have lower demand in the mornings, including:

• City of London

• Blackfriars

• Moorgate

Best Time to Drive

Weekdays can be slower overall, but starting early can make a significant difference. Drivers who hit the road between 5 AM and 9 AM can earn 53% more than those who start later in the morning (9 AM - 1 PM). If you’re willing to wake up early, it can pay off.

Friday & Saturday: Late-Night Rides Pay Off

Best Areas to Drive (10 PM - 2 AM)

Friday and Saturday nights are some of the busiest times to drive in London. Here are the best areas to focus on:

• Soho & The Strand

• Barbican

• Liverpool Street

• Aldgate

• Dalston

• London Bridge

• Clapham Road & Battersea Rise, Clapham

• Brixton Road, Brixton

• Putney High Road, Putney

Best Time to Drive

With London buzzing with diners, pub-goers, and party lovers, driving between 10 PM and 2 AM can boost your earnings by up to 28% compared to the earlier evening shift (6 PM - 10 PM). If you’re comfortable driving at night, these hours are golden.

Sunday: A Mix of Morning and Night Demand

Best Areas to Drive

Sunday is unique in that both morning and late-night shifts can be profitable. The best areas to drive include:

• Waterloo

• Victoria Station

• Notting Hill Gate

• Earl’s Court

• Marylebone

• Paddington

• Soho

• Old Street

Best Times to Drive

• 9 AM - 1 PM: Many Londoners are out for brunch or heading to airports and train stations, and drivers can earn 25% more than in the afternoon.

• 9 PM - 1 AM: With travellers returning to the city from weekend getaways, demand spikes, allowing drivers to make 40% more than if they started at 1 AM.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned Uber driver or just getting started, knowing when and where to drive in London can make all the difference. By prioritising early mornings on weekdays, late nights on weekends, and key transport hubs on Sundays, you can maximise your earnings and make the most of your time on the Uber app.

Credit: Insights sourced from Uber.