Comparing Airport Runs vs City Trips for PCO Drivers in London
PCO drivers in London face a daily dilemma to choose between long airport runs and short city trips. Your choice affects your entire day’s earnings, so avoid guesswork and pick your rides based on facts.
Airport runs cover long distances, while city trips are relatively shorter.
So, which strategy wins?
There is no clear answer. It depends on the terms of your PCO car hire plan and earning goals. Both options have clear merits and trade-offs that you should know before making a decision. Let’s look at them.
Article Highlights
This article covers:
- The benefits of airport runs
- Cost considerations for airport runs
- Benefits of city trips
- Challenges of city work
- Making a decision
Kia eNiro
£200/week
Kia Niro 2
£255/week
Mercedes Benz EQE
£400/week
Mercedes E300 2025
£425/week
Mercedes-Benz E300e
£320/week
Toyota Prius
£200/week
The Appeal of Airport Runs
Airport runs can be financially rewarding due to the following factors:
Higher Average Fares
Airport journeys are usually long and offer higher fares. A trip to Heathrow from Central London can easily earn you around £60 to £90. This is equal to five or six city rides. It also provides a strong financial boost for your shift as you can earn a large chunk of your daily target from one trip.
Consistent Demand
Flights land and depart at all times to create a constant flow of customers. For instance, early mornings typically see international departures. Midday flights bring European travellers, while late nights welcome long-haul arrivals. Holiday seasons also create massive surges in driver demand for airport runs, with thousands of people leaving and arriving in London.
Corporate or Premium Bookings
Airports attract high-end clientele. Business travellers frequently use them for corporate tours, and they are less sensitive to price. These clients value comfort and professionalism over affordability. This opens the door to premium bookings through services like Uber Exec. If your vehicle qualifies for this category, these bookings can multiply your earnings.
Also Read: Affordable Parking Options You Should Know Around Heathrow
Cost Considerations for Airport Runs
Airport runs bring you higher fares, but there are also some costs to consider.
Fuel Costs
Long distances consume more fuel. These costs can add up quickly for petrol or diesel cars. Electric vehicles cost less to run, but they often induce range anxiety when doing multiple airport runs. Charging an EV takes time. If your vehicle runs out of charge during a shift, you may miss out on fares.
Mileage Caps
PCO hire contracts often have mileage limits. A typical cap can be between 800 and 1,000 miles per week. Airport runs consume this limit fast due to long distances, and exceeding the cap usually requires you to pay extra charges.
Drop-Off Fees
Dropping off passengers in express zones at airports requires you to pay a fee. In addition, the waiting period for return rides can be long at times. You could be earning elsewhere during that time. If you drive away with an empty vehicle, it adds to your dead miles. These fees and delays can affect your daily income.
Also Read: Heathrow Drop Off Charges: A Practical Guide For PCO Drivers
Need a PCO car for airport runs? Hire a reliable, 7-seater from Fleeto and complete your airport runs with peace of mind. We offer flexible hire terms at competitive rates with dedicated driver support. Handle airport demand with confidence. Choose Fleeto.
Benefits of City Trips
City work also has some unique advantages for PCO drivers, including:
Frequent Short Trips
Drivers operating inside the city can easily get back-to-back rides. The ride requests come quickly, and you can complete multiple trips within an hour. This steady stream of rides builds a reliable income base, as you are not dependent only on long trips to achieve your daily earning target.
Less Dead Mileage
When operating inside the city, you drop off a passenger, and your next pickup is often minutes away. You spend very little time waiting or driving empty. This maximises your paid driving time and reduces dead mileage.
Dead mileage costs you fuel and time. City work minimises this waste and keeps you efficient.
No Drop-Off Fees
City trips are simple. You pull up to the destination, the passenger gets out, and the job is done. You face no extra charges for dropping off passengers. This simplicity reduces stress and allows you to keep more of what you earn by eliminating unnecessary fees.
Also Read: Ultimate Beginner’s Guide: Uber Peak Hours in London
The Challenges of City Work
City driving also has its fair share of challenges, including:
High Competition
Thousands of other PCO drivers work the same streets. Black cabs also compete for passengers on London’s roads. During slow periods, the wait time between rides can increase significantly. It’s important to plan your shifts around busy spots and peak times to keep moving.
Traffic Delays
In some areas with high traffic, short trips can take twice as long. This may affect the number of trips you complete per day and also lower your earnings. Another downside of being stuck in traffic is that your fuel is still burning. This extra fuel, coupled with delays, can reduce your profits.
Small Fare Per Trip
Standard city fares are usually smaller than airport runs. A £10 trip is great if it takes ten minutes, but it is not worth it if it takes half an hour. Your income is also vulnerable to delays. A road closure, a protest, or bad weather can leave you short of your daily income target. You rely on completing many trips inside the city. Anything that slows you down affects your earnings directly.
Also Read: Want Bigger Fares? Here’s When to Drive Uber in London
Start Earning Today.
So, Which is More Profitable?
There is no best choice. The answer depends on your personal situation.
Consider your vehicle first. A standard car suits city work, while a 7-seater or premium vehicle suits airport runs. Check your PCO car hire contract as well. A weekly rental with a mileage cap favours city trips, while owning your car outright eliminates this limit.
The best drivers do not commit to one type. They mix both types of work to make their driving hours more profitable. Try different things and see what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a private hire licence for airport runs?
Airport runs are considered the same as any other private hire job. You must hold a valid PCO driver licence and use a licensed private hire vehicle.
Is Uber reliable for airport runs?
Yes. Airport work is generally reliable because flights arrive and depart throughout the day, creating a steady flow of passengers. Early mornings, midday, and late nights all bring consistent demand. During holiday seasons, demand can surge even more. Uber drivers get a lot of high-fare rides around airports for these reasons.
What type of car is best for airport runs?
For airport jobs, a 7-seater or a premium-category vehicle works best. These vehicles qualify for higher-value bookings, including corporate and business travellers who prefer comfort and are less price-sensitive. They also allow you to access categories like Uber Exec, which can boost your earnings from airport runs.
What type of car is best for city driving?
A standard saloon or SUV is generally ideal for city work. City trips involve frequent short rides, quick pickups, and high traffic. Standard vehicles are cheaper to run, easier to manoeuvre, and better suited to urban driving.
Is it worth becoming a private hire driver in London?
Yes. Both airport runs and city trips can be profitable for PCO drivers. Airport runs offer higher fares, while city trips provide consistent rides. The most successful drivers in London combine both types of work to earn more.
Suggested Blogs
To get more information like this
Subscribe to our newsletter
Find the Perfect PCO Car for Your Routine with Fleeto!
We have suitable cars for both city trips and airport runs. Explore your options and choose a car that meets your needs. Our driver-friendly terms and 24/7 support will keep you confident on the road.
