Want Bigger Fares? Here’s When to Drive Uber in London
London is a fast-paced city where many daily commuters, tourists, shoppers, and airport travellers use Uber to get around. If you’re an Uber driver in London, knowing when and where to drive is everything. Working hard doesn’t always mean earning more, but working smart does.
This usually comes with experience, but we’ve gathered a list of key time slots and areas across London that can help you reach your earning goals faster.
Article Highlights
Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:
- Why time matters for PCO drivers
- Best times to drive for Uber in London during workdays
- Weekend demand patterns
- Best times by area
- Tips to maximise your Uber income
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Why Timing Matters
Uber drivers don’t have a fixed salary. Your daily earnings are directly linked to the number of trips you complete. Working in high-demand areas during peak hours can increase your daily number of rides. This not only boosts your income but also helps you reach the weekly trips target faster, which counts towards bonuses and incentives such as Uber’s EV Assistance Programme.
Best Times to Drive for Uber in London
Monday to Friday
Morning Rush: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Why it’s busy: Commuters heading to work and school drop-offs.
- Hot zones: Central London, City of London, Canary Wharf, major train stations (King’s Cross, Paddington, Liverpool Street).
- Tip: Start with the residential zones, then head into Central London as the morning progresses.
Evening Rush: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Why it’s busy: Work finishes, after-school pickups, and early evening events.
- Hot zones: West End, Hammersmith, Shoreditch, and Heathrow.
- Tip: Be near offices and business hubs from 4 PM, then move towards entertainment zones.
Lunchtime (Temporary Boost): 12 PM - 2 PM
During this time, most ride requests come from office workers and those going on short trips. While not as busy as peak hours, it’s a good time to earn extra with lighter traffic.
Night Rush
Weekday Nights: 8 PM – 12 AM
- Who rides: Restaurant-goers, night-shift workers, tourists, theatre crowds.
- Best areas: Soho, Covent Garden, Camden, Stratford, Clapham, Shoreditch.
- Tip: Be aware of when shows typically end (around 10:00-10:30 PM) to catch post-event surges. These rides can bring you higher fares and help you offset your weekly PCO car hire costs quickly.
Friday – Saturday: 12 AM – 3 AM
- Busy with nightlife: Clubs, bars, late-night takeaways.
- Surge pricing is common, especially after midnight.
- Prime zones: Soho, Old Street, Mayfair, Dalston, Peckham.
Weekend Patterns (Saturday & Sunday)
Saturday Morning: 8 AM – 11 AM
- Why? Airport runs, weekend errands, and family trips.
- Great for longer-distance rides with less traffic. These rides can bring you higher fares and help you offset your weekly PCO car hire costs quickly.
Saturday Afternoon to Evening: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Why? Huge demand from shopping districts, restaurants, and tourists.
- Where? The demand can spike around concert halls and football stadiums.
Saturday Late Night: 11 PM – 3 AM
- This is one of the most profitable shifts of the week because of partygoers and groups heading home.
Sunday Morning: 8 AM – 11 AM
- Why? Steady flow of airport trips, churchgoers, and brunch reservations.
- Fewer drivers online means more trip opportunities for those on the road.
Sunday Evening: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Why? End-of-weekend travel back into London.
- A light surge is likely as many drivers log off earlier in the evening.
The best drivers plan ahead. They know when the roads are busy, where the demand will be, and how to get the most out of each hour.
At Fleeto, we give our drivers that extra edge. With years of experience in the industry, we help drivers understand London’s busiest times, plan smarter shifts, and take advantage of earning opportunities, from airport runs in the morning to weekend nightlife demand. It’s all part of the support we offer to help you earn more with confidence.
Best Times by Area
| Area | Best Times | Why |
| Central London | 6 AM – 9 AM, 4 PM – 8 PM | Office workers, tourists, nightlife |
| Canary Wharf | 7 AM – 10 AM, 4 PM – 7 PM | Financial workers, corporate offices |
| Heathrow Airport | 5 AM – 10 AM, 4 PM – 9 PM | Flight arrivals and departures |
| Stratford | 10 AM – 10 PM (weekends especially) | Events and shopping crowds |
| Shoreditch & Soho | 6 PM – 2 AM | Dining, bars, and nightclubs |
| Wembley/O2 Area | Event days: 2 hours before/after | Concerts, sports, and major exhibitions |
Tips to Maximise Your Uber Income
- Use Uber’s heatmaps to track high-demand zones and surge pricing.
- Operate during both morning and evening shifts for maximum earnings.
- Plan your shifts around football matches, major events, and tube disruptions, as these moments typically drive up demand.
- Use airport queue tools to avoid long waits at Heathrow or Gatwick.
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Conclusion
London is full of opportunities, and with the right support, you can make the most of every shift. Many drivers work long hours but still struggle to hit their income targets, often because they aren’t driving at the right times or in the right places. By planning your shifts around high-demand times, you can increase your earnings while keeping costs under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is being an Uber driver worth it?
Uber drivers, on average, earn about £25 an hour. That’s over £1,100 if you drive 45 hours per week. The national minimum wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour in the UK in 2025. Considering this, being an Uber driver can help you earn a decent income.
How competitive is Uber in London?
Uber is very competitive, with over 45,000 drivers registered on the platform. Keeping your vehicle clean and well-maintained, staying professional, and handling issues calmly is key to standing out.
At what time do Uber fares increase?
Uber fares normally peak during rush hour (morning and evening). During this time, the demand for drivers grows, so Uber increases fares to encourage more drivers to pick up and drop off passengers.
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