Tip: Drivers who work nights and weekends, take advantage of peak pricing, and maintain high ratings consistently earn more than the average.
The Best Cities to Drive in for High Earnings
Some cities offer higher pay due to demand, cost of living, and government regulations.
Best Cities for Ride-Hailing Drivers:
✅ Toronto – High demand, surge pricing opportunities, and airport trips
✅ Vancouver – Fewer drivers due to licensing restrictions, leading to higher fares
✅ Calgary – Steady demand, especially during winter and peak hours
✅ Montreal – Popular for late-night rides, but lower fares compared to other cities
✅ Ottawa – High tourist and government employee demand
If you want to earn big, target cities with strong demand and higher surge pricing.
10 Ways to Maximize Your Earnings as a Taxi or Ride-Hailing Driver
1. Drive During Peak Hours & Surge Pricing
Rush hours (7 AM – 9 AM, 4 PM – 7 PM)
Late nights on weekends (10 PM – 3 AM, Friday & Saturday)
Special events & concerts
Why?
Fares increase during high-demand periods, meaning you make more per ride.
2. Optimize Your Routes to Avoid Empty Rides
Don’t waste time driving around aimlessly! Use ride-hailing heat maps to locate high-demand areas and position yourself accordingly.
Top pickup locations:
✔ Airports
✔ Train stations
✔ Shopping malls
✔ Business districts
✔ Tourist attractions
3. Take Advantage of Airport Rides
Airport rides pay more than regular city trips. Sign up for the airport queue system in your city to secure long-distance fares.
Tip: Some drivers wait in airport queues for long-haul rides to maximize earnings.
4. Keep Your Ratings High for More Tips & Bonuses
Customers are more likely to tip and rate highly if you:
✔ Keep your car clean and odor-free
✔ Offer bottled water or phone chargers
✔ Provide great conversation (or a quiet ride if they prefer)
✔ Play light music that suits different moods
Why it matters?
Uber & Lyft prioritize high-rated drivers, giving them better ride assignments and incentives.
5. Drive for Multiple Platforms (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, etc.)
Instead of waiting for passengers, switch between ride-hailing and delivery apps to maximize your working hours.
✅ Use Uber & Lyft for high-demand hours
✅ Use DoorDash or Instacart during slow ride-hailing periods
Tip: This strategy helps increase earnings per hour and reduces downtime.
6. Use a Fuel-Efficient Car to Cut Costs
Your biggest expense as a driver is fuel. Driving a fuel-efficient or hybrid car can save thousands per year.
Best Cars for Ride-Hailing & Taxi Services in Canada:
✔ Toyota Prius – 4.5L/100km
✔ Hyundai Elantra – 6.4L/100km
✔ Honda Civic – 6.9L/100km
✔ Toyota Corolla Hybrid – 4.5L/100km
Why? Lower fuel consumption = more profits in your pocket.
7. Use Credit Cards with Cashback on Gas & Car Expenses
Get a credit card that offers cashback on gas and vehicle maintenance.
Best Gas Credit Cards for Canadian Drivers (2025):
✅ Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite – 4% cashback on gas
✅ CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite – 4% cashback on gas
✅ RBC Cash Back Mastercard – 2% cashback on fuel
Tip: Paying for gas and car maintenance with cashback credit cards = extra savings.
8. Offer Premium Services (Uber Black, XL, or Chauffeur Services)
If you have a luxury vehicle (BMW, Tesla, Mercedes, etc.), sign up for Uber Black or premium ride services.
Earnings Potential for Uber Black in Canada:
✔ $50 – $100 per hour
✔ High-paying clients (business executives, tourists, VIPs)
Why it’s worth it?
Premium services charge 2x – 3x higher fares than regular rides.
9. Invest in Dashcams & Insurance for Protection
As a full-time driver, you need to protect yourself from false claims and accidents.
Must-have items:
✔ Dashcam to record incidents
✔ Rideshare insurance for coverage
✔ Roadside assistance membership
Tip: A dashcam protects you from legal disputes and helps ensure fair insurance claims.
10. Create Passive Income While Driving (Side Hustles)
Want to increase your income without working extra hours? Try these:
Best Side Hustles for Taxi & Ride-Hailing Drivers
✅ Car advertising – Earn $100 – $400/month by wrapping your car with ads (Check Wrapify & Carvertise)
✅ Affiliate marketing – Promote ride-hailing referral codes
✅ YouTube or TikTok – Share driver experiences & monetize views
Why? You can earn extra money while still driving full-time.
Final Thoughts: Is Driving a Good Way to Make Money in Canada?
✅ Yes, if you work smart! By using the right strategies, driving for Uber, Lyft, or taxi companies can provide a stable income with high earning potential.
Best tips to earn big:
✔ Work during peak hours & maximize surge pricing
✔ Target airport & long-distance rides
✔ Cut fuel & maintenance costs
✔ Use multiple platforms for extra income
Start your journey today, apply for a ride-hailing or taxi license, and turn driving into a profitable business in Canada!
