Do you want to increase your earnings in 2025? There are plenty of side hustles to explore, especially for taxi drivers. Many taxi drivers boost their income by leveraging their driving skills through rideshare apps, food delivery, grocery and package delivery, or pet transport services. The transportation industry remains strong, offering flexible opportunities to earn extra cash on your own schedule. One popular option for passive income for taxi drivers is renting out their cars, which can generate steady monthly earnings. Others find success by joining advertising programs on their vehicles. Check out the table below to discover the best side hustles:
Side Hustle | Average Pay Rate | Pros |
|---|---|---|
Rideshare Driving | High demand, tips | |
Food Delivery | $10–$25/hour | Easy entry, flexible |
Grocery & Package Delivery | $15–$30/hour | Scheduled routes, tips |
Pet Transport | $200–$600 per long trip | Unique, fulfilling |
Car Rental | $500–$1,500/month | Passive income for taxi drivers |
Key Takeaways
Taxi drivers can make more money with side hustles like rideshare driving, food delivery, grocery or package delivery, pet transport, and car rental. Side hustles let drivers pick their own hours. Drivers can work when they want. This helps them balance work and life. They can also earn extra money. Using more than one app helps drivers get more jobs. This means they do not have to wait for work. They can make more money. Drivers should keep track of their expenses. Having the right commercial insurance keeps drivers safe. It also helps save money during tax time. Renting out your car can give you steady passive income. Putting ads on your car can also make money without extra driving.
Why Side Hustles Matter
Income Challenges
Driving a taxi in 2025 can be hard for money. Many drivers pay a lot each month. Here are some big problems drivers face:
Car repairs, gas, and insurance cost a lot. These things can take away your earnings.
You might have to buy new tech, like apps or GPS. This helps you keep up with ride-hailing companies.
Getting licenses or permits costs time and money. Taxi drivers often have more rules than rideshare drivers.
Big ride-hailing companies make it tough to get steady work. It can be hard to earn good pay.
Some drivers worry about losing jobs to self-driving cars.
The average taxi driver makes $39,969 a year in 2025. The hourly pay is about $19. Some drivers make less, and some make more. It depends on where you work and your experience.
Metric | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
Average Annual Salary | $39,969 |
Hourly Rate | $19 |
10th Percentile | $27,036 |
25th Percentile | $33,199 |
75th Percentile | $48,782 |
90th Percentile | $56,805 |
Flexibility Benefits
Side hustles help you deal with these problems. They give you more control over your time and money. Many drivers like having flexible ways to earn. You can pick when to work. You can log on and off apps like Uber or DoorDash. You can also work at busy times, like rush hour or airport trips.
Many drivers say they like side hustles because of the freedom. You can work around family, school, or another job. This makes it easier to balance life and work. It can also make the job less stressful and more fun.
Taxi companies now let drivers choose their own shifts. This makes the job better for many people. With side hustles, you decide how much you work. This can help you enjoy your job more and maybe earn more money.
Best Driving Side Hustles
Are you searching for good driving side hustles in 2025? There are more choices now than before. These jobs let you use your car and driving skills to make extra money. Many taxi drivers pick these jobs because they fit their schedule. They also help you reach your money goals. Let’s look at the top options and see why they work.
Rideshare Driving
Rideshare driving is one of the best side hustles. You can join apps like Uber or Lyft and start driving people. In 2025, new rules in some cities help drivers. For example, New York now gives drivers a 5% pay raise for busy rideshare services. You also get more control over your hours. Companies must tell you 72 hours before they limit your app use. You can stay logged in for up to 16 hours each shift. These rules help you plan your day and avoid sudden lockouts.
If you already drive a taxi, you do not need special steps to join. But you must follow the new pay and app rules. Rideshare is a smart way to earn more and keep your schedule flexible. Many drivers use rideshare as a main way to make money.
Tip: Work during busy times like weekends or after big events. You can earn more from surge pricing and tips.
Food Delivery
Food delivery is another great driving side hustle. You can use apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. These apps let you deliver food to people in your city. The pay can be good, especially during lunch or dinner rush.
Here’s a quick look at what you can earn with food delivery apps:
Delivery Platform | Typical Income Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Uber (Uber Eats) | High-income cities, includes rideshare and food delivery | |
DoorDash | $15 – $30 per hour | Best during rush hours, flexible scheduling |
Grubhub | Starts at $5 per delivery + tips | Pay varies by city, lower base pay |
Pick the app that fits your style. If you want lots of orders and bonuses, DoorDash and Uber Eats are good in cities. If you want bigger tips, try Grubhub or Caviar. Some drivers use more than one app at once to get more orders and less waiting. This is called multi-apping. It helps you earn more.
Driver Situation / Preference | Recommended Platforms | Reasoning / Benefits |
|---|---|---|
Urban taxi drivers | DoorDash, Uber Eats | High order volume, flexibility, bonus opportunities, and frequent delivery requests in cities. |
Drivers seeking highest pay/hour | Amazon Flex, Curry | Block scheduling, predictable income, and higher pay rates especially during peak times. |
Drivers wanting to maximize tips | Caviar, Grubhub | Affluent or loyal customer bases leading to higher average tips. |
Drivers preferring minimal interaction | Amazon Flex, Roadie | Less customer contact and more predictable delivery blocks. |
New drivers or those wanting easy entry | Uber Eats, Instacart | Simple onboarding, forgiving algorithms, and flexible scheduling. |
Note: Using more than one food delivery app helps you find more orders and earn more money.
Grocery & Package Delivery
Grocery and package delivery are also top driving side hustles. You can use apps like Instacart or Shipt to shop and deliver groceries. For packages, Amazon Flex and Roadie are popular. These jobs pay well and let you pick your own hours.
Side Hustle Type | Average Hourly Earnings | Potential Earnings for 20 Hours | Notable Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
Grocery/Food Delivery | Approximately $375 | UberEats, DoorDash, Instacart | |
Package Delivery | $18.52 per hour | Approximately $370.40 | Amazon Flex, Roadie |
Amazon Flex pays $18 to $25 per hour before expenses. Roadie drivers earn $15 to $20 per hour. You can choose scheduled blocks or take orders as they come. Grocery apps let you work when you want and cash out fast.
Here are some popular grocery and package delivery apps in 2025:
DoorDash: High demand for food and groceries, flexible hours.
Instacart: Good for grocery-only deliveries, weekly pay.
Amazon Flex: Best for package delivery, scheduled blocks.
Shipt: Delivers for big stores like Target, flexible pay.
Uber Eats: Offers both food and grocery delivery, surge pricing.
Pro tip: Try using grocery apps and package delivery gigs together. This helps you stay busy and earn all day.
Car Transport
Car transport means airport rides, long trips, and special drives. Many drivers like this side hustle because these trips pay more. You can get bigger tips if you help with luggage or offer extras.
Occupation/Industry | Median Annual Wage (USD) |
|---|---|
Taxi drivers | |
Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs | $36,670 |
Taxi and limousine service (taxi drivers) | $36,440 |
Local government (shuttle drivers) | $39,390 |
Other transit and ground passenger transport | $37,020 |
You can earn more by doing airport runs and long trips. Many drivers offer extras like car seats or help with bags for better tips. You need the right insurance. Regular car insurance does not cover business use. You must have commercial auto insurance to protect yourself and your passengers. This covers liability, collision, and medical payments. Always check your policy and follow local rules.
Safety tip: Keep your car clean and in good shape. Good service gets you better ratings and more repeat customers.
These driving side hustles let you use your car in new ways. You can try rideshare, food delivery, grocery apps, or car transport. Each one gives you more control over your time and money. If you want to start earning more, these side hustles are a great place to start.
Rideshare Driving Apps
Top Apps 2025
You have many choices when it comes to rideshare driving apps in 2025. Some apps stand out because they offer great features and help you earn more. Here are the most popular options for taxi drivers:
Uber stays the top pick worldwide. You get lots of ride options and advanced features.
Lyft is strong in North America. It has a simple interface and focuses on safety.
Bolt leads in Europe. It offers low-cost rides and meets local needs.
DiDi is huge in Asia. It serves millions of users and keeps prices competitive.
Local apps also compete well. They give you special deals and services for your area.
When you look for the best driving apps, check their features. The table below shows what makes these apps useful for drivers like you:
Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
User-friendly Interface | Easy to use and helps you work faster. |
Real-time GPS Tracking | Lets passengers see your location and arrival time. |
Multiple Payment Options | Accepts cards, mobile wallets, and cash for more convenience. |
Ride Scheduling | Allows riders to book trips ahead of time. |
Driver & Vehicle Details | Shows your name, photo, and car info to build trust. |
Wait Time Charges | Adds fees if riders make you wait, so you get paid fairly. |
Ride Booking History | Lets you see past trips and payments. |
Rider & Driver Registration | Quick sign-up and verification for safety. |
Geo-Location | Finds rider locations easily for smooth pickups. |
Tips for Success
You want to make the most money with rideshare driving apps. Try these proven strategies:
Avoid driving around without a plan. This saves gas and keeps your car in good shape.
Learn shortcuts and local routes. You can skip traffic and finish rides faster.
Know where public bathrooms are. This helps you and your passengers.
Use referral bonuses. Invite new drivers and earn extra cash.
Join driver groups online. You can share tips and get support.
Keep your car stocked with water, snacks, and chargers. Passengers love these extras.
Play music that fits the mood. Happy riders tip more.
Help with luggage and offer friendly service. This boosts your ratings.
Clean your car often. A fresh ride gets better reviews.
Use phone mounts and dashcams for safety.
Get rideshare insurance. It covers gaps that regular insurance misses.
Track your expenses. You can save money at tax time.
Tip: Avoid common mistakes like distracted driving, speeding, and poor car maintenance. Take breaks to prevent fatigue and always follow safety rules.
You can earn more and enjoy your job by using these tips with the right rideshare driving apps.
Make Money with Your Car
Do you want to earn more with your car? There are good ways to do this besides driving people. Many taxi drivers in 2025 use their cars for extra money. Here are three smart ideas to help you make cash with your car.
Car Rental
You can rent your car when you are not using it. This is easy and helps you earn money on slow days. Many websites let taxi drivers rent their cars to other drivers or people who need a car for a short time. Some companies give rideshare insurance and fix your car, so you do not pay extra.
Here are some trusted car rental websites for taxi drivers in 2025:
Platform | Key Features | Target Users | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Uber & Lyft Rental Programs | Flexible rentals, insurance, maintenance | Taxi and rideshare drivers | Works with ride-sharing apps, electric cars |
HyreCar, Getaround, Hertz, Avis | Rent-to-own, rideshare insurance, flexible rentals | Taxi and rideshare drivers | Some have electric cars, focus on certain areas |
Sally, UCars, DriveItAway | Flexible rentals, maintenance, insurance | Taxi and rideshare drivers | City-only, electric car choices |
Bolt, Ola, Didi Chuxing, Curb | Low-cost, many countries, safety features | Drivers in different places | Local services, good prices |
Pick the website that works best for you. Renting your car can give you steady money every month.
Vehicle Advertising
You can also make money by putting ads on your car. Companies pay you to wrap your car with their ads. You just drive like normal and get paid for showing their brand. If you drive more, you can earn more.
Here is what you might earn each month with top ad programs:
Company | Average Monthly Income Range (USD) | Notes on Variation |
|---|---|---|
Wrapify | $181 – $452 | Depends on campaign and wrap level |
Carvertise | $100 base, up to $500 | Base pay plus extra driving opportunities |
Mobilads | $200 – $1,875 (avg. $300) | Varies by location and campaign |
Nickelytics | $175 – $250, up to $500 | Depends on campaign |
You can try more than one company to find the best pay. This is a fun way to earn money while you drive.
Pet Transport
Pet transport is getting popular. Many people need help moving pets to the vet, groomer, or airport. You can earn money by giving safe rides to pets. Before you start, you must follow some important rules:
Learn the laws about moving animals in your area.
Make animal care rules and follow them.
Get insurance for pet transport.
Use safe carriers or harnesses for pets.
Keep pet shot records and health papers if needed.
Register your business and get permits.
Follow Animal Welfare Act rules for safe travel.
Tip: Always keep your car clean and cozy for pets. Happy pets make owners happy and bring you more jobs.
If you love animals, this is a great way to earn money and help people in your town.
Passive Income for Taxi Drivers
Looking for ways to earn money while you sleep? You can build passive income for taxi drivers with a few smart moves. This means you make money without working all the time. Many drivers want to find passive income for taxi drivers because it helps cover bills and gives peace of mind.
Affiliate Marketing
You can try affiliate marketing if you want to earn extra cash online. This works well for taxi drivers who like to share tips or talk to people. You sign up for programs that pay you when someone buys a product through your link. For example, you can recommend car gadgets, apps, or even snacks for drivers. You can post your links on social media, in driver groups, or even on a simple website.
Here’s how you can start:
Pick products or services you use and trust.
Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
Share your links with friends, family, or other drivers.
Earn a small commission each time someone buys through your link.
Tip: You do not need a big following to start. Even a few sales each month can add up and help you build passive income for taxi drivers.
Small Investments
You can also grow passive income for taxi drivers by making small investments. You do not need a lot of money to start. Many drivers use peer-to-peer car rental platforms like Turo. When you rent out your car on days you are not driving, you can earn about $545 per month. This is one of the most popular ways to build passive income for taxi drivers in 2025.
Other ideas include:
Buying dividend stocks that pay you every few months.
Investing in real estate rentals if you have extra savings.
Earning royalties from a small business or creative work.
Try to freelance your skills online for extra cash, then invest those earnings.
Passive Income Idea | Average Monthly Earnings | How Easy to Start? |
|---|---|---|
Car rental (Turo) | $545 | Very easy |
Dividend stocks | $20–$100 | Easy |
Real estate rentals | $200–$1,000+ | Harder |
Affiliate marketing | $10–$200 | Easy |
Note: Passive income for taxi drivers does not mean zero work. You may need to set things up first, but after that, you can earn money with little effort.
Maximizing Driving Side Hustles
Stacking Apps
You want to make the most out of your driving side hustles, right? Stacking apps is a smart way to boost your earnings. When you use more than one app, you can pick the best jobs and avoid sitting around waiting. Here’s how you can stack apps for extra cash:
Switch between apps like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash to stay busy. If one app slows down, you can jump to another.
Choose jobs that pay more or offer better tips. You get to pick what works best for you.
Keep your phone handy and check for new requests often. This helps you grab more driving side hustles in less time.
Try not to depend on just one app. If one app has fewer jobs, you still have others to keep you earning.
🚗 Tip: Stacking apps can get stressful if you try to do too much at once. Make sure you follow each app’s rules so you don’t risk getting kicked off.
Peak Hours
You can earn more from driving side hustles if you work during peak hours. These are the times when lots of people need rides or deliveries. Most drivers see the best pay during rush hours and weekends. If you plan your schedule around these busy times, you can bring in extra cash without working longer hours.
Think about when people go to work, come home, or go out for fun. That’s when demand goes up. You can use this pattern for all your driving side hustles, not just rideshare. Working smart beats working hard!
Expense Tracking
Keeping track of your expenses is key if you want to keep more of your extra cash. Good records help you save money at tax time. Shoeboxed is a top app for drivers. It lets you scan receipts, track mileage, and sort your spending into tax categories. You can even mail your paper receipts, and they’ll scan them for you. Shoeboxed works with QuickBooks and Xero, so you can manage everything in one place.
If you want a free option, Stride tracks your miles and some expenses. It’s easy to use, but it doesn’t do as much as Shoeboxed. Both apps help you see where your money goes, so you can make smarter choices with your driving side hustles.
📱 Note: The right expense tracker can help you find more tax deductions and keep your business running smoothly.
Choosing the right side hustle starts with knowing your strengths and what fits your daily routine. Think about your driving skills, your free hours, and how much extra money you want to make. Try one or two side hustles to see what works best for you.
Stay flexible
Keep learning new ways to earn
Mix different gigs for steady income
Ready to boost your earnings? Start your favorite side hustle today and take control of your future!
FAQ
What side hustle pays the most for taxi drivers?
You can earn the most with car rental or long-distance pet transport. Some drivers make up to $1,500 a month renting their car. Pet transport for special trips can pay $200 or more per ride.
Can I do more than one side hustle at the same time?
Yes! Many drivers stack apps like Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart. You can switch between them to stay busy and boost your earnings. Just make sure you follow each app’s rules.
Do I need special insurance for these side hustles?
You need commercial auto insurance for rideshare, delivery, or car transport. Regular car insurance does not cover business use. Always check your policy before you start a new side hustle.
How do I keep track of my side hustle earnings and expenses?
Try using an app like Shoeboxed or Stride. These apps help you track miles, scan receipts, and organize your spending. Good records make tax time easier and help you see your real profits.
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