How to Get More Uber Rides dan Uber Eats Orders (2025 Driver Guide)

Hey there, fellow Uber driver!

Ever caught yourself staring at your screen, waiting for something—*anything*—to happen, but it’s like your app just fell asleep on you?

Whether you’re driving full-time and hustling every day, or just picking up shifts to earn a little extra cash, that order drought? Yeah, it can seriously mess with your head.

Some days, orders come in like a waterfall. Other days? Your phone's just sitting there, dead silent like it’s on vacation.

And then the thoughts start creeping in:

• “Did I do something wrong?”
• “Is my area overloaded with drivers now?”
• “I’ve been online forever—where are the orders?!”

Relax—you’re definitely not the only one going through this.

Especially now in 2025, the competition’s tougher than ever. New drivers are signing up non-stop, while rider demand goes up and down depending on the time, the day, and even the weather. So if you want to keep your account buzzing with orders, just “being online” isn’t gonna cut it anymore. You need a game plan.

That’s exactly what this article’s here for.

I’ll show you some down-to-earth tips that’ll actually help you get more rides and food deliveries—no gimmicks, just stuff that works. We’ll talk timing tricks, hotspot zones, how to manage your ratings, and even app features you might’ve never touched before.

If you’re tired of just waiting around and staring at a quiet screen—it’s time to flip the script. Let’s get your account back to being nonstop busy.

Ready? Let’s roll. 

1. You ever sit there wondering if your app forgot you even exist?

So you’ve been logged in for hours... and nada. Nothing’s coming through, and you’re just stuck wondering what’s up with the app.

What gives?

Let’s be honest—if the app’s ignoring you, there’s probably a reason hiding in the background. And that can be for a bunch of reasons—some are fixable, some are just part of the game. Let’s break it down:

You’re logged in and waiting, but maybe your timing’s just completely off

Being online is one thing—being online when people actually need a ride or food is another.

Some dead zones to avoid:

• Midday on weekdays (everyone’s working or stuck in class)
• Crazy early mornings or super late nights (unless it’s party weekend)
• Rainy days might mean more orders—or they might mean restaurants just close up and go dark

Quick tip: Get in tune with your city. Watch your heatmap, track the daily rhythm. Timing’s everything out here.

You’re in a Ghost Zone

Yeah, your area might feel busy—lots of cars, people, noise—but Uber doesn’t care about vibes. It cares about data. If you’re not near active demand, the app won’t toss you orders.

Better zones = better odds:

• Rides: Think airports, big hotels, stadiums, universities, downtown hotspots
• Eats: Malls, drive-thru clusters, food plazas, fast food alley

Move with intention. Hanging out where nothing’s popping? It’s like waiting for a catch in waters where not a single fish is hanging out

You’re Logging On—But Your Timing’s Off

You might be grinding for hours and still walk away with crumbs—while someone else scores big in half the time. How come? Because they hit the prime time.

Hot hours to know:

• Rides: 6:30–9:00 AM & 4:30–7:00 PM on weekdays, plus Friday–Saturday nights
• Eats: usually picks up between 11 AM and 1 PM, right when people are out hunting for lunch & 5:00–8:00 PM (dinner), weekends especially

Don’t just “log in when you feel like it.” Build a schedule that lines up with peak demand.

Your Metrics Are Dragging You Down

Uber’s got a memory, and it holds grudges. If your stars drop or you’re constantly skipping or canceling orders, don’t be surprised if you slide way down on Uber’s radar

Low performance can mean:

• Fewer (or slower) trip requests
• Less desirable orders (long pickups, tiny payouts)
• Missed promos and challenges

Stay sharp:

• Keep your star rating high
• Take as many requests as you comfortably can without burning yourself out
• Only cancel when it’s really necessary

Too Many Drivers, Not Enough Orders

Sometimes the problem isn’t you—it’s the crowd. If you’re parked in a spot already swarmed by other drivers. Yeah, don’t be surprised if your app’s dead quiet. Oversaturation is real.

Try this instead:

Shift to a slightly less crowded area with decent demand. A small move—just a few blocks—can land you somewhere way more active. You don’t always have to chase the big names—sometimes the side streets feed better.

If your account feels like it’s on life support, don’t panic. It’s probably not broken. You might just need to tweak your timing, location, or habits. 

The good news? You’re 100% in control of that—and in the next part, we’ll talk about how to bounce back and get those orders flowing again.

2. Own Your Uber Driver Profile Like a Pro

Truth is, Uber’s not just watching your clock-in time — they’re sizing up how well you actually do the job. You can grind from sunrise to sundown, but if your profile’s not pulling weight, Uber’s just gonna treat you like background noise. That’s exactly why you’ve gotta stay sharp and lock in on these two things that really move the needle.

Boost Your Rating

Your star rating is a big deal. It's how riders tell Uber whether you’re crushing it or just coasting. The closer you are to that perfect 5.0, the more likely Uber’s system will toss you better — and more — ride requests.

Here’s how to keep those stars shining:

• Be polite and chill — say hi, ask if they’ve got a preferred route, and don’t just sit there silently
• Make the ride comfy — clean car, smooth music, easy vibes. Nobody wants to feel like they're in a bounce house
• Avoid hot topics — no politics, religion, or anything too personal. Keep it neutral, keep it cool
• If things go sideways (like traffic delays), stay calm and let the rider know what’s up through a quick call or message.

Quick note: Your rating is based on your last 500 trips. So don’t stress over one or two bad reviews. Just focus on staying consistent and giving your best every day.

Watch Your Acceptance & Cancellation Rates

These stats give Uber a pretty clear picture of whether you’re really showing up to hustle — or just cruising.

• Acceptance rate tells Uber how often you actually step up when a ride hits your screen — no ghosting, just action
• Cancellation rate = how often you back out after already accepting a ride.

If these numbers aren’t looking too hot, Uber’s system might think you’re not serious — and that means:

• Fewer ride requests
• You might miss out on bonuses, quests, or promos
• Worst case? Temporary suspension

Here’s how to keep your numbers healthy:

• The more often you accept, the clearer it is to Uber that you’re not just clocked in — you’re actually in the game. If you’re not in the mood to drive, better to go offline than decline
• Don’t cancel unless you absolutely have to — like if the pickup spot is sketchy or the rider’s totally unresponsive
• If the trip looks kinda sus, think it through. Sometimes it's better to roll with it than cancel and take the penalty
• Use the destination filter when you're heading home so you don’t get pulled too far out of your way.

If you want the trips to keep coming, being online isn’t enough — you’ve gotta show you’re locked in and ready to move.

3. Best Times to Score More Rides and Orders

Timing’s everything, right? Just like lunch hour at a busy diner, your Uber app can blow up—if you’re online at the right time. In this part, let’s break it down into two parts: one for ride requests, the other for Uber Eats.

Best Hours for Uber Rides

If ride requests are your main hustle, these are the hours when your phone’s most likely to light up like crazy.

• Weekday Mornings (around 6:00 AM–9:00 AM)

Everyone’s hustling to work, school, or the train station. That’s when you catch the morning crowd scrambling to beat traffic and clock in on time.

• Weekday Evenings (around 4:00 PM–7:00 PM)

Rush hour = ride hour. People are wrapping up work and just want to get home fast.

• Weekend Nights (around 8:00 PM–2:00 AM)

This is your golden window. Folks are headed out to bars, restaurants, concerts—or calling it a night and heading home after the party.

• Special Events & Big Concerts

Got wind of a big concert, game, or city event? That’s your signal to head over early and be ready before the crowd pours out. Try getting there a little earlier, so you’re in the right spot before the crowd even thinks about leaving. You might end up getting back-to-back requests without even catching your breath.

Best Hours for Uber Eats

If you’re more into delivering bites than giving rides, here’s when the orders usually pour in:

• Lunchtime (around 11:00 AM–2:00 PM)

Offices, students, families—everyone’s hungry and tapping that order button.

• Dinner Rush (around 5:30 PM–8:30 PM)

Especially on Fridays to Sundays, it’s go-time. Orders can stack up quickly.

• Holidays or Rainy Days

Bad weather or lazy holidays = people don’t wanna leave the couch. That’s when the orders start flying in, and you can ride the wave while everyone else stays home

• Big Sports Events or Major TV Nights

Game nights? Prime delivery time. People are glued to the screen and want their food delivered, no questions asked.

Quick Tip:

Try setting up a regular schedule based on these peak hours. Review your results weekly to see what’s working.

Also — pair this with Uber’s heatmap feature to really zero in on hot zones.

4. Location Is Everything — Seriously

Wanna know one of the biggest secrets to getting non-stop orders? It's where you’re hanging out while you’re online. You could be grinding all day, but if you’re chillin’ in a dead zone, don’t expect your phone to light up.

Alright, let’s talk real spots — the kind of places that actually keep your app buzzing. Doesn’t matter if you’re hunting riders or dropping off takeout — being in the right place at the right time is what separates a dry shift from a money-making one.

Best Spots for Uber Rides

When you’re doing passenger pick-ups, where you hang out isn’t just some small detail — it straight up decides whether you’re rolling or just wasting gas. Let’s zero in on the places that actually move — spots where sitting still doesn’t mean staying broke.

• Airports? Oh yeah — they’re a goldmine, especially when flights start dropping in. It's like a wave of riders just waiting to hop in. But heads up — most airports have a queue system or driver waiting lot, so learn how it works at your local airport
• Downtown / City Center – Tons of office buildings, apartments, restaurants, and bars. It really pops off during rush hour or on Friday/Saturday nights
• Train Stations & Bus Terminals – Big rush in the mornings and evenings. People are always hopping off public transit and looking for their next ride
• Colleges & Universities – Students use Uber a lot — to get to class, head home, or just go out. Weekends and graduation season? Jackpot
• Big Hotels – Tourists and business travelers are Uber regulars. If the hotel’s near a mall or local attraction, even better.

Quick heads-up: If a spot’s already packed with drivers just chillin’, skip it. Once a spot gets too crowded, Uber usually spreads the love and sends pings to drivers chilling a bit further out. If it’s packed, Uber might skip over you to spread the love around. Sometimes being a little further out works better.

Uber Eats Hotspots

More into food delivery? Then knowing your Eats hotspots is a game-changer. These are the places that fire off orders all day:

• Fast food spots are fire — places like burger joints, fried chicken dives, coffee chains, even those greasy pizza corners that stay bumpin’ at dinner rush. These places are buzzing, especially around lunch and dinner hours
• Shopping centers & Food Courts – So many restaurants in one place = multiple orders with less driving between pickups
• Office Areas – Around lunchtime, folks stuck at their desks love ordering in. Park nearby and get ready to scoop up lunch runs
• High-density flats & Dense Neighborhoods – Nights are prime time. Once folks kick off their shoes and sink into the couch, that’s when the cravings hit — and your app starts lighting up like a pinball machine
• Late-Night Food Streets / Night Markets – Bigger cities often have go-to night spots where food is king. Set up nearby and catch the late-night cravings.

Bonus Tip: Use the Uber Driver heatmap. If you see red or orange, that means the area’s hot — lots of order potential. Head that way and stay ready.

If you play it smart — the right place, the right time — your account’s gonna pull way more requests than someone who’s just randomly going online.

5. Must-Use Uber App Features That Actually Help You Make More Money

The Uber app isn’t just for picking up random rides—it’s loaded with tools that can seriously level up your game. If all you do is go online and cross your fingers, you're missing out on easy cash. These are two must-know features that every smart driver should use to boost performance and keep the trips coming in hot:

Heatmap (a.k.a. Busy Zone)

Ever seen your map glowing in yellow, orange, or bright red? That’s not just for show. That’s Uber’s heatmap—your cheat sheet to where the action’s at.

What’s it for?

It highlights areas with high rider demand. The redder the zone, the more likely you are to score a ride—sometimes with surge pricing too.

How to use it like a pro:

• Check the heatmap before you hit the road. Get yourself parked in the orange or red zones so you're ready when requests fly in
• As soon as the app gives a signal that demand’s picking up nearby, don’t waste a second—head straight into it
• Skip the blue or gray zones unless you enjoy sitting around with no pings.

Pro Tips:

• The map updates in real time, so don’t stay parked too long.Keep cruising a bit as the map heats up or cools down—don’t just sit in one spot
• If you’re outside the hustle, start cruising toward the heat before it fades out

Trip Radar & Destination Filter

• Trip Radar

Think of it like a sneak preview of rides no one’s picked up yet—you get first dibs. So if you’re just chillin’ and your screen’s dead quiet, pull up Trip Radar and snag something that fits your vibe.

Why it rocks:

• You’re not stuck waiting—you can go hunt down orders
• Go for trips that line up with where you’re headed or spots you’re already hanging around

Tips to use it well:

• Keep refreshing—it updates fast
• Go for trips close to you with decent drop-off estimates. Ditch the trips that send you way off track before the meter even starts—it’s just not worth burning fuel for

• Destination Filter

Need to head home but still wanna make a buck on the way? This tool filters requests so you only get rides that go in the same direction you’re already headed.

When to use it:

• End of your shift and you're heading home
• Wanna squeeze in one more trip on your way out—without looping all the way back? This one's perfect for that

How to use:

• Open the app menu, turn on Destination Filter
• Set your target location (like your house)
• Uber’s only gonna toss you requests that head in the same general direction—no random detours

Heads up:

You’ve only got a few chances to use this each day, so don’t blow it on trips that don’t matter. Use it when it counts.

Top drivers aren’t just hustling—they’re strategizing. Heatmap, Trip Radar, and Destination Filter are your secret weapons. So don’t just be online. Be smart, be ahead of the game, and make the app work for you.

6. Switch On Rides and Eats Together

Once you’re approved as an Uber driver, you’ve basically got two money-makers at your fingertips: giving people rides or delivering food. Both modes? Just a couple taps in the app and you’re good to go.

But here’s the thing you really need to know:

Even though both modes can be active, you can only handle one order at a time. That means whichever request hits your app first—whether it’s a ride or a food delivery—that’s the one you’ve gotta take care of before anything else shows up. The other type of order just stays on hold until you’re done with the first one.

Let’s say:

You’ve got both modes turned on, and an Uber Eats request comes in first → that’s your mission. Gotta drop off that food before any ride requests start popping up.

Flip the script:

A ride request hits first → you take your rider to where they need to go, and only after that, you’ll start getting Eats orders again.

So even if both switches are on, you’re still working one-by-one—based on what lands in your queue first.

Quick tip:

Use this combo mode to your advantage. Mornings usually mean more people heading to work → lean into Rides. Around lunch and dinner, folks start craving food → that’s your cue to focus on Eats. Play it smart and time your hustle right!

7. Make More Money with Promos and Quests

Wanna boost your weekly take-home? If you’re just doing the basic pick-up, drop-off, repeat—yeah, that’s not gonna cut it if you’re chasing bigger bucks. Uber actually throws in some sweet extras—like quests, promos, and bonus boosts—that help you earn more without burning yourself out behind the wheel.

So, What Are Promos and Quests?

• Promos are like surprise money drops—extra cash for driving through busy spots or hitting the road when demand goes wild.

• Quests are basically challenges. Something like: “Complete 30 trips this week, and we’ll throw in an extra $40.” Simple as that.

These usually drop at the beginning of the week or right before the weekend—and what you get depends on how you’ve been doing as a driver.

Tips to Make the Most Out of Promos & Quests

• Check Early in the Week.

Open your Uber Driver app every Monday. That’s when the fresh promos and quests usually show up. Don’t sleep on it!

• Pick a Goal That Matches Your Schedule.

If you’re only driving part-time, don’t aim for some wild 80-trip challenge. Go for smaller, realistic goals you can actually hit—better to win small than burn out and miss the mark.

• Stack Your Quests with Busy Times.

Work during lunch rush, evening commutes, or weekend nights. That way, you’ll finish your quests faster while traffic’s high and the app’s buzzing.

• Use Heatmap and Trip Radar.

Let the app help you. The heatmap points you to where things are poppin’, and Trip Radar’s got your back with extra ride chances you might not catch on your own.

• Double Up on Deals.

The best part? A lot of these promos can overlap. Picture this: you’re in a surge zone and that ride counts toward your quest goal. Boom—double earnings, same effort.

• Watch for Hotspots.

Every now and then, Uber throws in extra perks if you’re driving in the right spots—like near a packed stadium or downtown when the lunch crowd hits. Keep an eye on the map and your notifications so you don’t miss out.

8. Smart Driving Over Hard Driving — Work the Streets, Not Burn Out

Let’s be real—driving all day can drain the life outta you. Let’s be real — clocking in long hours doesn’t always mean your wallet’s getting any fatter. The real game? Figuring out how to make every drive count without burning yourself out.

What really matters is driving with your head, not just your hustle. Strategy beats sweat every time.

So let’s map out how to work the streets smarter—without turning every shift into a grindfest.

Short Trips, Big Wins

You wanna aim for short but steady rides. Why?

• They wrap up quicker
• You dodge long, frustrating traffic
• You’ll be cruising through trips one after another, and watching those dollars add up in no time

Think about it: instead of spending a full hour on one long ride, why not knock out 3 or 4 shorter ones in that same time? More rides = more money. That’s what we call smart hustle, bestie.

Distance and Wait Time Matter

Before you tap that accept button, take a second to size things up.

• Check how far the pickup is
• Look at the estimated ride time
• Skip orders that pay peanuts but want you to drive miles just to get there

Smart drivers know when to pass. If it doesn’t make sense, it’s okay to say “nah, next.”

Not Every Ping Deserves a Yes

Once in a while, the app hits you with a ride that makes you do a double take — like, “Come on, seriously?” Like, 20 minutes outta your way for barely any pay? Nah. You’ve got options.

Here’s the move:

• As long as your ratings are solid, it’s totally fine to skip the junk rides that make zero sense
• Use quiet hours to study your hot zones — where do short trips stack up? What times are buzzing?
• Pay attention to the flow — early Monday? Office zones are buzzing like crazy. But when evening rolls in, it’s the malls and transit spots that start buzzing

When it’s all said and done, smart drivers think ahead — it’s not just about today’s ride, it’s about staying winning all week. You’re still out there doing your thing, but with a sharper strategy that saves your energy and boosts your take-home. Less burnout, more payday. That’s the way to roll.

9. Common Mistakes That’ll Totally Mess with Your Earnings (So Avoid These!)

Wanna keep your earnings steady and your performance solid? Then it’s not just about how much you drive—it’s also about what not to do. Lots of drivers hit the road daily, thinking they’re doing all the right stuff—when in reality, small habits they overlook can quietly chip away at their money and momentum.

• Cancelling Too Many Rides

Yeah, sometimes you gotta cancel—it happens. But if you’re doing it all the time, it’ll tank your ratings and hurt your performance. That could slow down the ride requests or even get your account hit with a temporary pause. Just cancel if you truly have to, and make sure it's for a solid reason—not just 'cause you're not feelin’ it.

• Rejecting Too Many Orders

Just like canceling, turning down too many rides can make your account look inactive. Yeah, if a trip doesn’t feel right for any reason, no shame in letting it pass. Just don’t make it a habit. Learn the peak hours and hot areas so you’re not stuck constantly rejecting rides that don’t fit.

• Going live in spots where nothing’s moving? Expect things to be pretty quiet, and your phone won’t be buzzing anytime soon.

If it feels like you’re online forever without a ping, you might just be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Going online without a plan? Nah, better to peek at the heatmap first and be smart about where you start.  Stick to high-demand spots, especially during rush hours like early mornings and late afternoons.

• Ignoring Ratings and Feedback

Bad ratings aren’t just numbers—they’re signs that something might need fixing. Don’t brush off rider feedback. Even if it’s annoying, it could help you spot areas where you can improve and level up your service.

• Outdated App or Messy Phone Settings

Running an outdated app? Think of it like showing up with busted equipment—no rides coming through, and the app just freezes up like it gave up on you. Make sure your app’s running the latest version, your phone settings aren’t blocking anything important, your GPS is sharp, and you’re actually getting alerts when a ride comes in. Trust me, it makes a difference.

Avoiding these slip-ups can seriously boost your performance, help you keep that 5-star rating, and protect your account from trouble. Driving’s not just about picking people up—it’s about playing it smart, keeping your game tight, and constantly stepping it up.

10. Daily Driver Checklist 

Want to crush it on the road every single day? Give this simple daily checklist a shot. No need to overthink it — stick to this groove and let your day roll smooth, like you’ve been doing this forever.

Before You Go Online:

• Check your app balance — make sure you’ve got enough to accept orders
• Make sure your phone’s fully charged or bring a power bank
• Turn on GPS and make sure your signal’s solid
• Give your ride a quick once-over (tires, gas, brakes)
• Log into the app and get ready to roll

While You’re Online:

1. Stick around the hotspots where rides come through non-stop
2. Don’t cancel orders unless you really have to
3. Keep it safe out there — and just be cool with your passengers, like you're giving a buddy a lift
4. Turn on auto-accept if you wanna save some time
5. Pay attention to when the pings go wild — that’s your golden window, so lock it in your memory or jot it somewhere handy

After Your Shift:

• Check how much you made that day
• Review your account stats (ratings, completed trips)
• Take a moment to spot any trips that didn’t go as smooth as they could’ve
• Take a good break and look after yourself

Snap a screenshot or save it on your phone—whatever works to lock it in as part of your everyday grind. No stress, just consistency. The payoff? You stay on your game, ride smoother, and the money? It’ll keep showing up like clockwork.

Wrap-Up

Made it to the end? You’ve seen how it all works—now try it your way. Test the waters, feel things out, and let it grow from there.

Being a driver isn’t just about picking up rides. It’s about playing smart — knowing your app, managing your time, and making every move count.

When you know how to use the features smartly, pick the right orders, and spot the best times and places to stay active, you’ll start earning more—without draining all your energy.

And hey, don’t forget to check in with yourself daily — review your performance, see what’s working, and keep fine-tuning your service. That’s the move from simply staying busy to actually stacking up earnings—and feeling proud of the way you’re doing it.

Keep the engine running — and don’t let up. You got this.