Whether you're saving for a big goal, trying to tackle debt, or just looking for extra income, side hustles are more popular than ever—and for good reason. But if you enjoy being on the road and setting your own schedule, driving side hustles can be one of the fastest and most flexible ways to earn.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the best driving side hustles in 2025—real ways people are making money behind the wheel, from app-based gigs to lesser-known local opportunities. Whether you have a car, a truck, or even a bike, there’s a hustle here for you.
Driving gigs offer one major perk: flexibility. Unlike part-time jobs that require strict shifts, driving side hustles let you choose when and how much you want to work. This freedom is ideal for parents, students, full-time workers, or anyone trying to make more without upending their routine.
According to Forbes, over 40% of U.S. adults have a side hustle, and many of them are using their vehicles to generate reliable extra cash. With gas prices stabilizing in 2025 and more efficient cars on the market, it’s becoming even more cost-effective to hit the road for money.
Here are the most profitable and flexible driving side hustles this year:
Best for: People who enjoy social interaction and urban driving.
Rideshare gigs like Uber and Lyft have been around for years and continue to offer flexible earning potential. You choose when you drive, and surge pricing during busy hours can significantly boost your income.
Pros:
Cons:
Average Pay: $15–$30/hour depending on city and time of day
Learn more from NerdWallet
Best for: People who prefer less passenger interaction.
Food delivery remains one of the easiest and most accessible side hustles. Platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub let you deliver meals and earn tips, with many drivers choosing peak lunch and dinner hours to maximize profits.
Pros:
Cons:
Average Pay: $10–$25/hour
Check out this updated guide from The Rideshare Guy
Best for: Detail-oriented drivers who don’t mind lifting or shopping.
If you’d rather not deal with passengers, delivering groceries or packages could be ideal. With Instacart, you shop for customers and deliver groceries to their doors. Amazon Flex pays you to deliver Prime packages in pre-scheduled time blocks.
Pros:
Cons:
Average Pay: $15–$30/hour
More info from CNBC Make It
Best for: Responsible drivers looking for consistent routes and less competition.
Medical courier jobs involve delivering lab samples, prescriptions, or medical equipment. Companies like CBDriver and Dropoff connect drivers with healthcare clients in need of reliable, timely deliveries.
Pros:
Cons:
Average Pay: $20–$30/hour
Find out more at Indeed
Best for: Animal lovers with flexible daytime availability.
Apps like CitizenShipper or services like Fetch! Pet Care allow you to transport pets for families moving long distances or needing local rides for grooming or vet visits.
Pros:
Cons:
Average Pay: $200–$600 per long-distance trip
Learn more at CitizenShipper
Best for: Car owners who want passive income or drivers who can manage logistics.
If you have a car you don’t use every day, you can rent it out through Turo, often earning $500–$1,000/month. You can also partner with rental car agencies as a contract driver, moving inventory between locations.
Pros:
Cons:
Average Pay: $500–$1,500/month (Turo)
Here’s a guide to making money on Turo
Regardless of the gig you choose, here are a few ways to increase your earnings:
Driving side hustles aren't for everyone—but if you're independent, flexible, and don't mind being on the road, they can be a powerful way to boost your income without long-term commitments.
From delivering dinner to transporting pets, you’ve got more options than ever in 2025—and many can be started in a single day.
The best driving side hustles in 2025 are the ones that match your schedule, goals, and vehicle. Whether you're doing quick food runs or earning big from package delivery, there’s a smart way to turn your time on the road into real money.
Summary: Driving side hustles offer some of the most flexible and profitable side income opportunities in 2025—especially when you choose the one that fits your lifestyle best.
