Easter earning guide: Top tips for private hire drivers

The Easter break can bring shifts in demand for private hire drivers – some days are busier with airport runs, family outings and local events, while others can be quieter as people head away or take time off from the usual school runs and daily commutes.

But with the right strategy, it’s still a great time to earn. Our guide is packed with practical tips to help you stay busy, drive smart, and maximise your earnings over the Easter break.

• Target peak travel times
• Work near key Easter hotspots
• Don’t forget airport runs
• Maximise your cost savings with your EV
• Offer excellent customer service

1. Target peak travel times

Over the Easter weekend, travel patterns might shift. Mornings might be slower, but afternoons and evenings often get busier as people head out for meals, family visits, or events.

Peak Easter earning windows:

• Midweek leading up to Good Friday: Many families take time off as schools have broken up, making it a busy period for airport runs and family outings.
• Good Friday evening: Expect a spike in demand for dinner plans, social events, and nights out.
• Easter Sunday morning: A key time for church services and family visits – short, local trips can add up quickly.
• Easter Sunday evening: With Bank Holiday Monday ahead, many treat Sunday night like a bonus weekend – perfect for evening outings and late-night fares.
• Bank Holiday Monday evening: Many people return from weekend breaks or day trips, making it a great time for longer fares and airport pickups.

Top tip: Tracking when your regular passengers need rides can help too – don’t be afraid to ask.

2. Work near key Easter hotspots

Whether it’s a local Easter fair, church service, community event, or egg hunt in the park, these types of gatherings mean one thing: people needing rides.

Maximising your earnings over Easter comes down to being in the right place at the right time. Demand can be unpredictable, but by positioning yourself in high-traffic areas, you’ll give yourself the best chance of picking up regular trips.

Ideas of high-demand zones:

• Shopping centres (especially on Easter Saturday): Many families head out for last-minute shopping, dining, or entertainment before the Bank Holiday weekend.
• Parks and event venues: Easter-themed celebrations, children’s activities, and outdoor gatherings are common in green spaces – check local listings for what’s happening nearby.
• Places of worship (Easter Sunday morning): Churches often hold multiple services across the weekend, especially on, with increased footfall before and after.
• Train stations and airports (especially Bank Holiday Monday): Expect a steady flow of passengers coming back from short breaks or heading home after the long weekend.

Top tip: Use your app’s “heatmap” feature (if available) to stay in high-demand zones.

3. Don’t forget airport runs

Easter kicks off the spring holiday season for many families, which often leads to a spike in airport traffic. Whether passengers are jetting off for a getaway or flying back from a long weekend abroad, airport runs can bring in longer, more profitable fares – especially during early mornings and late evenings of the Bank Holiday weekend.

Top tips for airport fares:

• Check flight schedules in advance: Look out for busy departure windows (early mornings) and arrival times (late afternoon to evening). Tools like FlightRadar24 or Google’s airport listings can help.
• Keep your vehicle spotless: Airport travellers, especially after long-haul flights, appreciate a clean and comfortable ride. Read our top tips to spring clean your car.
• Be strategic: Save on airport parking fees by understanding the pick-up and drop-off charges before you arrive.

Top tip: Check out our helpful airport guides for London and Manchester airports – sharing everything you need to know about airport charges.

• Guide to London Airports’ drop-off charges
• London Heathrow Airport drop-off: How to pay the charge in 2025
• How to pay the Gatwick Airport drop-off charge in 2025
• Guide to Manchester Airport’s drop-off and pick-up charges

4. Maximise your cost savings with your EV

Easter is the perfect time to squeeze every bit of value out of your EV. With longer journeys and more hours on the road, being smart about charging and planning can seriously boost your earnings.

Top EV tips for Easter driving:

• Plan your charging stops: Use off-peak hours or free public charging where available to keep costs low.
• Precondition your battery: With British weather being so unpredictable, preconditioning your vehicle while it’s still plugged in helps get the cabin to a comfortable temperature before you set off – and it boosts your range and overall efficiency too.
• Use regenerative braking and eco mode: Make your charge last longer on busy driving days with these cost-saving features.
• Monitor your tyre pressure: Low tyre pressure can impact your EV’s efficiency.

Top tip: Want to see how much you could be saving with your EV? Check out our EV cost-savings guide for private hire drivers.

5. Offer excellent customer service

When riders feel looked after, they’re more likely to request you again. Reliable regulars mean steady income and Easter is a great time to build those connections.

Ways to leave a great impression:

• Be polite, professional and approachable – a warm welcome goes a long way
• Keep your car clean, tidy and pleasant-smelling – especially important for families or post-flight passengers.

Offer thoughtful extras:

• Phone charger available in the back – a small touch that’s always appreciated, especially by passengers low on battery after a long day.
• Umbrella on hand – perfect for those dressed up for an event or night out, helping them stay dry and arrive in style, whatever the weather.
• Local tips and recommendations – if your passenger’s new to the area or visiting for Easter, a friendly suggestion for places to eat or explore can make their trip even better.

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