Earnings you can count on
Riders rely on you. And you can rely on making good money with Lyft. Get to know the tools and strategies that can help you meet your earnings goals.
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How earning works
Transparent earnings on every ride
The biggest part of your total earnings typically comes from the fare you earn for each ride.
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See what you'll earn upfront
In most cities, you’ll see the earnings for each ride upfront, along with the ride details, to help you evaluate if you want to accept it.*
The fare is based on characteristics of the ride, such as:
- Estimated time and distance to complete the ride
- Distance to the pickup
The fare also depends on what’s going on in your area, such as:
- The number of ride requests in the area
- How many drivers are on the road
- How busy it is at the destination
For more details about how earning with Lyft works, take this interactive tutorial.
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Your share of the fare, guaranteed
You can see how rider payments are split between you, Lyft, and external fees—on every ride.
If your weekly earnings are below 70% of passenger payments after external fees, you’ll get paid the difference. That’s our earnings commitment.
Your earnings summary shows a weekly breakdown of your total earnings and your share of rider payments. All in one place.
*Upfront pay is not available in Washington state, New York City, or Portland. If upfront pay is not available in your city, then you will be paid for each minute and mile of the trips you complete, based on your city’s per-minute and per-mile rates.
Bonuses to reach your goals faster
Bonuses can help you make decisions about when, where, and how much to drive. Turbo, Bonus Hours, and Ride Challenges are scheduled in advance, while Bonus Zones appear on the map in real time.
Turbo
Earn 10–40% more per ride with Turbo. You’ll see Turbo times every week during busy times. Just drive when they’re offered and watch your earnings stack up. Turbo is available only in select regions.
Bonus Hours
With Bonus Hours, you earn extra for every ride you give. Check your weekly planner for Bonus Hours and drive during those times.
Ride Challenges
Earn a bonus by giving a set number of rides within a set time frame. You can choose a Ride Challenge that works with your driving plans.
Bonus Zones
See where to earn more right now. Just drive into a Bonus Zone on your map to unlock a bonus on your next ride.
Tools to help you stay busy
Drive when and where it’s busy to maximize your earnings and minimize downtime. The Driver app provides tools you can use to find busy areas and earn more.
Weekly planner
See all your bonuses in one place, and get guidance on when and where to drive to meet your earnings goals.
Scheduled rides
Lock in rides that work with your driving plans. Scheduled rides include extra earnings to cover wait time.**
Keep 100% of your tips
Connecting with riders and offering good service can lead to great tips. It’s how riders say thank you. In 2023, tips made up 8% of earnings on average for all drivers.
Check out top drivers’ strategies for earning tips below.
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“Opening the doors and assisting with heavy luggage shows that we care.”
— Frankie, San Jose driver
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“I try to make meaningful connections with people.”
— Cherida, Bakersfield driver
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“I love advising passengers of great night spots, shopping, or local sights.”
— Ariana, Detroit driver
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“I try to be conscious of the details, whether it's the temperature of the car, or the volume of music.”
— Stephanie, Philadelphia driver
Frequently asked questions
When are bonuses offered?
When are bonuses offered?
Why do bonuses vary over time?
Why do bonuses vary over time?
When do I get paid?
When do I get paid?
Why do my earnings fluctuate?
Why do my earnings fluctuate?
When are the busiest times to drive?
When are the busiest times to drive?
What does staying busy mean?
What does staying busy mean?
How does the 70% earnings commitment work?
How does the 70% earnings commitment work?
How does insurance work?
How does insurance work?
**Extra pay for wait time on scheduled rides is available in most major cities in the US, with plans to expand to more this year.