Deliveroo, Uber Eats or Just Eat? Food delivery as a side hustle UK
What food delivery work is really like in the UK: how riders and drivers are paid, costs, insurance, the best times to work, and the tax and mileage you can claim.
By SimonIn this guideShowHide
How food delivery apps work
You sign up with the app, pass ID and right to work checks, and get a delivery bag. Then you log in whenever you want to work, accept orders, collect from the restaurant and deliver.
Most couriers on the big apps are self-employed, not employees. That means:
- You choose when and how much you work
- You are paid per delivery, not per hour
- There is no holiday pay or sick pay
- You pay your own tax and National Insurance
How pay works
Pay for each delivery is usually based on distance and time, plus extras at busy times. You keep 100% of tips on the main apps.
Earnings depend heavily on when and where you work. Busy city centres at Friday and Saturday dinner time pay far more than a quiet weekday afternoon. Track your earnings per hour after costs for a few weeks to see what you really make.
Bike, scooter or car?
| Vehicle | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle or e-bike | Low costs, easy parking, exercise | Weather, shorter range |
| Scooter or motorbike | Fast in traffic, cheap to run | Needs suitable insurance and licence |
| Car | Longer trips, comfortable in winter | Fuel, parking, higher insurance |
Insurance
If you use a car, scooter or motorbike, normal insurance usually does not cover food delivery. You need cover for delivering food, often called hire and reward or courier insurance. Some apps include cover while you are on a delivery, but check exactly what it covers and when.
Costs to plan for
- Fuel or charging
- Insurance
- Servicing, tyres and repairs
- Phone and mobile data
- Bike maintenance, lights and waterproofs
Tax and expenses
Your delivery income is self-employed income. If it is over £1,000 in 2026/27 (£3,000 from April 2027), you need to register for Self Assessment.
You can deduct costs to reduce your tax. For a car, most drivers use simplified mileage: 55p a mile for the first 10,000 business miles in 2026/27, then 25p. From April 2027 the rate above 10,000 miles rises to 35p.
Free toolMileage allowance calculatorThe tax-free 55p a mile, what you can claim back if your employer pays less, and the 2027 change.Read the full guide to tax for delivery drivers, including what counts as business mileage.
Tips for earning more
- Work the peaks. Lunch and dinner, especially Friday to Sunday, and in bad weather.
- Run more than one app to cut waiting time, if the apps allow it.
- Learn your area. Know which restaurants are slow and where to park.
- Track every mile. Use a mileage app from the moment you start a shift.
Common questions
How much do Deliveroo riders earn?
It varies with location, time of day and demand, and pay is per delivery, not per hour. Track your own earnings after costs for a few weeks to get a true figure.
Do I need a licence to deliver food on a bike?
Not for a pedal bike. For a scooter or motorbike you need the right licence, and for any motor vehicle you need insurance that covers food delivery.
Can I do food delivery alongside a full-time job?
Yes, that is how many people use it. Your job's tax code does not cover it, so set some money aside from each week's earnings for your tax bill.
This is general information, not personal tax or financial advice. Tax rules change and depend on your circumstances, so check GOV.UK or speak to an accountant before acting.