Delivering orders after your 9-to-5 can be a flexible and profitable side hustle. As the gig economy expands, more Brits are turning to evening delivery jobs to supplement their income.
Whether you’re a student, full-time worker, or just someone needing an extra boost in earnings, food and parcel delivery offers low barriers to entry and quick payouts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the top delivery apps to how much you can expect to earn, and tips to maximise your profits.
Why Evening Deliveries Are a Smart Way to Earn
Evenings are the busiest times for food and parcel deliveries. People are home from work, ordering dinner or next-day essentials.
This spike in demand means more delivery requests, higher earnings, and often surge pricing or bonuses from apps. Most platforms like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Amazon Flex pay more per delivery during peak dinner hours.
If you’re working during the day or studying, evenings offer a perfect window to generate a steady stream of income.
What Do You Need to Start Delivering in the UK?
Getting started as a delivery driver or rider in the UK is surprisingly simple. Here’s what you typically need:
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A smartphone with GPS
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A reliable bike, scooter, or car (depending on the app)
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A valid driving licence (for cars and scooters)
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Right to work in the UK
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Basic insurance (usually third-party or hire-and-reward)
Some companies also require a background check and a few documents like a National Insurance number or bank account. For cyclists, no driving licence or insurance is needed, making it perfect for students or those without a vehicle.
Top Delivery Apps to Earn Extra Cash in the UK
There are several platforms where you can sign up and start delivering in just a few days. Here are the most popular and profitable options:
Deliveroo
Deliveroo is one of the UK’s leading food delivery platforms. It offers flexible hours and pays per drop.
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Average pay: £7–£12 per hour
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Bonuses during busy evenings
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Tips go directly to you
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Bicycle, scooter, or car options available
Uber Eats
With Uber Eats, you can work evenings and weekends delivering takeaway meals. Surge pricing boosts income at peak times.
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Average pay: £8–£13 per hour
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Paid weekly
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Low waiting time between orders
Just Eat
Just Eat is ideal if you prefer scheduled shifts and predictable hours. Uniform and equipment are provided.
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Hourly pay + mileage
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Employed model in many cities
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Paid holidays and pension contributions
Amazon Flex
If food delivery isn’t your thing, Amazon Flex lets you deliver parcels instead. Deliver in 1–4 hour blocks.
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Average earnings: £13–£18 per hour
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Use your own car
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Great for weekend or evening shifts
How Much Can You Realistically Earn?
Earnings vary depending on your location, delivery type, and number of hours. Here’s a rough estimate of what you can earn per week working evenings:
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2 hours per evening × 5 days = 10 hours/week
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£10–£15 per hour = £100–£150/week
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With bonuses/tips: £150–£200/week
Working just 2–3 hours each evening can earn you an extra £400–£600 monthly. That’s enough to cover rent, bills, or savings!
Evening Delivery vs Other Side Hustles
So why choose evening deliveries over other part-time jobs? Here’s why it stands out:
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No experience required: Sign up and start within days
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Work independently: No boss, no set hours
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Physical activity: Stay active while earning money
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Higher demand at night: Better chance of bonuses and tips
It also offers more flexibility than retail or hospitality jobs, which often require fixed shifts.
Best Times to Work for Maximum Earnings
Want to boost your hourly pay? Work smarter, not longer.
Here are the best times to deliver in the evenings:
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Weekdays: 6 PM – 9 PM (dinner rush)
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Fridays: 6 PM – 10 PM (late-night orders)
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Weekends: 5 PM – 11 PM (peak time for most apps)
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Rainy days: Fewer riders = more orders = surge bonuses
Scheduling your shifts around these hours can help you earn more in less time.
Pros and Cons of Evening Delivery Work
Like any job, evening delivery work has upsides and challenges.
✅ Pros:
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Choose your hours
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Decent pay with minimal effort
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Enjoy fresh air and exercise
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Work alone and avoid office politics
❌ Cons:
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Can be tiring after a full-time job
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Risk of bad weather or traffic
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Wear and tear on your bike or car
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Income can be inconsistent
The flexibility makes it worthwhile for many, especially if you enjoy being on the move.
Tips to Maximise Your Evening Delivery Income
Small changes in your strategy can make a big difference in your earnings. Follow these tips:
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Work during peak hours: Focus on 6 PM to 9 PM slots
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Sign up for multiple apps: Switch between apps during slow periods
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Use a battery pack: Keep your phone charged on long shifts
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Plan efficient routes: Use Google Maps or Waze to avoid traffic
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Be polite and fast: Good customer service = higher tips
The more efficiently you work, the more you’ll earn per hour.
Is Evening Delivery Safe in the UK?
Generally, delivering orders in UK evenings is safe, especially in urban and well-lit areas. However, here are a few precautions to consider:
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Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas
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Carry a phone and let someone know your route
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Use reflective gear or lights if cycling
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Park legally to avoid fines
Many apps also have emergency support and live location sharing for added safety.
How to Apply and Get Started Fast
Ready to jump in? Here’s how to sign up and start earning:
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Choose a platform like Uber Eats or Amazon Flex
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Download their app and create an account
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Upload your documents (ID, proof of address, insurance)
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Pass a background check (takes 2–5 days)
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Attend a quick online onboarding session (for some platforms)
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Start accepting delivery requests!
Some riders begin delivering within 48 hours of applying—perfect for quick cash flow.
Equipment You May Need for Evening Deliveries
Having the right gear makes your job easier and safer. Here’s a checklist:
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Insulated delivery bag (some platforms provide this)
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Phone holder for bikes/scooters
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Power bank for charging on the go
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Reflective vest or jacket
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Waterproof jacket or poncho
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Gloves and helmet (if cycling or riding a scooter)
Investing in basic gear can help you avoid delays and discomfort.
How to Track and Manage Your Income
To stay organised and efficient, track your earnings and expenses. Use tools like:
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Spreadsheets (Google Sheets or Excel)
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Apps like Stride or Hurdlr
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Keep receipts for expenses like petrol, repairs, or gear
You’ll also need to set aside tax if you’re classified as self-employed, which is common for most delivery roles.
Short FAQs About Evening Delivery Jobs in the UK
1. Do I need a licence to deliver by bike?
No, you don’t need a licence or insurance to deliver using a bicycle.
2. How long does the sign-up process take?
Most apps approve new riders within 2–5 working days.
3. Can I deliver orders without a car?
Yes, many platforms accept bicycles or scooters for deliveries.
4. Is the work physically demanding?
If you’re cycling, it’s moderately active. For cars, the work is light.
5. Are there evening bonuses or incentives?
Yes, apps often offer surge pricing and bonuses during peak evening hours.
6. Can I choose my own schedule?
Absolutely. Most apps let you work whenever you want with no fixed shifts.
7. Do I get tips?
Yes, and you keep 100% of the tips received from customers.
8. Do I need to wear a uniform?
Some platforms like Just Eat provide uniforms, but others don’t require one.
9. Is it safe to deliver at night?
Generally yes, but always follow safety precautions and stay alert.
10. Can I work for more than one app?
Yes, multi-apping helps you get more orders and maximise earnings.
Final Thoughts
Delivering orders in the UK during evenings is one of the most flexible and accessible ways to earn extra income. Whether you’re aiming to clear debt, save for a goal, or build a cushion fund, this side hustle offers great potential.
You don’t need advanced skills or long-term commitment. With just a smartphone, some basic gear, and a few spare hours after work, you can turn your evenings into a consistent income stream.
It’s one of the few jobs where you can clock in and out whenever you please, and still see real results in your bank account.
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