Hidden Costs of Being a Taxi Driver or Courier: What You Might Miss

Working as a taxi driver or courier may seem at first glance like an easy way to earn money quickly. Advertisements often highlight attractive rates: 40–50 PLN per hour, daily payouts, flexible schedules. However, the actual income in taxi driving and delivery is often significantly lower than expected. Why is this the case? Many people fail to consider the hidden costs in taxi work and courier expenses, which reduce net profit. In this article, we will break down all the implicit costs for taxi drivers and couriers, show how much remains after deductions, and explain ways to optimize expenses.

The Difference Between Apparent and Real Earnings

When a platform or partner promises that you will earn 4,000–5,000 PLN per month, they are referring to gross income, the amount before taxes, commissions, and other expenses. But the take-home pay after deductions can be much lower. For example:

• An Uber Eats courier using a car in Warsaw earns about 4,800 PLN gross per month, but after taxes, partner commissions, fuel, and rental costs, the net income is around 2,500 PLN.
• An Uber taxi driver may earn 6,000 PLN gross, but after deductions, only 3,000–3,500 PLN net remains.

This gap between promised and actual earnings is explained by the many expenses we outline below.

Main Costs for Taxi Drivers

Working in a taxi requires daily expenditures, even if the driver uses their own vehicle. Real expenses for taxi drivers include:

• Fuel: 1,500–2,500 PLN per month – the largest expense;
• Car depreciation: tire wear, oil, maintenance – about 300–500 PLN;
• Car rental: if no personal car – 600–700 PLN per week;
• Insurance (OC/AC): 100–300 PLN per month;
• Platform commissions: Uber/Bolt take up to 30.75%, FreeNow – 27.06%.

These hidden platform fees significantly affect the final income for drivers.

Courier Expenses (Car / Bicycle / Scooter)

At first glance, courier work may seem like a simple side job with minimal costs. However, actual expenses depend on many factors.

Courier with a car faces the highest costs:

• Fuel or gas: 800–1,200 PLN per month, depending on mileage and routes;
• Car wear and maintenance: 300–500 PLN per month;
• Insurance and taxes: 100–300 PLN monthly;
• Platform commission: Uber/Bolt 30.75%, FreeNow 27.06%.

Courier on a bicycle has lower costs but still incurs expenses:

• Bicycle wear: 100–200 PLN per month;
• Bicycle rental, if not personal: 250–350 PLN per month. Electric bikes are usually more expensive;
• Gear and delivery bag: Promin Partner provides a bag for free, otherwise 100–200 PLN. Waterproof clothing is also needed, especially in winter;
• Internet and mobile connection: 30–50 PLN per month.

Courier on a scooter is an intermediate option between a car and a bicycle:

• Scooter charging: 20–50 PLN per month (using home charging);
• Technical maintenance: 100–200 PLN per month;
• Scooter rental (electric): about 250–350 PLN per month, depending on partner conditions.

Additional Expenses for Taxi Drivers and Couriers

In addition to standard costs, drivers and couriers face unforeseen expenses. These hidden costs in taxi and delivery work significantly reduce net income, especially for beginners:

1. Taxes and ZUS: For officially registered drivers or couriers as self-employed, taxes can range from 148 to 2,377 PLN per month, depending on age and employment type. Additionally, ryczałt must be paid – 8.5% or 12.5% of income;
2. Medical Examinations: Taxi drivers are required to undergo medical and psychological exams – an additional 200–400 PLN;
3. Downtime: In inactive areas or during “quiet” hours, drivers may not receive orders, wasting fuel and time;
4. Fines: For incorrect parking, order cancellation, or driving in prohibited zones, fines can reach up to 500 PLN;
5. Unprofitable Orders: Short trips with detours or waiting for the client can reduce overall profit.

How to Calculate Net Income for Couriers and Taxi Drivers

To assess real profit, it is important to consider all expenses. Here are some examples:

Uber Driver (rented car):

• Income – 6,000 PLN;
• Uber commission (30.75%) – 1,845 PLN;
• Car rental – 2,800 PLN;
• Fuel and maintenance – 2,000 PLN;
• Total: loss – 645 PLN (without bonuses and tips). If using a personal car – minimum profit is around 2,000 PLN.

Uber Eats Courier (car):

• Income – 4,800 PLN;
• Commission and tax – 1,200 PLN;
• Fuel – 1,000 PLN;
• Maintenance and rental – 1,000 PLN;
• Net income: 1,600–1,800 PLN.

Bicycle Courier:

• Income – 3,000 PLN;
• Commission and ryczałt – 600 PLN;
• Wear and rental – 400 PLN;
• Net income: around 2,000 PLN.

These are approximate calculations, but they clearly illustrate the gap between advertised rates and actual profit.

How to Reduce Expenses and Increase Profit

Optimizing expenses is the key to making work in delivery or taxi truly profitable. To increase a courier’s or taxi driver’s net income, it is important to organize work efficiently:

• Work during peak hours (morning, evening, weekends) – higher rates and bonuses;
• Choose high-demand areas (city center, business zones);
• Take advantage of bonus programs and meet the conditions for extra pay;
• Save on costs: minimize empty trips, control speed, perform regular maintenance;
• For couriers, a bicycle or electric scooter can be more cost-effective than a car.

Is It Worth Working in Taxi or Delivery in Poland?

The real cost of working as a driver or courier is not just time and resources, but also responsibility, risks, and physical strain. Under good conditions and with smart organization, it can be a profitable side job. However, those seeking stable and high income should consider all hidden costs, especially when renting a car or facing high platform commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a taxi driver or courier earn more after all expenses?

Typically, a taxi driver earns more, but taxi expenses are also higher. A bicycle courier earns less gross, but the net income can be higher.

What is the average net profit for a courier?

On average – 1,600–2,500 PLN per month net, depending on transport type, city, and working hours.

What is the average net salary for a taxi driver?

With a gross income of 6,000 PLN, a taxi driver may keep 2,500–3,500 PLN net if expenses are optimized.