Best Food Delivery Apps to Work for in London 2026: Earn £9–17/hr
Just Eat pays £10–17/hr, Uber Eats £9–16/hr (higher with surge), and Deliveroo £9–15/hr for London riders in 2026 — making London the highest-paying city in the UK for food delivery. Stuart and Gophr offer higher per-job rates but lower volume. Here is how all five platforms compare on realistic hourly pay, peak hours, costs and London-specific zone strategy.
Pay Comparison: Uber Eats vs Just Eat vs Deliveroo in London (2026)
Just Eat: £3.50–£6.00 per order; typical £10–£17/hr. Main costs: insurance, bike/moped maintenance. Best for riders wanting the highest gross per-drop in dense zones. Uber Eats: £3.00–£5.50 per order plus surge; typical £9–£16/hr. Main costs: insurance, fuel (car), data. Best for riders targeting peak surge windows. Deliveroo: £3.00–£5.00 per order; typical £9–£15/hr. Main costs: insurance, thermal bag, maintenance. Best for consistent volume in inner London. All figures are gross before fuel, tax and insurance.
Peak Hours and Best Shifts in London
London meal peaks run from around 12:00–14:00 and 18:30–21:30, strongest on Friday and Saturday. Uber Eats surge and Deliveroo demand pricing can push effective hourly earnings 20–40% above the off-peak base during these windows. Weekday mornings and Sunday afternoons produce the lowest volumes.
Insurance, Costs and Take-Home
All three platforms require hire-and-reward motor insurance — standard cover does not apply. Budget also for an insulated delivery bag, phone mount and data plan. Car drivers face the potential Congestion Charge (£15/day in the central zone). Set aside 20–25% of gross for self-assessment tax and Class 4 NI. Cyclists and e-bike riders typically keep the highest net proportion of gross earnings.
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