Uber Driver Referral Code Denver — Earn Up to $1,100 Sign-Up Bonus
Sign up to drive with Uber in Denver, CO and earn up to $1,100 in guaranteed earnings. Complete 125 trips within 30 days to qualify.
Last tested: February 17, 2026 · Denver, CO
Denver Uber Driver Sign-Up Bonus
$1,100
Guaranteed Earnings
125
Required Trips
30 days
To Complete Trips
Referral link opens Uber's official driver sign-up page. Bonus is automatically applied.
Uber Driver Earnings in Denver, CO
Uber drivers in Denver typically earn $18–30 per hour before expenses. Actual earnings depend on the time of day you drive, which areas you cover, and how many hours per week you are active. The Denver market has had an Uber presence since 2013, serving a metropolitan population of approximately 715K.
| Driving Schedule | Est. Weekly Hours | Est. Weekly Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time (weekends) | 10–15 hrs | $216–$450 |
| Part-time (evenings + weekends) | 20–25 hrs | $360–$750 |
| Full-time | 35–45 hrs | $630–$1350 |
Estimates based on reported Denver driver earnings. Actual results vary. Figures are gross earnings before vehicle expenses, fuel, and taxes.
Real Cost of Driving for Uber in Denver
Understanding your true take-home pay is critical before committing to driving. Here is a realistic breakdown of what Denver Uber drivers actually earn after all expenses and taxes:
| Line Item | Per Hour | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gross earnings | $18–30 | Before any deductions |
| Gas + maintenance + depreciation | −$6–8 | IRS rate: 67¢/mile (2024) |
| Self-employment tax | −15.3% | Social Security + Medicare on net |
| State income tax | Flat state income tax: 4.4% | CO state tax |
| Estimated net hourly | $10–$19 | ~55-65% of gross after all costs |
Hidden Expenses New Drivers Overlook
- Vehicle depreciation — The IRS standard mileage rate (67¢/mile) accounts for wear and tear. Full-time drivers put 30,000-50,000+ miles per year on their car.
- Commercial insurance gap — Your personal auto insurance may not cover you while driving for Uber. Consider a rideshare endorsement ($15-30/month) to close the coverage gap.
- Phone data plan — Always-on GPS and the Uber driver app use significant data. Budget for an unlimited plan if you don't already have one.
- Car washes and interior cleaning — Keeping your car clean is essential for maintaining a high rating. Budget $20-40/month.
- Parking and airport fees — Some airports charge for waiting in the rideshare queue. Downtown parking between rides can add up.
Best Areas to Drive for Uber in Denver
Knowing where to position yourself is key to maximizing your earnings as an Uber driver in Denver. The following areas consistently have the highest ride demand:
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- LoDo & Union Station
- RiNo Art District
- Cherry Creek
- Coors Field on Rockies game days
Peak Hours in Denver
Morning commute (7–9 AM), evening rush (4–7 PM), LoDo and RiNo weekends (9 PM–2 AM). During these peak times, surge pricing is more likely, which can significantly increase your per-trip earnings.
Airport Rides
Denver is served by DEN airport. Airport pickup and drop-off rides are among the highest-paying trips in the Denver market. Uber has designated pickup zones at each terminal — familiarize yourself with these locations to minimize wait times and maximize ride efficiency.
Driving Tips for Denver
DEN is located 25 miles from downtown — airport trips are long and lucrative ($35–50 per ride). LoDo (Lower Downtown) around Union Station is the main nightlife hub. Ski season (November–April) generates demand for rides to/from the mountains. Broncos and Rockies games create reliable surge zones. Denver's 300 days of sunshine means consistent year-round driving conditions.
Seasonal Tip
Ski season (November–April) creates unique demand for early morning rides to DEN from travelers heading to the mountains, and Friday afternoon airport pickups of arriving ski tourists. The Great American Beer Festival (October) and National Western Stock Show (January) are the two biggest non-sports surge events
Your First 30 Days Driving in Denver
A strategic approach to your first month can make the difference between earning your full $1,100 bonus and missing out. Here is a week-by-week plan:
Week 1: Get Activated Fast
DEN airport is 25 miles from downtown, making airport rides your highest-paying trips ($35–50 each). Learn the Pena Boulevard route to/from the airport — it's the only way in or out. Start with airport queue rides during morning departure rushes (5–9 AM). For evenings, position yourself near Union Station in LoDo where train arrivals and nightlife overlap for constant demand
Week 2: Learn Your Market
Drive different areas of Denver to learn where demand is highest. Test the popular areas: Denver International Airport (DEN), LoDo & Union Station, RiNo Art District. Try different time slots — peak hours (morning commute (7–9 am)) versus off-peak. Take notes on which areas and times earn you the most per hour.
Week 3: Optimize for the Bonus
Focus on hitting your 125-trip target. Short trips count the same as long trips toward your bonus goal, so prioritize quantity during busy periods. Stay in high-demand areas where you can complete back-to-back trips without dead miles. Consider combining rides and Uber Eats deliveries during slower hours.
Week 4: Develop Your Long-Term Strategy
By now you know Denver's best areas and peak hours. Set up a mileage tracking app (Stride, Everlance, or MileIQ) for tax deductions. Maintain a 4.85+ rating by keeping your car clean and being professional. Consider which combination of rides and deliveries maximizes your hourly earnings in the Denver market.
Uber Driver Requirements in Denver, CO
Personal Requirements
- At least 21 years old
- Valid CO driver's license
- At least 1 year of licensed driving experience (3 years if under 25)
- Social Security number for background check
- Pass Uber's background and driving record check
Vehicle Requirements
- Vehicle must be 15 years old or newer (varies by market)
- 4-door vehicle in good condition
- Valid vehicle registration in CO
- CO vehicle insurance meeting state minimums
- Pass Uber's vehicle inspection
Uber Driver Referral FAQ — Denver
How much is the Uber driver referral bonus in Denver?
The current Uber driver referral bonus in Denver, CO is up to $1,100 in guaranteed earnings. You need to complete 125 trips within 30 days of activation to qualify for the full bonus amount.
How much do Uber drivers actually earn in Denver after expenses?
Uber drivers in Denver typically earn $18–30 per hour gross. After accounting for gas, maintenance, and vehicle depreciation (estimated at $6–8/hour in Denver), plus self-employment tax (15.3%) and flat state income tax: 4.4%, net take-home pay is typically 55-65% of gross earnings. Peak hours (morning commute (7–9 am)) offer the highest earning potential.
What are the requirements to drive for Uber in Denver?
To drive for Uber in Denver, you must be at least 21 years old (or 25 for some vehicle types), have a valid CO driver's license, have at least 1 year of driving experience, pass a background check, and have a vehicle that meets Uber's requirements for the Denver market.
What are the best areas to drive for Uber in Denver?
The most popular Uber pickup areas in Denver include Denver International Airport (DEN), LoDo & Union Station, RiNo Art District, Cherry Creek, Coors Field on Rockies game days. Airport rides from DEN are typically the highest-paying trips. Ski season (November–April) creates unique demand for early morning rides to DEN from travelers heading to the mountains, and Friday afternoon airport pickups of arriving ski tourists. The Great American Beer Festival (October) and National Western Stock Show (January) are the two biggest non-sports surge events
When are the busiest times to drive Uber in Denver?
The peak demand hours for Uber in Denver are: Morning commute (7–9 AM), evening rush (4–7 PM), LoDo and RiNo weekends (9 PM–2 AM). During these times, surge pricing is more likely, which increases your earnings per trip. Seasonal tip: Ski season (November–April) creates unique demand for early morning rides to DEN from travelers heading to the mountains, and Friday afternoon airport pickups of arriving ski tourists. The Great American Beer Festival (October) and National Western Stock Show (January) are the two biggest non-sports surge events
Nearby Markets
Considering other cities near Denver? Compare sign-up bonuses and earnings in nearby markets:
Ready to Start Driving in Denver?
Use our referral link to sign up and earn up to $1,100 in guaranteed earnings.
Sign Up to Drive in Denver