Long Beach benefits from proximity to LAX — riders who can't get an affordable airport ride from the LA basin often start in Long Beach, generating consistent $25–45 trips north to the terminals. The Port of Long Beach is the second-busiest container port in the US and the home base for Carnival, Catalina Express, and other cruise lines — embarkation Saturdays produce concentrated 5–7 AM surge demand. The Long Beach Convention Center hosts year-round events. Downtown Long Beach has had a culinary renaissance with new restaurants and nightlife Friday/Saturday 7 PM–1 AM. You can also pick up rides in the broader LA metro for maximum earning flexibility. California state income tax 1–13.3% applies — track every business mile for the 70¢/mile IRS deduction.
Drive Uber in Long Beach — earn up to $1,100 on your first 30 days.
Complete 100 trips within 30 days of activating your driver account, and Uber pays out the current advertised bonus. Local data, local strategy below.
Earn up to $1,100 in Long Beach.
100 trips · 30-day window · Uber's current offer.
$1,100
Guaranteed
100
Trips
30 days
Window
a4tsa3uDisclosure: The sign-up link above is a referral link. If you sign up through it, Uber pays URC a small referral credit. You pay nothing extra — the bonus and your fares are identical either way.
Offer terms: The $1,100 figure is Uber's current advertised offer in Long Beach. Bonus amounts, trip counts, and timeframes are set by Uber and can change at any time — always confirm the exact terms shown in the Uber Driver app when you sign up. URC does not guarantee the bonus; Uber does, under its terms.
Earnings caveat: The $1,100 headline is a gross sign-up payout. Vehicle expenses (gas, depreciation, insurance) and self-employment tax typically take 35–45% off the top — net take-home from the bonus is closer to 55–65% of the headline number.
Long Beach is one of Uber's 2013 markets, serving a population of about 465K. If you're considering driving here as a side hustle or full-time — congratulations on choosing yourself. The rest of this page is Long Beach-specific: how much you'll actually make after expenses, where to position, when to be online, and how to hit 100 trips inside 30 days.
Gross weekly · Before expensesWhat Uber drivers actually take in here
Hourly range in Long Beach: $18–28 gross. Multiply by your hours and you're close.
| Schedule | Hours / week | Est. weekly gross |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time (weekends) | 10–15 hrs | $216–$420 |
| Part-time (evenings + weekends) | 20–25 hrs | $360–$700 |
| Full-time | 35–45 hrs | $630–$1260 |
Pre-expense gross. We'll talk about the keep number next.
Net take-home · After everythingReal cost of driving in Long Beach
Honest math beats fantasy math every time.
| Line item | Per hour | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gross earnings | $18–28 | Before any deductions |
| Gas + maintenance + depreciation | −$7–10 | IRS rate: 70¢/mile (2025) |
| Self-employment tax | −15.3% | SS + Medicare on net |
| State income tax | Varies | State income tax: 1–13.3% (marginal rates) |
| Estimated net hourly | $10–$18 | ~55-65% of gross after all costs |
Hidden expenses new drivers overlook
- Vehicle depreciation — the IRS standard mileage rate (70¢/mile) accounts for wear and tear. Full-time drivers put 30,000–50,000+ miles on their car per year.
- Commercial insurance gap — your personal auto policy may not cover you while driving for Uber. Add a rideshare endorsement ($15–30/month) to close the coverage gap.
- Phone data plan — always-on GPS + Driver app uses heavy data. Budget for an unlimited plan.
- Car washes + interior cleaning — keeping clean = keeping your 4.85+ rating. $20–40/month.
- Parking + airport fees — some airports charge for rideshare-queue waiting. Downtown parking between rides adds up.
Where to be · When to be thereBest areas to drive in Long Beach
These are the Long Beach pickup zones with the most consistent demand:
Peak hours
Morning commute (7–9 AM), evening rush (4–7 PM), downtown and 2nd Street on weekends (8 PM–1 AM). Surge pricing is more likely during these windows, and it materially changes your per-trip earnings.
Airport rides (LGB)
Long Beach is served by LGB airport. Airport runs are usually the highest-paying single rides in Long Beach. Learn the designated pickup zones and the queue system at each terminal — it'll cut your wait time and let you stack consecutive airport trips.
From Long Beach driversDriving tips for this market
Long Beach Grand Prix (April) shuts down streets downtown and creates a full weekend of surge demand. Cruise ship embarkation days at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal (year-round but heavier in summer) bring passengers who need rides from LAX and local hotels. Convention Center events create multi-day demand spikes throughout the year
Four-week plan · Hit the bonusYour first 30 days in Long Beach
A focused first month is the difference between the full $1,100 and a near-miss.
- 01
Week 1: Get activated fast
Long Beach sits between LAX and Orange County, so you can catch rides going in either direction. Start at LGB airport for short local rides, then let the app take you to the broader LA metro. Learn the 405, 710, and PCH routes since they connect all your key demand areas. Downtown Long Beach on 2nd Street (Belmont Shore) is your best first weekend night zone — it's walkable and ride-dense
- 02
Week 2: Learn the Long Beach market
Drive different parts of Long Beach to learn where demand is highest. Test the popular areas: Long Beach Airport (LGB), Downtown Long Beach & The Pike, 2nd Street in Belmont Shore. Try different time slots — peak hours (morning commute (7–9 am)) versus off-peak. Note which areas + times earn you the most per hour.
- 03
Week 3: Optimise for the bonus
Focus on hitting 100 trips. Short trips count the same as long trips toward your bonus, so prioritise quantity during busy windows. Stay in high-demand zones to stack back-to-back trips without dead miles. Switch on Uber Eats during slow hours to fill gaps.
- 04
Week 4: Build the long-term strategy
By now you know Long Beach's best areas and peak hours. Set up a mileage tracking app (Stride, Everlance, or MileIQ) for tax deductions. Maintain a 4.85+ rating — clean car, polite, water + charger in the back. Decide which rides/Eats mix maximises your hourly earnings in Long Beach.
Personal · VehicleUber driver requirements in Long Beach
Personal
You
- At least 21 years old
- Valid CA 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 + driving record check
Vehicle
Your car
- 15 years old or newer (varies by market)
- 4-door vehicle in good condition
- Valid registration in CA
- CA insurance meeting state minimums
- Pass Uber's vehicle inspection (if required in Long Beach)
Frequently asked
Everything readers ask before using a code.
What is the Uber Driver referral code for Long Beach?
The Uber Driver referral code is a4tsa3u — the same code works in Long Beach, CA and across all U.S. markets. You can either click our referral link above (which applies the code automatically) or enter a4tsa3u during the Uber Driver app sign-up to qualify for up to $1,100 in guaranteed earnings.
How much is the Uber driver referral bonus in Long Beach?
The current Uber driver referral bonus in Long Beach, CA is up to $1,100 in guaranteed earnings. You need to complete 100 trips within 30 days of activation to qualify for the full bonus amount.
How much do Uber drivers actually earn in Long Beach after expenses?
Uber drivers in Long Beach typically earn $18–28 per hour gross. After accounting for gas, maintenance, and vehicle depreciation (estimated at $7–10/hour in Long Beach), plus self-employment tax (15.3%) and state income tax: 1–13.3% (marginal rates), 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 Long Beach?
To drive for Uber in Long Beach, you must be at least 21 years old (or 25 for some vehicle types), have a valid CA 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 Long Beach market.
What are the best areas to drive for Uber in Long Beach?
The most popular Uber pickup areas in Long Beach include Long Beach Airport (LGB), Downtown Long Beach & The Pike, 2nd Street in Belmont Shore, Long Beach Convention Center, Queen Mary area. Airport rides from LGB are typically the highest-paying trips. Long Beach Grand Prix (April) shuts down streets downtown and creates a full weekend of surge demand. Cruise ship embarkation days at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal (year-round but heavier in summer) bring passengers who need rides from LAX and local hotels. Convention Center events create multi-day demand spikes throughout the year
When are the busiest times to drive Uber in Long Beach?
The peak demand hours for Uber in Long Beach are: Morning commute (7–9 AM), evening rush (4–7 PM), downtown and 2nd Street on weekends (8 PM–1 AM). During these times, surge pricing is more likely, which increases your earnings per trip. Seasonal tip: Long Beach Grand Prix (April) shuts down streets downtown and creates a full weekend of surge demand. Cruise ship embarkation days at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal (year-round but heavier in summer) bring passengers who need rides from LAX and local hotels. Convention Center events create multi-day demand spikes throughout the year
Considering other cities near Long Beach?
Claim up to $1,100 before your first trip in Long Beach.
Sign up through our verified referral link. Uber pays you the bonus, we get a small credit, you pay the same either way.
Get my Long Beach bonus