Your commute is costing you money but it could be making you money instead.
The average American spends 54 minutes commuting every day. That’s 225 hours a year sitting in traffic or riding the train. But here’s the thing: while you’re zoning out to the same playlist or scrolling Instagram for the thousandth time, you could be stacking cash. We’re talking $300-500+ per month with strategies that actually work.
Let’s be real, your commute probably feels like wasted time. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re on the bus, on the train, or stuck in traffic, your daily journey is prime time to hustle smarter (not harder). Here are seven legit ways to monetize those commute hours starting today.
1. Drive for Rideshare Apps (The Obvious One That Actually Pays)
If you’re driving anyway, why not get paid for it? Uber and Lyft let you pick up passengers along your regular route without going miles out of your way.
How it works: Apps like Waze Carpool and Lyft’s carpool feature match you with riders headed in the same direction. You’re not becoming a full-time driver; you’re just filling empty seats.
Expected earnings: $20-40 per day ($400-800/month) with minimal route deviation. One user reported making $40 daily by adding just 30 minutes to his existing 30-minute commute.
Action step: Download Waze Carpool or Lyft, set your regular route, and start accepting passengers during rush hour when demand (and surge pricing) peaks.
2. Freelance While You Ride (Public Transit Gold Mine)
If you’re not driving, you’ve got a mobile office. Freelancing isn’t just for nights and weekends anymore, your commute is perfect for knocking out quick assignments.
How it works: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer bite-sized gigs you can complete in 30-60 minutes. Writing, data entry, graphic design, and social media management—if you can do it on a laptop or phone, you can do it on the train.
Expected earnings: Entry-level freelancers earn $15-25/hour. Even at 1 hour daily, that’s $300-500/month.
Action step: Create profiles on Upwork and Fiverr today. Start with simple tasks like blog writing or data entry to build your rating, then scale up.
Pro tip: Suffer from motion sickness? Use your wait time at transfers; instead, many commuters report being more productive in those focused 10-15 minute bursts.
3. Get Paid to Commute (Yes, This Exists)
Apps like incenTrip actually pay you just for getting to work. No extra work required.
How it works: The app tracks your commute and awards points based on your transportation method. Walking and biking earn the most points; driving earns less. Redeem points for cash.
Expected earnings: Users report earning $50-100+ every few months just for doing what they already do. One DC commuter earned four $50 checks in six months by walking his 2-mile commute.
Action step: Download incenTrip (or similar apps like Achievement or Evidation) and start logging trips. Bonus points for eco-friendly transportation and rush-hour travel.
4. Turn Your Skills Into Audio Content
Podcasts and audiobooks are everywhere and you could be creating them during your commute instead of just consuming them.
How it works: Record yourself talking about your expertise using your phone’s voice memo app. Topics could be anything from home improvement tips to career advice to pop culture commentary. Transcribe later, edit, and monetize through YouTube, podcast sponsorships, or Patreon.
Expected earnings: New podcasters with 1,000+ downloads per episode can earn $18-50 per episode from sponsorships. YouTube creators earn $3-5 per 1,000 views.
Action step: Start recording 10-15 minute audio sessions during your commute this week. After 5-10 episodes, publish on YouTube or podcast platforms and apply for sponsorships.
5. Flip Products on Your Phone
Scrolling Facebook anyway? Might as well make it profitable. Buy low, sell high, all from your phone.
How it works: Search eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Poshmark for underpriced items during your commute. Buy them, clean them up (if needed), and resell for profit. Start with small, easy-to-ship items like vintage clothing, collectibles, or electronics.
Expected earnings: Casual flippers report $200-500/month profit. Power users clear $1,000+.
Action step: Dedicate your commute this week to searching for 3-5 underpriced items in categories you know well (sneakers, video games, etc.). Make your first purchase and list it for 30-50% more.
Pro tip: Stick to small items initially to keep shipping costs low and storage manageable.
6. Complete Online Surveys and Focus Groups
Not glamorous, but it’s easy money while you’re sitting there anyway.
How it works: Sites like 2020 Panel, User Interviews, and Survey Junkie pay you to share opinions on products and services. Focus groups pay more ($50-200 per session) but are harder to qualify for.
Expected earnings: $50-150/month for casual survey takers. Focus group participants can add $100-400/month if they qualify regularly.
Action step: Sign up for Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and User Interviews. Complete your profile thoroughly to increase qualification rates.
7. Negotiate to Count Commute Time as Work Hours
The ultimate hack: get paid by your actual employer for commuting.
How it works: If your commute allows laptop work (think: uncrowded train with wifi), negotiate with your employer to count commute time toward your work hours. One employee successfully counts his bus commute as work time, getting part of his afternoon back.
Expected earnings: This doesn’t directly earn extra money, but getting 5-10 hours back per week is invaluable for side hustles or quality of life.
Action step: If you can genuinely work during your commute, propose a trial period where you work during transit and leave earlier. Track your productivity to prove it works.
Quick Wins Summary
Total potential earnings: $300-800+ per month
Time investment: You’re already commuting; just use it differently
Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate (options for everyone)
Best for: Anyone spending 30+ minutes commuting daily
FAQ: Your Commute Money Questions Answered
Is this actually legit or just clickbait?
These are real strategies used by real people. Apps like incenTrip have paid out hundreds of thousands to commuters. Rideshare driving is proven income. Freelancing platforms connect millions of workers with clients daily. The earnings are realistic, not pie-in-the-sky promises.
How much time does this actually take?
That’s the beauty, you’re already spending the time commuting. Most of these strategies require 5-15 minutes of setup, and then you’re earning during time you’d otherwise waste. No extra hours needed.
Do I need special tools or apps?
Just a smartphone and, for some strategies, a laptop. Everything else is free to start. No expensive equipment or certifications required.
How quickly will I see actual money?
Fastest: incenTrip pays within weeks. Rideshare pays weekly. Freelancing pays per project (sometimes same-day). Surveys pay monthly. Podcasting takes 2-3 months to monetize. Choose based on how quickly you need cash.
What if I drive to work?
Ridesharing is your best bet. Otherwise, use hands-free calling to schedule appointments, make sales calls, or record audio content. Even drivers can make their commute profitable.
Start Earning on Tomorrow’s Commute
Here’s your challenge: Pick ONE strategy from this list and implement it on your next commute. Just one. See what happens.
Download incenTrip and start earning for trips you already take. Sign up for Upwork and bid on one simple freelance project. Record your first podcast episode using voice memos.
The average person will read this and do nothing. But you’re not average; you’re someone who sees 225 hours a year and thinks, “That’s opportunity.”
Your move: Which strategy will you try first? Start tomorrow. Your commute is already costing you time, make it pay you back.
Ready to stack more cash? Check out our guide to the [top cashback apps that pay you for shopping] and start earning on purchases you’re already making.
