Driving around Los Angeles can be rewarding — but if you’re a rideshare or delivery driver, you know that LA’s traffic can quickly eat up your time and profits. Between tourists visiting Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Universal Studios, gridlock is almost inevitable.
At LA Elite Rentals, where we provide cheap rental cars for rideshare and delivery drivers, we understand how valuable your time is. Every minute spent stuck in traffic is a missed earning opportunity. Here’s how you can outsmart LA’s traffic and keep your rides — and income — moving.
1. Know the Peak Hours and Plan Ahead
Tourist-heavy areas like Hollywood Boulevard, Santa Monica Pier, and Griffith Observatory are busiest from late morning through the evening. Plan your routes to avoid these hotspots during peak hours (10 AM to 7 PM).
Instead, focus on neighborhoods with steady rides but lighter traffic — like Culver City, Koreatown, or Studio City — until congestion eases.
2. Use Real-Time Traffic Apps
Apps like Waze and Google Maps are essential for staying updated on traffic jams, road closures, or events. They can reroute you instantly and save you precious minutes — and gas.
Pair that with a fuel-efficient rental car from LA Elite Rentals to make the most of every mile you drive.
3. Avoid Major Events and Filming Zones
LA is always buzzing with concerts, film shoots, and sports events. These can create sudden traffic surges near venues like Crypto.com Arena or Dodger Stadium.
Check the LA City Events Calendar or Waze event alerts before heading out — small detours can save you hours of sitting in traffic.
4. Use Strategic Pickup and Drop-Off Points
When driving rideshare, avoid picking up or dropping off passengers directly in front of crowded attractions. Instead, find nearby streets or designated rideshare zones to prevent blockages and avoid tickets.
For example:
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Hollywood Walk of Fame: Use side streets like Yucca or Selma.
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Santa Monica Pier: Pick up near Ocean Ave instead of the main entrance.
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Griffith Observatory: Coordinate pickup times in advance and use nearby parking loops.
5. Schedule Breaks During Rush Hours
If you notice traffic piling up around tourist areas, take your meal or rest break during those hours. You’ll return to the road just as the gridlock clears — refreshed and ready to earn again.
Having a comfortable, well-maintained rental car from LA Elite Rentals makes those breaks more relaxing, too.
6. Stay Updated with Rideshare Hotspot Trends
Uber and DoorDash often show busy zones on their apps — but those “busy” areas sometimes overlap with tourist traffic. Compare surge pricing areas with real-time maps to find the best balance between high fares and low congestion.
You’ll earn more without wasting time in standstill traffic.
7. Drive Smart, Not Hard
Avoiding LA gridlock isn’t just about patience — it’s about planning. By learning traffic patterns, using the right tools, and renting a reliable, fuel-efficient car, you can maximize your earnings while staying stress-free on the road.
At LA Elite Rentals, we make that easier with affordable rental cars for Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, and Amazon Flex drivers — complete with unlimited miles, maintenance, and insurance included.
Final Thoughts
LA’s traffic doesn’t have to slow you down. With smart planning and the right vehicle, you can navigate around the city’s busiest attractions efficiently — and keep your earnings rolling in.
Looking for a cheap rental car for rideshare or delivery driving in Los Angeles?
👉 Visit LA Elite Rentals today and drive your way to more profit and less stress.
