How do you calculate if a long ride is worth it on Uber?
Long runs pay more, but keep you away from demand. Learn how to do the right math before accepting or declining.
The Long Run Dilemma
A R$ 85 race for 45 km appears. Do you accept? The right answer depends on an account that most drivers don't do.
The formula for profit per run
Profit per run = Value of run − (Commission + Fuel + Maintenance) − Cost of empty return
Example: R$ 85, race 45 km, leaving the center of SP for the East Zone
| Item | Calculation | Value |
|---|
|------|---------|-------|
| Ride value | - | R$ 85,00 |
|---|---|---|
| Uber Commission (25%) | -25% | − R$ 21,25 |
| Outbound fuel (45 km, 9 km/l, R$ 4,29/l) | - | − R$ 21,45 |
| One-way maintenance (45 km × R$ 0,25) | - | − R$ 11,25 |
| Estimated empty return (30 km to demand area) | ||
| Fuel back (30 km) | - | − R$ 14,30 |
| Lap maintenance (30 km × R$ 0,25) | - | − R$ 7,50 |
| Actual race profit | R$ 9,25 |
And it took ~1h10min. Effective hourly rate: ~ R$ 8/h.
When does the long run make sense?
✅ It is worth accepting when:
❌ It may not be valid when:
The rule of thumb
Long run = good if value per km is greater than net R$ 1,50 (after commission)
Below that, the cost of fuel + maintenance + empty return will likely erode profit.
👉 [Calculate your actual cost per km with the calculator](/) — Knowing your cost per km, you make better decisions about accepting or declining rides.
