DiDi vs Uber Melbourne – Which Rideshare Platform Is Better for Drivers in 2026?

Most Melbourne drivers use both Uber and DiDi. The right choice depends on your driving goals, hours worked, and how you manage costs.

This guide is written specifically for Melbourne rideshare drivers in 2026, covering real-world insights on earnings, demand, incentives, and how to start without owning a car.

Melbourne Rideshare Market in 2026

The Melbourne rideshare market continues to grow, driven by population expansion, returning tourism, and shifting commuter preferences.

Uber remains the dominant platform by trip volume and active users. DiDi continues to grow its market share through competitive pricing and regular driver promotions.

For drivers, this creates a clear pattern:

• Uber delivers more consistent trip requests – especially during off-peak hours
• DiDi offers stronger earning boosts – during promotional periods
• App-switching is common – experienced drivers run both apps to maximise earnings

Demand exists across all Melbourne regions – from the CBD and inner suburbs to the northern, eastern, western, and southern corridors.

Uber vs DiDi – Driver Comparison Table

Feature	Uber	DiDi
Market share	Very high	Growing
Trip demand	High and consistent	Medium
Peak reliability	Strong	Moderate
Driver incentives	Limited	Frequent promotions
App stability	Very high	Good
Best use case	Full-time drivers	Secondary income / bonus hunting
Rental compatibility	Yes	Yes

What this means: Uber suits drivers who want predictable bookings and steady income. DiDi can be more profitable during promotions but may be quieter outside peak periods. Many experienced drivers rely on Uber for base income and switch to DiDi when bonuses are active.

Realistic Earnings Scenarios

Earnings vary based on hours worked, strategy, and expenses. Here are three realistic scenarios for Melbourne drivers:

Vehicle Requirements for Uber and DiDi (Melbourne)

Both Uber and DiDi have similar vehicle requirements in Melbourne. Here's what you need to know before getting started.

Basic Vehicle Requirements

• Four-door vehicle in good condition
• Meets age and safety requirements
• Rideshare-approved registration
• Valid rideshare insurance
• Passed vehicle inspection

Why Hybrid Vehicles Are Popular with Drivers

Fuel is one of the biggest weekly expenses for rideshare drivers. Hybrid vehicles help reduce this cost significantly.

• Lower fuel costs
• Better efficiency in city driving
• Reduced weekly operating expenses

Popular choices include the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid – all available through hybrid car hire.

Do You Need to Own a Car to Drive Rideshare?

No. Many new drivers start by searching for "Uber car rental near me" or "rideshare car hire near me" – and renting is often the smarter choice.

Why Many Drivers Choose Car Rental

• No upfront vehicle purchase
• No long-term finance commitment
• Maintenance and servicing included
• Faster onboarding for new drivers

Renting is especially useful for new drivers or those testing whether rideshare suits their lifestyle.

Explore rideshare car hire options to see available vehicles and get started.

Rideshare Coverage Across Melbourne

Drivers across Melbourne actively use both Uber and DiDi. High-demand areas include:

• Melbourne CBD – consistent demand, especially nights and weekends
• Inner suburbs – short trips, high turnover
• Northern Melbourne – airport runs, suburban commuters
• Eastern Melbourne – residential trips, shopping centres
• Western Melbourne – growing population, underserved by public transport
• Southern Melbourne – beaches, entertainment precincts, late-night demand

No matter where you're based, both platforms offer earning opportunities. The key is matching your location with peak demand times.

Best Strategy for Drivers in 2026

A practical approach used by successful Melbourne drivers:

1. Start with Uber – build consistent income from reliable trip volume
2. Add DiDi – take advantage of promotions and bonuses
3. Use flexible car rental – avoid ownership costs and start faster
4. Track weekly earnings – adjust your app usage based on results

This strategy reduces financial risk, maximises flexibility, and lets you optimise over time.

Frequently Asked Questions