Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Shuttle Driver
What shuttle drivers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a shuttle driver?
Inspect the shuttle. From there, the day usually includes drive passengers, follow schedules, and help with luggage. Shifts include early mornings, nights and weekends.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a shuttle driver working full time.
- Inspect the shuttle.
- Run the airport loop.
- Help a rider with a wheelchair.
- Fuel and clean.
- Run campus routes.
- Drive a VIP charter.
- Log the shift.
Where shuttle drivers work
Drivers work in vehicles and at pickup points.
Hours and schedule
Shifts include early mornings, nights and weekends.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Drive passengers
- Follow schedules
- Help with luggage
- Assist riders with disabilities
- Keep vehicles clean
- Inspect vehicles
- Communicate with dispatch
Tools you’ll use every day
- Shuttles and vans
- Limousines
- Wheelchair lifts
- GPS
- Radios
- Dispatch apps
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- Short training
- Meet people
- Flexible schedules
What’s hard
- Traffic
- Odd hours
- Modest pay
- Lifting bags
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like driving
- I like people
- I’m punctual
- I stay calm in traffic
- I want short training
- I want flexible hours
Not sure? Take the free Shuttle Driver fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Drive defensively
- Secure wheelchairs
- Lift bags safely
- Follow hours limits