The daily bus commute—where time slows down, strangers invade your personal space, and you wonder if you’ll ever reach your destination. But instead of doom-scrolling through social media, why not use that time to make extra money on your phone?

Here are six easy side hustles you can do on the bus—no laptop or awkward face-to-face interactions required.

1. Take Online Surveys – Get Paid for Your Opinions (Even If No One Else Cares)

If you’ve ever spent hours debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza, congratulations—you’re already overqualified for this job. Companies love consumer feedback, and they’re willing to pay you to take online surveys.

How It Works:

• Sign up for survey sites like OpinionWord or iSay.
• Answer questions about products, services, or your shopping habits.
• Get paid in cash or gift cards (because nothing says “financial success” like a free $5 Starbucks card).

However, do keep in mind that a lot of online survey companies pay between $5-$8 per hour – which is still a decent amount for sitting on a bus. For more details on the pros and cons, check out our review on paid surveys.

2. Sell Photos Online – Turn Your Random Snaps Into Cash

If you have a habit of taking artsy photos of your coffee, why not sell them? Stock photo websites will pay you for high-quality images, and you don’t need a fancy camera—your smartphone will do just fine.

How It Works:

However, keep in mind your photos have to be good- as you’re competing with millions of other stock photos.

• Upload photos to sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or EyeEm (there’s many different stock photo companies and they pay different rates).
• Tag them with lots of relevant keywords (so your blurry sunset pic actually sells).
• Earn passive income each time someone downloads your photo. 

However, keep in mind your photos have to be good- as you’re competing with millions of other stock photos.

3. Sell Unused Items – Declutter and Profit at the Same Time

Your house is probably full of stuff you don’t need, and someone out there is willing to pay good money for it. Instead of letting that old jacket or barely-used gadget collect dust, list it for sale while you’re on the bus. 

How It Works:

• Use apps like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Trademe or Poshmark to list items.
• Snap a few photos at home, then create your listings on your commute.
• Respond to buyers and negotiate prices between bus stops.

For more tips and tricks check out our review here.

4. Write Reviews – Get Paid to Judge Things

If you love sharing your opinions (whether people ask for them or not), writing reviews for money might be your perfect bus-friendly side hustle. Some apps pay you to review music, products, and ads—basically, you get paid for having taste.

How It Works:

• Sign up for SliceThePie or similar platforms.
• Listen to songs, watch ads, or test new product descriptions.
• Write a short review and earn small but consistent payouts.

Warning:

Some platforms pay very little per review, so combine this with another hustle like surveys if you don’t want to spend a month earning $5.

5. Create and Sell Digital Products – Because Passive Income Is King

If you’re creative (or just really good at Googling ideas), designing digital products could be your ticket to easy money. Since these products require zero shipping and unlimited sales potential, they’re perfect for bus-friendly income streams.

How It Works:

• Use Canva’s mobile app to design eBooks, planners, templates, or social media graphics.
• Sell them on platforms like Etsy.
• Earn money every time someone downloads your creation—without lifting a finger after the first sale.

6. Write Blog Posts on Your Phone – Become a Blogging Boss

Think blogging is dead? Think again. A well-written blog can still generate ad revenue, affiliate income, and sponsorships. And guess what? You don’t need a laptop to start writing—just your thumbs and a little determination.

How It Works:

• Use the Google Docs or WordPress app to draft blog posts.
• Focus on a niche (like budget travel, personal finance, or hilarious bus ride observations).
• Monetise through affiliate links, display ads, or sponsored content.

Make Your Commute Work for You

Your bus ride doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the right side hustle apps, you can turn dead time into productive, money-making minutes.

So next time you’re stuck on the bus with a crying baby behind you and someone blasting TikTok videos without headphones, just remember: at least you’re making money while suffering.