If you want to know how to earn more as a PCO driver during the London Marathon 2027, the short answer is simple: plan ahead, stay flexible, and avoid getting trapped in the busiest parts of London.
The 2027 TCS London Marathon will be a one-off two-day event on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027. Organisers say the Double TCS London Marathon will welcome 100,000 participants across the two days, all following the same route from Greenwich to Westminster.
That could create more demand for PCO drivers, but it will also bring closures, crowding and delays.
Why Marathon Weekend Could Be Busy
The London Marathon is already one of the most recognised races in the world. In 2027, the event will be even bigger because it will run across Saturday and Sunday rather than one day.
That means more movement across London from:
- runners
- spectators
- volunteers
- charity teams
- hotel guests
- friends and family travelling with a runner or running club
London Marathon Events also confirms that TCS London Marathon MyWay will run from 00:00:00 to 23:59:59 on both days, giving runners the full day to complete the 26.2 miles.
The Best Way to Improve Your Earnings
The best strategy is not to chase the centre of the action. It is to stay productive.
Focus on:
- areas just outside the route
- stations and hotels
- places with clear access in and out
- time slots when people are travelling to, from, or around the event
Think about net profit, not just fare size. One large trip through heavy congestion can be less useful than two shorter trips completed smoothly.
What Makes 2027 Different
This is not a standard marathon year.
The official FAQs say the 2027 double TCS London format is a one-off change for 2027 only. The route will be the same on both days. The Saturday event is likely to start at 09:00, with the Finish Line closing at 17:30, while the Sunday event is likely to start at 09:30.
That matters because demand may be spread across the whole weekend. Do not assume all useful work will happen only on Sunday 25 April 2027.
What to Do Before Race Day
Preparation is where most of your advantage comes from.
1. Check official updates
Do not rely on memory from past years. In 2027, the event format is different, and road access will matter.
2. Break the day into time blocks
It helps to think about:
- early morning runner travel
- mid-morning spectator movement
- afternoon finish-area dispersal
- evening station and hotel journeys
3. Get your vehicle ready
Before marathon day, make sure you have:
- enough fuel or charge
- a working phone charger
- navigation ready
- water and snacks
- all required documents
4. Build in cost control
Do not measure success by how busy you feel. Measure it by what you keep after delays and charges.
Congestion Charge: What You Need to Remember
TfL says the daily Congestion Charge is £18 if paid on the day of travel or in advance, and £21 if paid within three days after travel (tfl.gov.uk).
Charging times are:
- 07:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday
- 12:00 to 18:00 Saturday-Sunday and bank holidays
TfL also states that private hire vehicles are not exempt from the Congestion Charge.
That is important for PCO drivers. Taxis are exempt when actively licensed, but PHVs must pay if they enter the zone during charging hours. TfL says wheelchair-accessible PHVs may be exempt when carrying out a private hire booking, but standard PHVs are not.
The previous 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount has ended. Electric cars on Auto Pay will receive a 25% discount.
Smart Approach vs Risky Approach
| Situation | Smart approach | Risky approach |
| Route planning | Check official updates before starting | Rely on old assumptions |
| Working area | Stay near stations and route edges | Drive into the busiest closures |
| Earnings focus | Look at profit after costs | Focus only on fare value |
| Weekend plan | Prepare for both days | Treat it like a normal one-day race |
Common Questions
Will you definitely earn more?
No. The event may create more opportunities, but closures, waiting time and extra costs can cancel that out.
Is central London worth it?
Sometimes, but not always. If delays are heavy, it may be better to work outside the most restricted areas.
Can MyWay affect demand?
Yes. TCS London Marathon MyWay takes place on both days, so it may add to movement around the weekend.
Looking ahead to the 2027 TCS London Marathon
The London Marathon 2027 could be a useful weekend for some drivers. The 2027 TCS London Marathon, the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon, and TCS London Marathon MyWay all point to higher activity across London.
But the best result will usually come from simple decisions:
- plan early
- avoid blocked areas
- watch your costs
- stay flexible
- focus on efficient trips
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