As that unmistakable Christmas anthem ‘All I Want for Christmas’ fills the air and the race to secure those last-minute Secret Santa gifts takes over, Uber is once again sliding down the chimney with Australia’s 2025 rider ratings ranking.

With social calendars swelling, shopping bags multiplying, and Aussies taking more silly-season Uber trips than ever – dashing from barbecues to beaches and everything in between – we’re lifting the lid on how the nation behaved in the passenger seat this year.

If you’ve been desperately searching for a conversation starter for the Christmas parties where you only know one person – look no further. Consider this your go-to festive icebreaker – revealing which riders’ merry etiquette earned them a spot on the nice list, and which states slipped into Scrooge-ville.

We were proud to check our list (twice, obviously) and see that most Aussies have been keeping things cheerful and courteous – our national average rider rating held steady this year at 4.82 out of 5 stars, the same as 2024.

But which cities and states truly sparkled this year? Has WA pulled off a Christmas miracle and made it off the naughty list? Which state had towns so merry that they nabbed the top three spots? And which city, after two years at the top, has been bumped from the podium of Aussies nicest riders? Grab a candy cane and let’s unwrap the leaderboard. 

Average Rider Rating in Metro Areas

  1. Gold Coast – 4.88 – Coastal QLD secured a tropical trifecta for their excellent etiquette!
  2. Sunshine Coast – 4.88
  3. Cairns – 4.88
  4. Newcastle – 4.86 – Off the podium for the first time in years! We do love a comeback story…
  5. Darwin – 4.86
  6. Launceston – 4.85
  7. Hobart – 4.85
  8. Wollongong – 4.83
  9. Sydney – 4.83
  10. Geelong – 4.83
  11. Canberra – 4.83

————————-National Average: 4.82

  1. Brisbane – 4.80
  2. Melbourne – 4.80 
  3. Adelaide – 4.78
  4. Perth – 4.78 – Another lump of coal for you, Perth. 2026 is your year. We believe in you.

Average Rider Rating per State

  1. NT – 4.86 – The nation’s North Star for rider etiquette reclaimed their throne from NSW.
  2. TAS – 4.85
  3. NSW – 4.84
  4. QLD – 4.83
  5. ACT – 4.83

————————-National Average: 4.82

  1. VIC – 4.80
  2. SA – 4.78
  3. WA – 4.78 – *sigh*…third year in a row. At least you’re consistent, WA.

 

How to check your Uber Rider Rating

  1. Ensure you’ve got the latest version of the Uber app
  2. Open the app and tap Account (bottom right)
  3. Your star rating is waiting for you in the top left corner

To dive deeper into your rider rating and uncover your nicest and naughtiest trips, head to the Privacy Centre to see how many times you’ve earned a perfect 5-star rating from drivers. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. In the settings menu, tap Privacy and you’ll be directed to the Privacy Centre
  2. In the Privacy Centre, on the “Would you like to see a summary of how you use Uber?” tile, click on “See summary”
  3. Scroll down to Ratings and tap on “View my ratings” to see the breakdown 

How to take your rider rating from naughty to nice

A little courtesy goes a long way – especially when holiday crowds and rising temperatures have patience crumbling faster than a gingerbread house in the sun. Here are our top tips for being a rider worthy of a trip in Saint Nick’s own sleigh:

  1. Ready when the Reindeer are – A smooth start is the best gift you can give. Being ready and at the correct pickup spot when your driver arrives helps the sleigh take off stress-free.
  2. Season’s Greetings (literally) – Let’s keep greetings as warm as our sun-soaked Christmas. You don’t need to belt out a carol, but a simple “how’re you going, mate?” can light up the ride.
  3. Handle with Holiday Care – Amid the bustle of the silly season, it’s easy to dash out of the car in a hurry and slam the door, but this is one of the top reasons for lower ratings.
  4. Nice and Neat – Remember to take your rubbish and belongings with you. Save the cookie crumbs, milk spills, gift-wrap scraps, and sand for anywhere other than the back seat.
  5. Respect makes the Ride – Holiday spirit is optional, but kindness isn’t. Like our Community Guidelines say, we want everyone to feel safe, respected, and happy during every Uber ride. 

Uber works best when everyone receives the respect they deserve. That’s why both riders and drivers alike are encouraged to share their feedback after each trip to help improve the Uber experience. Your stars aren’t just numbers; they’re little reminders to spread goodwill and keep the ride merry for everyone. More on Uber’s two-way rating system here. 

If your own rating is giving more poison ivy than mistletoe – don’t fret just yet. It’s based on your last 500 trips, so there’s always room to improve. Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, or just an average Tuesday, every ride is a chance to start working your way into Santa’s good books.