Uber India records highest-ever intercity trip bookings in 2024, fuelled by surge in travel demand

Uber India has recorded a milestone in its Intercity ride service, with bookings in 2024 already surpassing the previous year’s record, the company said in a press release on Friday.

According to the company’s latest Intercity Ride index, this growth reflects an expanding interest in travel across India, fuelled by improved road infrastructure and a growing demand for leisure, pilgrimage, and family visits.

The surge in Intercity bookings has been attributed by the company to the increasing popularity of road travel, with an expanded network of highways and expressways making long-distance trips more accessible and efficient. The reduction in travel times has led more Indians to choose road journeys over other modes of transport, Uber noted.


Weekends, especially long weekends, have continued to be a major draw for travellers, with several key holidays in 2024, such as Holi, Eid, and Independence Day, driving up demand for intercity travel, Uber said.

“It’s been amazing to see how much love Uber Intercity has received this year. People are using it in so many ways – whether it’s quick getaways, family visits, or just exploring new places. We’re thrilled to be a part of their journeys and can’t wait to make road trips even more fun and hassle-free for everyone," said Shweta Mantri, Head of Rider Verticals at Uber India and South Asia.

In response to growing demand, Uber introduced new features to make travel more convenient, the company said.

The Reserve feature, which allows riders to book their intercity rides in advance with pre-assigned drivers, has seen a sharp increase in usage, more than doubling in 2024. Uber riders can now book round trips for up to five days, making it easier to plan multi-stop journeys and retain the same driver throughout their travels. This flexibility has proven popular for both leisure trips and visits to places of worship, according to the company.

Uber also introduced 24x7 live support for all Intercity trips in 2024.

Moreover, the company has rolled out a “Big Intercity Sale 2024,” offering discounts on bookings this December.

The Intercity Round Trip feature, which lets passengers make multiple stops along their journey, has been particularly popular among those traveling for leisure or visiting places of worship. Meanwhile, one-way trips remain favored by passengers visiting family, where return dates may be flexible.