Categories: Travel

Uber intercity rides see record-breaking growth in 2024 amid travel boom, ET TravelWorld

Uber India’s latest ‘Intercity Ride’ Index has revealed a significant surge in intercity travel bookings in 2024, marking the company’s highest-ever yearly numbers. This milestone highlights a growing enthusiasm among Indians for road travel, bolstered by improved national road infrastructure and increasing travel aspirations.

The rise in intercity mobility was underpinned by expanded national highway networks and expressways, which have made long-distance journeys smoother and more time-efficient. According to the data, Sundays emerged as the most popular day for trips, followed by Saturdays and Fridays, signalling a clear preference for weekend travel.

Shweta Mantri, Head of Rider Verticals, Uber India and South Asia, remarked, “It’s been amazing to see how much love Uber Intercity has received this year. Whether it’s quick getaways, family visits, or exploring new places, we’re thrilled to be part of our riders’ journeys. Features like Reserve and Round Trips have truly enriched the experience, making road trips fun and hassle-free.”

Key trends in Uber intercity travel 2024

Top intercity routes
1. Mumbai – Pune: A favourite among commuters and leisure travellers alike.
2. Delhi – Agra: Driven by tourism to the Taj Mahal.
3. Bangalore – Mysore: A preferred route for cultural exploration.

Seasonal and weekend travel
– March and May saw peak bookings, fueled by Holi celebrations and summer vacations.
– Long weekends in June (Eid), August (Independence Day/Rakhi), and September (Ganesh Chaturthi/Onam) also spiked intercity ride demand.

The unprecedented growth in Intercity travel is attributed to several factors, including the rise in leisure and religious tourism across the country and notable improvements in road infrastructure. The development of national and state highways has not only reduced travel times but also enhanced the overall comfort of road journeys, prompting more individuals to opt for longer-distance travel by road.

Traveller preferences
– Pilgrimages, family visits, and leisure travel dominated bookings, followed by business trips and event attendance.
– Round trip bookings were particularly popular for leisure travellers visiting religious sites or holiday destinations, allowing them to retain their driver and vehicle for multiple stops. Popular getaways by city
– Mumbai: Pune, Lonavala, and Alibaug topped the list for quick escapes.
– Bangalore: Mysore, Nandi Hills, and Chikmagalur saw consistent demand.
– Delhi: Agra, Jaipur, and Vrindavan were frequent choices for short trips.

India’s burgeoning road infrastructure played a pivotal role in driving this growth. Improved highways and expressways have reduced travel times, making road trips a viable alternative to other modes of transportation.

Outlook for 2025
Uber’s record-breaking intercity numbers signal robust demand for flexible, reliable, and affordable road travel solutions. With continued investments in infrastructure and innovations in ride planning, the company is well-positioned to cater to India’s evolving travel needs.