Figures
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Uber Reserve bookings surge nearly 200% in India, led by airport travel and festive demand

Uber Reserve bookings in India grew by nearly 200 per cent year-on-year in 2024, reflecting a shift towards more reliable, pre-scheduled rides. Airport drop-offs accounted for 40 per cent of Reserve trips, with major cities and festive periods driving demand. Chennai led in adoption, while Reserve trips booked via Uber for Business rose 140 per cent , signalling growing traction among working professionals.

Published On Jun 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM IST

<p>Image credit - iStock-1391517615</p> — Image credit - iStock-1391517615

Uber has reported a sharp rise in bookings for Uber Reserve—its pre-scheduled ride feature—with usage growing nearly 200 per cent year-on-year across Indian cities in 2024. Designed for planned journeys, the product is increasingly becoming the preferred option for riders seeking reliability, particularly for airport transfers, festive travel, and early-morning commutes.

Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai saw the highest usage, with Reserve trips now accounting for one in four airport drop-offs. Airport travel alone contributed to 40 per cent of all Reserve bookings, underlining a strong preference for dependable mobility at time-sensitive hours.

Usage patterns also pointed to significant spikes during the festive calendar and key social events. Booking volumes rose by 15 per cent ahead of public holidays and exams, with Diwali seeing a 40 per cent jump in intercity Reserve rides. Long weekends drove a 30 per cent increase in Reserve activity.

“Riders are telling us what they value most—reliability, flexibility, and peace of mind,” said Shweta Mantri, Head of Rider Verticals, Uber India and South Asia. “Whether it’s for a flight, a meeting, or a family celebration, Reserve is becoming the preferred choice for planned journeys across India.”

The average lead time for a Reserve trip stood at nine hours, with early morning slots between 4–6 AM popular for airport travel, and 7–10 AM for work commutes. Notably, one rider booked a trip 89 days in advance, close to the product’s 90-day pre-booking window.

Corporate usage also surged, with Uber for Business Reserve bookings growing 140 per cent year-on-year and now representing 10 per cent of all Reserve trips. Chennai emerged as the leading city for Reserve adoption, followed by Bangalore and Hyderabad.

As urban mobility continues to evolve, Uber Reserve is becoming integral to how Indians plan their travel, offering structured flexibility in an otherwise on-demand ecosystem.