Uber's Intercity Ride Index 2024: A Surge in Road Trips and Weekend Getaways

Uber's Intercity Ride Index 2024: A Surge in Road Trips and Weekend Getaways

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 17, 2024

In an exciting update, Uber has unveiled the 2024 edition of its Intercity Ride Index, revealing a notable rise in bookings for its Intercity mobility service. With more trips already booked this year than in 2023, Uber is witnessing the highest-ever demand for intercity rides in India.

The surge in bookings can be attributed to a combination of factors, including Indians' increasing enthusiasm for travel, holidays, and the continuous development of the country's road infrastructure. The expansion of national highways and expressways has dramatically reduced travel times, making long-distance trips more efficient and comfortable.

Weekends continue to be the peak time for intercity travel, with Sunday emerging as the most popular day, followed by Saturday and Friday. The preference for weekend trips highlights the growing trend of using Uber’s Intercity service for short getaways, family visits, and even business travel.

Shweta Mantri, Head of Rider Verticals at Uber India and South Asia, commented on the strong growth: “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, with features like Reserve to aid journey planning and Round Trips to expand travel possibilities.”

Uber has introduced features such as the ability to book round trips for up to five days, allowing riders to retain their car and driver while making multiple stops. The Reserve option enables travelers to book their rides in advance, up to 90 days, adding an element of convenience and reliability to long-distance journeys. In 2024, Reserve bookings for Intercity have more than doubled, showcasing the growing confidence in this feature.

As a special offer for the month of December, Uber has launched the ‘Big Intercity Sale 2024’, providing attractive discounts on existing prices. This move, along with the introduction of 24x7 live support for all intercity trips, reaffirms Uber's commitment to providing a safe and convenient travel experience.

The Intercity service is popular for both round trips and one-way journeys. Round trips, especially, are favored for leisure travel and visits to places of worship, as riders can keep their car and driver for the entire journey. On the other hand, one-way trips are often booked for family visits where the return date is flexible.

Some key findings from the 2024 Uber Intercity Ride Index include the top routes, most popular months for travel, and preferred days for bookings:

  • Top 3 Intercity Routes in India:

    1. Mumbai - Pune

    2. Delhi - Agra

    3. Bangalore - Mysore

  • Top 5 Months for Weekend Travel (2024):

    1. March (Holi long weekend) May (Buddha Purnima long weekend, summer break)

    2. June (Eid long weekend, summer break)

    3. August (Independence Day/Rakhi long weekend)

    4. September (Onam/Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid long weekends)

  • Top 3 Days of the Week for Uber Intercity Rides:

    1. Sunday

    2. Saturday

    3. Friday

  • Most Common Uses for Uber Intercity:

    1. Pilgrimage, tourism & family visits

    2. Business/client meetings

    3. Events (weddings, parties, concerts, trade shows)

  • Most Popular Getaways:
     Popular destinations around major cities include Pune, Nashik, and Lonavala from Mumbai; Mysore and Nandi Hills from Bangalore; and Agra and Jaipur from Delhi.

Uber's mission to offer seamless mobility continues to be a success, with over 1 million Indians relying on the app for various travel needs, from everyday commutes to leisure trips. With a focus on simplicity, safety, and convenience, Uber is shaping the future of intercity travel across India.


Jammu & Kashmir Charts Bold Tourism Revival with ₹5,600-Crore Expansion Plan

Jammu & Kashmir Charts Bold Tourism Revival with ₹5,600-Crore Expansion Plan

By Hariharan U

Published on August 17, 2025

Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong comeback, with more than 4 lakh devotees visiting the holy Amarnath shrine this season, a clear sign of the region’s renewed appeal after challenging years.

Speaking at the FAITH Conclave 2025, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that J&K offers two distinct travel experiences: pilgrimage tourism in Jammu and leisure tourism in Kashmir. He stressed that both require sustained investment and innovation to ensure visitors not only arrive once but return for more.

“My success will not be measured by how many tourists come for the first time, but by how many choose to come back. For that, the quality of their experience is key,” Abdullah said.

To address crowding at popular spots and open fresh opportunities, the J&K Government, in partnership with the Government of India, has launched SPREAD, a ₹5,600-crore transformative project supported by multilateral funding, with hopeful participation from the World Bank. The initiative will develop nine purpose-built, sustainable tourism destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, backed by improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and modern amenities.

Adventure tourism is also on the agenda, with Gulmarg set for upgraded winter sports facilities in collaboration with private partners, aiming to meet global skiing and adventure standards. Trekking routes will reopen following comprehensive security reviews to ensure visitor safety.

The plan extends beyond leisure and adventure to untapped segments like pilgrimage and border tourism in Jammu—going beyond the famous Mata Vaishnodevi shrine to include vibrant experiences such as the Suchetgarh border tourism circuit.

Praising the region’s timeless charm, Abdullah remarked,“Kashmir was heaven on earth long before Kerala was God’s own country. The road ahead is now filled with light, and with the support of industry partners and associations like FAITH, we will continue to grow stronger.”

From the world’s tallest arched railway bridge to snow-covered ski slopes, rich spiritual heritage, and pristine landscapes, Jammu & Kashmir is positioning itself as a year-round destination. The government’s approach blends infrastructure development with sustainable practices, keeping hope, optimism, and faith at the heart of its tourism vision.


Bird Travels Partners with AEGEAN to Launch Direct Flights from New Delhi & Mumbai to Athens in 2026

Bird Travels Partners with AEGEAN to Launch Direct Flights from New Delhi & Mumbai to Athens in 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 13, 2025

Bird Travels has announced its exclusive collaboration with AEGEAN, Greece’s flag carrier, to operate direct flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to Athens beginning in the first quarter of 2026. The flight schedule and ticket sales will be officially unveiled by the end of September.

AEGEAN will introduce two new Airbus A321neo XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft, boasting a range of up to 10.5 hours. These aircraft feature enhanced comfort with only 138 seats, including 24 Business Class Suites equipped with fully lie-flat beds, aisle access, and modern amenities such as 4K inflight entertainment screens, satellite Wi-Fi, USB charging, and spacious overhead bins designed for long-haul comfort.

The airline plans to operate five weekly flights to New Delhi starting March 2026, followed by three weekly flights to Mumbai from May 2026. Bird Travels will act as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for AEGEAN in India, managing sales, marketing, customer service, and distribution.

Roland Jaggi, Chief Commercial Officer of AEGEAN, said, “We are delighted to partner with Bird Travels as we prepare to launch direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Athens. This marks a significant milestone in AEGEAN’s international expansion and reinforces our commitment to strengthening ties between Greece and India. The addition of the new Airbus A321neo XLR aircraft allows us to enhance our service offering for long-haul routes, providing Indian travellers with a premium gateway to Europe and beyond.”

Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director of Bird Group, commented, “Our partnership with AEGEAN heralds exciting times for Indian travellers. AEGEAN’s reputation for quality service and connectivity perfectly complements our expertise in the Indian aviation market. Together, we look forward to offering seamless and elevated travel experiences from New Delhi and Mumbai to Athens and further into Europe.”

About Bird Travels and AEGEAN

Bird Travels, the flagship airline management company of India’s Bird Group, has over five decades of experience across airline representation, travel distribution, ground handling, and hospitality services. As AEGEAN’s exclusive GSA in India, Bird Travels will promote and manage the airline’s services across sales, marketing, and customer support.

Founded in 1999, AEGEAN is Greece’s largest and fastest-growing regional airline, serving 152 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa with a fleet of 83 modern Airbus aircraft. A member of the STAR ALLIANCE, AEGEAN has been named Europe’s Best Regional Airline by Skytrax 14 times in the past 16 years, underscoring its commitment to service excellence.

For more information, visit www.birdtravels.com.


Exclusive Shopping & Stays for Your Long Break

Exclusive Shopping & Stays for Your Long Break

By Hariharan U

Published on August 13, 2025

August 15th brings more than a mid-week breather, it’s your cue to pause, reset, and indulge in travel that lingers long after you return. Whether it’s barefoot luxury by the sea, alpine stillness, or the charm of a storied European city, these curated escapes promise to make your long weekend unforgettable.

Asia's Laidback Luxury in Nature’s Embrace

image

The Legian Seminyak, Bali

An oceanfront icon where timeless design meets Balinese soul. From vivid sunsets to indulgent spa rituals, every moment here feels like it’s just for you.
Explore The Legian

image

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Manta ray encounters, sunrise sandbank yoga, and villas designed for your pace. Even time slows to match your rhythm here.
 Discover Maamunagau

Europe - History, Heritage & Hidden Corners

image

De L’Europe Amsterdam
A landmark blending old-world charm with modern culture. Riverside calm, art, and the best of Amsterdam—right at your feet.
 Discover De L’Europe

image

Hotel Bellevue, Lošinj, Croatia
Modern Mediterranean luxury wrapped in pine-scented air and crystal Adriatic waters.
View Hotel Bellevue

image

Boutique Hotel Alhambra, Lošinj, Croatia
An adults-only escape where refined heritage meets Adriatic elegance.
Explore Alhambra

image

Kulm Hotel, St. Moritz
 An Alpine legend where understated glamour meets crisp mountain air and Swiss tradition even in summer, Explore Kulm Hotel

Exclusive Shopping – Parisian Elegance

image

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
More than a department store—private salons, designer previews, and curated fashion experiences tailored just for you.
Luxury Shopping Experience

Plan Your Bespoke Break
Make this Independence Day weekend count. Whether you dream of oceanfront tranquility, alpine retreats, or cultural immersion, we’ll curate a journey that feels entirely yours.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.