There are hidden gems in different corners of India waiting for you to explore. Cabs are a convenient means to reach different tourist spots in the city. For travelers, navigating these diverse destinations is now easier than ever because of ride-hailing apps. Uber and Ola are top platforms in India with extensive connectivity in urban and rural areas. These platforms offer safe, convenient, and affordable rides with a click of a button.
Uber is a US-based company that came to India in 2013 and started offering a ride-hailing booking service through their app. Ola is an Indian startup that was founded in 2010 and became another top app-based taxi service provider with Uber. Read more to understand Uber and Ola cab services in India!
Availability and Coverage
Uber is available in major cities of India like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, etc, with a good frequency and reasonable pricing. However, it has a limited service in remote areas and small towns.
Ola, on the other hand, covers major cities as well as smaller towns compared to Uber. It is easily available in remote areas.
It is best to download both apps to compare prices and cab availability for your location.
Pricing and Payment
The pricing offered is reasonable and often varies as the prices surge according to the outside conditions on both platforms. The prices depend on the time of day, your route, and which car category you have chosen. You will often find the price of the cab on Uber and Ola being cheaper than a regular taxi fare.
Uber has a better integration with international cards and e-wallets like Apple Pay and PayPal, making it easy for you to make seamless payments. Ola, on the other hand, accepts UPI, cash, and Ola Money (topping up wallet), hence, you may face issues while adding your international card for payment.
It is always best to have cash on you just in case your payment fails after you reach your destination.
App Interface & User Experience
Since Uber is available globally, its interface is standardized, and it would be easy for you to operate the app.
Ola, on the other hand, has an easy-to-operate interface, however, you might find some sections in other languages at times.
Overall, the integration of both apps serves the purpose of live tracking, selecting a payment method, and fare estimation.
Ride Categories and Available Options
There are various options for ride booking in both apps, tailored according to your travel preferences.
| Category | Uber | Ola |
| Budget Travel | Uber Go | Ola Mini |
| 2-4 seater car | Uber Go | Ola Mini |
| 4-6 seater car | UberXL | Prime SUV |
| Bikes (available in certain cities) | Uber Moto | Ola Bike |
| Premium Travel | Uber Premier, Uber Sedan | Ola Premier Sedan |
| Auto Rickshaws (available in certain cities) | Uber Auto | Ola Auto |
Both apps offer the facility to share the ride with your friends and family, allowing them to live track your ride. In cars, you will find emergency buttons, which will alert the authorities if you press them in case of any emergency.
Tips for Foreigners
- It is best to download both apps and register them with your local number.
- Before booking, always compare prices between Uber and Ola, as sometimes one of the apps will show surge prices while the other won’t.
- Always keep cash handy just in case your card or UPI doesn’t work.
- Usually, the drivers call to confirm the location, so don’t be surprised if they call you. Additionally, the drivers may not know English, so you can take help of Google Translate if needed to communicate.
- Use Wi-Fi or local SIM data to keep your app working.
- If you already use Uber, then you can continue using the app in India as well. Otherwise, both Ola and Uber have an easy-to-use interface for hassle-free ride bookings.
Read more about Car Rental Process: Hiring Car and Driver in India.
So, which app would you prefer to use when you want to discover a hidden gem in India? At India Someday, we plan customized trips to India for you based on your interests and requirements. Contact us and we will help you plan your perfect trip to India.
