Uber launches Motorhomes for intercity travel, eyes flyers, families and weekend getaways

In a bold move to elevate long-distance road travel and boost brand salience in the mobility market, Uber has launched a limited-period premium category, Uber Intercity Motorhomes, exclusively in Delhi-NCR. The service will run from August 7 to September 6, and is targeted at travellers who typically rely on flights or private vehicles for intercity trips, such as families heading for weddings, weekend getaways, or business travellers seeking flexibility.

To build awareness and generate buzz, Uber has rolled out a multi-pronged marketing campaign. The brand is collaborating with travel and lifestyle influencers, who have been invited to experience the motorhomes and share their journeys across Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms. The campaign also includes print advertising and on-ground activations in Delhi-NCR to reach urban, affluent consumers directly.

The pilot campaign comes as Uber’s Intercity category has seen significant growth over the past year, with the number of routes increasing from 2,000 to 3,000 — a 50% year-on-year jump. The offering now spans 79 cities across India. Uber is tapping into a growing domestic travel market, which it estimates at $6 billion. Supporting this surge is India’s rapidly expanding national highway network, which has grown by over 60% in the last decade, and the fact that annual road passenger trips in India are estimated to be around 8 billion.

Weekend travel is emerging as a core growth driver. The company reports that Friday bookings and long weekend trips spike by up to 35%, while intercity rides during peak festival seasons like Diwali and Holi surge as much as 2.5x. Routes like Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Agra, Bangalore–Mysore, and Ahmedabad–Vadodara have shown consistent demand. Uber also noted that Fridays and early afternoons are the most popular time slots, especially during the wedding season.

The newly launched motorhomes are equipped with recliners, a mini-fridge, microwave, television, lavatory, and seating for 4 to 5 passengers. Riders will also have access to 24x7 live support, real-time location tracking, and the option to book for up to two days directly via the Uber app under a new Motorhome icon. Booking opens on August 4.

Speaking about the launch, Shweta Mantri, Head of Rider Verticals at Uber India and South Asia, said: “This India-first innovation has been developed entirely by Uber’s tech teams in Bengaluru and is part of a broader attempt to organise the highly fragmented and informal intercity travel sector. Features such as advance ride reservations up to 90 days, multi-stop trips, and round-trip bookings give users greater control and flexibility — a stark contrast to traditional intercity transport booking methods." she said.

Uber is treating it as a supply-led pilot to test market appetite for premium, experience-led road travel. For the brand, this initiative is not just about expanding service lines — it’s a strategic move to build stronger consumer engagement, reinforce brand equity, and position Uber as a serious player in the intercity travel category.