Uber alternatives include other rideshare apps, apps that book licensed taxis, chauffeur services for planned trips and self-driving rides in some cities. Which one works for you depends on where you are, because availability varies a lot by city and country. Install two apps before you travel so you've always got a backup.
There are plenty of reasons to look beyond Uber. Maybe there aren't many drivers in your area, maybe you'd rather support local taxi firms, or maybe you just want a backup when the app shows no cars.
Here are nine Uber alternatives, in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. They include rideshare apps, taxi booking apps, chauffeur services and a self-driving ride service.
Availability is the big catch. Some apps on this list cover many countries, while others only run in a handful of cities, so check coverage for the places you go most.
Safety features differ too, and it helps to know what one big app already does so you can compare.
Uber alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's store listing shows it as a free download. The app is free to install, but rides are charged separately, and each service sets its own rules.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alto | Rideshare app | Rideshare in selected US cities | Yes |
| Blacklane | Chauffeur service app | Booked chauffeur rides | Yes |
| Bolt | Ride app | Rides across many countries | Yes |
| Curb | Taxi app | Booking licensed taxis | Yes |
| FREENOW | Taxi and ride app | Taxis in European cities | Yes |
| Lyft | Rideshare app | Rideshare across the US and Canada | Yes |
| Waymo | Self-driving ride app | Driverless rides in some cities | Yes |
| Wingz | Airport ride app | Scheduled airport rides | Yes |
| zTrip | Taxi app | Booking taxis and transportation | Yes |
Nine Uber alternatives to try
Alto
Best for: Riders in the US cities it covers who want another rideshare option to compare.
Blacklane
Best for: Business travellers who'd like a chauffeur booked ahead for airport and city trips.
Bolt
Best for: Travellers in Europe and other regions where it operates who want a quick ride.
Curb
Best for: Riders who'd rather book and pay for licensed taxis through an app.
FREENOW
Best for: People in European cities who want to book taxis and other rides in one app.
Lyft
Best for: Riders in the US and Canada who want a well-known rideshare app with wide coverage.
Waymo
Best for: Curious riders in its cities who want to try a fully driverless ride.
Wingz
Best for: Travellers who want to schedule a ride to or from the airport in advance.
zTrip
Best for: Riders who want to book taxis and other transportation in the cities it covers.
The driver checks to compare between apps
Uber's safety page explains that people who drive with Uber are periodically asked to take a selfie, which is matched against their on-file identification to help make sure the right driver is behind the wheel. It also describes an in-app emergency button that shares your live location, vehicle details and license plate number with a 911 dispatcher.
Those are useful features to look for in any alternative. Before you ride with a new app, check how it verifies drivers, whether you can share your trip with a friend, and how you reach help from inside the app.
Taxi app, rideshare or chauffeur?
Taxi apps book the licensed cabs you'd see at a rank, which can be handy in cities where taxis are plentiful. Rideshare apps use drivers in their own cars, and chauffeur apps are for trips you plan in advance, such as an early flight or a client meeting.
None of these is better in every situation. The trick is to know which one works best in the places you travel to most, and to have it set up before you need it.
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Choosing a ride app for where you are
- Coverage: check the app runs in your city before you need it.
- Airport trips: scheduled and chauffeur apps suit planned journeys.
- Taxis: taxi apps book licensed cabs you'd find on the street.
- Safety tools: look for trip sharing and in-app emergency help.
- Accessibility: check options for wheelchairs or extra luggage.
Every ride, every time
- Check the car's plate and model match the app before you get in.
- Ask the driver who they're picking up instead of giving your name.
- Share your trip with a friend if you're travelling alone.
- Sit in the back where you have two exits.
- Report anything that felt wrong through the app afterwards.
Getting around on business trips
If you travel for work, a little planning goes a long way. My guide for the business traveler in LA covers getting around a city that's built for cars.
And if you're on the other side of the app, delivering food rather than riding, here's what to know about Uber Eats taxes.
Do you make ride apps or travel services? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on ride apps
Keep two ride apps on your phone and one local taxi number saved. When one app has no cars, the others often do.
Before a trip abroad, check which apps work in the city you're visiting, and set them up at home on Wi-Fi. It's far easier than trying to sign up on the kerb with a flat battery.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Uber?
It depends on your city. Rideshare, taxi and chauffeur apps each cover different places.
Is there an app for booking regular taxis?
Yes. Some apps on this list book licensed taxis.
Which ride apps work in Europe?
Several apps on this list focus on European cities.
Are self-driving rides available?
Yes, in some cities. Check the app's coverage map.
Can I schedule a ride to the airport?
Yes. Airport and chauffeur apps let you book ahead.
Are ride apps safe?
Most include safety tools. Check the plate, share your trip and sit in the back.
Are ride apps free to download?
Yes. The apps on this list are free to install, but rides are charged.
What if no cars are available?
Keep a second app and a local taxi number as a backup.
Do all ride apps work in every city?
No. Coverage varies a lot, so check before you travel.
How do I share my ride with a friend?
Most ride apps have a trip sharing option in the ride screen.
Can I book a ride for someone else?
Many apps let you book for another person. Check the app's options.
Which app is best for business travel?
Chauffeur and scheduled ride apps suit planned business trips.
