Airbnb Adds App-Based Private Ride Bookings In About 125 Cities

Airbnb announced Tuesday that customers can now arrange private car transfers in roughly 125 destinations worldwide, expanding the company's services offerings through a tie-up with Welcome Pickups.

The addition lets travelers reserve a private vehicle from the Trips section of the Airbnb app after booking accommodations in a qualifying city. Riders will be able to view booking details and alter pickup information inside the app. Airbnb said the offering followed a trial run in Europe and Asia this year that drew thousands of users and earned an average review just shy of 5 out of 5.

The move builds on a services rollout the company began last summer, when it introduced a category of add-ons that let guests hire help ranging from chefs and caterers to photographers, fitness instructors and beauty professionals in eight countries. In November, Airbnb expanded that push with a partnership that allows some U.S. guests to order groceries through Instacart ahead of or during a stay.

Industry observers see the transportation feature as part of a larger effort to make the platform a single place to plan more elements of a trip. "Adding dedicated pick-ups gives Airbnb another touchpoint with travelers and could push incumbents in the ride market to adjust pricing or service," said Maria Lopez, a travel and mobility analyst. Airbnb executives have told investors they view hotel bookings and other lodging types as a big opportunity to be involved in trips regardless of where someone stays.

Airbnb said it intends to roll the car-transfer option into additional markets over the coming months. A company executive characterized the partnership as a way to simplify arrivals and deliver a consistent welcome for guests, while a mobility consultant noted it may create new pressure on local car services and ride-hailing firms.

For now, guests in eligible cities should see the transport option appear automatically after they confirm a reservation. Airbnb’s broader strategy — stitching transportation, groceries and on-site services into its app — signals a push toward offering more than just a place to sleep.