How To Create A Taxi Booking App Like Uber or Careem?

On-demand taxi booking apps are transforming the transportation industry, offering unparalleled convenience for users worldwide. If you’ve ever struggled to hail a cab on the street or faced rejections from passing taxis, you’re not alone—this is a common frustration for many customers. For taxi business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs, a mobile app is essential to attract and retain customers in this competitive market. The global on-demand taxi booking app market is projected to reach approximately $234,621 million by 2025, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, urbanization, and the demand for efficient transportation solutions. With Appy Pie’s taxi booking app builder, you can create a feature-rich app without coding, helping your business stand out.

In this post, we will explore:

• Reasons why you should build a taxi booking app
• Types of taxi booking apps
• Case studies of top on-demand taxi booking apps
• Essential features for your taxi booking app
• Sustainability trends in taxi booking apps

We’ll also guide you on how to create your own taxi booking app without coding or breaking the bank!

1. Introduction

Finding a taxi when you need one can be challenging, often involving long waits or overcharging with no clear way to address complaints. On-demand taxi booking apps have emerged as a solution, offering convenience and reliability. Industry leaders like Uber have revolutionized global transportation, while Careem has dominated the Middle Eastern market. With Appy Pie’s app builder, you can create a taxi booking app with top-tier features for both drivers and passengers, complete with an efficient admin panel to manage operations. Start building your app today and position your business as a leader in the ride-hailing industry!

1.1. What Is On-Demand Business?

On-demand businesses are reshaping industries, with Uber pioneering the model in the taxi sector. These businesses leverage digital platforms to deliver services instantly. For example, imagine a spa offering on-demand home services—taxi apps work similarly, connecting riders with drivers in real time. Appy Pie’s app maker enables you to create a taxi booking app without coding, bringing the on-demand model to your business.

Suggested Read: 10 Best Tools to Build a Taxi App in 2025

1.2. Why Make a Taxi App?

Whether you run an established taxi business or are launching a startup, a mobile app is a game-changer. Taxi apps are revolutionizing markets worldwide, offering higher user engagement and retention due to their indispensability—approximately 91% of people globally rely on taxi services. By building an taxi app with Appy Pie’s taxi app maker, you can tap into this demand, charge commissions on rides, and grow your business.

Did you know that Uber coordinates an average of 28 million daily rides?

2. Types of Taxi Booking Apps

Taxi booking apps come in various forms, each suited to different business models. Understanding these types helps you choose the right approach for your taxi service.

2.1. Taxi Service App as an Extension of Your Taxi Business

Established taxi companies with their own fleets can benefit from apps that extend their services. These apps simplify booking for customers and expand your reach, while also easing driver operations. A robust server is needed to handle multiple requests and ensure quick taxi dispatch.

2.2. An Independent Taxi Booking Service App

For startups without a fleet, an independent app can connect riders with drivers. This model, similar to Uber, offers two approaches: a simple app listing cab services or a complex solution with separate passenger and driver apps, requiring significant backend investment.

2.2.1. The Simple One

A basic app provides a list of cab services with prices and contact details, allowing users to book directly. Features like fare estimates and maps enhance usability, requiring regular database updates but no complex server.

2.2.2. The Complex One

A full-featured app, like Uber, involves two versions: one for passengers and one for drivers. It requires partnerships with taxi companies or individual drivers and a server to manage real-time location tracking and bookings.

2.2.3. How It Works?

Using GPS, the app identifies the rider’s location and notifies the nearest driver. Regular server updates ensure accurate driver locations, enabling efficient ride assignments.

3. Case Study – Uber

Uber, launched in 2009 as UberCab, is the world’s largest ride-hailing company, operating in over 10,000 cities across 70 countries with 150 million monthly active users and 6 million drivers, coordinating 28 million daily trips. It offers ride-hailing, food delivery, and freight services, with drivers using their own or rented vehicles.

3.1. Uber’s Business Model

Uber’s aggregator model connects drivers with riders under a unified brand, without owning vehicles. Drivers are partners, not employees, with flexible work terms. Uber charges a 20-25% commission per ride, ensuring profitability while scaling globally.

3.2. Target Audience

Uber serves diverse groups, including commuters, students, tourists, and those needing alternatives to public transport, making it a versatile solution for urban mobility.

3.3. How Is It Replacing the Taxi?

Uber has disrupted traditional taxis by offering reliable rides, transparent pricing, and features like real-time tracking, driver details, and flexible routes. Services like UberPool provide cost-effective shared rides, enhancing its appeal.

3.4. Revenue Model

Uber generates revenue through ride commissions (20-25%) and partnerships with brands like Pepsi and BMW, offering promotional benefits to riders while boosting brand exposure.

3.5. Dynamic Prices

During high-demand periods, Uber implements surge pricing, transparently communicated to riders, balancing supply and demand effectively.

3.6. Third Party Promotional Partnerships

Uber’s partnerships with major brands provide riders with perks, such as premium vehicle rides, while generating additional revenue and increasing partner visibility.

Suggested Read: Why Does Your Taxi Business Need an App?

4. Case Study – Careem

Careem, founded in 2012 in Dubai, operates in over 70 cities across 10 countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Initially a corporate booking service, it evolved into a leading ride-hailing platform, acquired by Uber in 2020.

4.1. Business Model

Careem’s model emphasizes generosity, serving customers, drivers (captains), and partners. Starting with pre-scheduled corporate rides, it transitioned to on-demand services, offering both B2B and B2C solutions with per-km and per-minute pricing.

5. Case Study – Gett

Gett, originally GetTaxi, is an Israeli ride-hailing company operating in numerous cities across Israel, Russia, the UK, and through partnerships with Lyft in 644 US and 12 Canadian cities. It connects users with taxis and couriers via its app.

5.1. Business Model

Gett’s revenue comes from monthly dispatch fees, per-ride charges, or corporate ride fees, varying by region, with a focus on corporate clients and eco-friendly initiatives like electric taxis.

6. Case Study – Lyft

Lyft, based in San Francisco, operates in over 800 cities across the US and Canada, serving 24.4 million quarterly active riders. Offering car rides, scooters, and bike-sharing, Lyft competes closely with Uber, leveraging faster booking times.

6.1. Business Model

Launched as Zimride in 2009, Lyft rebranded in 2012 as a cab aggregator, taking a 20% commission per ride. Heat maps drive dynamic pricing in high-demand areas, boosting revenue.

7. Features of A Perfect On-Demand Taxi Booking App

To succeed in the competitive taxi app market, your app must offer convenience, reliability, and professionalism. The following features, inspired by industry leaders, can be seamlessly integrated using Appy Pie’s no-code platform.

7.1. Tracking Location

Real-time location tracking ensures quick driver assignment. With Appy Pie’s taxi app builder, this feature provides riders with accurate driver arrival times, enhancing trust.

7.2. Built-In Maps & Traffic Data

High-quality navigation, using tools like Google Maps, helps drivers choose optimal routes. This is critical for efficient service, especially in urban areas.

7.3. Fare Calculation

Fare estimates, based on base fees, time, distance, and booking fees, are provided upfront, ensuring transparency for riders.

7.4. Payment System Integration

Secure, automated payments via cards or digital wallets enhance user convenience. Appy Pie’s app maker ensures encrypted transactions for user trust.

7.5. Star Ratings

A two-way rating system builds reliability by allowing riders and drivers to review each other, fostering accountability.

7.6. Driver-Focused Features

Features like pausing ride requests or charging for late passengers keep drivers satisfied, ensuring a robust service network.

7.7. Advanced Features

• Pickup Location: GPS-based location selection simplifies booking.
• Split Payment: Allows passengers to share ride costs.
• Request a Favorite Driver: Enables users to choose preferred drivers.
• Interactive Map & Taxi Tracking: Real-time tracking of nearby cabs.
• In-Built Messaging: Facilitates driver-passenger communication.
• Gamification: Boosts engagement with rewards and badges.
• Discount: Offers promotional codes for loyal users.
• Voice Recognition: Enables voice-activated bookings.
• Waitlist: Manages bookings during peak hours.
• Favorite Locations: Saves frequent destinations for quick bookings.
• Customizations for Special Needs: Offers accessible vehicles for diverse needs.
• Emergency Assistance: Provides in-app emergency contact options.
• Sustainability Options: Allows selection of eco-friendly vehicles and tracks carbon savings.

8. Passenger Version of The App

The passenger app is designed for ease of use, offering features tailored to riders’ needs, all customizable with Appy Pie’s taxi booking app maker platform.

8.1. Registration & Login

Users can sign up via social media or email, streamlining onboarding.

8.2. Booking

Options for on-demand or scheduled rides cater to varied user preferences.

8.3. Payment Integration

Automated payments enhance convenience, with secure gateways integrated via Appy Pie.

8.4. Push Notifications

Real-time updates on driver details and arrival times keep users informed.

8.5. Ride History

A detailed record of past rides helps users track expenses and retrieve information.

8.6. Fare Calculator

Upfront fare estimates ensure transparency before booking.

8.7. Driver Ratings & Ranking

Ratings and reviews improve service quality and user trust.

9. Driver Version of The App

The driver app supports business operations with features tailored to drivers’ needs.

9.1. Driver Profile & Status

Verified profiles and availability settings streamline driver management.

9.2. Order Alert

Push notifications provide booking details, aiding driver decision-making.

9.3. Navigation

Integrated navigation ensures efficient routes, supported by Appy Pie’s app builder.

9.4. Estimation

Fare estimates help drivers plan earnings.

9.5. Reports

Trip and earnings reports provide drivers with clear financial insights.

10. Admin Panel

The admin panel is a robust tool for managing app activities, offering insights into operations, navigation, and revenue. AI App builder includes an efficient admin panel for seamless management.

11. Sustainability in Taxi Booking Apps

Sustainability is a growing priority in transportation. Taxi apps are adopting eco-friendly features, such as options to select electric or hybrid vehicles and track carbon footprint savings. These initiatives reduce emissions and appeal to environmentally conscious users. With Appy Pie’s AI app maker, you can integrate these features to align with global sustainability goals.

12. What Would You Pay For?

Developing a taxi app involves costs for design, iOS/Android development, backend, web development, project management, and quality assurance. Appy Pie’s no-code platform minimizes these costs, starting at just $18/month.

13. Now Comes The Fun Part! Build Your Own Taxi App with Appy Pie!

Building a taxi app may seem daunting, but Appy Pie’s app builder simplifies the process. Follow our step-by-step tutorial to create a professional app without coding, complete with all the features needed to compete in the ride-hailing market.

Suggested Read: How to Create a Ride Sharing App Like Uber?

13.1. Steps to Create Your Taxi App with Appy Pie

Appy Pie’s no-code platform makes it easy and affordable to build a taxi booking app tailored to your business. Here’s how to get started:

1. Sign Up: Create a free account at Appy Pie’s On-demand Taxi Booking App Builder to begin your app development journey.
2. Choose a Template: Select a customizable taxi app template that aligns with your brand’s vision, ensuring a professional look and feel.
3. Customize Features: Use the drag-and-drop interface to add features like real-time GPS tracking, secure payment gateways, push notifications, and an admin panel for seamless management.
4. Design Your App: Personalize the app’s design with your logo, colors, and branding to create a cohesive user experience.
5. Test Your App: Take advantage of Appy Pie’s 7-day free trial to test your app, ensuring all features work flawlessly for passengers and drivers.
6. Publish to App Stores: Publish your app to the App Store and Google Play with Appy Pie’s guided process, supported by app store optimization (ASO) tools to boost visibility.
7. Manage and Update: Use Appy Pie’s dashboard to monitor app performance, manage bookings, and update features, with 24/7 support to assist you.

With Appy Pie’s app maker, you can create a robust taxi app that rivals industry leaders, all while keeping costs low and development time short. Start today and bring your vision to life!

Suggested Read: How to Launch Your App