Uber is wading deeper into the travel sector, announcing Wednesday a partnership with Expedia that will allow its U.S. customers to book hotel rooms directly through the ride-hailing app. The move, unveiled at the company’s annual product event, gives Uber access to more than 700,000 properties listed on Expedia, marking a significant expansion of its services beyond transportation and food delivery.
“Uber is becoming an app for everything—helping people go, get, and now travel all in one place,” CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a statement. He framed the shift as a response to what he called “cognitive overload” from managing multiple apps, adding, “Our job is to help people reclaim their time, spending less of it managing the logistics of life and more of it actually living.”
The partnership includes perks for Uber One subscribers, who pay $9.99 per month. Those members will receive at least 20% off a rotating selection of more than 10,000 hotels worldwide, plus 10% back in Uber One credits on all hotel bookings. Vacation rentals from Vrbo, another Expedia-owned brand, are slated to be added later this year, according to Uber’s announcement.
Expedia CEO Ariane Gorin said the collaboration “gets us one step closer to offering a seamless traveler experience” and aims to help “travelers spend less time planning and more time enjoying the journey.”
Uber’s expansion into hospitality comes alongside other new initiatives revealed at the event, including restaurant recommendations and a shopping platform. The company, which reported over $43.9 million in revenue in 2024, has already integrated food and grocery delivery into its app.
However, the company continues to face legal headwinds. In September, the Department of Justice sued Uber, alleging the company discriminated against passengers with disabilities, including those who use service animals or mobility devices like stowable wheelchairs. Last month, U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim denied Uber’s motion to dismiss the case. The company filed its formal answer to the complaint on April 17, the court docket shows.
The hotel booking feature adds another revenue stream for Uber as it battles regulatory scrutiny. The company’s push to become a one-stop shop for travel and daily needs echoes broader trends in the tech industry, where platforms like Amazon and Google have long sought to consolidate services.
Uber’s move also comes as the travel industry rebounds post-pandemic, with hotel demand remaining strong. The partnership with Expedia could help Uber tap into a market dominated by established players like Booking Holdings and Airbnb, though the discount structure for Uber One members may provide a competitive edge.
