More Indians are using long-distance carpooling for affordable intercity travel. Apps like BlaBlaCar allow users to share rides, cutting costs compared to taxis or private cabs. A 120-kilometer trip that could cost ₹1,500–₹2,000 in a cab can be done for about ₹500 through BlaBlaCar.
India Becomes BlaBlaCar’s Largest Market
BlaBlaCar now estimates 20 million passengers in India this year, up almost 50% from last year. This makes India its biggest market, ahead of Brazil and France. The company, which had exited India in 2017 due to poor traction, saw renewed growth starting in 2022, driven by word of mouth and better mobile internet access.
Digital Payments and Car Ownership Drive Expansion
India’s growing smartphone base and digital payment systems have supported this rise. Over 700 million Indians use smartphones, and digital payments now account for 99% of transactions. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processed nearly 20 billion transactions worth ₹24.9 trillion in September. Rising car ownership has also expanded the pool of potential drivers.
Improved Infrastructure Boosts Carpooling
Better highways and road connectivity have made intercity travel easier, especially between smaller towns and big cities. BlaBlaCar recorded over 13.5 million trips in India as of September, a sharp increase from 9.1 million a year earlier.
Demographic Trends and User Activity
Nearly 70% of BlaBlaCar users in India are aged between 18 and 34. Around 95% use the app on mobile devices. Half of all rides occur on the country’s 15 busiest intercity routes, while the rest come from smaller cities.
Revenue and Driver Earnings
BlaBlaCar drivers in India earned about ₹713 million in August 2025, with an average of ₹390 per seat. Although the platform does not yet generate revenue locally, it plans to establish a physical office and hire staff by early next year.
Regulatory and Operational Challenges
State-level regulations around carpooling remain unclear in some areas. Users have reported difficulties reaching customer support and issues with last-minute cancellations. BlaBlaCar has introduced ID verification, meeting-point suggestions, and profile checks to improve safety and coordination.India’s Role in BlaBlaCar’s Global Strategy
Globally, BlaBlaCar expects to reach about 150 million passengers this year. With its growing user base and high engagement, India has become central to the company’s next phase of international expansion.
