Tired of Opening Multiple Apps to Book a Taxi? Google Maps Makes It Easy!
Booking a taxi used to be a straightforward process: open the Uber or Ola app, enter your details, and request a ride. But these days, things are getting more interesting, with platforms like Zomato and Practo partnering with ride-hailing services to make booking a cab even more convenient. But one of the most seamless and helpful integrations is with Google Maps, allowing you to book an Uber or Ola right from the app itself. This eliminates the need to jump between apps and lets you compare fares from both companies simultaneously.
Booking an Uber or Ola via Google Maps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to use this handy feature:
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Enter your destination using the search bar.
- Tap on the "car icon" navigate button.
- Choose the "taxi tab" that looks like a person holding one hand up.
- To see Uber and Ola fares, tap on the respective icons.
- For Uber, select your preferred car class (UberGo, UberX, or UberXL) and then tap "Request".
- First-time users will need to link their Uber account to Google by tapping on their preferred account and then tapping "Link".
- After linking, a fare estimate will be displayed. To complete the booking, tap "Book".
- To choose Ola, go to the Ola tab, select your desired car class, and then tap "Open app".
- Assuming you have the Ola app installed, it will automatically open with the pickup and drop locations pre-filled from Google Maps. Proceed with booking as usual using the Ola app.
Why Booking via Google Maps is a Game-Changer
This integrated approach offers several advantages:
- Convenience: No need to switch between apps. You can see both Uber and Ola fares directly in Google Maps.
- Comparison Power: This lets you easily compare fares across different car classes from both companies, ensuring you get the best deal.
- Faster Booking: Direct bookings in Uber through Google Maps streamline the process, minimizing the time spent on booking.
Important Considerations
While this integration offers convenience, there are a couple of aspects to keep in mind:
- Unlinking Accounts: Currently, there seems to be no way to unlink your Google and Uber accounts after linking them. We have reached out to Uber for clarification and will update this article if we receive more information.
- Availability: While this feature is available in most regions, you might need to update your Google Maps app to the latest version for it to work.
Google Maps: A One-Stop Shop for Your Transportation Needs
Google Maps has evolved into a powerful tool, exceeding its function as a map navigation app. The integration of booking taxis directly within the app has further increased its utility. By integrating with ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola, Google Maps aims to streamline your travel experience, making it easier and more efficient to get around. While the current lack of an unlinking option is a minor drawback, this innovative feature makes booking a cab a breeze.
