Uber is set to acquire chauffeur service Blacklane as it expands into the premium travel market.

Uber’s Blacklane deal signals a major move into premium chauffeur services worldwide

Uber’s Blacklane deal signals a major move into premium chauffeur services worldwide

Uber confirmed it has agreed to buy Blacklane, a Berlin-based service operating in more than 500 cities across over 60 countries. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, with completion expected by the end of 2026 subject to regulatory approval.

The move signals Uber’s growing focus on high-end travel, building on its existing premium offerings such as Uber Black and Uber Elite. The company is already trialling chauffeur-style services in cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco, with plans to expand into New York.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company aims to offer a full range of travel options, from everyday journeys to executive transport, describing premium services as “one of the most exciting growth areas” for the business.

Blacklane, founded in 2011, connects passengers with professional chauffeur operators through its platform. The company was valued at over €500 million following a 2024 funding round and has attracted backing from major investors including Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG and Saudi-backed Tasaru Mobility Investments.

Blacklane founder and CEO Dr. Jens Wohltorf said the acquisition represents a major milestone as the company looks to expand further into global markets.

The deal comes as competition intensifies in the luxury ride-hailing sector. Rivals such as Wheely are expanding internationally, while Lyft recently acquired a chauffeur services firm as part of its own premium strategy.

Uber’s higher-end ride categories, including Comfort, SUV and Black, have already surpassed $10 billion in annual bookings, underlining strong demand for luxury transport options.