Uber has agreed to acquire Blacklane, the Berlin-based global chauffeur service platform, in a deal that marks a major push by the ride-hailing giant into the luxury and executive travel market. The companies announced the agreement on 30 March 2026, saying the transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to standard regulatory approvals.
Founded in Berlin in 2011, Blacklane operates a booking platform that connects customers with independent professional chauffeurs in more than 500 cities across over 60 countries. The company has built a reputation as a premium alternative to traditional ride-hailing services by focusing on pre-booked, high-quality chauffeur rides rather than on-demand pickups.
In a statement, Uber said the acquisition would reinforce its investment in premium travel and accelerate its growth in the chauffeur segment, building on its recently launched Uber Elite service. Uber Elite, aimed at executives and frequent business travellers, offers a fully licensed professional chauffeur service and is currently available in select U.S. cities, with plans for further expansion.
Uber’s chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, described premium travel as “one of the most exciting growth areas of Uber’s business,” adding that the company was “incredibly impressed by what Blacklane has built” and looked forward to working together and “deliver truly exceptional service to more people in cities around the world.”
Blacklane’s founder and CEO, Dr. Jens Wohltorf, said the partnership with Uber represented “a significant milestone in Blacklane’s next chapter” and would introduce the company’s luxury hospitality expertise to new markets globally.
The deal comes as Uber continues to expand its presence in premium mobility. The company has introduced Uber Business Black, a high-end service aimed at corporate travellers, combining luxury vehicles with professional drivers and offering both on-demand rides and pre-booked options to improve reliability for business users. At the same time, Uber has been rolling out its Women’s Preferences feature to more cities across the United States, allowing female riders to request women drivers, a move designed to enhance safety and comfort and give users greater control over their travel experience.
Industry observers see these initiatives as part of a broader strategy to diversify Uber’s offerings beyond standard ride-hailing. With the Blacklane acquisition, the company aims to strengthen its position across different segments of the mobility market.
