DriveU Cities: Where You Can Hire Drivers (2025 Update)
Oct, 22 2025
Looking to book a driver through DriveU but not sure if it works in your area? Below you’ll find every Indian city where the platform currently operates, plus how to verify service in real time.
DriveU is a driver‑hiring platform that lets users book licensed, vetted drivers for daily commutes, airport trips, and corporate relocations. It launched in 2021 targeting major metros and has since expanded to tier‑1 and select tier‑2 cities across the country. The service matches riders with professional drivers, offers transparent pricing, and provides in‑app support for cancellations or route changes.
What makes city coverage critical for driver hiring?
When you’re juggling a tight schedule, the last thing you want is a driver who isn’t familiar with local traffic patterns or road regulations. A platform that operates in a city typically means:
- Drivers have passed city‑specific background checks and licensing requirements.
- Pricing reflects local fuel costs, tolls, and distance metrics.
- Customer support teams speak the regional language and understand local pain points.
Because of these factors, checking a city’s availability before you book saves you time, money, and potential frustration.
Current DriveU Cities (2025)
DriveU’s footprint in 2025 covers a mix of metros and fast‑growing urban hubs. Below is a snapshot of each city, when service launched there, and the most popular vehicle categories.
- Mumbai India’s financial capital, known for heavy traffic, where DriveU offers sedan, SUV, and electric‑car options. (launched 2021)
- Delhi The national capital region; service includes compact cars and luxury sedans for business travelers. (launched 2022)
- Bengaluru Tech hub with a strong demand for hourly driver rentals, especially for office commuters. (launched 2022)
- Hyderabad Offers a mix of high‑end sedans for corporate users and budget hatchbacks for students. (launched 2023)
- Chennai Coastal city where drivers are equipped with weather‑proof navigation tools. (launched 2023)
- Pune Fast‑growing educational hub; popular vehicle types include SUVs for family trips. (launched 2023)
- Kolkata Service focuses on compact cars to navigate narrow lanes and congested streets. (launched 2024)
- Ahmedabad Emerging market where DriveU provides both hourly and daily driver packages. (launched 2024)
These eight cities represent over 70 % of DriveU’s user base as of October 2025. The company plans to add at least three more tier‑2 locations by the end of 2025, focusing on regions with rising disposable incomes and corporate office clusters.
How to verify DriveU’s presence in your city
If you’re outside the list above, don’t assume the service isn’t there. Follow these quick steps to confirm:
- Open the DriveU mobile app or website.
- Enter your pickup location in the search bar.
- If the city is supported, the app will display available driver options and estimated fares.
- Look for the “Service Area” badge under the “Help” section - it lists all active cities.
- If you still can’t find your city, use the in‑app chat to ask a support representative; they typically reply within 15 minutes.
Checking the app first avoids wasted time and ensures you have the most up‑to‑date information, as coverage can change weekly.
DriveU vs. Other Driver Platforms: City Coverage Comparison
| Platform | Number of Indian Cities Served | Focus on Tier‑2 Cities |
|---|---|---|
| DriveU | 8 | Yes (Ahmedabad, Pune, Kolkata) |
| ZoomCar | 12 | Limited (mostly metros) |
| QuickRide | 5 | No |
DriveU’s edge lies in its early push into tier‑2 markets, which often have fewer alternatives and a growing pool of professional drivers.
Tips for Hiring Drivers in New DriveU Cities
When you’re testing DriveU in a city that just launched, keep these best‑practice points in mind:
- Book a day in advance. Early‑stage markets may have limited driver inventory, so a short‑notice reservation could be denied.
- Check driver ratings. New drivers typically start at a 4.5‑star baseline; anything lower warrants a quick reassignment.
- Confirm vehicle type. In Hyderabad, SUVs are popular for family trips, while compact hatchbacks dominate in Kolkata.
- Use the in‑app “Route Optimiser” feature. It reduces time spent in traffic‑prone zones common in expanding cities.
- Read the local cancellation policy. Some tier‑2 cities have a higher penalty for last‑minute changes due to driver scarcity.
Following these pointers helps you enjoy a smooth ride even when DriveU is still fine‑tuning its service in a new market.
Common Questions About DriveU Availability
Below are quick answers to the most frequent queries we see from users across India.
Is DriveU available in my hometown?
First, open the app and input your exact pickup address. If the city is supported, you’ll see driver listings instantly. If nothing appears, you can contact support via the chat button; they’ll confirm whether the city is on the upcoming rollout list.
How often does DriveU add new cities?
DriveU adds roughly three to five cities every quarter, focusing on regions with at least 1 million daily commuters and a growing pool of licensed drivers.
Do prices differ between cities?
Yes. Pricing reflects local fuel costs, tolls, and average traffic delay times. For instance, a 10‑km ride in Mumbai averages ₹120, while the same distance in Pune is about ₹95.
Can I request a specific driver in a new city?
If the driver has already completed at least three rides in that city, you can select their profile. New drivers may not yet be listed until they finish their onboarding period.
What insurance coverage does DriveU provide?
All rides come with third‑party liability insurance up to ₹5 million. In selected metros like Delhi and Mumbai, the policy also covers passenger personal injury.
Next Steps: Getting Started in Your City
Now that you know where DriveU operates, here’s a quick launch checklist:
- Download the latest version of the DriveU app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Register with a valid Indian mobile number and complete KYC verification.
- Enter your city name; the app will show the local driver pool.
- Select a vehicle type that fits your trip-sedan for city rides, SUV for airport transfers.
- Confirm the fare, add any promo code, and hit “Book Now.”
- Track the driver’s arrival on the live map and enjoy a hassle‑free ride.
If you encounter any hiccups, the in‑app live chat connects you directly to a city‑specific support agent who can help resolve issues within minutes.
DriveU’s expanding footprint means more Indians can skip the hassle of hiring a private driver through word‑of‑mouth or classifieds. Keep an eye on the app for notifications about new city launches-you might find your next convenient commuting solution sooner than you expect.
Amanda Harkins
October 22, 2025 AT 15:13When you think about a city’s fabric, the routes a driver knows become a silent guide through chaos. DriveU’s city list reads like a roadmap of where that silent expertise actually exists. It’s not just about a badge; it’s about someone who’s already navigated those rush‑hour snarls. In that sense, the coverage map feels almost philosophical – a map of trust.
Jeanie Watson
October 26, 2025 AT 16:27Looks like another marketing checklist.
Donald Sullivan
October 30, 2025 AT 17:40Local knowledge isn’t a luxury, it’s a survival skill for any rider who wants to avoid being stuck in endless traffic. DriveU’s push into tier‑2 cities forces drivers to actually learn the back‑streets, not just the main arteries. If a driver can’t read the subtle quirks of a neighbourhood, the whole service collapses. So the pressure on onboarding must be relentless, and the platform should audit driver routes weekly. Anything less is a disservice to commuters.
Tina van Schelt
November 3, 2025 AT 18:53What a kaleidoscope of urban arteries! DriveU’s expansion paints a vivid portrait of India’s juggling act between skyscrapers and winding lanes. The platform’s ability to match a sleek sedan in Mumbai with a nimble hatchback in Kolkata shows a chameleon‑like adaptability. If the service keeps this vibrant momentum, riders will feel the city’s pulse rather than its grind. Let’s toast to a future where every corner knows your driver’s name.
Jeff Napier
November 7, 2025 AT 20:07Maybe you think more cities means better service but more locations also dilute driver quality.
Jawaharlal Thota
November 11, 2025 AT 21:20First off, congratulations on diving into the world of on‑demand drivers, it’s a step that can truly simplify daily life.
Understanding which cities are covered is the foundation of a smooth experience.
When you open the app, the moment you type in your pickup address, the platform instantly tells you whether a driver is nearby.
If you see a list, you’re in a city where DriveU has already vetted local talent.
If not, it isn’t a dead end; the support team usually responds within minutes to clarify rollout plans.
Patience at this stage can save you a lot of frustration later on.
Remember that tier‑2 cities may have fewer drivers on any given day, so plan a little ahead of your schedule.
Booking a day in advance is a small habit that yields big rewards, especially in newly launched markets.
Check driver ratings meticulously; a 4.5‑star average is a good benchmark, but look at recent comments for consistency.
Vehicle type matters: SUVs in Hyderabad are perfect for families, while compact cars in Kolkata breeze through tight lanes.
Take advantage of the ‘Route Optimiser’ feature, it can shave minutes off a commute that would otherwise be lost in traffic.
If you ever need to cancel, read the local policy carefully because penalties can differ dramatically between metros and smaller cities.
All rides come with third‑party liability insurance up to five million rupees, which adds a layer of safety you shouldn’t overlook.
Should any issue arise, the in‑app live chat connects you to a city‑specific agent who is trained to resolve problems quickly.
By following these pointers, you’ll turn the new‑city uncertainty into a confident, hassle‑free ride every time.
sonny dirgantara
November 15, 2025 AT 22:33i tried the app in pune it was ok but the map sometimes lagged alot.