Uber is introducing a new premium transport tier called Uber Elite, combining chauffeur-driven airport transfers, luxury vehicles and personalised in-car amenities.

Uber is expanding further into luxury travel with the launch of Uber Elite, a new chauffeur-style ride service designed for executives, frequent travellers and premium customers seeking a more personalised experience.

The service will initially launch on an invite-only basis in Los Angeles and San Francisco before expanding to New York City. Uber says additional US and international cities will follow.

Unlike standard ride-hailing services, Uber Elite journeys are operated by commercially licensed professional chauffeurs driving luxury vehicles less than three years old. The launch reflects growing demand for higher-end transport experiences, particularly among business travellers and affluent consumers who increasingly expect hospitality-style service throughout the travel journey.

One of the headline features is a new in-app “Meet and Greet” airport service. Travellers arriving at airports can request an in-terminal pickup, with chauffeurs meeting passengers directly at baggage claim rather than kerbside. Uber says the feature is designed to reduce friction for travellers arriving after long-haul flights or navigating busy terminals.

The service also includes complimentary in-car amenities such as bottled water, mints, phone chargers and hand sanitising towels. Riders can also submit personalised requests through the app, including preferred drinks or celebratory extras such as champagne, where available.

Uber Elite customers will have access to 24/7 phone support before, during and after journeys, alongside the option to contact chauffeurs directly ahead of pickup.

Bookings are handled through Uber Reserve and can be made between one hour and 90 days in advance. The service is also integrated into Uber for Business, including delegate booking tools that allow executive assistants and corporate travel planners to manage transport on behalf of clients or colleagues.

At launch, invitations are being offered to frequent Uber Black users and Uber for Business customers before a wider public rollout.

The move positions Uber more directly against traditional chauffeur and executive car services, while also targeting premium airport transfer demand traditionally served by hospitality and private aviation providers.

Uber says the long-term goal is to make premium transport experiences more widely accessible across its global platform.