How to Create an App like Careem? [2024 Guide]

The development market for taxi applications has very bright prospects at the moment. Global Ride-hailing market size should reach USD 344 billion by 2027, at a 16.6% compound annual growth rate. Thus, many established companies and startups are showing interest in how to create an app like Careem, and collaborating with a taxi booking app development company can significantly enhance their chances of success in this competitive landscape.

To create an app like Careem, meticulous planning and innovative technology is required along with features that are user-centric. As we move ahead in this blog, we will discuss much about this in detail.

Apps like as Careem has taken advantage of the growing need for carpooling services by providing seamless booking and transportation services throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Let us delve deep into this so that you have all the knowledge you need to develop an app like Careem, including insights into how long does it take to make an app.

What is Careem App?

Careem is basically a ride-hailing app that was launched in 2012 and came to the fore mainly in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. It guarantees an effortless and time-saving experience for its customers while hailing a ride by using their mobile phones.

The concept began as a simple cab booking system but has since expanded to include food delivery, digital payments, and courier services as well. In 2020, Uber paid $3.1 billion to acquire it. Careem operates successfully under its original brand name in more than 100 cities, with millions of users worldwide.

Careem stands a chance of succeeding because, simply, it can serve the specific demands of the local market a bit better: cash payments here, limited card use there. With a more localized approach, Careem is indeed one of the pioneering ride-hailing platforms that provide ease for both its drivers and its users.

Additionally, the rise of taxi booking app development companies has facilitated the growth of such localized services, allowing platforms like Careem to thrive by tailoring their offerings to meet regional needs effectively.

How to Create an App like Careem?

Let us look at the step-by-step process of how to develop an app like Careem.

Step 1: Market Research and Target Audience

The first step in order to create an app like Careem, you are required to understand the market and find your target audience. An in-depth competitive analysis is necessary regarding the gaps in the existing market and specific needs that your potential users are bound to face.

Step 2: Choose a Business Model

In the next step, you need to make a choice on the business model you want your application to be based on. You can use a commission-based model, where the app owner takes an amount of fare or other subscription-based models based on geographical and targeted audience preference.

Step 3: Design the UI/UX

The design of the application should be simple, intuitive, and easy to use. Your primary focus should be on providing a smooth experience, right from booking a ride to real-time driver tracking.

Step 4: Core App Development

The development phase shall cover the building of driver and rider applications along with an admin panel. You will need to integrate the features of GPS tracking, a payment gateway, and notifications that enable seamless communication between the user and the rider.

Step 5: Integrate Payment Solutions

Give an option for making payments via credit/debit cards, digital wallets, or cash. Secure Payment Gateways: Ensure the processing of users’ transactions in a safe and convenient manner.

Step 6: Test and Launch

You need to thoroughly test your app for bugs and performance issues before going live. You can publish your app on major platforms to increase visibility, such as iOS and Android.

[Also read: How to Create Taxi Booking App Like Uber]

Features to Develop a Taxi App Like Careem

To develop a taxi app like Careem, you must add a number of key features that improve the user experience and ensure smooth functionality. These qualities are essential for enticing drivers and passengers while maintaining safety, convenience, and transparency.

1. User Registration and Profile Management

Allow users and drivers to create an account using their email address, phone number, or social network. Onboarding should be secure and seamless. Users must be able to manage their profiles, which includes updating payment methods, viewing ride history, and setting preferences.

2. Booking Interface

It should be easy to use and intuitive, with a simple interface for booking. The user merely needs to book a ride by specifying the pickup and drop-off locations. The program should display available drivers nearby, wait time estimates, and the option to select vehicle kinds.

3. Real-Time GPS Tracking

Integration of GPS forms the livelihood of any taxi app. One should be able to track their drivers right from when they confirm a ride in real-time. This feature improves transparency and gives way to a feeling of security. For drivers, the inbuilt GPS tracking system provides all the information about directions and ways to navigate efficiently in order to reach the correct destination on time.

4. Fare Calculation and Ride Estimation

An accurate fare estimator is essential so that it takes distance, time, and traffic conditions into consideration for setting the fare. Providing fare estimates before scheduling a ride informs users about the cost and prevents surprises at the end of the trip.

5. Multiple Payment Options

Users like to have more options when it comes to payment. So you can integrate several payment methods in your app, such as credit/debit cards, and digital wallets, and also add an option to pay in cash. This is especially essential in areas where cash payments are still common.

6. In-App Notifications

Push notifications are essential in order to inform users and drivers of ride confirmations, cancellations, and projected arrival times. Timely notifications help to retain engagement and facilitate communication.

7. Rating and Review System

You can add a two-way rating system which enables drivers and passengers to grade one another based on their experiences. This promotes trust and helps to maintain service quality by promoting positive behaviour.

8. Ride History & Receipts

Providing a ride history with downloadable receipts promotes openness. Users may simply log previous journeys and spending, which is useful for personal budgeting or business travel.

9. Customer Support

A dependable and easily accessible customer support tool serves as essential for addressing issues with bookings, payments, or disputes. Integrating live chat, email, or phone assistance directly into the app helps customers and drivers with speedy responses to their complaints, increasing overall satisfaction.

By implementing all of these features, you may create an app like Careem that is strong and user-friendly and assures a smooth ride for both passengers and drivers.

[Also read: Differences between ola and uber apps]

Careem App Development Tech Stack

Summary table of the tech stack needed to make a taxi booking app like Careem

As you are learning how to build an app like Careem that is strong and scalable you need to choose the right tech stack. A technology stack defines the performance and smoothness of the user experience of your application and whether it is scalable for future success. Let us understand these essential technologies needed to develop an app like Careem:

1. Frontend (User Interface)

Users interact with the front end, therefore it should be simple, responsive, and easy to navigate. There are two common technologies used for creating cross-platform taxi apps. They are:

React Native: A JavaScript framework used for building mobile apps for both iOS and Android. It allows for code reusability, faster development cycles, and efficient performance.

Flutter: Flutter is known for its flexibility, customizable widgets, and rapid development capabilities.
Both frameworks allow for the creation of highly responsive and visually appealing mobile interfaces.

2. Backend Development

The backend is responsible for processing and managing requests from the user and driver apps, handling data storage, and communicating with external services like payment gateways and GPS. Common backend technologies include:

Node.js: A popular choice due to its ability to handle multiple requests efficiently. It’s used for building scalable and fast server-side applications.

Python: Known for its readability and simplicity, Python is used for writing server-side code, APIs, and managing databases. It is commonly used in large-scale applications. Ruby on Rails: A powerful web application framework for fast development, Ruby on Rails is used by companies looking for rapid app deployment and ease of maintenance.

3. Database

The database is a key component that stores information about users, drivers, rides, and payments. For a taxi app, the database must handle a high volume of transactions and queries. Common choices include:

MySQL: A relational database known for reliability and scalability, MySQL is ideal for managing large datasets.

PostgreSQL: Another popular relational database with advanced features like data integrity, making it suitable for complex queries and large-scale applications.

4. Payment Gateway Integration

A critical part of the taxi app is facilitating secure and fast payments. Popular payment gateways used in taxi apps include:

Stripe: A widely-used platform known for its easy integration, allowing for payments via credit cards, digital wallets, and more.

PayPal: A trusted name in online payments, PayPal provides secure transactions and multiple currency options.

Braintree: A PayPal-owned payment system offering flexibility in managing recurring payments and accepting various forms of payment, including cards and digital wallets.

5. Real-Time Notifications

To keep users informed about ride status, booking confirmations, cancellations, and driver arrival, real-time notifications are a must. Popular technologies for implementing notifications are:

Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM): FCM is widely used for sending push notifications to mobile devices in a scalable and reliable way.

Twilio: Known for providing SMS and push notification services, Twilio is ideal for businesses needing real-time communication with users and drivers.

6. GPS Tracking

Real-time location tracking is central to a taxi app, allowing users to track drivers, and drivers to navigate efficiently. GPS technologies used include:

Google Maps API: Google Maps is a top choice for integrating navigation and location services, providing accurate real-time positioning and route optimization.

MapBox: An alternative to Google Maps, MapBox offers customizable maps and precise navigation capabilities with global coverage.

7. Cloud Hosting

For data storage, backup, and management, a reliable cloud hosting solution is needed to handle a high volume of user and driver data. Popular cloud platforms include:

Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is the industry leader in cloud hosting, offering flexibility, scalability, and a wide range of tools to manage infrastructure.

Google Cloud Platform: Google Cloud offers similar scalability with easy integration with Google services and advanced machine learning capabilities.

Microsoft Azure: Known for its strong security features and wide range of services, Azure is a good option for businesses looking for a highly secure and reliable cloud environment.

8. Security and Authentication

Ensuring the security of user data, payment details, and driver information is crucial for any taxi app. Commonly used security measures include: OAuth 2.0: For secure user authentication and authorization.

SSL Encryption: For encrypting data transmitted between users and the server to protect sensitive information like payment details.

JWT (JSON Web Token): For ensuring secure data exchange and verifying user authenticity during transactions.

[Also explore: AI-Powered Taxi Booking App Development]

Cost to Create an App Like Careem

While you are exploring how to build an app like Careem, you must be aware of mobile app development cost of such an app. The cost to make a taxi booking app like Careem depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the features, platform selection, and development time. Here is a cost breakdown:

Careem Business Model

Careem works on a commission-based business model in the form of matching customers to drivers and taking its commission out of the ride fare. Choices for rides on the app range from economy and business to even luxury, thus it caters to customers of all segments. This company has extensive services in the fields of food delivery, courier services, and digital payments, which makes it a multi-service platform.

The drivers, also known as “captains,” make money on rides and deliveries, while the users get service for convenience, on-demand transportation and much more. Careem also pulls in revenue through partnerships, advertising, and premium service offerings in its ecosystem.

Top 5 Taxi Booking Apps in Dubai

Dubai City is home to a growing ride-hailing market with several popular taxi-booking apps that offer reliable and convenient services to residents and tourists alike. Here are the top 5 taxi booking apps in Dubai:

1. Careem

As a market leader, Careem offers a wide range of transportation options, from economy to luxury rides. Its user-friendly interface, cash payment options, and regional focus make it highly popular.

2. Uber

Uber provides seamless transportation services across Dubai. With various ride options, including UberX and UberBlack, it caters to different customer needs.

3. Hala (Dubai Taxi)

Hala is a collaboration between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem, allowing users to book Dubai’s official taxis through the Careem app, ensuring regulated fares and services.

4. RTA Smart Taxi

Developed by Dubai’s RTA, this app allows users to book official taxis quickly, ensuring safety and reliability with standardized fares.

5. S’hail

This app, also developed by the RTA, provides comprehensive public transportation options, including taxis, offering a one-stop solution for commuting across Dubai City.

Conclusion: Create an App Like Careem

It is not a small feat to create an app like Careem, but with the right planning, technology, and user-focused features, you can create a successful ride-hailing platform. With the right approach, you can create a high-performing, user-friendly app to address the rising need for on-demand transportation services.

To develop a taxi app like Careem it is important to utilise skills in both frontend and backend technologies, as well as to have a thorough understanding of user experience. Partnering with a reputable mobile app development services provider, such as NineHertz, can help to speed up this process. With over a decade of experience in mobile app development, NineHertz has successfully created customized solutions for businesses in a variety of industries.

Whether you need help establishing an app from scratch or expanding an existing platform, NineHertz provides end-to-end development services, from design and development to deployment and support, assuring a seamless and scalable taxi booking app similar to Careem. Contact us today and embark on your journey in this growing business.

FAQ’s: Develop an App Like Careem

Let us discuss some of the frequently asked questions regarding how to develop an app like Careem.

Q.1 How to Build an App Like Careem?

To create an app like Careem, conduct extensive market research, outline your business strategy, design a user-friendly interface, and develop important features such as real-time tracking and payment methods.

Q.2 How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App Like Careem?

The cost to develop an app like Careem ranges between $50,000 and $90,000, depending on factors like design complexity, features, and platform.

Q.3 How Long Does it Take to Make an App Like Careem?

Developing an app like Careem can take approximately 6-12 months, depending on the development team, complexity of features, and testing phases.

Q.4 Which are Careem App Alternatives?

Some alternatives to the Careem app include Uber, RTA Smart Taxi, S’hail, and Hala (Dubai Taxi).