Uber machines enter Poland. The giant starts after passengers offline
Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Uber has launched its "Tap to Ride" terminals at Warsaw Chopin Airport, allowing passengers to book and pay for rides without a smartphone app.
- This initiative aims to simplify the process for passengers, including those without local SIM cards or internet access.
- Warsaw is the first city in Poland and a pioneer in Europe to implement this technology, which is already in use at airports in London, New York, and Budapest.
Uber is introducing a new way to hail rides at Warsaw Chopin Airport with its "Tap to Ride" terminals, marking a significant step in simplifying transportation for travelers.
This innovative system allows passengers to book and pay for an Uber ride directly at the terminal, eliminating the need for the Uber mobile application, an account, or even a local SIM card and internet connection. After selecting their destination and ride type on the intuitive touchscreen, users complete a cashless payment. The terminal then provides a printed receipt and sends an SMS with the driver's details and a unique PIN code to the passenger.
Upon receiving the PIN, passengers proceed to the designated pickup zone and board the first available Uber vehicle, verifying their identity with the provided code. This streamlined process is designed to reduce waiting times and minimize the chances of errors, offering a seamless experience for all travelers.
Warsaw's selection as the launch city is strategic. Poland is a key market for Uber, frequently chosen for piloting global innovations. Warsaw Chopin Airport is experiencing record passenger numbers, with over 24 million passengers in 2025 and projections for continued growth. This surge in travel has led to a 30% increase in Uber rides to and from the airport over the past two years, highlighting the demand for efficient transportation solutions.
The "Tap to Ride" system is already operational at major international airports, including Heathrow in London, LaGuardia in New York, and Budapest. Its debut in Warsaw positions the city as a European pioneer in adopting this technology, which could potentially reshape the landscape of the transportation industry.
Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.