NAIROBI, Kenya — Ride-hailing platform Bolt has integrated its services with ChatGPT, allowing users across Africa and other markets where the company operates to plan and book rides directly through the AI-powered assistant.
The global rollout, announced on Thursday, enables Bolt’s ride-booking service to be accessed by ChatGPT users across all of the company’s markets simultaneously, eliminating the need for country-by-country launches.
Under the new integration, users can request a ride within ChatGPT, receive upfront fare estimates, compare available ride options, and view a driver’s estimated arrival time before completing the booking through the Bolt app.
The service also recommends the most convenient pickup location to help reduce waiting times.
“When ready to travel, the details transfer to the Bolt app, where the booking is completed,” Bolt said in a statement.
Speaking during the launch, Bolt’s Regional Director for Rides Operations in Africa and South East Asia, Caroline Wanjihia, said evolving consumer behaviour is changing how people access transport services.
“People don’t plan their evening in five different apps anymore. A lot of that planning happens in one conversation now,” Wanjihia said.
“For years, booking a ride meant opening a dedicated ride-hailing app. As more everyday interactions take place through conversational technology, we think requesting a ride should be just as straightforward: ask, see the price, and go.”
At launch, customers will continue making payments through the Bolt app. However, the company said it plans to introduce in-app payments within ChatGPT later this year, enabling users to complete the entire booking process without leaving the AI platform.
According to Bolt, the integration reflects the growing use of conversational AI and digital assistants for travel planning and everyday mobility.
How the Service Works
To access the feature, users must first enable Bolt within ChatGPT through the chatbot’s Apps directory, which hosts third-party services that integrate with the platform.
Once connected, users can request a ride by typing a prompt into ChatGPT. The assistant then displays available ride categories, estimated fares, expected pickup times and a recommended pickup location.
After selecting their preferred option, users are redirected to the Bolt app, where the trip details are automatically populated for confirmation.
Payments continue to be processed through Bolt using customers’ existing payment methods, including linked bank cards and digital wallets.
Bolt said users are also required to connect their Bolt account to ChatGPT before using the service.
AI Reshaping Travel Planning
Bolt said the integration is designed to simplify access to transport services as more consumers turn to AI assistants to organise their daily activities and travel plans.
According to Accenture’s Consumer Pulse Research 2025, which surveyed more than 18,000 consumers across 14 countries, 80 per cent of travellers globally use digital assistants when planning trips, while more than half said they would be comfortable allowing the technology to manage their travel arrangements.
The company said the partnership gives Bolt access to ChatGPT’s rapidly expanding global user base while positioning the platform to benefit from continued growth in Africa’s ride-hailing market, which is projected to reach US$3.25 billion by 2031.
Bolt currently operates in more than 50 countries and over 850 cities, serving more than 200 million customers worldwide. The platform supports over 4.5 million drivers and also offers e-bike, scooter, and car rental services.
The company said the ChatGPT integration is now available through the ChatGPT app, with additional features, including direct payments within ChatGPT, expected later this year.
