You Can Now Hail A Ride Straight From Google’s Mobile Search Results

Image courtesy of Uber

While Google already offers the option of hailing a cab or ride-service pickup from within Google Maps, the company will now let users order up a car straight from Google’s mobile search results.

Google announced the news on its India Blog, but it looks like the option is rolling out internationally.

“Just ask for directions to a place, and you’ll see a tab for ride services with fare estimates and pick up times if a car is available near you,” Google explains. That way, “you can easily compare your options to find the fastest way there, without having to open multiple apps.”

For example, let’s say I just got off the plane and I want to head for the park. Searching for “cab from JFK to Prospect Park” pulls up not only a map with a route marked, but a few options for getting a car, based on the services:

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Once you select a service, Google will direct you to the app required to book that ride. If you don’t have the app installed already, Google will provide a relevant link to an app store.

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