How to Develop an App like Expedia in 2025 | Cost & Guide

Key Takeaways

• The online travel market is booming, and now is the best time to make an app like Expedia to capture user demand.

• Success depends on offering seamless booking, personalization, and innovative features like AI-driven recommendations.

• Development costs vary widely from $40,000 to $150,000 based on complexity, platforms, and integrations.

• Monetization options such as commissions, ads, and premium listings can make your Expedia-like app highly profitable.

• Partnering with JPLoft ensures expert guidance, innovative strategies, and end-to-end support to transform your Expedia-like idea into reality.

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer." — Anonymous

In today’s digital world, travel apps have become essential for exploring flights, hotels, and experiences effortlessly. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to develop an app like Expedia, you’re stepping into a market full of opportunities.

Entrepreneurs and businesses are increasingly looking to create an app like Expedia to offer seamless travel booking experiences.

To develop an app like Expedia, you need a robust tech stack, API integrations for flights and hotels, secure payment gateways, and a user-friendly design. Partnering with an experienced travel app development team ensures scalability and long-term success.

From flight reservations to hotel deals, a well-designed platform can become a traveler’s go-to companion. 

This guide to develop an app like Expedia covers everything you need to know, from features and AI integration to costs and monetization strategies.

All About Expedia: Travel, Hotel, Flight

Expedia has revolutionized travel planning by connecting travelers with flights, hotels, and experiences worldwide. Understanding its concept and purpose is the first step if you want to build an Expedia clone that matches modern traveler expectations.

1. The Concept of Expedia

Expedia is a comprehensive online travel booking platform that lets users compare and book flights, hotels, vacation packages, and rentals in one place. Its algorithms simplify the process by displaying the best deals quickly.

If you plan to make an Expedia clone, studying how Expedia streamlines search, filtering, and booking is essential. 

This knowledge ensures your app provides the same level of convenience while adding unique features for differentiation.

2. The Purpose of Expedia

The main purpose of Expedia is to simplify travel planning and enhance the user experience by offering a one-stop solution for all travel needs. 

It empowers travelers to make informed decisions with reviews, ratings, and competitive pricing. 

Entrepreneurs looking to develop an Expedia clone can leverage this model to offer a platform that is intuitive, efficient, and customer-centric.

Additionally, studying the best travel apps in the market can provide insights into usability and design trends, which can guide your own Expedia-like app development strategy.

Why Create an App like Expedia?

The online travel industry is booming, with millions of travelers relying on mobile platforms to book flights, hotels, and experiences. 

For entrepreneurs, knowing how to develop an app like Expedia is the gateway to entering this high-growth market.

1. Massive Market Opportunity

The global online travel market revenue is expected to reach USD 2.01 Trillion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.5%. 

Developing a travel booking platform allows entrepreneurs to tap into this fast-growing sector. 

If you want to make an app like Expedia, this is the perfect time to enter the market and capture traveler demand.

2. Convenience and Customer Demand

Modern travelers prefer apps that consolidate flights, hotels, and tours in one platform. By offering a seamless experience, your app can stand out. 

Studying travel app development trends ensures you implement features that meet current user expectations, like instant booking, price comparison, and loyalty rewards.

3. Revenue Potential

Apps like Expedia generate revenue through commissions, premium listings, advertising, and subscription plans. 

On average, travel apps generate about $29.42 per user over a six-month period, underscoring strong monetization opportunities. 

Knowing the process to build an app like Expedia can help you plan features that maximize revenue while delivering value. 

4. Competitive Advantage & Development Insights

The travel industry is competitive, but apps with advanced features, AI-powered personalization, and user-friendly design can outperform others. 

Entrepreneurs exploring how to build an app like Expedia can differentiate themselves by integrating real-time offers, multi-language support, and secure payment gateways. 

Additionally, being aware of travel app development challenges such as API integration, scalability, and data security helps plan a smoother development process and reduces risks.

Learning why online travel apps fail also helps entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and build a more resilient platform.

How Does an App Like Expedia Work?

Understanding the workflow of an Expedia-like app helps you plan the development process effectively. 

From searching to booking and customer support, each step ensures a seamless travel experience while enhancing user engagement and retention.

If you’re exploring steps to build an app like Expedia, here’s how the process unfolds:

Step 1: User Registration and Profile Management

Users begin by creating an account using email, social media, or mobile number. This allows personalized recommendations, booking history, and loyalty management. 

If you’re exploring how to develop an app like Expedia?, a secure and intuitive profile system is essential for long-term user engagement.

Step 2: Search and Filter Options

Travelers can search for flights, hotels, or vacation packages using filters such as dates, price, ratings, amenities, and location. 

Integrating insights from how to develop a travel planner app like TripIt ensures smart itinerary suggestions and smoother search functionality, making the booking process faster and more accurate.

A strong filtering system helps you make an app like Expedia that simplifies travel planning.

Step 3: Booking and Payment Integration

Once users select their travel option, the app allows seamless payment through credit cards, e-wallets, UPI, or net banking. 

Secure payment gateways with instant confirmation enhance trust and retention. Knowing how to build an app like Expedia? helps you integrate multiple payment options and choose the best gateway for your business while maintaining user convenience. 

Step 4: Reviews, Ratings, and Recommendations

Expedia-like apps rely on user-generated reviews and AI-driven suggestions to guide travelers. This builds credibility and helps users make informed decisions. 

Studying platforms like how to make an app like Tripadvisor provides insights into integrating authentic reviews, ratings, and personalized recommendations effectively.

Step 5: Notifications and Customer Support

Real-time notifications for booking confirmations, price alerts, and itinerary updates keep users informed and engaged. 

Adding live chat or AI-based customer support enhances satisfaction, resolves queries promptly, and ensures a superior travel experience. Adding such features to your process to build an app like Expedia ensures higher loyalty and retention.

Top Features to Include in Your Expedia Clone App

Creating an Expedia-like app requires a careful balance of functionality, user experience, and technological innovation. 

Understanding which features make travel apps successful is crucial for your Expedia like App development. 

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most important features you should include:

► User Registration and Profile Management

Allow users to sign up via email, social media, or phone number and manage their profiles. 

A robust profile system enables personalized recommendations, booking history, and loyalty program tracking. 

Including profile customization enhances engagement and provides data to offer targeted travel deals.

► Advanced Search and Filtering Options

Travelers expect to find flights, hotels, or vacation packages quickly and efficiently. Implement smart search filters by price, location, ratings, amenities, or dates. 

Integrating insights from top travel app features ensures users can easily locate the best options and compare multiple choices, streamlining the booking process.

► AI-Powered Personalization

Personalization is a key differentiator in modern travel apps. AI can analyze user preferences, past bookings, and search behavior to offer tailored recommendations for hotels, flights, and vacation experiences. 

Leveraging AI in hospitality improves customer satisfaction and increases the chances of repeated bookings. Also, this helps you make an app like Expedia that feels tailored to each traveler’s needs. 

► Augmented Reality (AR) Integration

AR can enhance the user experience by allowing travelers to virtually explore hotel rooms, attractions, or even city layouts before booking. 

Integrating AR in travel apps not only engages users but also helps them make more informed decisions, adding a cutting-edge element to your Expedia clone.

► Booking and Payment Gateway

An easy-to-use booking system is essential. Integrate multiple secure payment options, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and digital banking. 

Following the travel app security ensures that user transactions are safe, boosting trust and retention.

► Reviews, Ratings, and Recommendations

Incorporating user reviews, ratings, and AI-driven suggestions helps travelers choose the best options. 

These features enhance credibility and encourage users to share their experiences, creating a community-driven platform.

► Notifications and Alerts

Push notifications for booking confirmations, price drops, and travel updates keep users engaged. 

Personalized alerts, based on user preferences, improve app usage and loyalty over time.

► Intuitive UI/UX Design

A clean, user-friendly design is vital for retention. Following best practices in how to design a travel app ensures navigation is seamless, booking flows are clear, and users can complete transactions with minimal effort. Good UI/UX directly impacts conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

► Additional Features

Other useful features include multi-language support, loyalty programs, travel guides, and itinerary planners. 

These add value to your platform and differentiate your app from competitors. Studying platforms like how to create an app like Omio can provide additional insights into seamless integrations and feature-rich travel solutions.

Implementing these in your steps to build an app like Expedia ensures a comprehensive travel solution.

How to Develop an App like Expedia?

Building an Expedia-like app requires detailed planning, technical expertise, and a clear development roadmap. 

From ideation to deployment, every step plays a vital role in ensuring the app is functional, scalable, and user-friendly. 

This section provides a complete guide on how to develop an app like Expedia?, helping entrepreneurs and developers navigate the process successfully.

If you’re planning to make an Expedia clone, this step-by-step breakdown will give you the clarity to proceed.

Step 1. Planning & Market Research

Thorough research forms the foundation of any successful travel app. Understand your audience, competitors, and key market trends before development.

A] Define Target Audience

Identify the types of travelers, budget, luxury, or business your app will cater to. Knowing your audience guides features, personalization, and marketing strategies.

B] Competitor Analysis

Analyze platforms like Expedia, Kayak, and TripAdvisor. Studying how to develop an app like Kayak provides insights into advanced search features, pricing strategies, and user engagement tactics.

C] Feature List & Prioritization

List essential features for your MVP (minimum viable product) and prioritize based on user needs. Proper planning reduces development time and ensures focus on high-impact functionality.

D] Regulatory & Compliance Check

Check travel industry regulations, data protection standards, and payment security compliance to prevent legal issues and build user trust.

Step 2. UI/UX Design

A seamless and intuitive mobile app design enhances user retention and engagement in your Expedia like App development.

A] Wireframing

Create wireframes through mobile app wireframing to visualize app structure, navigation flows, and screen layouts. Early wireframes help detect usability issues before actual development.

B] Prototyping

Build interactive prototypes through mobile app prototyping to test functionality, screen transitions, and user experience. Prototyping reduces errors and ensures the design aligns with user expectations.

C] User-Centered Design

Following the how to create a travel app principles ensures your app is intuitive, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, improving adoption rates.

D] Feedback & Iteration

Collect feedback from testers and potential users, then iterate on designs to enhance usability and align the app with real-world travel needs.

Step 3. Backend & Frontend Development

Developing the backend and frontend ensures the app runs smoothly, handles bookings, and provides a seamless user experience.

A] Backend Development

Set up servers, databases, and APIs within a robust mobile app tech stack for managing bookings, payments, and user data. Scalable backend architecture ensures your app handles increasing traffic efficiently.

B] Frontend Development

Design responsive, intuitive, and visually appealing interfaces for mobile and web platforms. Using frameworks compatible with both iOS and Android enhances accessibility.

C] Feature Integration

Incorporate AI recommendations, AR previews, search filters, booking engines, and notifications to enrich user experience. Learning how to create an app like Hopper helps implement dynamic, user-friendly booking features.

Many businesses prefer to hire dedicated developers with experience in travel solutions in order to ensure qualtiy and scalability. This makes the user journey seamless without hindrance and aligns with the steps to build an app like Expedia.

D] Security Implementation

Follow best practices for mobile app security to safeguard user data, transactions, and prevent unauthorized access. Integrating secure authentication and encryption protects sensitive travel information.

Step 4. Testing & Quality Assurance

Thorough testing ensures your app is reliable, fast, and user-friendly.

A] Functional Testing

Verify all features, including search, booking, payments, and notifications, work correctly across devices and platforms.

B] Performance Testing

Test app performance under varying loads to guarantee smooth operation even during high traffic periods.

C] Usability Testing

Test navigation and user flows with real users to identify interface issues and enhance overall experience.

D] Security & Compliance Testing

Ensure compliance with data privacy and payment regulations to prevent breaches and maintain user trust. 

Using knowledge from creating mobile app resources helps implement secure, industry-standard protocols.

Step 5. Deployment & Maintenance

Launching the app is only the beginning; continuous updates and monitoring are essential for long-term success.

A] App Store Deployment

Publish the app on Google Play, Apple App Store, and web platforms, following submission guidelines and platform policies.

B] Monitoring & Analytics

Track user engagement, feature usage, and app performance to make informed updates and improvements.

C] Regular Updates

Release bug fixes, security patches, and feature enhancements to maintain performance and keep users engaged.

Long-term stability depends on choosing reliable mobile app maintenance services to keep your platform secure and updated. 

D] Customer Support Integration

Offer 24/7 support via AI chatbots or live agents to resolve queries quickly and maintain a high-quality user experience. 

Leveraging AI to Enhance Your Expedia-Like App

“AI is transforming travel experiences by predicting user preferences and personalizing journeys.” 

Integrating AI into an Expedia-like app can revolutionize the booking process, enhance customer satisfaction, and optimize operational efficiency. Here’s how AI can play a crucial role in how to make an app like Expedia.

1. Personalized Travel Recommendations

AI algorithms analyze user behavior, search history, and preferences to suggest hotels, flights, and experiences tailored to individual travelers. 

By using predictive analytics, apps can provide more relevant options, boosting engagement and bookings. 

Learning how to build an AI travel agent ensures your app delivers truly personalized suggestions.

2. Intelligent Chatbots & Virtual Assistants

AI-powered chatbots handle customer queries, provide booking assistance, and offer real-time support 24/7. 

They reduce the need for manual intervention, speed up responses, and enhance overall user experience. 

Integrating these tools is a key step when you create an AI app for the travel industry.

3. Dynamic Pricing & Deals

AI can analyze market trends, seasonal demand, and competitor pricing to suggest optimal rates for hotels and flights. 

This ensures competitive offerings and maximizes revenue while delivering value to users, an essential strategy when you use AI app development services.

4. Voice Search & Smart Booking

Voice-enabled AI helps travelers search for flights, hotels, and packages using natural language commands. 

This enhances usability, particularly for mobile users, and accelerates the booking process, making it easier to make an app like Expedia with advanced AI features.

5. Fraud Detection & Security Enhancements

AI identifies suspicious transactions, prevents payment fraud, and ensures secure handling of user data. 

Implementing AI-driven security mechanisms increases user trust and compliance, a vital aspect when exploring how to make an app like Expedia.

Working with the best mobile app development company ensures that AI-driven security mechanisms are implemented effectively to protect user data.

Cost Breakdown: How Much Does It Take to Build an App like Expedia?

Building an Expedia-like app requires careful planning and budgeting. Costs vary from $30,000 to $120,000, based on features, platform, design complexity, and development region. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you estimate the cost to create an app like Expedia and understand how much does it cost to make an app like Expedia?.

1] Basic Features & MVP Development

The initial cost depends on core features like search, booking, user profiles, and payment integration. 

Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) allows testing the market without high investment. This stage gives a clear idea of the cost to develop a travel app effectively.

2] Advanced Features & AI Integration

Adding AI-powered recommendations, chatbots, voice search, and dynamic pricing increases development cost. 

These enhancements improve personalization and efficiency but require skilled developers, affecting the overall cost to make an app like Expedia.

3] Design & UI/UX Considerations

Creating an intuitive, visually appealing interface is crucial for user engagement. Factors like multi-platform support, AR/VR features, and animations influence pricing. 

High-quality design efforts are a major component of the cost to create an app like Agoda.

4] Backend Development & Scalability

Server setup, cloud infrastructure, API integration, and database management contribute significantly to costs. 

Ensuring scalability and robust performance is critical for handling high traffic, which impacts the cost to develop a travel app like Visit Dubai. 

5] Testing, Deployment & Maintenance

Comprehensive mobile app testing, bug fixing, and ongoing maintenance are necessary for smooth app functioning.

Security, updates, and app store compliance add to the overall investment, rounding off the complete budget estimation for an Expedia-like app. Working with the right team also helps optimize the cost to build an Expedia clone without compromising quality.

Partnering with an experienced mobile app development company in the UK can help ensure a budget-friendly development of an app like Expedia. 

Cost Breakdown Table

How to Make an App like Expedia Profitable: Monetization Strategies

Building an app is just the first step; making it profitable is where the real challenge lies. If you plan to make an app like Expedia, the right monetization model can maximize revenue while keeping users engaged.

For entrepreneurs aiming to create an app like Expedia, monetization planning is just as important as development itself.

Here are some proven strategies to consider when you develop an Expedia clone.

A] Commission on Bookings

One of the most common strategies is charging a small commission for every flight, hotel, or package booked through your platform. 

This ensures steady revenue flow while maintaining value for both users and partners. 

B] Featured Listings & Promotions

Hotels, airlines, and travel service providers often pay to appear at the top of search results. 

This advertising model not only increases visibility for partners but also boosts your app’s earnings significantly. 

C] Subscription Plans

Offering premium subscriptions with perks like exclusive deals, priority bookings, or zero booking fees encourages user loyalty. 

Subscription models create recurring revenue, giving your app financial stability.

D] In-App Advertisements

Carefully placed ads from travel brands, insurance companies, and local services can provide additional income. 

However, balance is key; ads should enhance, not disrupt, the user experience.

E] Data-Driven Partnerships

Leveraging user insights for targeted collaborations with travel agencies or service providers can open new revenue streams. 

This aligns perfectly with modern travel app monetization strategies, ensuring both profit and customer satisfaction. 

Partner with Experts to Build Your Expedia-Like App

Bringing your travel app idea to life requires a balance of creativity, technology, and strategy. If you’re planning to build an app like Expedia, working with professionals ensures your project stays on track from concept to launch. 

JPLoft is a trusted travel app development company that can help you design, build, and scale an app that truly stands out. 

With our expert guidance, you’ll be equipped to develop an Expedia clone that delivers a smooth booking experience and meets evolving user expectations.

Conclusion

The demand for digital travel platforms continues to rise as users seek convenience, personalization, and speed in booking experiences. 

If you aim to make an app like Expedia, understanding the right features, technology stack, and monetization models is key. 

Success lies in combining innovation with user-centric design, ensuring your platform stands out in a competitive market. 

Whether you decide to build an app like Expedia for a niche audience or scale globally, careful planning and expert execution will define your journey. 

With the right approach, your Expedia-like app can become more than a booking tool; it can shape the future of travel.