Car sharing has revolutionized urban transportation, offering a flexible and often more affordable alternative to traditional car ownership. Over the past decade, the popularity of car sharing and peer-to-peer vehicle rental services has surged, transforming how people navigate cities and travel short to medium distances. If you’re evaluating car share options or seeking a better service than your current one, this guide is for you. We’ve thoroughly researched the leading car sharing programs available today to present you with seven top contenders that promise a superior experience.
1. Zipcar
Zipcar remains a frontrunner in the car sharing industry, particularly well-suited for short trips and urban dwellers. Unlike conventional car rentals designed for day-long or extended use, Zipcar specializes in providing vehicles for shorter durations, making it ideal for errands, appointments, or quick getaways within city limits.
Cost: Membership and driving rates vary depending on location and subscription plan. Zipcar offers different membership tiers to cater to various usage needs, from occasional to frequent drivers.
Where available: Zipcar boasts a broad international presence, operating in the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Iceland, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, making it a viable option for travelers and residents across these regions.
Why you should use it: Zipcar effectively modernizes the traditional car rental model by focusing on urban centers and college campuses. Its strength lies in its accessibility for short-term rentals, streamlined booking process, and established infrastructure, making it a reliable choice for quick trips without the commitments of long-term car rental or ownership.
2. Turo
Turo distinguishes itself in the car sharing market by providing an extensive array of vehicle options, catering to users who have specific preferences in car type or features. This platform operates as a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace, connecting car owners with renters. This model not only expands vehicle choice but also benefits those looking to rent out their personal vehicles, as Turo accommodates a broader spectrum of makes and models.
Cost: Daily rates on Turo typically start around $25, but can increase based on factors like the chosen vehicle’s make and model, the level of protection plan selected, and any additional features or extras requested.
Where available: Turo’s reach is substantial, covering most of North America and the United Kingdom, offering wide accessibility within these regions.
Why you should use it: Turo is recognized for its exceptional customer service, consistently positive user reviews, and an impressive vehicle selection. The platform’s mobile app is user-friendly, facilitating a smooth and efficient car sharing experience from booking to return, making it a top choice for those seeking variety and reliability.
3. ShareNow
ShareNow consolidates the strengths of car2go and DriveNow, two formerly separate car sharing services, to deliver a comprehensive car sharing experience. A key differentiator of ShareNow is its diverse fleet, which includes gasoline, electric, and diesel vehicles, offering users the flexibility to choose based on their environmental preferences or driving needs.
Cost: Pricing with ShareNow is flexible, generally ranging from €0.19 to €0.32 per minute, contingent on the vehicle model. ShareNow also offers hourly and daily packages, as well as kilometer-based billing, providing options for different trip durations and distances.
Where available: ShareNow has a strong foothold in Europe, with services available in Austria, Germany, Denmark, Italy, France, Hungary, Netherlands, and Spain, making it an excellent option for car sharing across much of Western and Central Europe.
Why you should use it: For those located in Europe seeking a highly adaptable and straightforward car sharing solution, ShareNow stands out. Its ease of use, coupled with a variety of vehicle types and flexible pricing structures, makes it a compelling choice for navigating European cities.
ShareNow
Alt text: A ShareNow electric car parked on a European city street, showcasing the company’s modern and eco-friendly vehicle options.
4. Sixt
Sixt distinguishes itself in the car share market with a subscription-based model, offering a range of exclusive deals and a broad selection of vehicle models to its subscribers. While traditionally known for car rentals, Sixt’s car sharing program extends its reach into urban mobility solutions.
Cost: Sixt’s car sharing service starts from approximately €69 per day, with potential variations depending on vehicle type and subscription level.
Where available: Sixt’s global footprint is extensive, encompassing parts of North America, South America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe. This wide availability makes Sixt a potentially convenient car sharing option for individuals in many regions worldwide.
Why you should use it: If you are in a location with limited car sharing options, Sixt is worth considering due to its widespread international presence. Its subscription model may offer cost benefits for regular users, and the variety of vehicles ensures options for different needs and preferences.
5. Gig Car Share
Gig Car Share is specifically designed for major metropolitan areas, providing a membership-free car sharing service. Gig aims to simplify urban transportation by removing the typical barriers of car sharing memberships, making it accessible to anyone needing a vehicle in its service areas.
Cost: Gig Car Share offers flexible payment options including per-minute rates at $0.19, hourly rates at $18.99, and daily rates ranging from $99.99 to $119.99, contingent on the specific location.
Where available: Gig Car Share focuses its operations in key urban centers including the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Seattle, targeting densely populated regions with high demand for flexible transportation.
Why you should use it: For residents of Gig’s service areas who prefer not to commit to a membership and want to avoid expenses like fuel and insurance, Gig is an excellent choice. Furthermore, Gig’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles, appealing to eco-conscious consumers looking to minimize their carbon footprint.
6. Enterprise CarShare
Enterprise CarShare represents an expansion of traditional rental services into the car sharing sector by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. It caters particularly to corporate fleets and university communities. Utilizing a membership card, users can access a range of vehicles suitable for business needs or campus transportation.
Cost: Enterprise CarShare is priced at an average of $9.50 per hour, or $50 per day, offering competitive rates for both short and medium-duration use.
Where available: Enterprise CarShare operates across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, leveraging Enterprise’s established infrastructure in these regions.
Why you should use it: Enterprise CarShare is a particularly sensible option for businesses seeking to streamline employee transportation or for college students needing occasional vehicle access. Its integration with a well-known rental company ensures reliability and a broad service network.
7. HyreCar
HyreCar addresses a unique niche within the car sharing ecosystem by focusing on the rideshare market. It serves as a platform connecting car owners with individuals who want to drive for services like Uber or Lyft but lack a qualifying vehicle. This dual-sided approach allows car owners to generate income from their idle vehicles and provides earning opportunities for drivers without personal cars.
Cost: Costs on HyreCar are approximately $50 per day, or between $900 to $1300 per month, reflecting the potential for more extended use to generate income through ridesharing.
Where available: HyreCar’s services are available throughout the United States, tapping into the extensive ridesharing market across the country.
Why you should use it: For individuals aiming to earn income through ridesharing but lacking vehicle access, HyreCar provides a crucial service. Conversely, for car owners looking to generate passive income from their vehicles, HyreCar offers a platform to tap into the growing demand for rideshare drivers.
Quick Comparison
Best International Car Share Program: Sixt
Most Geographically Limited Program: Gig Car Share
Best Vehicle Selection: Turo/Zipcar
Most Economical Option: ShareNow
Top Big City Program: Zipcar
Most User-Friendly Smartphone App: Turo
Final Thoughts
This overview of the 7 best car share programs provides essential information to help you decide which service best fits your transportation needs. Whether you prioritize cost, vehicle selection, geographic availability, or ease of use, there’s a car sharing program designed to enhance your mobility. If you’re intrigued by the prospect of launching your own car sharing venture, explore resources on building a car sharing business to understand the steps involved. Car sharing continues to evolve, offering increasingly convenient and sustainable transportation solutions in urban and suburban environments alike.
