Looking to save money on transportation without owning a car? This comprehensive comparison of car sharing services will help you choose the best option for your needs.
8 Best Car Sharing Services Compared: Save Money on Transportation (2025)
From hourly rentals to peer-to-peer sharing, discover how to reduce your transportation costs while maintaining flexibility.
1. Zipcar
Perfect for urban dwellers, Zipcar offers hourly rentals starting at $9/hour or $89/day. Membership fees are $7/month or $70/year. Gas, insurance, and up to 180 miles per day are included. Available in over 500 cities worldwide.
2. Getaround
Peer-to-peer car sharing platform with rates from $5/hour. No membership fees, but a 3% booking fee applies. Insurance included. Available in major U.S. cities with contactless pickup.
3. Enterprise CarShare
Backed by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, offering hourly rentals from $8/hour. Monthly membership fee of $5. Includes fuel and insurance. Perfect for business users and universities.
4. Turo
The largest peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace. Rates vary by vehicle, starting around $25/day. No membership fees, but insurance costs extra. Available nationwide with extensive vehicle selection.
5. Free2Move
Stellantis' car sharing platform offers flexible minute-based rates from $0.49/minute or $69/day. No membership fees. Available in select European and U.S. cities with a focus on electric vehicles.
6. GoCar
Popular in college towns and urban areas, offering rates from $6.95/hour including gas and insurance. Monthly membership is $4.95. Known for their designated parking spots and 24/7 customer service.
7. Communauto
North America's oldest car sharing service. Plans start at $5/hour or $35/day with a $10 monthly membership. Popular in Canadian cities with a growing U.S. presence.
8. Europcar
Europcar's car sharing service offers both personal and business solutions. Rates from €7/hour including fuel and insurance. Monthly plans available for frequent users.
Save More on Transportation
While car sharing can significantly reduce transportation costs, combine it with other money-saving strategies. Check out our guide on how to save money on gas and consider affordable car rental alternatives for longer trips.
Tips for Maximum Savings
- Book during off-peak hours for better rates
- Compare multiple services for each trip
- Look for promotional codes and new user discounts
- Consider monthly memberships for frequent use
- Check insurance coverage with your credit card
Final Words
Car sharing services offer a flexible and cost-effective alternative to car ownership. Before choosing a service, consider your usage patterns, location, and specific needs. For more money-saving tips, explore our guide on smart ways to save money.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Car Sharing
Is car sharing cheaper than owning a car?
Yes, car sharing is typically cheaper than car ownership if you drive less than 12,000 miles per year. You save on insurance, maintenance, parking, and depreciation costs. The average car owner spends $700-900 monthly on car expenses, while regular car sharing users often spend $200-400 monthly.
What insurance coverage do car sharing services provide?
Most car sharing services include basic insurance coverage. Typically, this includes liability coverage of $100,000-$1,000,000 and collision coverage with a deductible of $500-$1,000. Additional coverage can usually be purchased at booking time.
How does car sharing differ from traditional car rental?
Car sharing offers more flexibility with hourly rentals, convenient neighborhood locations, and automated booking/pickup processes. Traditional rentals typically require daily bookings, office visits, and paperwork. Car sharing is better for short trips, while traditional rentals may be cheaper for multi-day use.
Can I use car sharing for business purposes?
Yes, many car sharing services offer business accounts with special rates, dedicated parking spots, and consolidated billing. Some services like Enterprise CarShare specifically cater to business users with features like department cost coding and usage reports.
