Car rental alternatives: Smart ways to get around without a traditional rental car

Discover the best rental car alternatives, from peer-to-peer sharing to public transport, and find the ideal option to get around without the hassle of traditional car hire.

Renting a car the old-fashioned way can feel like pulling teeth. Between the endless forms, unexpected fees, and long waits at the counter, you might wonder if any car rental alternatives exist. We’re pleased to announce there are, in fact, plenty of them.

Whether you’re traveling, car-less for the weekend, or just don’t want to deal with the rental desk drama, there are plenty of modern alternatives to car rental that put you in the driver’s seat, literally and figuratively.

From app-based ride-hailing and on-demand car sharing services like Zipcar and Truro, to borrowing a buddy’s wheels or using an auto transport company to bring your car to you, there’s a rental car alternative for every lifestyle and budget.

In this guide, we’ll cruise through some of the smartest, most flexible car hire alternatives out there, because getting from A to B shouldn’t be more complicated than the trip itself.

Top car hire alternatives

If you’re ready to ditch the rental desk and try something different, here are seven great alternatives to renting a car, each offering its unique way to get around without a traditional rental car.

1. Ride-hailing

Ride-sharing services have become an essential part of urban transportation. Users request rides on-demand via mobile apps and pay only for the distance traveled. These services are beneficial if you need a quick ride but don’t want to worry about driving, parking, or renting a vehicle for the day.

Ride-hailing services are more valuable and available in urban areas. You can use them and avoid driving in heavy traffic or paying expensive parking charges. It’s ideal for short trips, airport transfers, or attending meetings. However, ride-hailing is not cost-effective for longer distances or trips with multiple stops and often works out more expensive than renting a car.

Uber and Lyft are two well-known ride-hailing companies offering car hire alternatives.

Pros:

• Convenient and easy to book via apps like Uber, Lyft, or Cabify
• No need to drive, park, or navigate traffic yourself
• Ideal for short trips, nights out, and airport runs

Cons:

• It can get expensive for long distances or frequent use
• Surge pricing may apply during busy hours
• Limited availability in rural or remote areas

Uber

Uber is a well-known ridesharing company that provides transport solutions through its mobile application. The company has revolutionized the transportation industry by connecting passengers with drivers using a convenient, user-friendly platform.

Users of the Uber app can access a wide range of vehicles on demand, allowing them to enjoy the flexibility and convenience of having a car without the commitment of ownership.

Lyft

Lyft Inc. is an American company offering ride-hailing services, motorized scooters, and bicycle-sharing systems in the US and Canada. Lyft sets fares using a dynamic pricing model based on local supply and demand during booking. Customers get their fares in advance, and Lyft receives a commission from each booking.

Easy Taxi, now part of Cabify

Easy Taxi offers convenient ride-hailing services and car hire alternatives in 30 countries and over 420 cities. Using an app, passengers can easily request a ride and be matched with a nearby driver in minutes. Rather than renting a car for an extended period, you can request a ride using Easy Taxi whenever needed.

2. Borrow a friend or family member’s car

If you have friends or family where you’re visiting, asking whether they have a spare car you can borrow while you’re in the area is another option for getting around without a rental car.

The main expense for this rental car alternative is filling the gas tank. Consider offering to pay for the convenience. If they won’t take any money, why not take them to dinner to show appreciation?

Pros:

• Potentially free or low-cost transportation
• Familiar and comfortable vehicle
• No paperwork or insurance hassles

Cons:

• Availability depends on others’ schedules and generosity
• May lead to awkward situations if damage occurs
• Often lacks insurance coverage or proper documentation

3. Use an auto transport company

If you’ll be in a new location for a few weeks, door-to-door auto transport might be worth considering. There’s open car transport for standard vehicles or enclosed car shipping for luxury, custom, classic, antique, or collector cars. Expedited auto transport and guaranteed car pick-up services provide a solution if you’re in a hurry to have your vehicle delivered.

Imagine how convenient it would be to have your car to get around in. A rental car could be an option, but what’s the point if you can drive a vehicle you’re used to? The cost to ship a car is more reasonable than you think. An easy-to-use car shipping calculator will give you a car shipping quotes in seconds. When you contact a reliable car shipping company like WeShipCars, ask about possible car shipping discounts to reduce costs further.

A common question is, “How long does it take to ship a car?” The answer depends on several factors, such as distance, the type of car you want to ship, the method of shipping, the time of year, the transport route, and more.

Pros:

• Drive your own car, familiar, insured, and ready to go
• Great for more extended stays, seasonal relocations, or working remotely
• Options like enclosed transport or expedited shipping add flexibility
• Door-to-door delivery saves time and effort
• Often more cost-effective than long-term rental or ride-hailing

Cons:

• Requires planning (can’t be used last minute)
• Delivery timeline depends on distance and transport type

4. Public transportation

Populated areas such as cities and towns usually have a well-established public transportation system, offering affordable car rental alternatives like buses, trams, and trains. Large cities like Los Angeles and New York also have reliable and regular metro/subway systems.

Before you travel, it pays to research the public transportation options. The internet has a wealth of information with just a few clicks. You can also order and pay for tickets and travel cards online, making it even more convenient.

Pros:

• Very affordable and eco-friendly
• Extensive networks in large cities
• No need to worry about parking or maintenance

Cons:

• May be confusing or inconsistent in unfamiliar locations
• Not ideal for carrying luggage, traveling with kids, or late-night trips
• Limited routes in rural or suburban areas

5. Car sharing services

Car-sharing services allow customers to access privately owned cars through an app or website. Car owners must have insurance coverage and required maintenance on their vehicles.

Zipcar

Zipcar is an American car-sharing company and a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group. Members can reserve a vehicle and pay by the minute, hour, or day. In addition to the car reservation charges, Zipcar charges a monthly or annual membership fee.

Available cars are located in various places around cities and can be unlocked using the Zipcar app. When you finish with the vehicle, you return it to the same place.

Turo

Think of Turo as the Airbnb for cars, and you’ll appreciate how it works. You rent a car from the owner, booked online or via the Turo app. It’s an interesting alternative to renting a car in the traditional sense.

Typically, you pick up the car at a pick-up location, the owner’s house, or a public area. Alternatively, you can get the owner to deliver the vehicle to you, usually for an additional fee.

One downside of using Turo is that the quality of the vehicle may vary, as you’re renting the car directly from the owner.

Getaround

With a Get Around rental car, you’re also renting a car owned by individuals, but you unlock the car using the Getaround app. It offers an hourly rental option, making it ideal for short trips and specific needs where you don’t require a car for a full day.

Overall, Getaround is a top choice for car rental alternatives and ridesharing services because of its convenience, flexibility, and wide range of vehicle options.

Flexcar

Flexcar became the first car-sharing company in the US in 2001. It offers a wide range of vehicles for rent, including sedans, SUVs, and even electric cars. Whether you need a car for a short trip or a longer-term rental, Flexcar provides a simple and user-friendly online platform.

The website allows you to browse for available vehicles, select your desired rental period, and make a reservation with just a few clicks. You can pick up your reserved vehicle from designated parking spots at various locations across many US cities.

SnappCar

SnappCar is another leading player in the rental car alternatives market. Using the SnappCar platform, individuals can rent their private vehicles to others who need them. Besides allowing car owners to earn extra income, it provides renters access to a wide range of cars at affordable prices.

A key advantage of SnappCar is its emphasis on trust and safety. The platform verifies the identity of both car owners and renters, ensuring only reliable people participate in the car-sharing process. Additionally, it provides insurance coverage for both the owner and the renter.

Pros:

• Flexible rental periods (hourly, daily, or longer)
• Often cheaper than traditional car rentals
• App-based booking and access for convenience
• Wide variety of vehicle types, from budget to luxury
• Insurance and fuel are often included (depending on the platform)
• Great option for city dwellers or occasional drivers

Cons:

• Availability varies by location and time of day
• Some services require a membership or subscription fee
• You may need to return the car to the same location
• Vehicle cleanliness and condition may vary
• Insurance terms and extra fees may be confusing

Final thoughts on alternatives to car rentals

As you can see, there’s no shortage of innovative, flexible alternatives to car rentals, each with perks depending on your travel needs, destination, and budget. Whether you’re hopping in a ride-hailing vehicle for a quick city trip, borrowing a friend’s car for the weekend, or trying out a car-sharing app, you’ve got plenty of ways to get around without a traditional rental car.

But if you’re staying in one place for a while or prefer the comfort of your own vehicle, one option stands out: auto transport.

Ship your car, and you can skip the stress of long drives, save money on rentals and repeated rideshares, and arrive at your destination with the freedom to go wherever you like, in the car you already know and love. It’s the ultimate rental car alternative for snowbirds, long-term travelers, remote workers, and anyone relocating.

And when you book with WeShipCars, it gets even easier:

• Get fast, personalized car shipping quotes in seconds
• Enjoy clear updates every step of the way
• Work with reliable, vetted carriers who treat your vehicle like their own

If you’re looking for a rental car alternative that delivers flexibility, value, and total control, auto transport with WeShipCars is hard to beat.