Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, if you need the flexibility of your own vehicle there are alternatives to traditional rental car companies. Many of the options available in recent years have been discontinued, such as the recent closure of GIGCar. Here are some current options and workarounds that will help you get on the road faster in 2025.
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Solutions: Alternatives to rental cars
1. Rent from a car dealership
In the US, some dealerships rent out their fleet. Ring around dealerships in your destination and ask if they have a rental car program as they may not advertise. Some examples of those that do have rental programs:
2. Hotel shuttles
Find out if your hotel offers shuttles or private transfers to/from the airport. Some hotels also offer bikes or cars that you can use or rent during your stay. These might just get you past the rental car shortage hurdle.
3. Book a tour
I know, we prefer to explore independently too. It is a time of compromises I’m afraid. Booking a tour that includes transport may be a better and more affordable way around spiking rental car prices. Also, tour operators would really appreciate your support at this time.
4. Car sharing
Car sharing is one of the best alternatives to car rental, especially in urban environments where you don’t need a car 24/7. For example, say you’re visiting Seattle and you want to make a day trip to Mt Rainier. Open the app, find a car closest to you and book it. You can even get Zipcar to/from the airport in some cities. Car sharing services usually have provisions for parking and include fuel costs, so they can be a more cost effective and time efficient way to get around.
Zipcar – In major metros across the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom.
Flexicar (owned by Hertz) – Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth
GoGet – Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane
Bolt Drive – Europe, Africa, West Asia, Latin America and New Zealand.
5. Peer-to-peer car sharing
Other versions of car sharing are programs such as Getaround (USA) and Turo (USA, Canada and UK) which are best described as “Airbnb for cars”. These apps connect you with private car owners who are willing to rent their vehicle. The biggest disadvantage to this system is that you must collect the vehicle at its home location, which may require an extra taxi or Uber ride.
6. Rideshare Services – A convenient alternative to car rental
If you don’t need a car for your entire trip, rideshare (also called ride-hailing services) can be a flexible and cost-effective alternative to car rental. Whether you’re heading to and from the airport, exploring a city, or taking a day trip, rideshare apps let you request a ride on demand without worrying about parking, insurance, or fuel costs.
Rideshare services work best if:
✔ You only need occasional transport (e.g., airport transfers, day trips).
✔ You’re staying in urban areas where parking is difficult or expensive.
✔ You prefer not to deal with fuel, insurance, or rental deposits.
However, if you’re planning frequent long-distance travel or road trips, other alternatives like car sharing, peer-to-peer sharing or public transport may be more cost-effective.
While Uber and Lyft dominate in many regions, there are several local rideshare apps that may offer better pricing, availability or service. Here’s a quick guide to the most popular rideshare apps worldwide:
Uber – North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific
Lyft – North America
Bolt – Europe
FREE NOW – Europe
DiDi – Latin America, Australia, New Zealand and Middle East
Grab – Southeast Asia
Careem – Middle East & Africa
7.RV rental
For those taking a road trip, renting an RV may be the solution to both your car rental and accommodation in one. Just as there is peer-to-peer sharing of cars, there is for RV’s as well. Enter Outdoorsy. They estimate over 17 million RVs are estimated to sit unused in North America, 350 days a year! Listings on Outdoorsy (and similarly US platform RV Share) include Airstreams, fifth wheelers, Class A, B, and C RVs, motorhomes and more. You will find a more modest selection to choose from in Australia and Canada.
If you prefer to go with a traditional rental rather than peer-to-peer, try Cruise America (also Cruise Canada) in North America and Britz campervan hire in Australia. Maui and Road Bear have both sides of the Pacific covered, whichever mighty road trip-loving nation you are from.
Tips for renting a car
If you have no choice but to choose a traditional rental car here are a few tips:
- Plan ahead. As far ahead as you possibly can. Check rental car availability before booking the rest of your trip.
- Check reviews. If you’re planning to use an independent rental car service, see what other travellers are saying through Google reviews and platforms such as Tripadvisor, before you commit.
- Try a longer rental period – sometimes a weekly rate is lower than a weekend. There are usually no penalties for returning a car early, but check the such as an SUV, during peak rental periods.
- Use rental companies where you have status. You might be a Hertz Gold Plus Member or a National Emerald Club member with benefits – anecdotal reports say that people with status are having more luck getting cars.
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo
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