Carsharing is the wave of the future of transportation.
Particularly useful in cities and towns that lack adequate public transportation, carsharing gives you the freedom that comes with driving a car, without actually having to own or maintain one.
With that in mind, it’s no wonder that you can find carsharing services in over 1,500 cities and 30 countries around the world.
Everyday millions of user’s book reservations and drive cars on vacations, to work, and to experience life.
With all of these great services, it may leave you wondering which to use.
Two of the most popular carsharing companies are Zipcar and Car2go.
If you’re curious about which service is right for you, this Zipcar vs Car2go comparison should help!
Table Of Contents
Car2Go vs Zipcar
Before You start, consider reading our review of Zipcar and check out our choice of carsharing service available.
In this Car2go vs Zipcar comparison, we’ll look at vehicle selection, cost and fees, area availability, and many other features.
We’ll go over which is easier to use and things like additional benefits like insurance coverage, mileage, and more.
So, when it’s Zipcar vs Car2go, which is the best for you? Let’s find out!
Signing Up with Car2go vs Zipcar
When it comes to signing up, both Car2go and Zipcar require you to apply for membership.
The purpose of this is so that they can check your driving record.
They will look at your recent driving history to ensure that you’re a safe driver.
Once they have made that determination you’re approved for membership.
Both Car2go and Zipcar require an initial payment.
Car2go requires a $5 fee to join and they give you a $10 credit after you’re approved. Zipcar charges a $25 application fee, but with our Zipcar link, you’ll get a $25 credit.
Zipcar vs Car2Go in Car Selection
Zipcar claims that they offer access to over 50 makes and models including cars of all sizes.
You can even get vans, which is particularly helpful if you need to move or haul something.
Obviously, not every location has 50 different vehicle options, so vehicle availability will depend on your location.
Car2go has three cars to choose from including the compact “smart ForTwo” and two additional Mercedes Benz models.
While these options will be great on day trips or when you need a stylish ride if you need to move or utilize a larger vehicle Car2go doesn’t offer an option that will work.
Car2go vs Zipcar when it comes to Cost
This one varies a little bit, as both Car2go and Zipcar have rates that vary based on your location and the car you’ve chosen to drive.
Car2go is a great option if you only need a car for a short time because you can reserve a car by the minute, whereas with Zipcar you rent by the hour.
Car2go’s prices are generally between 40 and 50 cents per minute.
As for hourly or daily rates, they start at $15 an hour or $59 per day respectively.
Zipcar has a few different pricing structures because they require a membership whereas Car2go does not.
Rates start at around $9.75 for hourly rates and around $74 for an entire day.
A yearly $70 membership is also an option, though some plans do not require a paid membership.
Remember, you can get a free $25 credit for Zipcar!
Zipcar vs Car2go when it comes to Availability/Locations
Zipcar is located in over 48 major North American cities and more than 170 cities throughout the world.
Zipcar is also located at more than 400 colleges and universities in the United States.
This means that while Zipcar isn’t in every city if you live in a larger area or a college town, there is likely to be a Zipcar presence.
Car2go has a more limited reach in terms of availability.
You can find Car2go in Austin, Denver, Columbus, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, Miami, Minneapolis, San Diego, and Washington DC.
All in all, Car2go is available in about 30 or so cities around the world.
Unfortunately, this is much more limited availability.
Fine details for Zipcar
- Drivers should return the car to the spot where they found it
- Easy to use app where you can check vehicle locations and make reservations
- Reservations should be canceled within 3 to 24 hours depending on the reservation
- 24/7 roadside assistance is included
- The gas card is located above the visor
- Insurance coverage up to $1 million
- Up to 180 miles per daily allowance at no additional charge
- Signup here for a $25 Zipcar credit
Fine details for Car2go
- Drivers pick up and drop off each car in a designated “home area”
- Make reservations and handle account through a sleek, user-friendly app
- Cancellation up to 15 minutes before reservation begins
- Insurance coverage up to $300,000
- No need to fill up with the available gas card, but if you do you can earn free rental minutes
- 150 daily miles are available during your rental with no additional fees
Wrapping Up
In the race that is Zipcar vs Car2go, which one is right for you?
Zipcar is certainly more readily available in college towns and larger cities.
Depending on your needs, both services offer a good deal.
However, if you need more flexibility when choosing a vehicle and want something that’s available in a wider amount of locations, Zipcar is the service for you!
You can check how does Zipcar work and see all alternatives to the Zipcar to have a clear insight into all possibilities.
If You like this article, feel free to check Zipcar vs Maven and our comparison of Zipcar and Enterprise car share.
