Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, a business trip, or just need a car for a few hours, finding the best apps for short-term car rentals can save you time, money, and hassle. With the rise of car-sharing platforms and innovative rental apps, getting a vehicle near you has never been easier. In this guide, we’ll explore the top apps for short-term car hire, offering flexibility, affordability, and convenience. From peer-to-peer car-sharing to traditional rental agencies, these apps cater to every traveler’s needs. Let’s dive into the best options and how they can make your next ride a breeze!
Why Use Apps for Short-Term Car Rentals?
Apps for short-term car rentals simplify the process of finding and booking a vehicle. Unlike traditional rental agencies, these platforms offer instant access to cars in your area, often with flexible hourly or daily rates. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:
- Convenience: Book a car in minutes from your smartphone, often without needing to visit a rental office.
- Cost Savings: Many apps offer competitive pricing, with options for hourly rentals to avoid paying for unused time.
- Variety: Choose from economy cars, luxury vehicles, or even electric cars based on your needs.
- Flexibility: Pick up and drop off cars at convenient locations, sometimes even at your doorstep.
For example, imagine needing a car for a quick errand in Chicago. Instead of paying for a full day at a traditional agency, you could use a car-sharing app like Zipcar to rent a vehicle for just a few hours, saving you upwards of $50.
Top 5 Best Apps for Short-Term Car Rentals in 2025
Here are the best apps for short-term car rentals, handpicked for their user experience, pricing, and availability. Each app has unique features to suit different travel needs.
1. Turo: The Airbnb of Car Rentals
Turo is often called the “Airbnb of cars” because it connects you directly with car owners. This peer-to-peer platform offers a wide range of vehicles, from budget-friendly sedans to luxury SUVs, often at lower rates than traditional agencies.
- Key Features:
- Book cars for a few hours or days.
- Delivery options in select cities.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Best For: Travelers seeking unique vehicles or cheaper rates.
- Example: A user in San Francisco rented a Tesla Model 3 for $60/day on Turo, compared to $100+ from a traditional agency.
Outbound Link: Learn more about Turo’s unique model at NerdWallet.
2. Zipcar: Ideal for Hourly Rentals
Zipcar is perfect for urban dwellers needing a car for short bursts. With a membership model ($9/month or $90/year), you can rent cars by the hour starting at $11, with gas and insurance included.
- Key Features:
- Cars parked in designated city spots for easy access.
- No airport trips required.
- Business accounts for corporate users.
- Best For: City residents needing quick, affordable rentals.
- Data Point: According to TravelPerk, Zipcar’s daily rates start at $83, making it one of the cheapest options for short trips.
3. Kayak: Compare and Save
Kayak isn’t a rental service but a powerful comparison tool that scans hundreds of car rental platforms to find the best deals. It’s ideal for travelers who want to compare prices across agencies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis.
- Key Features:
- Filters for car type, price, and location.
- Shows deals from both traditional and peer-to-peer platforms.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers comparing multiple options.
- Example: A Kayak search for a 3-day rental in Chicago found rates as low as $30/day with Enterprise.
Outbound Link: Check out Forbes’ guide to car rental websites for more comparison tips.
4. Getaround: Flexible Car Sharing
Getaround is another peer-to-peer car-sharing app that lets you rent cars by the hour or day. It’s available in major U.S. cities and offers a seamless booking experience.
- Key Features:
- Instant booking with no need to meet the owner.
- Wide selection of vehicles, including EVs.
- Rates as low as $5/hour in some markets.
- Best For: Spontaneous travelers needing quick access to cars.
- Real-World Use: A Getaround user in Los Angeles rented a hybrid for $25 for a 4-hour trip, avoiding rideshare costs.
5. TravelPerk: Best for Business Travelers
TravelPerk stands out as the best app for short-term car rentals for business travelers. It integrates car rentals with flights and accommodations, offering corporate rates and VAT recovery options.
- Key Features:
- Access to major rental agencies like Avis and Hertz.
- 24/7 customer support with a 15-second response time.
- Expense tracking for business trips.
- Best For: Professionals managing corporate travel.
- Stat: TravelPerk’s VAT recovery can save businesses up to 25% on travel costs in Europe.
Outbound Link: Explore TravelPerk’s full features at TravelPerk.
How to Choose the Best App for Short-Term Car Rentals
With so many car rental apps available, picking the right one depends on your needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Determine Your Rental Duration: For hourly rentals, Zipcar or Getaround are top choices. For daily rentals, Turo or Kayak may offer better deals.
- Check Availability: Ensure the app operates in your city. Turo and Getaround are U.S.-focused, while TravelPerk has global reach.
- Compare Prices: Use Kayak to benchmark rates, then check peer-to-peer apps for potential savings.
- Consider Extra Features: Need delivery or business expense tools? Turo and TravelPerk excel here.
- Read Reviews: Check user ratings on platforms like NerdWallet to gauge reliability.
Tips to Save Money on Short-Term Car Rentals
Maximize your savings with these actionable tips:
- Book Last-Minute: NerdWallet found that last-minute bookings can save up to 15% on car rentals.
- Avoid Airport Pickups: Renting in the city, as NerdWallet suggests, often reduces fees.
- Use Membership Discounts: Zipcar’s membership model cuts costs for frequent renters.
- Check for Bundles: Apps like TravelPerk offer deals when bundling rentals with flights or hotels.
- Look for Promo Codes: Kayak and Turo frequently list discounts on their platforms.
Why Short-Term Car Rentals Are the Future
The demand for short-term car rentals is skyrocketing as travelers prioritize flexibility and affordability. According to Forbes, the global car rental market is projected to reach $111.7 billion by 2027, driven by apps that make renting easier and cheaper. Whether you’re avoiding rideshare surge pricing or exploring a new city, these best apps for short-term car rentals empower you to travel on your terms.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Ride Today
The best apps for short-term car rentals make it easy to find affordable, convenient vehicles near you. Whether you’re a business traveler using TravelPerk, a city dweller relying on Zipcar, or a budget-conscious explorer comparing deals on Kayak, there’s an app for every need. Download one of these car rental apps today, compare options, and hit the road with confidence. Have a favorite app or tip for short-term car rentals? Share it in the comments below!
