It's no secret that car sharing and peer-to-peer vehicle sharing have exploded over the last decade, changing how everyone gets around. If you're considering a switch, or you're using a service you're unhappy with, this one's for you. Here are seven programs sure to give you a great experience.

1. Zipcar

Zipcar is built for short distances. If you don't want to rent for a whole day or drive 500 miles, it's likely your best bet. Membership options and driving rates vary by country. Available in the US, Canada, Costa Rica, Iceland, Taiwan, Turkey, and the UK. It keeps the traditional rental style but modernizes it, targeting big cities and college campuses, with shorter-use rentals.

2. Turo

Turo offers a huge range of vehicles for customers who want a specific car or feature, and a wider inventory acceptance for those renting theirs out. From about $25/day, rising with vehicle, protection plan, and extras. Available across most of North America and the UK. Great customer service, strong reviews, a wide selection, and a very adaptable app make for a seamless experience.

3. ShareNow

ShareNow offers gasoline, electric, and diesel options. For anyone who knew car2go and DriveNow, ShareNow merged the best of both. Roughly €0.19–€0.32/min depending on the vehicle, with hour or day packages and pay-by-km. Available in Austria, Germany, Denmark, Italy, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Spain. If you’re in Europe and want a flexible, easy-to-start experience, it’s a great fit.

4. Sixt

Sixt is a subscription-based program with unique specials and a wide range of models, from about €69/day. Available across parts of North America, South America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe. If you’re struggling to find a program in your area, Sixt stretches the farthest internationally.

5. Gig Car Share

Designed for a few big-city areas, Gig lets you get a ride without the hangups of membership. It’s free to join. Pay per minute ($0.19), per hour ($18.99), or per day ($99.99–$119.99 depending on area). Available in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Seattle. If you’re in a Gig area and don’t want to pay for membership, fuel, or insurance, and their cars are hybrid or electric, it’s a great choice.

6. Enterprise CarShare

Enterprise CarShare is a traditional rental company expanding to meet the needs of modern corporate fleets and college students. All it takes is a membership card. About $9.50/hour on average, or $50/day. Available in the US, Canada, and the UK. A sensible main program if you need a new transportation scheme for employees or a student.

7. HyreCar

Want to cash in on the car-share craze without driving everywhere, or drive for a program but have no car? HyreCar connects the two: owners rent out their cars for Uber or Lyft use, and drivers without a car rent one to use. Roughly $50/day or $900–$1,300/month. Available in the US. The extra cash can help if you can’t quite afford your own car, or put an idle car to use.

Brief recap

  • Best international program: Sixt
  • Most limited geographically: Gig Car Share
  • Best overall vehicle selection: Turo / Zipcar
  • Most economical: ShareNow
  • Best big-city program: Zipcar
  • Most seamless app: Turo

Final thoughts

There you have the seven best car sharing programs on the market. Next time you need a ride, you know what to look for. Interested in building your own? Read how to start a car sharing business.