posted on June 8, 2026
Looking for an alternative to traditional rental companies? Chances are, you’ve been comparing Turo and Zipcar. But how do these two services really compare?
Unlike traditional car rental agencies, both Turo and Zipcar allow you to rent cars by the day, week or even multiple months using a mobile app. While Zipcar’s membership model is ideal for short, frequent trips, Turo offers a flexible service that’s ideal for a range of scenarios (from moving to family vacations to business trips).
To help you weigh up your options, discover how Turo vs Zipcar compares when it comes to fees, booking processes, membership options, and more.
Key takeaways
- Turo is the largest car rental marketplace with no membership fees. Guests can create a free account and book vehicles directly in their area, with a wide range of options available across the US.
- Zipcar is a membership-based service best suited to short, on-demand trips in urban areas, with cars booked by the hour from fixed parking locations.
- On Turo, you book the exact car you want, from everyday commuters to luxury and specialty vehicles, whereas Zipcar members book a vehicle type with no guarantee of a specific model.
- Turo is the more flexible option for longer bookings, with daily, weekly, and monthly rentals available and no lock-in contracts.
- For quick inner-city trips where gas and convenience matter, Zipcar’s all-inclusive hourly rates may work best for your needs. But for most other use cases, Turo’s wider availability, vehicle variety, and fee-free sign-up make it the more versatile choice.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
What is Turo?
Turo is the world’s largest car rental marketplace, on a mission to reinvent the car rental experience in the US, Canada, the UK, France and Australia. Instead of booking from a fixed fleet of cars, you can choose from a wide variety of vehicles available locally through the Turo mobile app.
On Turo, there are over 1,600+ unique car makes and models to choose from. The exact car you book is the one you’ll get, with delivery options and thousands of pickup locations available (including pickup at over 100 airport parking lots and garages across the US and Canada). Plus, renting a car on Turo is flexible, with long-term bookings of one month or more available.
What is Zipcar?
Zipcar is a car-sharing membership owned by Avis Budget Group. The app-based service allows users to pay a membership fee and access a network of rental cars that can be booked by the hour or by the day.
Designed for short trips, Zipcar allows members to reserve and unlock cars via a handy mobile app, with vehicles parked in designated, urban locations across the US (such as college campuses). Plus, gas, maintenance, roadside assistance, and basic insurance protection are included in the booking rate.
Turo vs Zipcar: how they compare
| Turo | Zipcar | |
|---|---|---|
| Service type | Car rental marketplace | Membership-based car sharing service |
| Vehicle selection | Browse and book the exact car you want, from everyday vehicles to specialty cars | Book from a fleet of available vehicles at designated Zipcar locations |
| Locations | Car owners set their own pick-up locations across the US; custom delivery available in select locations | Fixed Zipcar parking spots in major cities, neighborhoods, and college campuses |
| Pricing model | Set by individual car owners; varies by vehicle, location, and trip length | Membership fee plus hourly or daily rate; gas included in the rate |
| Membership required? | No | Yes — monthly or annual membership required |
| Booking process | App or web; book directly from a local car owner | App or web; book by the hour or day from available vehicles |
| Pick-up/drop-off | Flexible; owner-determined locations, with delivery available on select vehicles | Pick up and return to the same designated Zipcar parking spot |
| Rental duration | Flexible for both long and short-term bookings (book for the day, week, month or more) | Best for short-term trips (bookings available by the hour or day) |
| Mileage limits | Varies by vehicle | From 50 to 250 miles per day included (depending on membership plan) |
| Gas included? | No — guests are responsible for fuel | Yes — gas card included with vehicle |
| EV availability | Available in select locations | Available at select Zipcar locations |
| Minimum age | 18 in most US states (fees may apply for drivers under 25) | 21 in most locations (18 for some student plans) |
| iOS/Android app | Yes | Yes |
Data sourced from Turo.com and Zipcar.com, accurate as of May 2026. Pricing, membership plans, and availability are subject to change; check each platform directly for current information. For Turo trip cost information, visit: https://help.turo.com/en_us/trip-costs-Syxm4NeNq
Turo vs Zipcar: the key differences
Membership vs no membership
One of the biggest differences between Turo and Zipcar is membership: Zipcar requires a recurring membership fee, while Turo has no membership and lets you pay per trip.
Zipcar requires users to pay a monthly membership fee before they can make a booking (currently, starting from $5 per month). Plus, a non-refundable $25 application fee applies to all members, regardless of the plan selected. From there, members book cars by the hour or by the day, with rates varying by vehicle type, pick-up location, and booking duration.
On Turo, there are no membership fees. Guests can create a free account and book a car directly. Each vehicle listing clearly states the hourly and daily rates that apply, along with details on which discounts, mileage limits, cancellation policies, and payment options apply.
Vehicle selection: browse and book the exact car you want
If car selection matters to you, there are important differences between Turo and Zipcar that you need to know.
On Zipcar, members book from a fleet of available vehicles parked in designated spots in a specific area. Car models can vary, but you’ll only be able to choose the vehicle type you book (such as a sedan, SUV, electric car, or cargo van).
On Turo, the exact car you book is the car you’ll drive. Filter by location and vehicle type and explore listings from local car owners in the area. Each listing explains the vehicle features you can expect (as well as the car’s make, model, year, and specs), and you can read reviews from recent drivers to get the full picture before you book.
Rather than a standard fleet, renting on Turo gives you access to unique vehicles you won’t find anywhere else (from exotic vehicles to luxury cars and even the latest EVs). Plus, there are plenty of affordable everyday cars if you simply need a daily commuter vehicle.
Rental duration: hourly trips vs longer rentals
The length of your trip will play a role in deciding whether Turo or Zipcar is the right platform for you.
Zipcar is designed for short trips. The app’s on-demand design makes it easy to book a rental car at the last moment, unlock the car from your mobile app, and hit the road without waiting in line at a traditional car rental counter. Members can book by the hour, making Zipcar a good fit for quick errands, city trips or short outings.
Turo, on the other hand, is flexible enough to suit both short trips and extended bookings. Jump onto the app to rent a car for the day or a weekend trip, or secure a long-term car rental (with many vehicles offering discounts for bookings of one month or more).
In fact, Turo is a handy alternative to traditional long-term car leases. Book for multiple months without any lock-in contracts, expensive down payments, depreciation worries, or hefty maintenance costs.
Pick-up, drop-off, and car delivery options
When comparing Turo vs Zipcar, the way you collect and return your rental car differs greatly.
Zipcar members collect and return vehicles to fixed, designated locations. Plus, for most standard “round-trip” bookings, you must return your car to the same parking spot you collected it from. However, if you’ve booked a “Flex” one-way trip, you can drop your car off at a different location within a designated “Zipzone”.
On Turo, cars are available to collect from a range of locations across the US. Plus, many vehicles offer free delivery to you, whether that’s a travel hub, hotel or your doorstep. Many airports even allow you to pickup and return your car directly to the terminal parking lot, handy if you’re traveling for work or a family vacation.
Pricing and fees
The pricing structure of Turo vs Zipcar also differs, making it important to compare both options to make an informed car rental decision.
With Zipcar, you’ll need to pay a membership fee and a one-off application fee before you can rent your first car. The good news is you can book cars by the hour, giving you plenty of control over how much your trip fee will cost. Plus, gas is included in your membership fee.
On Turo, there are no membership fees to pay. Instead, you’ll sign up for a free account and book cars by the day. Each vehicle has their own rates, with many offering discounts for long-term trips and early bird bookings. The cost of your car rental will depend on the vehicle type, location, trip duration and other factors.
Locations and availability
Zipcar operates in 43 US states, with over 3,300 pick-up locations dotted across the country. Most cars are available to collect and return from urban areas, such as college campuses, major airports and transport hubs. Vehicle availability depends on how many Zipcar locations are nearby.
On Turo, car availability depends on how many vehicles are listed on the platform in your area. There are over 360,000 active vehicles listed on Turo in the US, covering a mix of both major cities and smaller towns and suburban areas.
How it works: booking with Turo vs Zipcar
Booking with Turo
- Create a free account on the Turo app or website
- Enter your location, dates, and preferred vehicle type
- Browse individual car listings and filter by make, model, price, features, and reviews
- Book the exact car you want instantly, or send a booking request directly
- Verify your identity and enter your valid driver’s license details
- Check what protection plans are available to you
- Add a payment method and confirm your booking
Booking with Zipcar
- Apply for a Zipcar membership, pay the one-time application fee and choose a membership plan
- Download the Zipcar app and wait for your membership to be approved)
- Search for available cars near your location and select a vehicle by the hour or day
- Book a car through the app and check the confirmation details for your car’s exact location
- Go to the designated Zipcar parking spot and unlock the car using the app or your Zipcar card
- Return the car to the same parking spot by the end of your reservation
Which is better for you?
Turo may be the better fit if you…
- Want to browse and book the exact car you want, right down to a specific make, model, and spec
- Need a car for a full day, a weekend, a week, or longer
- Want flexible pick-up locations, including options beyond fixed city parking spots
- Are looking for a wider range of vehicle types (including supercars or unique cars for special occasions)
- Need a car in a smaller suburb or regional area where Zipcar (or more traditional car rental companies) may not have coverage
Zipcar may be the better fit if you…
- Need a car for just a few hours, for errands, a moving day, or a quick trip
- Live in or near a major city or college campus with strong Zipcar coverage
- Want an all-inclusive rate that covers gas without having to think about fueling up
- Prefer a fully self-serve, keyless experience with no coordination required
- Plan to use car sharing frequently and want the predictability of a membership model
Tip from the author: Need a car for an extended period of time, but don’t want the hassle of traditional car ownership? Booking a long-term car rental on Turo is a flexible way to get around, with many vehicles offering discounts for bookings of one-month or more.
Frequently asked questions about Turo vs Zipcar
Is Turo cheaper than Zipcar?
The costs of booking on Turo vs. Zipcar vary by trip length, how often you rent a car, and location. While Zipcar offers all-inclusive rates that cover gas, the car-sharing service comes with a monthly membership fee. For short, frequent inner-city trips, a Zipcar membership may be a more cost-effective option. But for longer, less frequent bookings, Turo tends to offer more flexibility and no ongoing membership fees.
What is the difference between Turo and Zipcar?
While both Turo and Zipcar aren’t traditional car rental services, they operate differently. Turo allows you to rent a wide range of unique vehicles across the US for days, weeks or months. Zipcar is a membership service that gives you access to a fleet of rental cars available to book and unlock on demand using a mobile app.
Does Turo require a membership?
No, there is no membership required to use Turo. Simply sign up for a free account, download the Turo app and start browsing cars available to rent near you.
Can I use Turo for a few hours, like Zipcar?
While most vehicle listings are based on day rates, you can book cars for just a few hours on Turo. Keep in mind that most bookings on Turo are charged by day rates.
Can I do a one-way trip on Turo or Zipcar?
Yes, many vehicles on Turo allow you to pick up your vehicle in one location and return it to another (known as a one-way trip).
Which is better for a road trip: Turo or Zipcar?
If you’re looking for a unique car for your next road trip, Turo offers the best range of car makes and models. Rather than booking a generic vehicle class from a traditional rental car company or alternative like Zipcar, you can browse and book head-turning luxury cars, spacious SUVs and zippy electric vehicles.
Cars on Turo are available to book for multiple weeks or even months, perfect for extended road trips. Plus, you can easily filter by the car features that matter to you, whether that’s extra seats, cruise control, GPS navigation and more.
Ready to book with Turo?
Whether you’re after a specific car for a weekend road trip, need flexible pick-up options, or just want to browse something beyond the usual rental fleet, Turo makes it easy to find the right car for your trip. Explore cars available near you and book the exact vehicle you want, on your terms.
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America, Europe and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
