Car sharing in London vs car ownership: Which Is Better for Londoners?
The true cost of car ownership in London
We hate to burst your bubble, but car ownership isn’t cheap. There are a lot more running costs to consider than first meets the eye, especially in London. For a start, there’s car insurance, MOT, car tax, congestion charges, parking and service repair costs, bringing the average total running cost to £3,186 per year in outer London. View our full price comparison breakdown for car sharing vs ownership.
How car sharing in London is shaping city life
An ideal option for Londoners who only drive on occasion, car sharing has all the perks of car ownership, while alleviating the burden of upkeep.
Whether you’re roadtripping during festival season, moving into a new flat, need an airport drop-off, planning a long weekend or simply need to pick up the dry cleaning and want full control over the radio, hiring a Zipcar is as hassle-free as it gets. With dedicated bays and electric vehicle access, you can get to your destination in a zip.
Sustainability
A car sharing London is a greener London
Aside from being a convenient way to get around at the tap of an app, Zipcar hire is also a greener alternative to car ownership.
With thousands of ULEZ-compliant vehicles and electric cars across London, our designated bays mean fewer privately owned vehicles on the road. For every Zipcar fleet, 21 fewer privately owned vehicles on the road, leading to less congestion and lower emissions, contributing to the UK's efforts to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030.
Discover the benefits of car sharing with Zipcar
Drive when you want - skip the commitment
Want to book and go? With Flex and Roundtrip, Zipcar gives you flexible access to cars and vans across the city, available for hire via the app, hour by the hour or by the day. We keep all our vehicles well-maintained, and fuel is included, along with a fuel card in case you need to load up on petrol during your hire.
Real Life Testimonial/Example
Matthew: "It is literally the perfect way to get around London. Private, efficient, no parking problems. All the luxury of owning a car without the massive monthly costs and without any hassle."
How to Get Started with Zipcar
Booking a Zipcar is quick and simple. Follow these steps.
1. Sign up
- Join online here.
- Upload your licence and a quick selfie for verification.
- Choose a membership plan that suits you.
2. Get approved
- Zipcar will check your details, with most people being approved pretty much straight away! But if we need to check a few things it can sometimes take take 24–48 hours. Once approved, you’re ready to roll!
3. Find and book a car
- Open the app to see nearby cars and vans.
- Pick what you need and reserve it for the time you want.
4. Unlock and drive
- Unlock with the app (no keys needed).
- Hop in and hit the road - fuel, insurance and congestion charges are all included.
5. Return and lock up
- Park back in the car’s bay (or any Zipzone space for Flex trips).
End your trip in the app — it’s as easy as that!
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FAQs
How much is it to hire a Zipcar for the day?
Renting a Zipcar for the day starts from around £60 on our Basic plan - and it’s even better value with a paid membership. You’ll get our cheapest rates if you join a Smart, Plus or Business plan.
How much does it cost to drive around London?
It depends on how long you drive and which car you choose. With Zipcar plans, prices start from as little as £6 an hour or £60 a day, with fuel, insurance and 60 miles all included. You’ll only pay for what you use - no hidden extras!
Does Zipcar include the Congestion Charge?
We pass on a small portion of TfL’s Congestion Charge fee - just £5 for a trip in or out of the zone.
Can I drop my Zipcar off anywhere?
Where you return your Zipcar depends on your trip type: round-trips go back to the same bay, while Flex trips can end in any approved Zipzone, parked legally and locked.
References:
GOV.UK - Environment Agency Reach Net Zero
