When traveling to an unfamiliar city or simply need greater flexibility, renting a car is an increasingly simple, affordable, and safe option thanks to the mobile app revolution. You no longer only have traditional rentals through large companies at your fingertips, but also a huge range of technological platforms that provide access to private individuals, hourly rentals, deal finders, and car-sharing, all quickly and from your device. In this article, we'll show you how. The best affordable and reliable car rental apps, also adding tips, details, comparisons and all the information you need to decide on the option that best suits you.
Why rent a car with apps? Advantages, types, and how they work
Mobile apps have completely transformed the way we rent a car. Previously, the process involved searching for physical locations, waiting in lines, filling out endless paperwork, and facing hidden fees that increased the initial budget. Now, thanks to these apps:
- You can compare prices, models and conditions in real time, saving time and money.
- You can access vehicles located near you or even have them delivered to a location of your choice.
- You complete the entire process from your mobile device: registration, verification, reservations, and online payments.
- You can choose between company cars, personal cars, or even long-term car subscriptions.
- Apps often offer assistance, comprehensive insurance, and the option to cancel free of charge until shortly before the reservation.
There are different types of rentals depending on the time and type:
- By hours or minutes: ideal for urban trips, errands or express removals.
- For days or weeks: if you're traveling or need a car for vacation, work, or getaways.
- Peer-to-peer car sharing: platforms like Getaround and SocialCar allow you to rent vehicles from nearby owners.
- Comparators: They aggregate offers from multiple companies to find the best price with complete transparency.
- Home delivery: the car arrives at the address you choose, and you can return it wherever you want.
The operation is extremely simple: you search for the vehicle or offer you're interested in, filter by type, location, and price, verify your information (ID, driver's license, and sometimes bank card), reserve, and you can open the car with your mobile phone or meet with the owner to receive the keys.
Requirements and tips before renting a car with apps
Renting a car through apps is much faster and more flexible than traditional systems, but you should always keep in mind some common requirements and recommendations:
- Minimum age: Typically 21 years, although some platforms or models require 23, 25, or even 28 years, especially for premium vehicles.
- Driving license age: At least two years' driving experience; premium or more powerful vehicles may require more experience.
- Mandatory documentation: Valid driver's license, ID or passport, and bank card to block deposits and payments.
- Insurance terms: Check if the insurance includes comprehensive insurance, deductible (the amount you pay in the event of damage), coverage, and assistance.
- Mileage limits: Some platforms include unlimited kilometers and others set a daily maximum with an extra charge for additional journeys.
- Fuel and cleaning: Make sure you return the car with the same fuel level and cleanliness to avoid extra charges.
- Cancellation policies: Many apps offer free cancellation up to a few hours before your booking. Confirm this before booking.
- Always inspect the car before leaving, take photos of any damage, and report it to avoid misunderstandings.
- Read other users' reviews: it's the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The best apps for cheap and reliable car rentals
Below, we present a complete selection of the most popular, affordable, reliable, and highly rated car rental apps, both in Spain and internationally. Their strengths, coverage, typical prices, car types, and operating methods are detailed.
Rentalcars.com: the world's leading car comparison site
Rentalcars.com It's one of the biggest car rental giants. It works as an offer aggregator, searching in real time among large companies like Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and smaller local companies. It stands out for:
- Global presence: More than 60.000 destinations, covering airports, cities, stations, and tourist locations.
- Complete transparency: Shows all costs, mandatory insurance, and the ability to filter by fuel policy, mileage, vehicle type, transmission, etc.
- 24-hour customer service in Spanish: Perfect if you're traveling abroad and something unexpected happens during your trip.
- FREE Cancelation on most last-minute reservations and offers.
- Comparison of ratings, prices, and conditions for each provider.
It is an ideal option for those looking for the lowest price between multiple companies and want to avoid surprises.
Getaround (formerly Drivy): easy and safe peer-to-peer carsharing
Getaround is the most popular peer-to-peer carpooling platform in Europe and is present in hundreds of cities in Spain and around the world. Its main advantages:
- More than 70.000 registered cars and 5 million users worldwide.
- You can filter by vehicle type (passenger cars, family cars, vans, electric vehicles, etc.) and find the car closest to your location.
- Cheap prices: From around 15 euros per day; hourly rentals are possible (useful for moving, traveling, or specific needs).
- Book and unlock your car from your mobile (Getaround Connect feature in many cars).
- Comprehensive insurance included thanks to Allianz and roadside assistance on all trips.
- Option to rent out your own car and earn additional income.
The process is very quick: you search, book, verify your identity, and you can unlock the car directly from the app. Once the rental is over, you can return and lock it, also from your mobile phone if the car is compatible. Ideal for local, flexible and affordable rentals, whether you are an owner or a driver.
Sixt: premium quality, variety and extra services
Sixt It's one of the most established and recognized car rental companies in Europe and around the world, highly valued for its customer service and additional services. Ideal for those seeking a premium experience or needing options beyond traditional rentals:
- More than 2.000 offices in over 150 countries and coverage throughout Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, Bilbao, etc.).
- A wide range of vehicles: from compact utility vehicles to high-end sports cars, SUVs, convertibles, and vans.
- Rent for hours, days or weeks, with everything managed from the app.
- Features such as Sixt Ride (taxi and limousine service), carsharing, subscription cars, and even scooter or motorcycle rentals in some locations.
- Keyless car booking, pickup, and unlocking: complete digital management.
- Insurance, assistance, and coverage tailored to the type of vehicle.
Sixt is the preferred choice for those who value variety, premium service, and digital convenience throughout the entire journey.
Zity: 100% electric and flexible urban carsharing
Zity is an urban carsharing app that champions sustainability by offering a 100% electric fleet. It stands out especially in large cities like Madrid and other European cities:
- Rent by the minute, hour or day.
- Find and reserve the nearest vehicle directly from the app's map.
- Opening and closing with your mobile phone and the option to put the car in “Stand By” mode so you don’t lose it if you have to make a stop.
- Report damage, accidents, or problems easily from the app itself.
- Competitive prices and wide availability of electric cars.
Perfect for moving around cities with ease, without emissions restrictions and saving on fuel. You can find more tips and tricks at The best electric skate rental apps.
Virtuo: digital rental, premium cars, and total flexibility
Virtuo is designed for those who seek Premium cars with 100% digital contractingThere are no offices: you choose, reserve, open, and close the car, all from your mobile phone.
- Wide range of high-end vehicles: BMW, Mercedes and new models.
- Rent by the hour, day, or week; you can pick up and return the car at various locations throughout the city.
- Digital key for opening, turning on and off, without the need for contact with personnel.
- Standard insurance included and Plus and Premium options for greater coverage.
- Available in major cities and urban areas.
Virtuo offers premium experience, total flexibility and maximum comfort in each rental.
Ubeeqo Carsharing: flexible city rentals
Ubeeqo combines traditional rental with peer-to-peer carsharing and is especially useful in urban environments (Madrid and Barcelona):
- Cars available every few meters, easily located in the app.
- Rent by the hour, day or even minute depending on your needs.
- Digital reservation, check-in, and check-out. You can choose from small cars, family cars, vans, and even hybrid or electric vehicles.
- Fuel and basic insurance included in most rates.
- Ideal for last-minute urban trips or specific needs.
The app is simple, allowing you to find vehicles instantly and complete the entire process without any paperwork. Also check out other travel apps to complement your mobility.
SocialCar: collaborative rental for individuals
SocialCar is the leading Spanish platform for peer-to-peer car rentals. It's very useful if you're looking for affordable options, cars or vans in any city, and the possibility of rent or make your vehicle available to third parties.
- Cars available by the hour, day, or week; reservations can be cancelled free of charge.
- Comprehensive insurance and roadside assistance included in every rental.
- Integrated messaging allows owners and drivers to clarify questions or agree on details.
- Rating and review system to gain trust and transparency.
- Fast registration, a smooth booking process, and guaranteed security in all transactions.
Bipi: Flexible subscription rentals, home delivery, and premium options
Bipi is an innovative proposal that moves away from traditional rental to offer a system by monthly subscription or flexible rental with home delivery and collectionIt works especially well in large cities and is aimed at those who want to avoid office work and paperwork:
- 100% online process: choose the car, reserve it, and have it delivered to your door (home, office, airport, etc.)
- Prices start at €35/day for standard models; premium models from €45/day; and electric models like Tesla are an exclusive option.
- Insurance, expenses and maintenance included in the subscription.
- You can change cars whenever you want, cancel or pause the service, and there are no commitments beyond the contracted period.
- Short, medium, or long-term rental options, ideal for businesses or users with changing needs.
Bluemove: pioneer in urban and hourly rentals
Bluemove (now integrated into Ubeeqo) was one of the first hourly car rental offerings in Spain, with a strong presence in Madrid and Barcelona. It offers:
- Rentals start at just €2/hour, ideal for urban commutes, errands, or short removals.
- Fuel and insurance included.
- Book online and pick up your car at hundreds of nearby locations.
- Subscription option for frequent users with additional discounts.
Hertz: international reference and physical offices
Hertz is one of the oldest companies in the rental sector and, although it is not a native app like others, it does offer a modern app with digital management very agile and advantages such as:
- More than 2.000 locations in 40 countries; car pickup and drop-off even in different cities.
- Very extensive fleet: from utility vehicles to premium vehicles and vans.
- Options like express pickup, trip planning, and partnerships with airlines and hotels to get discounts.
- Security, transparency and good after-sales service.
KAYAK and Skyscanner: general comparison sites with car filters
In addition to flights and hotels, KAYAK y Skyscanner They allow you to compare car rental prices among dozens of international providers, clearly displaying the most affordable options, the type of car, coverage, and pick-up points closest to you or at the airport itself. In just a few searches, you can choose the offer that best suits your budget and needs.
Pepecar: national offers, discounts, and a simple comparison tool
pepecar It's a very popular option in Spain, perfect for comparing and booking rental cars with low prices and special offers for Spanish residents. It's also recommended to check out other car rental platforms in Spain.
Turo: peer-to-peer rentals with maximum international coverage
Turo is the leading peer-to-peer rental app in markets such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. It allows you to rent any type of vehicle, from basic cars to supercars, convertibles, electric cars, classic cars, and SUVs, all from local owners:
- Search for the exact car you want in thousands of locations and choose pickup wherever you prefer, including home delivery in many cases.
- Safety review and ratings for each car and owner.
- Insurance and assistance included by default; free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- It works especially well if you're traveling outside of Spain and want to avoid large companies or are looking for a truly special car.
Amovens: rental, subscription, and ridesharing
Amoves It is a national all-in-one platform that integrates car rentals between individuals and companies, carsharing by route (like Blablacar) and flexible renting for individuals and SMEs:
- Search, reserve, and validate your identity; pick up the car at the owner's home or at an agreed-upon location.
- Amovens+ monthly subscriptions: These include discounts of 10% to 20% on all rentals and are designed for frequent users.
- A variety of models, from urban to premium; options for vacations, moving, events, and much more.
Detailed comparison of affordable and reliable car rental apps
To make it easy for you, here is one Comparative table with the key points of the main apps:
| App / Service | Type of rental | Indicative prices | Key benefits | Insurance included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rentalcars.com | Global comparator | From €10/day | Transparency, international variety, 24-hour attention | Depends on the provider |
| Getaround | Individuals (carsharing) | From €6/hour or €15/day | Comprehensive insurance, mobile opening, many options | Yes (Allianz) |
| Sixt | Traditional and premium | From €20/day | Premium fleet, variety, extra services | Yes |
| Zity | Urban electric carsharing | From €0,21/min, €8/hour | Cities, sustainable, easy to use | Yes |
| Virtuous | Premium 100% digital | From €30/day | Digital key, premium experience | Yes |
| ubeeqo | Urban rental by the hour | From €2/hour | Flexibility, insurance and fuel included | Yes |
| Socialcar | Collaborative carsharing | From €15/day | Comprehensive insurance, lots of options | Yes |
| beep | Flexible subscription | From €35/day | Home delivery, car swaps | Yes |
| Hertz | Global offices | From €18/day | Experience, variety, international attention | Yes (varies by country) |
| Turo | International individuals | Very variable, from €20/day | Wide variety, flexible delivery and collection | Yes |
| Amoves | Carsharing, rental and ride sharing | From €28/day | Subscription, ride sharing, lots of options | Yes |
Advantages and disadvantages of car rental apps
The arrival of these platforms has been a revolution, but not everything is positive. Here we explain. pros and cons of each model:
- Advantages: Lower prices, maximum flexibility, a variety of models (including electric and premium), the option to rent without an office, fewer lines and paperwork, insurance and assistance included, and user ratings and reviews.
- On peer-to-peer platforms, you can earn money with your own car.
- Comparators offer exclusive offers and complete transparency.
- Disadvantages: Some apps require additional validations for new users; you can find vehicles with a certain wear or lack of cleanliness in car-sharing; pickup sometimes depends on meeting the owner (except with digital opening); certain rates have a deductible or mileage limit.
- In case of damage, you must report and document everything to avoid improper charges.
- The availability of premium or electric models depends on the geographic area.
Practical tips to save money and avoid surprises
- Always compare between several apps and compare with other comparators (Rentalcars, Pepecar, KAYAK, Skyscanner) to ensure you get the best price.
- Book in advance, especially during peak seasons or tourist areas.
- Read the conditions carefully (fuel, mileage, deductibles, penalties) before confirming.
- Check and photograph the condition of the car when picking it up and returning it.
- Take advantage of the filters to select cars with comprehensive insurance or unlimited mileage.
- Check out other users' reviews and choose vehicles with a positive track record.
- When renting between individuals, agree with the owner on details of delivery, cleaning, and return times.
- Always keep receipts and the contract digitally or in paper form.
- Consider the subscription option if you rent several days a month.
Frequently asked questions about car rental apps
- Do I need a credit card? Yes, most traditional companies do, although debit cards are accepted for peer-to-peer car-sharing. Check the terms and conditions for each app.
- What is the minimum age requirement? The standard is 21 years and two years of driving license, but this can vary depending on the premium and the company.
- Is insurance included? Yes, in almost all apps, but it's a good idea to check whether it's comprehensive, with a deductible, or basic.
- What do I do if my car breaks down? Call support or the app number immediately; most offer a 24-hour response time.
- Can I rent my car? Yes, apps like Getaround, SocialCar, Turo, or Amovens allow you to do so with simple registration and verification.
Offering Affordable and reliable car rental apps The app is vast and grows every year with more options and benefits. Choosing the right app depends on your specific needs: whether you prioritize price, flexibility, traveling with children, looking for a special car, or simply getting around the city in the easiest and most eco-friendly way. It's essential to compare, book early, read the terms and conditions, and take advantage of the potential of these digital tools to save and enjoy a safe experience. Whether for vacations, business trips, moving, or weekend getaways, renting a car has never been so simple and affordable thanks to these apps that have revolutionized mobility.
