Carsharing in Europe is no longer a novelty — it’s become part of the urban lifestyle, just like bike lanes or laptop-friendly cafes. Today, you can rent a car for 20 minutes, drop it off at a metro station, and forget about insurance or road tax. This is not a futuristic fantasy, but daily reality in cities like Berlin, Paris, or Vilnius. Over the past five years, Europe’s carsharing market has changed dramatically: large providers have merged, regional players have grown stronger, and Eastern Europe has seen the rise of new platforms that can easily compete with western giants.
This article explores the top carsharing companies in Europe, how the market differs from country to country, and what makes these services so popular among locals and tourists alike.
Share Now (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.)
A pioneer in the industry, Share Now emerged from a merger between DriveNow and car2go, supported by automotive giants BMW and Mercedes-Benz. With a massive fleet of BMWs, Mercedes, and MINIs, Share Now has become a familiar sight in cities like Berlin, Rome, and Paris. The app allows you to pick up a car anywhere in the city and leave it in any permitted parking spot within the operational zone. Pricing is per minute, hour, or day, with fuel, insurance, and maintenance included.
Share Now’s strength lies in its integration with urban infrastructure: you can find cars near train stations, airports, and downtown streets. It’s ideal for spontaneous urban trips or last-mile connections.
Free2Move (France, Germany, Spain, Belgium)
Free2Move is the carsharing brand of Stellantis (formerly PSA Group), which owns Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, and Opel. The service operates in several major European cities and offers short- and medium-term rentals. Unlike Share Now, Free2Move often includes electric models like the Peugeot e-208.
The app also offers parking services, subscriptions, and even car rentals for several days. Its strength is flexibility: it’s not just a carsharing app, but a mobility ecosystem. Particularly in Paris and Madrid, Free2Move is well integrated with public transport networks.
Bolt Drive (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)
Bolt Drive is part of the broader Bolt ecosystem, which includes ride-hailing, e-scooters, and food delivery. The carsharing service operates mainly in the Baltic states and is known for its well-maintained fleet and intuitive mobile app. Users can rent cars by the minute or for an entire day, with fuel and insurance included.
One of Bolt Drive’s key advantages is affordability: prices are lower than in Western Europe, making it a great option for tourists exploring Tallinn, Riga, or Vilnius. The app is available in English and works smoothly for international visitors.
Getmancar (Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova)
Getmancar has established itself as one of the leading carsharing platforms in Eastern Europe. Operating in cities like Kyiv, Dnipro, Tbilisi, and Chisinau, it offers a simple and user-friendly app, a wide range of vehicles from compact hatchbacks to larger sedans and SUVs, and clear rental conditions.
What sets Getmancar apart is its combination of local insight and modern technology. The app supports multiple languages, including English, and allows for booking, unlocking, and managing your rental without paperwork or delays. For travellers in Ukraine, Georgia, or Moldova, it’s an efficient and economical way to get around.
Why Europeans Love Carsharing
Carsharing in Europe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about culture. In dense urban environments, owning a car is often impractical. Limited parking, environmental zones, and high taxes make short-term car access more logical than full ownership.
From students in Paris using Share Now for weekend getaways to digital nomads in Tbilisi relying on Getmancar, the service adapts to every lifestyle. And with the rise of electric vehicles and smarter apps, the experience keeps improving.
Your Move: Choosing the Right Service
Carsharing in Europe is no longer a trend — it’s a deeply integrated part of the transportation ecosystem. It’s not meant to replace trains or week-long rentals for Alpine road trips, but it is perfect for short, spontaneous, and urban mobility. Each service reflects the character of its region: German precision with Share Now, French versatility with Free2Move, Baltic digital focus with Bolt Drive, and the friendly, adaptive approach of Getmancar in Ukraine and Georgia.
When planning your next European trip, think not just about where you’re going, but how you’ll get around once you arrive. Trying different carsharing platforms could become part of the adventure itself.
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