Zipcar operates in specific cities and neighborhoods, not everywhere
Zipcar is available in about 500 cities across North America, but that does not mean it serves your address. The service works only in designated urban and suburban zones where the company maintains a fleet. If you live in a rural area or a city Zipcar has not entered, you will not find cars available through their platform, no matter how close you search.
The fastest way to check whether Zipcar serves your location is to visit Zipcar.com and enter your home address or the area where you need a car. The site will tell you when ready whether service is available and show you nearby vehicle locations. You can also read the Zipcar mobile app and search the same way — the app displays available cars on a map with real-time pricing and reservation status.
Key Takeaways
- Zipcar serves about 500 cities but not all neighborhoods within those cities, so you must check your specific address on their website or app to confirm service is available.
- The Zipcar app shows you every available car within your search area, its exact location, hourly or daily rate, and fuel type, updated in real time.
- You can reserve a car up to one month in advance through the app, and Zipcar will hold it for you if you book early enough.
- Membership is required before you can reserve a car, and the company charges a monthly or annual fee plus hourly or daily rental rates.
- If no Zipcar locations appear near you, traditional car rental companies, peer-to-peer rental platforms, or ride-sharing services may be your alternatives.
How to search for Zipcar locations on the website and app
On Zipcar.com, look for the "Find Cars" or "Reserve" button at the top of the page. Enter your address, the date and time you need the car, and how long you want to keep it. The site will display all available vehicles within your search radius, usually shown as a list or map view. Each listing shows the car's location, make and model, hourly rate, daily rate, and fuel type (gas or electric).
The mobile app works the same way but is often faster if you are searching on the go. Open the app, tap the map icon, and enter your location and rental dates. The app shows cars as pins on a map, color-coded by availability. Tap any car to see its full details: exact address, distance from you, reservation window, and cancellation policy. You can reserve directly from the app without switching to a web browser.
Both the website and app update in real time, so availability changes as other members make and cancel reservations. If you see a car you want, reserve it when ready — popular time slots and locations fill quickly, especially on weekends or evenings.
What information you see when you search
When you search for Zipcar locations, each car listing includes several pieces of information to help you decide. You will see the vehicle's make, model, and year; its exact street address or parking location; the distance from your search point; the hourly rate (usually $8 to $12 per hour depending on your city and membership tier); the daily rate (usually $60 to $90 per day); and whether the car is gas or electric.
The listing also shows whether the car is currently available or reserved, and if reserved, when it becomes available again. Some listings note special features like automatic transmission, wheelchair accessibility, or extra cargo space. Zipcar also displays the reservation window — how far in advance you can book that particular car, which ranges from same-day to 30 days ahead depending on demand and location.
Membership requirements before you can reserve
You cannot reserve a Zipcar without an active membership. Zipcar offers two membership tiers: monthly membership (around $9 per month) and annual membership (around $99 per year). The membership fee itself does not include any driving time — it is a separate charge that covers your account and access to the platform. You pay the hourly or daily rate on top of the membership fee each time you rent.
To become a member, you must be at least 21 years old (18 in some cities), have a valid driver's license, and provide a credit card. Zipcar will run a background check and driving record review, which usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, you can reserve cars when ready. The company will mail you a Zipcard (a physical membership card) that you use to unlock the car when you arrive.
How far in advance you can book and how long you can keep a car
Zipcar lets you reserve a car up to 30 days in advance, though some high-demand locations may have shorter windows. You can book by the hour (minimum one hour) or by the day (24-hour period). Hourly rentals are best for short trips like grocery shopping or a doctor's appointment. Daily rentals work better if you need the car for most of a day or overnight.
Once you reserve, Zipcar holds the car for you from 15 minutes before your start time until your end time. If you are late picking up the car, the rental clock starts anyway, so arriving on time matters. You can extend your reservation through the app if the car is not booked by the next member, but extension is not may provide. If you need the car longer than a day, you can make back-to-back daily reservations, though this is more expensive than a traditional multi-day rental from a car rental company.
What to do if Zipcar does not serve your area
If your search shows no Zipcar locations near you, the company does not currently operate in your neighborhood or city. Zipcar occasionally expands into new markets, but there is no way to request service for your area through their website. You can contact Zipcar customer service to ask about future expansion plans, though they rarely commit to timelines.
Your alternatives depend on what you need the car for. If you need a car for a few hours, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft may be cheaper than renting. If you need it for a day or longer, traditional car rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis) operate in most cities and often have lower daily rates than Zipcar, especially for multi-day rentals. Peer-to-peer rental platforms like Turo let you rent cars from private owners in your area, and they operate in more locations than Zipcar. Public transportation or a taxi service might also work depending on your trip.
Comparing Zipcar rates to other rental options
Zipcar's hourly rates ($8 to $12 per hour depending on location and membership) work out well for short trips under three hours. For a two-hour errand, you might pay $16 to $24 plus the membership fee. A traditional rental company would charge you a daily rate (usually $40 to $80 per day) even if you only need the car for two hours, making Zipcar cheaper for short-term use.
For full-day or multi-day rentals, the math flips. Zipcar's daily rate (usually $60 to $90) is higher than what you would pay at Enterprise or Budget for the same car ($40 to $60 per day). If you need a car for three days, a traditional rental company is almost always cheaper. Zipcar also charges for gas (included in the hourly/daily rate) and parking, whereas traditional rentals often include gas and parking is your responsibility. Factor in the membership fee as well — if you are a new member paying $9 per month, that adds to your total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for Zipcar without being a member?
Yes. You can search Zipcar.com or use the app to see available cars and prices in your area without signing up. You only need to become a member when you are ready to make an actual reservation. This lets you check whether Zipcar serves your location and compare rates before committing to the membership fee.
What happens if I pick up a Zipcar late?
Your rental time starts at your scheduled pickup time, whether you arrive early or late. If you are more than 15 minutes late, Zipcar may cancel your reservation and charge you a no-show fee. The next member can then book the car. Always plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early to locate the car and unlock it with your Zipcard.
Are there Zipcar locations at airports?
Some Zipcar locations are near airports, but not all airports have Zipcar service. Search your specific airport on the Zipcar website to see if cars are available there. If not, traditional rental companies at the airport terminal are your best option for picking up a car on arrival.
Can I reserve a Zipcar for someone else?
No. The person driving the car must be the Zipcar member. The member's name must match the driver's license presented when picking up the car. You cannot book a car and have a friend or family member drive it instead.
What if I need a car in a city where I do not live?
If you have a Zipcar membership, you can use it in any city where Zipcar operates. Search that city on the Zipcar website or app, and you will see available cars there. Your membership card and account work across all Zipcar locations, so you can rent in a different city without signing up again.