Car sharing has become increasingly popular in Greece as it provides a sustainable and convenient transportation option for people who do not own a car or need an additional vehicle for a short period of time. Car sharing allows people to rent a car for a few hours or days and return it to a designated location, instead of owning a car and dealing with the costs and responsibilities that come with it. In this article, we will explore the car sharing options available in Greece, including the companies, apps, and prices, as well as the benefits and challenges of car sharing.
Car Sharing Companies in Greece
There are several car sharing companies operating in Greece, including CarAmigo, DriveNow, and Zipcar. Each company has its own unique features, prices, and areas of coverage. Let’s take a closer look at these companies:
CarAmigo
CarAmigo is a peer-to-peer car sharing platform that connects car owners with people who need a car. CarAmigo offers a wide range of cars, from small city cars to luxury cars, at affordable prices. The platform is available in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other major cities in Greece. CarAmigo is a good option for people who need a car for a short period of time and want to avoid the high costs of traditional car rental companies.
CarAmigo offers competitive prices, with rates starting at €18 per day for a small city car and going up to €150 per day for a luxury car. The price includes insurance, roadside assistance, and 24/7 customer support. CarAmigo also offers a flexible pricing system, allowing users to negotiate prices with car owners. This can be a great option for people who are looking for a budget-friendly car rental.
DriveNow
DriveNow is a car sharing service that operates in Athens and offers a fleet of BMW and MINI cars. Users can register for the service through the DriveNow app and rent a car for as little as 30 minutes. DriveNow is a good option for people who want to drive a high-quality car and enjoy a premium car sharing experience.
DriveNow offers a flexible pricing system that allows users to pay for the exact time they use the car. The rates start at €0.31 per minute for a BMW 1 Series and can go up to €0.34 per minute for a BMW i3 electric car. The price includes insurance, fuel, and parking fees. DriveNow also offers a variety of car models, from small city cars to larger SUVs, to suit different needs.
Zipcar
Zipcar is a car sharing service that operates in Athens and offers a fleet of cars, including sedans, SUVs, and hybrids. Zipcar users can reserve a car through the app and pick it up from a designated location. The Zipcar is a good option for people who want to rent a car for a few hours or days and avoid the hassle of traditional car rental companies.
They offers a pay-as-you-go pricing system, which allows users to pay for the exact time they use the car. The rates start at €4 per hour for a small city car and can go up to €66 per day for a premium car. The price includes insurance, fuel, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Zipcar also offers a variety of car models to suit different needs.
Other Car Sharing Companies
Apart from CarAmigo, DriveNow, and Zipcar, there are other car sharing companies operating in Greece, such as GoCar and Ubeeqo. GoCar offers a fleet of electric cars in Athens, while Ubeeqo offers a variety of car models in Athens and Thessaloniki. It’s worth doing research to find the car sharing company that best suits your needs and location.
Car Sharing Apps in Greece
Car sharing apps have made it easier for people to rent a car on the go. In Greece, several car sharing apps are available, including the following:
CarAmigo App
The CarAmigo app allows users to book a car from a wide range of options and pay through the app. Users can also chat with the car owner through the app and ask any questions they may have. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
DriveNow App
The DriveNow app allows users to enter their location and find a nearby car. Users can then reserve the car and unlock it through the app. The DriveNow app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Zipcar App
The Zipcar app allows users to search for cars by location, time, and car type. Users can then reserve the car and unlock it through the app. The Zipcar app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Other Car Sharing Apps
Apart from the apps mentioned above, there are other car sharing apps available in Greece, such as GoCar and Ubeeqo apps. These apps allow users to reserve and unlock cars on the go, making car sharing a convenient and flexible transportation option.
Car Sharing Prices in Greece
Car sharing prices in Greece vary depending on the company, the car type, and the duration of the rental. Here are some price examples:
- CarAmigo: Prices start at €18 per day for a small city car and can go up to €150 per day for a luxury car.
- DriveNow: Rates start at €0.31 per minute for a BMW 1 Series and can go up to €0.34 per minute for a BMW i3 electric car.
- Zipcar: Rates start at €4 per hour for a small city car and can go up to €66 per day for a premium car.
It’s worth noting that car sharing companies may also require a membership fee or a deposit, depending on the company and the rental terms.
Benefits of Car Sharing
Car sharing offers several benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. Here are some of the main benefits:
Cost Savings
Car sharing can be more cost-effective than traditional car ownership and rental. By renting a car for a short period of time, individuals can avoid the high costs of car ownership, such as insurance, maintenance, and parking fees. Car sharing can also be more cost-effective than traditional rental companies, as car sharing companies often offer competitive prices and flexible pricing systems.
Environmental Sustainability
Car sharing can help reduce the environmental impact of transportation. By sharing cars, fewer cars are on the road, which can help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Car sharing companies also often offer electric or hybrid cars, which can further reduce emissions.
Convenience and Flexibility
Car sharing offers a convenient and flexible transportation option for people who do not own a car or need an additional vehicle for a short period of time. Car sharing companies often have a variety of car models available, so users can choose the car that best suits their needs. Car sharing apps also make it easy to reserve and unlock a car on the go.
Challenges of Car Sharing
While car sharing offers several benefits, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges include the following:
Limited Coverage
Car sharing companies may not have coverage in all areas, which can limit the availability of cars and the convenience of the service. Users may need to travel to a designated location to pick up and return the car, which can be inconvenient for some.
Vehicle Availability
Car sharing companies may not have enough cars available during peak times, such as weekends or holidays. This can make it difficult for users to reserve a car when they need it.
User Responsibility
Car sharing requires users to take responsibility for the car and follow the rental terms, such as returning the car on time and in good condition. Users may also need to clean the car and refuel it before returning it, which can be inconvenient for some.
Conclusion
Car sharing is a sustainable and convenient transportation option that offers several benefits for individuals and society. In Greece, several car sharing companies and apps are available, each with its own unique features and prices. By choosing the car sharing option that best suits their needs, individuals can save money, reduce their environmental impact, and enjoy a flexible and convenient transportation option.
