Zipcars in London: So You Want to Ditch the Tube and Rule the Road (Without Actually Owning a Car)?
Let's face it, London's public transport is iconic, but sometimes, you just need the freedom of the open road (well, maybe not that open considering it's London, but you get the idea). That's where Zipcars come in, your chariot to adventure (or at least a trip to Ikea without relying on the kindness of strangers with vans). But before you start picturing yourself cruising down Oxford Street with the wind in your hair (through the sunroof, obviously), you might be wondering: how much does this four-wheeled freedom cost?
The Zipcar Price Breakdown: Don't Worry, It's Not Robin Hood Levels of Expensive
Zipcar offers a few different membership plans, so you can pick the one that best suits your car-using needs (because let's be honest, some of us only need a Zipcar when our flatmate borrows the milk... again). Here's a quick rundown:
- The Basic Billing Bandit: This free membership is perfect for casual car users. You'll pay per hour and per day, with prices starting at around £9/hour and £85/day. Think of it as the "borrow a friend's car for a fiver" option, but way less likely to involve awkward silences.
- The Smart Saver: For a measly £6 a month, you get a discount on your hourly and daily rates. We're talking £7/hour and £68/day - basically, buying a coffee a month to save some serious dough on wheels.
- The Plus is a Big Plus: If you're a Zipcar rockstar (or just need a car on the reg), the £15/month Plus membership gets you the biggest discounts, with rates starting at a sweet £6/hour and £60/day. Basically, it's like having a permanent two-for-one deal on car rentals.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Free Stuff is Always Awesome)
Here's the best part: all Zipcar plans include gas, insurance, and those oh-so-important London Congestion Charge fees. Plus, you get 60 free miles a day (because who wants to be penny-pinching on mileage when you're on a Zipcar adventure?).
So, How Much Will It Really Cost?
That depends on your car-using habits, my friend. But to give you a general idea, a quick scoot around town for a couple of hours might set you back around £20, while a full-day Ikea expedition could cost around £80.
FAQ: Zipcar-ing Like a Pro
- How do I sign up for Zipcar? Download the app or head over to the Zipcar website and follow the easy sign-up process.
- Do I need a special license to drive a Zipcar? Nope, your regular driver's license will do just fine.
- What kind of cars can I rent? Zipcar has a fleet of different vehicles, from zippy little hatchbacks to SUVs for all your cargo-carrying needs.
- How do I find a Zipcar? The Zipcar app will show you all the available cars near you, and you can even book one in advance.
- How do I unlock and start the car? It's all done through the magic of the Zipcar app (because who needs keys anymore, right?).
So there you have it! Zipcars in London: a convenient and (relatively) affordable way to ditch the tube and explore the city (or just get to Ikea without begging for a ride). Now get out there and start your Zipcar adventures!