a couple loading bags into a Zipcar

Roundtrip and Flex explained

There are 2 ways to drive with Zipcar. So, here we're going to dive deeper into both services to help you to become experts on how and when to use them. Very simply - Go there and back with Roundtrip, or go from A to B in a Flex car.

What's the difference?

At Zipcar we offer two ways of getting around: Roundtrip and Flex. Roundtrip is our traditional service, used for pre-planned round trips, whilst Flex is our one way, drive and drop service. Read on below for more detail and decide which one is right for your next trip. 

Roundtrip

Zipcar Roundtrip

Roundtrip

Pick up and return these cars and vans to their same dedicated bay. During your reservation, you are able to park in other areas, but if you're stopping over in a space that requires a fee, you're responsible for paying it.

We recommend Roundtrip for longer journeys, and they can be booked by the hour or day/s. Prices start from £6 an hour and vans start from £10 an hour. Roundtrip cars are normally used for pre-planned trips such as moving house, IKEA trips, trips out the city and errands, or perfect for weekends away!

Find and book Roundtrip cars and vans via the app and via your account page.

Flex

zipcar Flex

Flex

Drive one-way and drop in the Zipzone.

Flex is our one-way service, where you can pick up and drop cars anywhere in the Zipzone so long as it complies with our parking rules where you are ending your trip. More information can be found on parking rules here. Flex costs 32p per minute.

Flex is ideal for everyday needs: whether you’re popping to your mate's house, heading somewhere early in the morning, or off to a fancy dress party and want to grab a cab home - it’s there for you. Flex cars can only be found via the app. So download it now, search and reserve.

Why Zipcar?

save money with zipcar

Save money

We pay for fuel, parking and insurance – so you get access to a car without all the hassle of owning one!

zipcars near you

Cars near you

Zipcars live just around the corner. We've got the largest car sharing fleet in London (not that we're boasting) and you'll find us in cities across the UK.

drive on-demand

Drive on-demand

Whatever you need wheels for, we’ve got them. Rent cars and vans by the minute, hour or day when and where you need them.

sustainable travel

Live greener

We’re the perfect addition to buses, trains and bikes for those times when you just need a car. We've also got hundreds of electric cars in our fleet.