As companies like Uber and Lyft have become more popular and more accessible in more locations, you now have options when traveling. Do you stick with rental cars or do you choose to be chauffeured around by Uber/Lyft drivers? Which is most cost beneficial? There are many factors to consider. Let’s look into those factors so you can make an informed decision on your next trip.
Traveling Alone Vs. Traveling with Family
If you are traveling with your family, and car seats, then it might be better for you to choose a rental car. Lugging car seats in and out of another person’s vehicle can be a real pain. You will have luggage to lug around as well. If you go with a rental vehicle than you can keep all your belongings, including car seats, in the vehicle for the entirety of your journey.
The Length of Your Stay
Usually, the shorter the trip means Uber is more cost saving. If your trip is three to four days then most travelers do not have the opportunity to travel very far for special excursions, but instead they stay close to their lodging and visit immediate surroundings. With that in mind then Uber is very affordable.
Walking Distance and Location of Stay
Will your stay be in the middle of the city, surrounded by tourist attractions? Are these places within walking distance? An example would be, Nashville, Tennessee. If you are staying downtown and will be walking down Broadway St for a majority of your trip, with the occasional drive to somewhere else, then why pay for a rental car. Uber wins again.
Parking Fees and Availability
If you are visiting a bigger city than chances are that you will have to pay for parking everywhere you go. Some hotels offer free parking and others require you to pay a fee per day to park in their parking garage. While traveling around town for shopping and dining, sight seeing and other adventures chances are you will have to pay for parking. In this case Uber would be cheaper. If you are staying at a hotel where parking is free on site, or cheap, and locations require you to drive around than a rental car may be the better option.
Timing or Season of Your Getaway
Companies like Uber and Lyft raise their fees when they know they will be sought after in a higher demand. If you are visiting at the same time there is a big sport event, school break, holiday, etc. than you might end up paying more using Uber rather than a rental car. It would be wise to check for any local happenings in the destination that might be happening during your stay.
Availability
It is almost a guarantee that rental cars will be available, but that is not always the case for Uber. One way to find out about this is to contact your hotel concierge. Ask questions about complaints, patterns in pricing, parking options, valet costs, and self-park options. Not all hotel concierges will be all knowledgeable, but they should have some knowledge.
It is not always the case that one beats the other every single time, but weighing the factors should help you to decide which is right for each particular trip.