Roberta Aguirre
Zipcar is a car-sharing service that offers two types of services: Roundtrip and Flex. While Roundtrip requires you to return the car to the same location, Flex allows you to take one-way trips and leave the car within a designated zone. This flexibility has raised questions about whether you can use Zipcar to drive to an airport and, if so, what the associated costs and procedures are. This is particularly relevant for airports like Heathrow and Gatwick, where specific drop-off and parking considerations come into play.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| One-way trip | Yes, with Zipcar Flex |
| Trip booking | No pre-booking required |
| Pick-up and drop-off | Pick up and drop off at designated local authority zones |
| Parking | Allowed in any Zipcar spot at the location |
| Fees | $12 per hour and $89 per day, £5 drop-off fee at some airports |
| Fuel | Free fuel card provided, return with 1/4 tank |
| Insurance | Included |
| Mileage | 180 miles per day included |
| Toll charges | Billed separately |
| Availability | Uncertain, depends on other users |
| Trip extension | Possible via app or text if no immediate reservations after |
| Membership | Required, with valid driver's license, 18+ (students) or 21+ |
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What You'll Learn
Zipcar Flex one-way trips to the airport
Zipcar offers a "Flex" service that allows one-way trips to the airport. This option is available in select cities in the United States and London boroughs, including Heathrow Airport, which has a ZipZone for dropping off cars. However, it cannot be used for international travel between countries.
The Flex service is ideal for short-term and everyday travel needs, such as visiting friends, early morning commutes, or one-way airport trips. It offers the convenience of avoiding rideshare services and saving on parking fees, especially for long-term travel. Flex cars can be rented by the minute, hour, or day, providing flexibility for users.
To use the Flex service for airport travel, users must book through the Zipcar app, where they can locate and reserve a vehicle within a designated ZipZone. The service is charged per minute, with rates varying between 31 cents and 32 cents per minute. It's important to note that Flex cars must comply with parking rules at the trip's endpoint, and users are responsible for any parking fees incurred during their reservation.
While the Flex option offers convenience for one-way airport trips, it may not be suitable for longer journeys. Zipcar recommends their Roundtrip service for such trips, which involves picking up and returning the vehicle to the same dedicated bay. Roundtrip bookings are currently the only option available across North America, while the Flex option is available in London and select U.S. cities.
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Availability of Zipcars at NYC airports
You can drive a Zipcar to any airport in the United States, including those in New York City. However, it's important to note that the availability of Zipcars at NYC airports may vary and is not always guaranteed. Here's an overview of Zipcar availability at each of the major NYC airports:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Zipcars are typically available at JFK Airport, providing convenient transportation options for travelers. You can usually find designated parking spots for Zipcars in the airport's parking lots or garages, although their exact locations may vary, so it's advisable to check the Zipcar website or app for the latest information.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA): LaGuardia Airport also offers Zipcar services, providing an alternative to traditional car rental or airport transportation options. As with JFK, designated parking areas for Zipcars are typically available within the airport premises. However, it's always a good idea to check the availability and parking location before your trip.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): While Newark Airport is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey, it is a major hub for travelers to and from New York City. Zipcars are generally available at this airport as well, offering flexibility for those needing a vehicle upon arrival or before departure.
When using a Zipcar to get to or from NYC airports, it's important to allow sufficient time for traffic and any potential delays. Additionally, keep in mind that certain airports may have specific rules or guidelines for picking up or dropping off rental vehicles, so always review the airport's regulations in advance.
In terms of returning the Zipcar, each airport will have designated drop-off locations for Zipcars. Make sure you are familiar with the correct drop-off point and any associated procedures, as failing to return the vehicle to the proper location may result in additional fees. Overall, Zipcar provides a convenient option for travelers looking for a flexible and cost-effective way to get to and from NYC airports.
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Zipcar drop-off at Heathrow Terminal 5
Yes, you can drive a Zipcar to Heathrow Terminal 5 and drop it off there. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Zipcar's Heathrow operation is located at the Holiday Inn on Bath Road, which is a short bus journey away from Terminal 5. When you arrive at Terminal 5, you need to head to bus stop 25, where you can take a Zipcar-branded bus to the Holiday Inn. Between 5 am and midnight, three buses operate a continuous service, so you shouldn't have to wait longer than 5 minutes. Outside of these hours, a bus will be available on-demand by calling the number displayed at bus stop 25.
Once you arrive at the Holiday Inn, you can drop off your Zipcar in the designated parking area. It's important to note that you can only drop off the car in the Zipzone, so make sure to double-check that you're ending your trip in an approved location. There may also be an additional drop-off fee for using Zipcar at Terminal 5, which was £7.50 at one point.
When dropping off the car, make sure to follow the correct procedure, which includes ending your trip in the app, returning the keys to the glovebox, and locking the car. Do not give the keys to Avis staff, as they cannot end your trip for you.
Additionally, if you are dropping off passengers at Terminal 5, there may be a separate Terminal Drop-Off Charge, which you can find on the Heathrow website.
Overall, using Zipcar to get to Heathrow Terminal 5 can be a convenient and flexible option, especially if you need to make a quick trip to the airport without the hassle of long-term parking.
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Zipcar parking at Gatwick Airport
Zipcar offers a flexible car rental service that allows users to rent cars by the minute, hour, or day. The service is available at Gatwick Airport, where users can pick up or drop off Zipcars at the North Terminal. This service is convenient for those who want a flexible and hassle-free way to get to and from the airport, especially when travelling with family or colleagues.
When arriving at Gatwick North Terminal, follow the signs for 'Car Rental Returns' to find the Zipcar parking area. The car park is located just off Racecourse Way, and there are over 20 bays available for Zipcar users. After parking, users can either end their trip or take the free airport shuttle to the South Terminal.
It's important to note that there is a £20 airport surcharge for using Zipcar at Gatwick. This fee may be worth considering, especially when compared to other transportation options such as the train. Additionally, there is an hourly rate for Zipcar rentals, which starts at £14 per hour and can be booked through the Zipcar app.
While Zipcar offers flexibility, there are some restrictions to be aware of. According to a Zipcar employee on Reddit, if you take a Flex car to Gatwick, you can only keep it for up to 48 hours before they end your trip. Additionally, round-trip bookings cannot be left at designated parking spots at the airport. Therefore, it is important to plan your trip accordingly and be mindful of the time restrictions.
In conclusion, Zipcar provides a convenient and flexible option for parking and travelling to and from Gatwick Airport. With their service, users can save money on parking fees and airport transfers, making it a hassle-free choice for those travelling in groups. However, it is important to consider the surcharges and time restrictions associated with using Zipcar at Gatwick.
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Cost of driving Zipcar to Heathrow
Zipcar offers a flexible car rental service at Heathrow Airport, with prices starting from £14 per hour, depending on your plan. The hourly rate is applicable for up to 9 hours of usage, after which you will be charged a daily rate starting from £105.
Zipcar's Heathrow operation is located off-airport at the Holiday Inn, Bath Road. To get to Terminal 5, you can take a free shuttle bus that operates throughout the day. The bus journey takes less than 10 minutes, and you can find the bus at Bus Stop 25 outside the terminal.
When you arrive at Terminal 5, you can use the Zipcar app to reserve a Flex car. The app will also allow you to unlock the car, and you can find the keys in the glovebox. It is important to note that Zipcar Flex offers one-way rentals, so you can drop off the car within a designated local authority zone without having to drive it back to where you picked it up.
The cost of driving a Zipcar to Heathrow will depend on your usage. For example, if your drive is an hour or less, it could cost you around £19. Additionally, there is a mileage allowance of 60 miles per day, and any additional mileage is charged at £0.32 per mile.
Zipcar covers the cost of fuel, charging, and parking, making it a convenient option for travelling to and from Heathrow Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can drive a Zipcar to the airport. Zipcar is available at several airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty Airport.
To get started with Zipcar, you need to be at least 18 years old (or 21 in most states) and have a valid driver's license. You can apply for membership online, and once approved, you can instantly book Zipcars by the hour or day using the Zipcar app.
Airport trips may incur additional fees, such as a drop-off fee or parking charges. These fees vary depending on the airport and your trip details. Remember that gas, insurance, and a certain number of miles per day are typically included in the reservation price.
It depends on the specific airport and the type of Zipcar service you are using. For round-trip services, you must return the Zipcar to its original pickup location. For Flex services, you can usually park the car in designated Zipcar bays or spots within the airport premises, but there may be time restrictions and additional fees. Always check the parking rules and regulations at your specific airport to avoid any issues or penalties.
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