BlaBlaCar: The Ultimate Way to Book Long-Distance Rideshare and Travel Cheap by Car

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Key Takeaways

• BlaBlaCar dramatically lowers intercity travel costs by letting passengers share fuel expenses with drivers.
• A community-driven rating and verification system keeps every ride transparent and secure.
• Early booking, clear communication, and profile checks are the fastest paths to a smooth journey.
• Long-distance carpooling reduces CO₂ emissions per passenger and supports greener mobility.
• The app’s social element turns routine trips into opportunities to meet new people and exchange stories.

Overview

BlaBlaCar is an international ridesharing platform connecting drivers and passengers for city-to-city journeys. Unlike conventional city-based ride-hailing, it focuses on distances where trains, buses, or flights are usually the only alternatives. Users create profiles, set travel preferences, and either publish or book rides—paying only a share of the fuel and tolls.

“Share your car, save on travel, and help the planet—BlaBlaCar makes every seat count.”

Benefits

1. Save Money

Because fuel costs are divided among all occupants, passengers often spend 30–50 % less than on traditional public transport.

2. Go Greener

Carpooling maximises vehicle occupancy, immediately cutting per-capita emissions.

3. Enjoy Community

The platform’s detailed rating system fosters trust and sparks conversation, turning strangers into travel companions.

Setup

1. Download the App: Grab it from the BlaBlaCar mobile download page or Google Play.
2. Create an Account: Verify your email or phone, upload a friendly photo, and outline your travel preferences.
3. Add Vehicle Details (Drivers): Input car make, model, and available seats so passengers know exactly what to expect.

Booking

Enter departure, destination, date, and seat count; then filter by price, time, or driver rating. Once you select a ride, pay securely in-app and use the built-in chat to confirm meeting points. For navigation, many drivers rely on built-in live tracking or pair their phone with hands-free Android Auto for safer journeys.

Tips

• Book early: Popular routes fill quickly, especially before holidays.
• Read reviews: Choose drivers with complete profiles and consistent positive feedback.
• Clarify luggage: Chat ahead if you have oversized bags or special requirements.
• Stay punctual: Respect everyone’s schedule by arriving a few minutes early.
• Use in-app payments: Avoid cash to keep the platform’s protection active.

Compare

Travel Option	Cost	Flexibility	Environmental Impact	Social Factor
BlaBlaCar	Low	High (custom pick-up & drop-off)	Lower emissions per passenger	High
Bus / Train	Medium	Moderate (fixed stations)	Moderate	Low
Flight	High	High speed, but rigid schedules	Highest emissions	Very low

Stories

Riders frequently report saving over half their usual travel budget. One user wrote, “I paid €18 instead of €45 for a three-hour trip and ended up planning my next holiday with my seat-mate!” Such testimonials highlight both savings and the social dimension that sets BlaBlaCar apart.

FAQ

Q1: Is BlaBlaCar safe for solo travelers?

A: Yes. Verified IDs, user reviews, and in-app payments create multiple layers of security. Always check ratings before confirming a ride.

Q2: Can I bring my pet?

A: It depends on the driver. Use the chat feature to ask in advance and avoid surprises at pick-up.

Q3: What if my driver cancels?

A: You’ll receive an automatic refund, and you can immediately book another available ride through the app.

Q4: How do payments work?

A: Passengers pay by card or wallet inside the app. Funds are released to the driver only after the trip is completed.