Your Guide to Carsharing Services in Montreal: Skip the Car Ownership

It is not always necessary to own a car, but sometimes it is useful to have the option of using one. A move, a shopping run, making your next appointment in good time, or getting from one Montreal neighbourhood to another are all good reasons to get behind the wheel. Fortunately, these occasions can be covered by simply picking up a car from one of the excellent providers for carsharing in Montreal.

Getting a car that suits your needs at the exact moment you need it is one of the advantages of living in a large city such as Montreal, by far Quebec’s largest metropolitan area. No tax or insurance payments, no hundreds-of-dollars services, and no paying for an overpriced parking space in your building. Whichever Montreal carsharing option you choose, you will have the option of simply reserving a specific car online and renting it by the minute, hour, or day.

What is Carsharing?

Carsharing is a service that allows people to rent vehicles for short periods, usually by the hour or day. It’s a convenient, cost-effective alternative to owning a car, especially for occasional drivers. Users typically book cars through an app and pick them up at designated locations.

Why use Carsharing in Montreal?

The new municipal government encourages carsharing in Montreal as an alternative to ownership, and it is expected that, starting in May, 2018, vehicles may be picked up and dropped off in more city areas, including large parts of downtown previously restricted to electric carsharing vehicles. It will also be possible to park the cars in spots normally reserved for residents in most neighbourhoods, making it much more convenient to get exactly where you want to go.

Carsharing is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to car ownership. Perks include the ability to choose flexibly without the fixed costs usually tied to a car – you can put that saved money into travelling more of Quebec and Canada! Providers in Montreal include gas, insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance in their fees. The application process always includes a driver’s license check, and only drivers with a clean abstract may be granted a membership.

Want to take a trip? Here are the most popular options for carsharing in Montreal.

1. Communauto / Auto-mobile

Communauto offers cars for reservation, which need to be dropped back at their pick-up location. It is comparable to a short-term car rental service. Auto-mobile is Communauto’s one-way service for carsharing in Montreal, available for travel from A to B without a reservation. However, not all Communauto cars are available for Auto-mobile trips.

The fleet is mostly composed of Toyota Prius C. Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa and Note.

How much? Communauto offers several plans with different rates, starting from a membership fee of $40 per year and a rate of $2.45 per hour plus $0.26 per kilometre. The Auto-mobile subscription is free, with rates starting from 0.40 per minute, $12 per hour and $50 per day, with 100 kilometre included per trip.

Highlights: 12 percent of the fleet comes with safety seats for children, and there is a family membership available to register all eligible family members under the same account.

2. LEO

LEO is a newly launched electric carsharing service in Montreal, operated by the city’s public transit authority (STM). It offers 100% electric vehicles on a one-way, self-service basis. Users can pick up a car at one location and drop it off at another within the designated service area. The fleet includes compact electric models, ideal for urban driving and environmentally conscious users.

How much?
LEO charges $0.40 per minute, $14 per hour, or $65 per day. All trips include 100 kilometres, with additional distance billed at $0.29/km. Charging is included, and there’s no need to refill the car before returning it.

Highlights:
All vehicles are fully electric, making LEO an eco-friendly option for getting around the city. The service integrates with STM’s mobility platform, making it easy to plan multimodal trips using public transit and carsharing.

3. Evo

Who?
Evo is a one-way carsharing service originally launched in British Columbia and now operating in Montreal. It offers Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles equipped with roof racks, making them suitable for outdoor activities and road trips. Evo allows pick-up and drop-off anywhere within the home zone, with no need to return the car to its original location.

The fleet is entirely made up of Toyota Prius hybrids, all 5-door hatchbacks with room for five people.

How much?
Evo charges $0.45 per minute, $16.99 per hour, or $94.99 per day, including 200 kilometres per trip. Additional distance is billed at $0.41/km.

Highlights:
All cars come with bike and ski racks, making Evo ideal for active lifestyles. Insurance, fuel, and maintenance are included. You can also pause your trip while keeping the car reserved at a lower rate.

4. Turo

Turo is a peer-to-peer carsharing platform, often described as the “Airbnb for cars.” It connects local car owners with people who want to rent vehicles for a few hours or several days. Turo offers a wide variety of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury and specialty models. Pick-up and drop-off are coordinated with the car owner, often at flexible locations.

The fleet depends on available listings, but you’ll find everything from compact cars to SUVs and sports cars.

How much?
Prices vary widely based on the car, owner, and rental duration. Expect rates starting around $30–$50 per day for standard vehicles. Turo includes basic insurance, with optional upgrades.

Highlights:
Turo offers flexibility in vehicle type and rental length. It’s a great option for those looking for unique cars or longer rentals. Some owners offer delivery to your home or hotel for added convenience.

Important Things to Know About Carsharing in Montreal

• Valid Driver’s License Required: All carsharing services require a valid driver’s license. International licenses are accepted by some providers, but you may need to provide additional documents or a translation. To find out more, visit our comprehensive guide to driver’s licenses in Canada.
• Minimum Age Restrictions: Most services require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some (like Turo) may have higher age or experience requirements, especially for premium vehicles.
• Driving Record Checks: Companies like Communauto and Evo may perform a driving record check before approving your registration, especially for long-term or membership-based plans.
• Fuel and Charging: For gas-powered vehicles, fuel is usually included. You’ll often find a fuel card in the vehicle. For electric services like LEO, charging is covered — you are not expected to recharge before returning the car.
• Parking Rules: Free parking is generally allowed within the provider’s designated home zone or reserved spots. However, you are responsible for parking fees or tickets received outside these zones.
• Trip Limits: Most plans include a set number of kilometres per trip (e.g. 100 km or 200 km), after which additional charges apply per kilometre.
• Insurance Coverage: Basic insurance is included in most services, but it may come with a high deductible. Optional coverage upgrades are usually available for added protection.
• App Required: Booking, unlocking, and managing your trip are done entirely through a mobile app, so a smartphone and data access are essential.
• Seasonal Considerations: In winter, all cars are equipped with snow tires, but driving in snowy conditions still requires caution. Brush and scraper tools are usually included.
• Language: Most services offer their app and customer support in both English and French.

Looking for more information about living in Montreal?

For more information on transportation and getting around Montreal as a newcomer, visit our Living in Montreal page.

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