When we were children, our caregivers warned us against getting into cars with strangers, but that was before smartphones were ubiquitous and fuel prices surged.
These days, if you need to get from A to B, sharing a ride is a practical way to cut costs at the gas pump — or the EV charging point.
Below we’ve gathered top carpooling apps, whether you want to share an Uber or split commuting expenses with someone heading your way.
Top Carpool Apps for Short Trips & Daily Commutes
| Carpooling App | Best for | Available on | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UberX Share | Sharing an Uber trip | Apple & Android | SEE DETAILS |
| Lyft Shared | Sharing a Lyft trip | Apple & Android | SEE DETAILS |
| Waze Carpool | Commuting | Apple & Android | SEE DETAILS |
| Via | Certain service areas | Apple & Android | SEE DETAILS |
| Pogo | Carpools for kids | Apple | SEE DETAILS |
5 Carpool Apps to Help You Cut Costs
UberX Share
- Integrated into the regular Uber app
- Widely available across the U.S.
- Multiple ride categories
Uber is one of the well-known rideshare platforms that lets you request a vehicle whenever you need a lift. No more waving down cabs or making phone calls to get a ride.
Within Uber’s ride options is UberX Share (previously called Uber Pool).
UberX Share is a carpooling choice for riders comfortable sharing a vehicle with strangers. The perks are the same as other shared rides: lower fares because costs are split and fewer individual trips, which is better for the environment.
To request an UberX Share trip, open the Uber app, type your destination and choose “UberX Share” as the ride option.
After being paused during the pandemic, UberX Share is gradually returning. If it isn’t visible in your app now, check again the next time you book.
Lyft Shared
- Comparable alternative to Uber
- Available in many U.S. locations
- Only up to two riders per vehicle
Lyft, often cited as Uber’s main rival, also provides on-demand rides via a mobile app. Lyft’s shared-ride feature, Lyft Shared, lets drivers pick up and drop off additional passengers along the way.
Taking a Lyft Shared ride saves money and helps reduce the number of cars on the road. Lyft caps shared rides at two passengers per car, so it usually won’t feel overcrowded.
To get a Lyft Shared trip, open the Lyft app, enter your destination and select the “Lyft Shared” option among the ride types.
Lyft Shared isn’t active everywhere yet, so be sure to check when you’re booking.
Waze Carpool
- Designed specifically for commuters
- Add your regular schedule to find matches
- Typically cheaper than rideshare services
You probably know Waze as a navigation app that warns about traffic jams or police ahead. But have you tried Waze Carpool?
Waze Carpool is a standalone app separate from the Waze navigation app that helps you connect with people traveling the same route to work, school or other destinations.
Waze Carpool isn’t an on-demand service like Uber or Lyft. You enter your routine and hope drivers headed the same way will agree to carpool with you.
Riders compensate drivers with a fee, which is usually lower than what you’d pay for traditional rideshares.
Alternatively, you can drive and have riders pay you. You can set your own rate or accept Waze’s suggested amount, which factors in gas costs and distance traveled.
To begin, download Waze Carpool, create an account and list your commuting needs for the week.
Keep in mind that a ride isn’t confirmed until you’re matched with another user, so it may take a little time to secure a spot.
Via
- Quick, efficient shared rides for commuters
- Operational in selected U.S. cities
- Affordable fares
We like Via because it delivers what a carpooling app should: fast scheduling, quick confirmations and cost savings. Just drop a pin for your pickup and another for your destination.
Via operates with contracted drivers like Lyft and Uber, but shared rides are the default.
If you need a private ride, Via isn’t the right fit. If you’re comfortable sharing, it’s one of the best choices.
The main drawback is limited coverage. For instance, Via operates in New York City but only in certain neighborhoods.
Via is excellent for people within its service zones. If you’re unsure, check the company site for detailed coverage areas.
Pogo
- Designed to help parents coordinate carpools for kids
- Build a network with neighbors and friends
- Free to use
Created by a parent, Pogo helps families organize carpools for school, library trips or after-school activities.
Pogo lets parents and friends form a shared pool and post when rides are needed. You can add calendar events with pickup and drop-off details and indicate whether a child needs a ride or a parent can drive.
Pogo is more specialized than broader carpooling services, but it can ease parental stress and trim transport costs by relying on trusted drivers.
Pogo also helps you connect with other parents in your area, including those whose kids go to the same school.
After installing Pogo, create an account and you can immediately start arranging carpools.
The app includes a messaging feature to make coordinating pickups and drop-offs simple.
Best of all, Pogo is free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are several popular apps for sharing rides, including rideshare platforms like Uber, Lyft and Via.
For a more conventional carpooling setup, try Waze Carpool or Pogo, which is tailored to parents arranging rides for their children.
You can sign up as a driver on Waze Carpool. Waze doesn’t directly employ drivers, but riders pay drivers through the app. Drivers may set their own rates or use Waze’s suggested fee, which accounts for fuel costs and distance.
Waze Carpool is a useful way to defray commuting expenses by offering rides to others along your route.
Waze Carpool currently records hundreds of thousands of rides monthly. You’ll need to try Waze Carpool to see whether it has strong participation in your area.
Carpooling availability varies by location (urban versus rural) and the specific routes you take.
Jordan Bennett is a senior writer covering technology for Savinly.
