Apps like Lyft (which replaced the old Zimride), Uber, and Careem are well-known around the world. However, they are not the cheapest or most environmentally friendly way to travel, whether within or outside a city. To do this, you can use apps that are extremely useful for backpackers who want to travel by carpooling. With them, you can carpool and save money.

What are the best apps for hitchhiking?

It’s easy to find apps like Gett, Ola, or Curb, where you can call a car to take you wherever you want. But that doesn’t mean they’re the best options out there. Catching a ride with someone who’s already going to the same place is a much more economical alternative, and in this article, we’ve selected the best platforms of this type to use wherever you are.

1. BlaBlaCar

Image: App Store

BlaBlaCar is undoubtedly one of the best apps for backpackers. Not only is it extremely well-known, but it also has a presence in most parts of the world. This way, you can hit the road in more than 20 countries (mostly European) and make your trip easier. When it comes to finding rides, you can search through a catalog of thousands of destinations until you find the one that best suits you.

With the app, booking a ride is quick and easy, and you can find options near you. Prices are always cheaper than more popular alternatives like Uber, for example, which helps you save money. Users can get to know the drivers better by checking their profiles, and feel safe during the trip, since the platform verifies everyone's ratings and identities. And if you want to travel by bus, the app also offers that option.

BlaBlaCar is available on Play Store for Android and on App Store for iOS.

Read also: Manage your travel expenses with these amazing apps

2. Hitch

Image: App Store

Another interesting option among hitchhiking apps is Hitch. It is one of the essential apps for backpackers who want to explore certain regions of the US, as it is only available in some states. With it, you can find rides at surprisingly low prices, starting at $15. This way, you can travel to other cities with much more comfort and luggage space than a bus offers.

Hitch also promises to make your journey faster, safer and more fun by bringing socialization to your ride. A big advantage is that you don't need to schedule your rides in advance on the app, as long as you request one between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. If you do this, you can find a ride in up to two hours. You can also choose between station-to-station rides (at specific points) or door-to-door rides (so you can choose where to get on and off).

Hitch is available on Play Store for Android and on App Store for iOS.

3. Moovl

Image: App Store

Are you in Australia? Then Moovl is an excellent option for searching for carpooling. Its downside is that it is only available in Australia. However, it offers a solution to facilitate car sharing for all types of users, whether you are a student going to class or a traveler learning more about the country in Oceania. With this app, your journeys become easier, cheaper, and more sustainable.

One of Moovl's main focuses is precisely to help build a greener future by reducing individual carbon footprints. In addition, it helps those who need to save money for any reason, and users can choose how and when to pay. Another interesting feature is that the app tries to connect passengers and drivers who share the same interests and travel preferences, which makes the experience much more enjoyable.

Moovl is available at Play Store for Android and on App Store for iOS.

4. KudosCar

Image: App Store

KudosCar is one of the most useful apps for backpackers who want to hitchhike, especially because it is present in many countries. However, since the platform is quite new, there are not many users offering rides. Still, it is an interesting option to have on your phone to prepare for your trip. The app promises to be the only ride-sharing platform you need in your daily life.

This app offers several tools to improve the user experience. First, drivers and passengers are verified, which protects both parties. In addition, the app helps you save on fuel, parking, and tolls, and reduces your carbon footprint. Before you get on a ride, you can check the reviews left by other people about the driver.

KudosCar is available on App Store for iOS.

5. Poparide

Image: App Store

And finally, rounding off the best travel apps for carpooling, we have Poparide, available only in Canada. The app has a community of over 1 million members, which makes it a great platform for getting around different cities in the country. It connects passengers and drivers who share their destination, and they can choose who to share with by looking at reviews, profiles, and connections.

In this way, Poparide helps you save money, reduce environmental impact and make new friends. To make the experience safer, all drivers are verified and payments are made virtually, meaning you won’t have to handle physical cash. Another advantage of Poparide is that the prices charged are low, starting at $15 per seat.

Poparide is available at Play Store for Android and on App Store for iOS.

Carpool and save on your journeys

By using any of the ride-sharing apps, you can spend much less on getting around cities and see more places (and people). This elevates the entire experience as you expose yourself to different cultures. Additionally, carpooling is important for reducing your environmental impact.