BlaBlaCar Review [2024]: Legit Carpooling & Bus Service?

There are so many different ways to travel these days. You can fly, drive, take the bus, or even carpool. But which is the best way to travel? It depends on your individual needs and preferences.

If you're looking for the most affordable way to travel, taking the bus or carpooling is probably your best bet. These two options are also a super flexible way to travel.

In this article, we will cover the ins and outs of this new carpooling app, BlaBlaCar, such as what it is, the fees, and how safe it really is. We'll also give our honest review and if the service is worth using today!

What is BlaBlaCar?

BlaBlaCar is a carpooling service that connects drivers with empty seats to riders looking for a ride. With BlaBlaCar, you can either be a driver or a rider. 

As a driver, you can list your upcoming trips and offer rides to others. Riders can then search for available rides and request to book a seat. Moreover, you can save money on gas, reduce your carbon footprint, and make new friends simultaneously! 

Once a ride is requested, the driver and rider will be able to chat and coordinate details like pick-up and drop-off locations. 

Payment is made through the BlaBlaCar website or app and is processed after the ride is complete. 

Riders are also able to leave reviews for drivers and vice versa. This helps create a community of trust and ensures that everyone is held accountable for their actions.

Services Offered

Here's a list of some of the services users can expect while booking:

• Manages bookings
• Upfront pricing
• Direct customer support
• Verified drivers and riders
• Zero empty seats
• Mobile App for easy booking

How to Get Tickets with BlaBlaCar?

If you're wondering how to buy tickets, it's super easy!

Bus tickets can be reserved online on BlaBla's website or at one of their ticket sale points.

Booking online

By searching online, you can include the desired origin, destination, and dates for your upcoming trip.

Booking at stations

If online isn't your thing, BlaBlaCar also has many different stations worldwide. 

Click here to find the station nearest you!

Who Owns BlaBlaCar?

Now that you know all the details for booking, you might be wondering, who created BlaBlaCar, and where did it all begin?

BlaBlaCar was founded in 2006 by Fréderic Mazzella. 

Currently, Comuto Company runs the business. With more than 300 employees, the company has its headquarters in Paris, France.

How Safe Is BlaBla Car?

Safety is always a top concern when using any ride service app. After all, you'll be getting into a stranger's car and trusting them with your safety.

But don't worry, BlaBlaCar makes safety a priority and takes it very seriously. 

Before any drivers and riders can use the platform, they must be verified through the company. In addition, riders can leave reviews for drivers and vice versa. This helps to create a community of trust and accountability.

To keep users even safer, BlaBlaCar offers direct customer support if you have any questions or concerns.

Costs and Fees

BlaBlaCar's Service Fee

Unlike other ridesharing and carpooling services, BlaBlaCar does not charge a percentage of the fare. 

Instead, riders are charged a small, flat service fee at the time of the booking. Upon completing the ride, you will pay the driver the total amount of the fare.

This pricing structure is a win-win for both riders and drivers. Riders can know upfront how much their ride will cost, and drivers can keep the majority of the fare for themselves. 

Fee Calculation

A certain amount of the price the rider sets are taken as a service fee by BlaBlaCar. Browsers can see an estimate of the fee charged before validating their ride.

Refunds

BlaBlaCar's refund policy is fairly flexible.

Passengers can cancel their booking if the driver has not approved the ride. 

If the driver cancels after the passenger has already validated their ride, the passenger will is refunded the total, including the service fee.

BlaBlaCar's Conditions, Registration & Restrictions

Age

Individuals aged 18 or older can use BlaBlaCar's services as a driver or a passenger. It is strictly prohibited for anyone under 18 to use the platform.

Creating An Account

Creating an account is simple. You can either:

• Register by filling out the registration form on their website, or
• Connect your Facebook account to BlaBlaCar

When you register, you will have to provide personal information, such as your name, email address, and date of birth. 

You will also need to create a password.

Verification

BlaBlaCar may ask you to verify your identity and account information. This may include providing a government-issued ID, phone number, or other documentation.

If you cannot verify your identity or account information, BlaBlaCar may suspend or terminate your account.

Booking Seats For Individuals Only

BlaBlaCar is a platform that connects drivers with riders. 

As such, all bookings made through BlaBlaCar are for individuals only. It is strictly prohibited to book a ride for transporting goods or products.

Is BlaBlaCar worth it for daily use?

If you're looking for a safe, reliable, and affordable way to get around, then BlaBlaCar is worth considering. The company takes safety seriously and offers several features to help ensure that both drivers and riders have a positive experience. In addition, the flat-fee pricing structure is beneficial for both riders and drivers.

That being said, BlaBlaCar User reviews have spoke very differently about their experiences using their service. Many reported consistently poor driver quality and miscommunication with BlaBlaCar and the drivers with riders. Others mentioned in BlaBlaCar reviews that drivers did not speak english and refused to drop passengers off at specific locations listed on the ticket.

Overall, we think that if you have to get to a certain destination at a specific time, we recommend booking a slightly more expensive option. We believe you can give BlaBlaCar a try if you're in need for a budget option and are willing to risk the possibility of a poor or delayed experience.

Our Rating: 3.1/5

Pros

• Available on mobile
• BlaBlaCar in over 22 countries
• Over 100 million members
• offered in +1,500 cities
• Direct customer care assistance

Cons

• Limited country coverage.
• Third-party booking service.
• User-reported consistently poor driver quality.
• Frequent miscommunication reported.

Travel around town with Pilot!

If you're looking for an affordable, convenient, and safe way to get around, then BlaBlaCar is worth considering.The company offers several features to help ensure that both drivers and riders have a positive experience. 

Planning your travels ahead? Be sure to give Pilot a try!