I lived in Spain for eight years and used BlaBlaCar exclusively for getting between cities. From Madrid to Seville, Barcelona to Valencia, weekend trips across the country, all at a fraction of what the train would have cost.
Every driver and passenger on BlaBlaCar has an identity-verified profile with a cumulative rating built from years of trips, which is what actually makes it work as a safe option for solo female travelers.
The platform has been running since 2006 across Europe, and we included it in our full solo female travel safety app guide because that verification and review system is what separates it from any informal ride arrangement.
Download BlaBlaCar now:
BlaBlaCar: Verified carpooling in Europe since 2006
BlaBlaCar is a peer-to-peer carpooling platform that connects drivers who have empty seats on intercity routes with passengers looking for a ride. Drivers set their own routes, times, and prices, then BlaBlaCar matches them with passengers heading the same direction. It's most commonly used for city-to-city travel, covering routes that public transit handles poorly or expensively.
Beyond carpooling, BlaBlaCar also operates its own intercity bus service in many European countries, which runs on the same platform and booking flow. You can search for both car rides and BlaBlaCar bus routes in the same app and book whichever is cheaper or more convenient. Plus, you can see train pricing in the app too, so you know exactly how much you're saving.
Not sure how to update your apps?
Keeping your apps up to date ensures you're always getting the latest features, bug fixes, and security improvements. Learn how to update the apps on your iPhone and your Android. It takes less time than you think.
Chattiness scores and non-smoking options
The rating system applies to both drivers and passengers. In fact, drivers rate passengers, passengers rate drivers, and both sides build a reputation that's visible before any booking is confirmed. A driver with hundreds of five-star reviews from other solo female travelers is meaningfully different from an unknown cab driver outside a train station. That accumulated history is BlaBlaCar's most important feature for solo travelers.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
BlaBlaCar also includes identity verification for drivers, and the platform requires phone number verification from all users. One detail that's worth knowing: Drivers rate themselves on chattiness and their smoking habits.
You can see before you book whether your driver prefers silence or conversation, or is a non-smoker. It may seem silly, but if you hate uncomfortable conversation or the smell of cigarette smoke, these ratings can make or break your experience.
Heading to Europe? Make sure your phone plan is ready
BlaBlaCar requires data to book rides and track your journey. If your current plan doesn't cover international travel well, compare phone plans with international data before you leave.
|
Visible
$25 Visible Plan
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
|
|
Mint Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$25.00/mo
$75.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $25.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
|
|
XFINITY Mobile
Mobile Select Plan
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
|
BlaBlaCar is the cheapest transport option around Europe
The cost savings over train travel are real and consistent. Paris to Lyon by TGV runs upward of €50–€70 for a same-week ticket. A BlaBlaCar ride on the same route typically costs €15–€25. Madrid to Seville, Barcelona to Valencia, Lisbon to Porto—across Western Europe, BlaBlaCar undercuts rail pricing significantly on most intercity routes.
A small booking fee applies on top of the price set by the driver, but the total is almost always lower than an equivalent train ticket booked within a few days of travel. For budget-conscious solo travelers covering multiple cities, the savings add up fast. On a two-week European trip, using BlaBlaCar for four or five intercity legs can easily save enough to cover an extra night of accommodation.
Share a ride in over 22 countries
BlaBlaCar operates in more than 22 countries, with the strongest networks across France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, and much of Eastern Europe. It also operates in several Latin American countries, including Brazil and Mexico. Coverage is thinnest in Northern Europe and doesn't extend to the United Kingdom, where a domestic version called BlaBlaCar UK operates separately.
Before booking, it's worth checking driver density on your specific route—popular corridors like Paris-Lyon or Madrid-Barcelona have dozens of departures daily, while less-traveled routes may have limited options, especially for same-day travel.
How WhistleOut reviews apps
Our mobile experts scour the app stores, looking for the best new apps for Android and iPhone. Before recommending an app, we put it to the test to evaluate whether it delivers on its promises.
- Easy to use
Great apps simplify your phone. We select tools that don't require a complicated instructional manual to figure out. - Affordability
We lean into quality apps that don't cost a fortune. Extra points if they're free. - Hands-on testing
BlaBlaCar was tested across multiple intercity routes in Spain over eight years of personal use, including routes as a solo female traveler.
BlaBlaCar: FAQ
Is BlaBlaCar safe for solo female travelers?
BlaBlaCar's mutual rating system means drivers carry a verifiable reputation accumulated across hundreds of trips. Choosing drivers with strong ratings, high trip counts, and identity verification provides more pre-trip information than any street cab or informal ride arrangement.
Is BlaBlaCar cheaper than taking the train in Europe?
On most major intercity routes, yes—BlaBlaCar is significantly cheaper than rail, particularly for same-week bookings when train prices peak. Routes like Paris-Lyon or Madrid-Seville typically cost 50-70% less via BlaBlaCar than by TGV or AVE.
Does BlaBlaCar work in the UK?
The main BlaBlaCar app doesn't operate in the UK. A separate domestic service exists, but coverage is limited compared to Continental Europe, where BlaBlaCar has been established for nearly two decades.
How far in advance do I need to book BlaBlaCar?
On popular routes, you can often find rides available within hours of your departure. For less common routes or peak travel periods, booking a day or two in advance gives you the most options and typically the lowest prices.
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
.png?w=280&h=280&usm=20&usmrad=0.8&fit=crop "Best Cell Phone Deals for June 2026: Get the New iPhone 17 for Free")
