Car Sharing in Hungary: MOL Limo

Car sharing in Hungary developed fairly cautiously for a long time, without bold experiments or aggressive expansion. That changed with the launch of MOL Limo. Within just a few years, the service became more than an alternative to taxis or public transport — it turned into a core part of everyday urban mobility, especially in Budapest.

Today, MOL Limo combines a large vehicle fleet, a station-free rental model, and a straightforward user experience that works well both for locals and for visitors.

How MOL Limo Started in Budapest

MOL Limo was launched in January 2018 by the MOL Group. From the very beginning, the project stood out for its ambition. The initial fleet included not only gasoline-powered cars but also electric vehicles — a relatively uncommon move in Central Europe at the time.

The launch fleet consisted of roughly 300 cars: about 200 with internal combustion engines and 100 electric vehicles. The service was built on the Vulog platform, which is widely used by European car sharing operators. This choice helped ensure a stable mobile app and a scalable operating model.

Within its first years, MOL Limo became one of the most visible car sharing services in Budapest and effectively set the benchmark for the Hungarian market.

How MOL Limo Works: The Free-Floating Model

MOL Limo operates using a free-floating model. There are no fixed stations or mandatory return points. Users can start and end a rental anywhere within the designated service area, as long as parking rules are respected.

Everything is handled through the mobile app. Users register, locate an available car on the map, unlock and lock it via smartphone, and payment is processed automatically once the trip ends.

This setup is particularly convenient in a dense urban environment, where flexibility matters more than fixed parking hubs.

Service Area and Where You Can Drive

The core service area covers nearly all of Budapest, including all 23 administrative districts of the city. This is a notable advantage, as many European car sharing services limit coverage to central neighborhoods only.

In addition, MOL Limo offers:

• the option to end a rental at Budapest Airport for a fixed extra fee;
• the ability to drive outside the city, with specific rules regarding where the car can be returned.

Lake Balaton is mentioned as a permitted travel destination rather than a free return zone. Vehicles must generally be brought back to the approved Budapest service area unless a specific option is selected.

The MOL Limo Vehicle Fleet

As of today, MOL Limo operates a fleet of around 600 vehicles, making it one of the largest car sharing fleets in the region.

The lineup includes:

• compact city cars such as the VW up!,
• electric vehicles like the VW e-Up,
• compact premium models including the Mercedes A-Class,
• fully electric Tesla Model 3 sedans.

This mix allows the service to cover a wide range of use cases — from short city trips to full-day rentals and even first-time EV experiences without long-term commitments.

Pricing and Rental Costs

MOL Limo uses a hybrid pricing structure that combines time-based and distance-based charges, along with fixed daily rates for longer rentals.

Key Pricing Overview

For frequent users, MOL Limo offers a monthly subscription priced at 999 HUF, which reduces the per-minute rate. This option is clearly aimed at local residents who use the service regularly.

Real-World Cost Examples

In practice, the total price depends heavily on mileage — something users should always keep in mind.

A typical city trip lasting about 30 minutes with 20 km of driving would cost approximately:

• 2,580 HUF for time,
• 3,600 HUF for distance,
• around 6,180 HUF in total.

This pricing makes MOL Limo convenient for short, targeted trips, but less cost-effective for extended driving around the city.

A Tesla daily rental costs 54,900 HUF and includes 200 km. Any additional distance beyond that limit is charged separately.

Rental Requirements and Driver Eligibility

MOL Limo applies fairly standard eligibility rules:

• minimum driver age of 20 years,
• minimum age of 30 years for Tesla models,
• a valid driver’s license,
• a bank card and a verified app account.

Each booking includes 25 minutes of free reservation time, which is helpful if you need to walk to the car.

Insurance, Parking, and Penalties

The rental price already includes:

• fuel or charging,
• city parking within authorized zones,
• basic insurance coverage.

Fines and additional charges are processed automatically through the app. Typical penalties include:

• leaving the service area — up to 150,000 HUF,
• improper parking — starting from 1,490 HUF,
• ending a rental outside the service zone — around 25,000 HUF.

Scale and Market Position

By early 2023, MOL Limo had established a strong position in Hungary:

• over 130,000 registered users,
• approximately 600 vehicles in active operation,
• more than 10 million kilometers driven by users within the first five years.

The service continues to hold a leading role in the Hungarian car sharing market.

User Feedback and App Ratings

The MOL Limo app receives solid reviews:

• Google Play rating of around 4.2 out of 5,
• App Store rating of approximately 4.4 out of 5, ranking within the top Travel apps.

Users most often praise the extensive coverage area and vehicle variety. Common complaints include higher costs for longer trips and occasional pricing or policy adjustments.

Strengths and Limitations

The main strengths of MOL Limo lie in its scale, diverse fleet, and flexible operating model.
The limitations are primarily related to distance-based charges and the relatively high cost of premium vehicles for daily rentals.

Car Sharing in Hungary: Comparing MOL Limo with Other Services

The car sharing market in Hungary is relatively compact compared to larger European countries. As a result, the differences between available services play a key role when choosing the right option for getting around Budapest.

Major Car Sharing Services in Hungary

Key differences in everyday use

Within the context of car sharing in Hungary, MOL Limo stands out for its scale and flexibility. A large fleet and full coverage of Budapest make it suitable for a wide range of use cases.

GreenGo focuses on all-electric mobility and works best for short urban trips, while traditional car rental remains relevant for longer journeys but lacks the convenience and speed typical of car sharing.

Final Takeaway

MOL Limo is a mature, well-structured car sharing service that fits everyday life in Budapest and short-term mobility needs. It’s reliable, easy to use, and technologically solid — but users should pay close attention to mileage charges, especially when planning longer or more frequent trips.