Airbnb is introducing car rentals with CarTrawler
Airbnb will allow users to find and book cars within its app. Technical support provided by CarTrawler, a company that Expedia Group is expected to acquire during 2026.
Car rentals are coming to the Airbnb app
Airbnb is continuing to broaden its offerings beyond private accommodation bookings. From winter, users will be able to search for cars available near their booked property within the app and select a vehicle based on group size and travel needs.
The service will be powered by CarTrawler, a specialised B2B platform for car rentals and other forms of ground transportation. Airbnb states that almost a quarter of its guests rent a car during their travels, which explains its entry into a new category.
Airbnb comes closer to the model of classic OTAs
Adding cars is another step towards a platform on which a larger part of travel can be organised. Airbnb has already expanded its offering with experiences, services, and private transport, making its model increasingly resemble traditional online travel agencies.
The relationship with the future owner of CarTrawler is particularly interesting. Expedia Group signed an agreement to acquire it in May, and the transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, subject to the usual conditions.
Partner today, competitor tomorrow
CarTrawler will thus simultaneously support Airbnb's car offering and become part of a group that directly competes with it in travel sales. For Airbnb Collaboration is a quick way to enter a new category without developing one's own distribution infrastructure. For Expedia, CarTrawler is part of a broader plan to strengthen its B2B platform for accommodation, mobility, and other travel services.
