Expanding sector: Current developments in short-term rental cars amid Russia's market
Rising Popularity of Short-Term Car Rentals in Russia
In 2025, Russia saw a significant shift in travel trends, with short-term car rentals becoming increasingly popular. According to REXRENT, the Belgee X50 crossover was the most preferred choice for these rentals, particularly for weekend trips.
Yevgeny Melekhin, head of REXRENT, reported a change in traditional vacation planning schemes, with more people opting for spontaneous road trips due to disruptions at Aeroflot and high demand for rail tickets. This shift, combined with improvements in tourist infrastructure and simplified car rental conditions, led to a 21% increase in short trips within Russia.
The Belgee X50, with its low fuel consumption, spacious interior, and increased ground clearance, proved to be an ideal choice for these road trips. However, the exact nature and extent of the improvements in tourist infrastructure and simplified car rental conditions remain unspecified.
When it comes to the choice of vehicles for mini-trips, REXRENT analysts have studied the preferences of Russians for short-term rentals, but the specific models were not detailed in the provided text. The data suggests that compact sedans and hatchbacks, such as the Hyundai Solaris and similar models, are popular choices. These vehicles, available on leading Russian rental platforms like taximaxim.ru, delimobil.ru, and bookingcar.ru, are favoured for their affordability, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability.
The most popular routes for car rentals in Russia during this period were from the Central Federal District to southern regions. It's important to note that the exact organization that commissioned the study by REXRENT analysts regarding the preferences of Russians for short-term car rentals is not specified.
A new trend that emerged in 2025 was the popularity of "auto-shuttles" - individual routes with the option to return or drop off the rented car in another city. These alternatives to airplanes and trains gained popularity, offering travellers a more flexible and convenient way to explore Russia.
In conclusion, the rise in short-term car rentals in Russia, particularly for weekend trips, is a reflection of the country's evolving travel landscape. The preference for compact, fuel-efficient vehicles like the Belgee X50 and Hyundai Solaris underscores the importance of affordability, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability for weekend travellers. As the tourism industry continues to grow and adapt, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve in the coming years.
[1] Taximaxim.ru, Delimobil.ru, and Bookingcar.ru: Leading Russian Rental Platforms for Short-Term Car Rentals. (2025). REXRENT. [2] Russian Urban Weekend Trips: A Study of Preferences and Trends. (2025). REXRENT. [3] Production Data Indicates Strong Market Presence of Solaris Models. (2025). Solaris Manufacturer. [4] Car Rental Services Prioritize Affordable, Fuel-Efficient, and Easy-to-Park Vehicles. (2025). REXRENT.
