Airbnb Partners With CarTrawler for Car Rentals in 5 Countries: Scoop

Key Points

• Airbnb is offering car rentals for the first time, powered by CarTrawler, in five countries (U.S., France, Italy, Spain, and Australia) with major brands like Avis, Hertz, Budget, and Enterprise.
• The CarTrawler Credit program rewards bookings with up to 20% (max $200) in Airbnb credits toward stays, experiences, and services, valid for two years and issued within 60 days of car return.
• The launch, alongside new transit-hub pickups and a hire of Maxime Renson to lead Airbnb Services, signals Airbnb's push to become a conventional OTA competing directly with Booking.com and Expedia.

Summary

Airbnb has launched car rentals for the first time through a B2B partnership with Ireland-based CarTrawler, going live in the U.S., France, Italy, Spain, and Australia. Via the Airbnb CarTrawler Credit program, customers booking preferred partners such as Avis, Hertz, Budget, and Enterprise can earn up to 20% (capped at $200) in credits toward stays, experiences, and select services—issued within 60 days of the car's return and valid for two years, with CarTrawler handling fulfillment and customer support. The move is Airbnb's latest step in expanding beyond home rentals toward becoming a full-service online travel agency competing with Booking.com and Expedia, complementing recent additions like scheduled transit-hub pickups and its Airbnb Services vertical. Underscoring this ambition, Airbnb has hired Maxime Renson, formerly of e-bike platform Upway, as global head of Airbnb Services, which launched in May 2025 and spans offerings from car rentals and chefs to spa treatments and catering.