Every day, many vehicles take passengers to other provinces and then return with empty seats, while many passengers traveling along the same route each hire a separate vehicle. Shared-route and ride-sharing vehicles help solve this waste: passengers get better prices, and operators earn additional revenue from empty seats. On Huongdanviendulich.vn, you only need to post a request and tick “I am flexible with the departure time” to receive additional quotes for shared-route vehicles.
Want to travel for less? Post a vehicle request and tick “I am flexible with the departure time” to receive additional quotes for shared-route vehicles. Are you a vehicle operator? Register to receive passengers.
What is a shared-route vehicle?
A shared-route vehicle is a vehicle that has just taken passengers to a destination and is about to return (or is about to make a trip according to an existing schedule), so it still has empty seats or space available. Since the trip will take place anyway, the operator can accept additional passengers at a lower price than hiring an entire vehicle for a dedicated trip.
Example: a 7-seat vehicle takes passengers from Hanoi to Sa Pa on Saturday morning and returns to Hanoi on Sunday afternoon. If you need to return to Hanoi around that time, you can take the return trip at a more affordable price than hiring a private vehicle.
What is a shared ride?
A shared ride is when multiple passengers (or small groups) traveling along the same route on the same day share one vehicle and split the cost. Each person pays less than they would for an entire vehicle, but must follow the shared schedule and travel with other passengers.
Example: two couples traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An in the morning share a 7-seat vehicle, with each group paying only part of the fare.
Quick comparison of three travel options
| Hire an entire vehicle | Shared-route vehicle | Shared ride | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Highest | Usually lower than hiring an entire vehicle | Divided among passengers, usually the lowest |
| Departure time | According to your preference | According to the existing trip schedule; may vary by a few hours | According to the group’s shared schedule |
| Travel with strangers | No | Possibly (if the operator accepts additional passengers) | Yes |
| Luggage | Flexible depending on the vehicle type | Depends on the remaining space | Limited for each passenger |
| Certainty of vehicle availability | High | Depends on whether a trip matching the route is available | Depends on having enough passengers |
| Suitable for | Families, groups, fixed schedules, and airport trips with strict timings | Passengers with flexible schedules who want to save money | Small groups who prioritize price |
The price difference depends on the route, date, and operator. The actual price is based on the quote you receive.
Benefits for passengers and transport providers
For passengers
- Better prices: you do not have to bear the cost of the vehicle returning empty, as with hiring an entire trip.
- You can still compare quotes: selecting the flexible-trip option does not remove quotes for hiring the entire vehicle; you receive both and choose for yourself.
- A car with a driver picks you up by appointment instead of requiring you to go to a bus station or wait for a coach along the way.
- Transparency: the estimated pickup time, pickup and drop-off points, number of co-passengers, and luggage allowance are clearly stated in the quote before you confirm.
For transport providers
- Fill empty trips: attract additional passengers on return journeys and during off-peak periods instead of running empty.
- Increase revenue and reduce costs per kilometer: fuel, tolls, and driver wages have to be paid anyway.
- A steady source of passengers: requests tagged as flexible trips indicate that passengers are willing to follow the vehicle’s schedule, making them easier to match.
- No need to find passengers: passengers post their requests on the platform, and transport providers only need to submit quotes.
Things to know about the inconveniences in advance
Flexible-trip and shared-vehicle services are cheaper because you agree to be flexible. Read the following points carefully to avoid surprises:
- Departure times are not fixed: the pickup time depends on an available trip schedule or the schedule of the entire group, and may be a few hours earlier or later than preferred.
- You may travel with strangers: with shared vehicles (and sometimes flexible trips), you share the vehicle with people you do not know.
- Luggage is limited: each passenger is usually allowed only a certain number of suitcases because the trunk must be shared among several people.
- Trips may be canceled or changed: if there are not enough passengers to share the vehicle, or if a flexible trip’s schedule changes, the transport provider may announce a cancellation. You should have a backup plan.
- Pickup and drop-off points may not be directly at your door: for the convenience of everyone on board, the transport provider may arrange pickup at a convenient location along the route.
- Not every route is available: on less-traveled routes or during off-peak periods, there may be no matching trip; in that case, you will only receive quotes for hiring the entire vehicle.
When should you not choose a flexible or shared trip?
- Traveling to an airport or train station with a tight schedule and no room for delays.
- Traveling with elderly people, young children, or people who need frequent rest stops.
- Carrying a lot of luggage or bulky items.
- Needing privacy or an itinerary with multiple stops.
In these cases, you should hire the entire vehicle or book an airport transfer.
How to find a flexible trip on Huongdanviendulich.vn
- Go to the vehicle request posting page, select Car with driver and One-way (or Round trip).
- Enter your pickup point, drop-off point, and preferred pickup date and time.
- Check “I am flexible with the departure time” to be notified when a flexible trip matching your route and time window is available.
- Enter the number of passengers, number of suitcases, and vehicle type. If you agree to share the vehicle with other passengers, state this clearly in the notes.
- Receive quotes, compare pickup times, pickup points, number of co-passengers, and prices, then choose the most suitable transport provider.
Tip: post your request 2–3 days in advance and provide a broad time window (for example, “Saturday morning” instead of “7:00 a.m.”) to increase your chances of finding a matching trip.
For transport providers: turn empty trips into revenue
If you regularly operate interprovincial routes and often have empty return trips, register for a provider account, list your vehicle, and monitor the vehicle request list to quote for customers who choose flexible departure times on routes you are about to operate.
- Clearly state the expected pickup time, pickup and drop-off points, number of seats, and permitted luggage.
- Notify customers promptly if the trip changes or is canceled.
- The transport provider is solely responsible for complying with current passenger transport business regulations, especially when carrying shared passengers and collecting payment from each passenger.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheaper are shared-route trips?
It depends on the route, date, and transport provider. The most reliable way is to submit a request with the flexible departure time option selected, receive actual quotes, and compare them with the price of renting an entire vehicle.
What if there is no shared-route vehicle available?
You can still receive quotes for renting an entire vehicle as usual. Selecting the shared-route option simply gives you an additional choice; it does not remove any options.
Is there a fee to submit a request?
No. Submitting a request is free, and you are not required to choose any provider if you are not satisfied with the quotes.
Is a deposit required?
It depends on the transport provider. Agree on the deposit, payment method, and cancellation policy before confirming the booking.
Can I use a shared-route trip to get to the airport?
Yes, if you have plenty of time before your flight. If your schedule is tight, you should book a private vehicle to ensure you arrive on time.
