So, you’re headed out on a New England road trip, renting a vehicle in Richmond and ending near Boston. You don’t particularly want to drive back to the starting point, but what will you do with the rental?
Sounds like what you need is a one-way car rental.
What is a one-way car rental?
Simply put, a one-way car rental is a service provided by rental agencies that allows customers to pick up a vehicle at one location and return it to another. It offers a flexibility not available with round-trip rentals, in which case the vehicle must be returned to the same location it was retrieved.
For customers using the vehicle to relocate or to embark on a cross-country road trip, one-way car rentals are advantageous. (It should be noted that this service generally incurs a fee. However, the fee is usually offset by eliminating the cost of unnecessary travel back to the starting location.)
Benefits of one-way car rentals and how they work
What are the benefits of one-way car rentals versus a round trip rental? Glad you asked – here’s what to know.
Flexibility and convenience: Whether you’re traveling for business or moving to a new city, a one-way car rental gives you the freedom to end your trip wherever is most convenient. For instance, if you’re moving from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and you don’t have a vehicle, pack your things in a rental car or passenger van in Philly and arrange a customized drop off at your new place in D.C.
Long-distance travel: Let’s say you’re going on a sightseeing trip from Boston to New York. You want to fly out of JFK International, but you’re concerned about returning the vehicle. A one-way rental gives you the flexibility to return the car at the airport, unload your luggage, check into your flight, and go. That extra day you would have spent driving back? Enjoy Central Park instead!
Avoiding round-trip fees: Odds are, the rental agency is going to charge an extra fee for a one-way car rental. Still, that fee is likely much lower than what it would cost to return it. Consider what you’ll save in gas, parking, and extra travel expenses by dropping the vehicle off in a more convenient location.
Booking process: It’s easy to book a one-way car or passenger van rental, and most agencies allow you to choose your pick up and drop off destinations online.
Pick up and drop off locations: Car and van rental agencies usually offer customization options, like airport deliveries and drop offs at your hotel or office.
Rental agreement and conditions: Upon booking, you’ll receive a rental agreement that outlines the conditions of one-way car rentals. Read through the agreement carefully to avoid any bad surprises upon the vehicle’s return.
Is hiring a van a better alternative?
For some, a van is more convenient than a car. Here are a few reasons to consider renting a travel van, as well as how to identify the best deal.
Advantages of van rentals for one-way trips
Why might you want to rent a van instead of a car? Here’s why:
- Increased passenger capacity: With a passenger van, you can comfortably fit up to 15 people.
- Ample luggage space: Since seat rows are removable in passenger vans, you can configure the vehicle to accommodate sports equipment, camping gear, or up to 30 pieces of luggage.
- Cost-effectiveness for groups: Multiple cars means multiple gas tanks, parking spots, daily rental fees, and fatigued drivers. Save on time, money, and energy by renting one passenger van to transport your entire crew.
Comparing van rental costs to car rentals
If you’re concerned a van rental might put you over budget, think about the cost in the following terms:
- Distance: How many miles per day will you cover? What is the daily limit set by the car rental agency vs. the van rental agency? Would an unlimited mileage package be a better option?
- Vehicle size: How much space do you need? Will a car be big enough? If not, would a passenger van be more cost-effective than multiple cars?
- Rental agency pricing: Will you get more bang for your buck by renting from an independent agency or a big-box rental company?
- Time of year: Summer and holiday weekends tend to be more expensive. Are you able to adjust your timing for lower rates?
- Cost-per-passenger analysis: One of the easiest ways to compare costs is by adding up all your expenses, including daily rental fees, gas, parking, and add-ons like one-way car rental costs, and dividing the total by the number of passengers on your trip. The cost is clear!
Get your one-way rental van with Greenvans
If you’ve decided a van is what you need, Greenvans’ flexible pick-up and drop-off policy is an excellent choice. We’re known for:
- Competitive pricing: We regularly revise our rates to ensure the best value for your dollar, researching our competitors and putting ourselves ahead of the pack.
- Excellent customer service: The team at Greenvans is reliable, knowledgeable, and above all, friendly. And with our 24-hour emergency number, we’re here to help you out at any time!
- Convenient booking process: Reserve your one-way van rental online or by phone.
- Add-ons and perks: Want to add more miles? More cargo space? Prefer your van delivered to your home or hotel? Greenvans will customize your van rental experience for your upcoming trip.
- Planning assistance: Plan an unforgettable itinerary with the help of our travel blog, overflowing with ideas for the perfect road trip.
FAQs about one-way car rentals
Is it cheaper to rent a car one-way or round trip?
Generally, renting a car one-way is more expensive than a round trip due to additional “one-way” or “drop” fees charged when the vehicle is returned to a different location than where it was picked up. However, the travel costs incurred by returning the vehicle to the original location might outweigh the one-way car rental fee, so it’s best to do a cost-analysis first.
How can I avoid one-way rental fees in the U.S.A.?
It’s hard to avoid one-way car rental fees in the U.S.A., but there are a few ways to try.
- Book early: Sometimes, agencies will offer promotions or waive fees for early bookers.
- Flexible locations: There are times when the drop fee is lower in less popular locations. If your destinations are flexible, ask about the possibility of low-cost returns according to location.
- Longer rentals: Agencies might be willing to negotiate additional fees for those renting for the longer term.
While none of these are a guarantee, it’s worth a shot!
Is it cheaper to rent a car from an airport or a local location?
It depends. Airport rentals are known for higher fees due to airport surcharges, however higher demand often leads to competitive pricing. It’s best to get direct quotes from a few different locations and compare the cost.
Get a free quote for your one-way van rental and drive to your destination, stress-free.
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