William Lipovsky
Returning a rental car to a different location is possible with the right rental company. This is usually referred to as a one-way rental.
Some companies may charge an additional fee for returning a rental car to a different location.
Before you begin the rental process, make sure the rental company you choose has a location in your desired drop-off area. If you drop off your rental car in a metropolitan area, chances are there will be several locations to choose from.
Make sure you choose a location that’s most convenient to you and verify the location’s address so as to not confuse it with another nearby location.
What We Recommend
When you want a one-way rental that comes with unlimited mileage and without many location restrictions, National will likely be your best option, as it allows the option of simply selecting a one-way rental when you make a reservation online.
Pre-selecting the one-way rental also allows you to avoid the drop-off fee, which you will incur with virtually all other one-way rental options.
The List
All the following car rental companies allow you to pick up and drop off a car at different locations.
We’ve ordered the list below starting with the best one-way and overall rental options.
1. National
- One-way rental policy: There is a fee to drop your rental car off at a different location within the same city. However, if you choose the one-way option when making the rental reservation, you may be able to avoid paying a drop-off fee. You may also pay higher rental fees when traveling to another state.[1]
- Unlimited mileage: Available to National association members[2]
- Make a reservation
2. Budget
- One-way rental policy: Drop-off options are available at select locations, and an additional fee may apply. Note that you must get permission from the rental office before traveling out-of-state.[3][4]
- Unlimited mileage: Yes, on most rentals; after completing your reservation and selecting a car, you’ll see the option for unlimited miles while reviewing the cost if it applies to your vehicle. Mileage allowances and rates may vary by location.[5]
- Make a reservation
3. Dollar
- One-way rental policy: Most U.S. locations offer this perk. There is a drop-off fee, which varies per destination. Note that out-of-state travel may incur an additional fee.[6]
- Unlimited mileage: Available at some locations[6]
- Make a reservation
4. Avis
- One-way rental policy: Available at select locations[7]
- Unlimited mileage: Unlimited mileage is available at some locations; check with your local Avis for details.[8]
- Make a reservation
5. Alamo
- One-way rental policy: There is a drop-off fee for returning vehicles to different locations.[9]
- Unlimited mileage: Availability and restrictions vary by location and vehicle type.[10][11]
- Make a reservation
6. ACE Rent a Car
- One-way rental policy: Offered at select locations; fees and rental restrictions may apply.[12][13]
- Unlimited mileage: Availability varies by location and vehicle type.[12][13]
- Make a reservation
7. Enterprise
- One-way rental policy: Only available at certain locations; may involve additional fees[14]
- Unlimited mileage: Available for most car classes, excluding large and specialty vehicles[15]
- Make a reservation
8. Thrifty
- One-way rental: Available at some rental locations; drop-off fees apply. Select “return to different location” when using the online form.[16][17]
- Unlimited mileage: Available for all rentals, though capped mileage may be less expensive[18]
- Make a reservation
9. Hertz
- One-way rental policy: Available at all locations[19][20]
- Unlimited mileage: Available for most rentals[20]
- Make a reservation
10. U-Save
- One-way rental policy: Only available at some locations[21]
- Unlimited mileage: Available at some locations[21]
- Make a reservation
11. Rent-A-Wreck
- One-way rental policy: Availability varies by location and vehicle type[22]
- Unlimited mileage: Available for a fee that varies by location[23]
- Make a reservation
Car Rental Companies That Don’t Allow It
The following companies have an official policy that requires customers to return their rental car to the same location where they picked it up.
However, as noted below, car owners using Turo may be willing to make arrangements with you if you need to drop off your car at a different location.
Turo
- One-way rental policy: Rental cars must be returned to their original owner at the same pickup location, according to the official company policy. However, the owner may be willing to work with you to make arrangements for a different drop-off location.[24]
- Unlimited mileage: Car owners may or may not offer mileage perks. When they are offered you’ll see “distance included” during the reservation process. This perk typically gives you at least 200 miles per day. Fees apply for going over the limit.[25][26]
