can you drop rental car off somewhere else

[LeLilliana]

Yes, you can usually drop off a rental car at a different location from where you picked it up. This service is commonly known as a one-way rental. However, it almost always incurs an additional fee, called a drop-off fee or one-way fee, which can range from $50 to $200 or more depending on the rental company, the distance between locations, and demand. Most major companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis offer this option, but it's essential to check their policies in advance to avoid surprises.

The ability to drop off elsewhere is influenced by several factors. Rental companies need to manage their fleet distribution, so fees help cover the cost of returning vehicles to their original locations. For example, dropping off a car in a high-demand city might have a lower fee than in a remote area. Peak travel seasons like summer or holidays can also increase fees due to higher demand.

To give you a better idea, here's a table with sample drop-off fees for popular routes in the U.S. based on 2023 industry data. These are approximate and can vary:

Rental Company	Route (Pick-up to Drop-off)	Estimated Drop-off Fee
Hertz	Los Angeles to San Francisco	$75
Enterprise	New York to Boston	$60
Avis	Chicago to Detroit	$55
Budget	Miami to Orlando	$50
National	Dallas to Houston	$45
Alamo	Seattle to Portland	$40

When considering a one-way rental, always compare quotes online. Booking in advance can sometimes lock in lower fees, and joining loyalty programs might offer discounts. Additionally, returning the car to an airport location often has standardized fees, while suburban spots might be cheaper. Be sure to read the rental agreement carefully to understand any extra charges.

Ultimately, while dropping off elsewhere adds flexibility for road trips or relocations, planning ahead is key to managing costs. I recommend using rental comparison websites to find the best deals and confirm fees before finalizing your reservation.

[LondonFitz]

As a frequent business traveler, I've done this plenty of times. Yeah, you can drop off the car somewhere else, but it'll cost you extra. I always check the fee online before I book—sometimes it's worth it for the convenience, like when I'm hopping between cities. Just be ready for surprises; I once paid $100 more because I didn't read the fine print. Stick with big names like Hertz or Enterprise to avoid hassles.

[DiKaylee]

When my family plans a vacation, we always look into one-way rentals. It's great for not backtracking, but the fees can add up. We compare prices across companies—sometimes returning to the same spot is cheaper. I tell everyone to budget for an extra $50 to $150. Using apps like Kayak helps us see real-time fees. It's all about balancing convenience and cost, especially with kids in tow.