Yes, you can rent a car from Enterprise one-way, but it is subject to availability and almost always involves an additional fee, often called a drop charge or one-way service fee. This fee compensates the company for the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. The cost and feasibility depend heavily on the specific locations, time of year, and vehicle type.
The primary factor is the vehicle relocation needs of the company. Enterprise is more likely to allow a one-way rental if you are moving a car from a high-demand location to a lower-demand area where they need more inventory. For example, dropping a car off in a popular tourist destination during the off-season might incur a lower fee, or sometimes none at all, as they want cars there for the next peak season. Conversely, renting from a small town to a major city might carry a very high fee because they have to pay a driver to bring the car back.
Here is a comparison of potential one-way fee scenarios to give you an idea of the variability:
| Rental Route (City to City) | Estimated One-Way Fee Range | Key Factors Influencing Cost |
|---|
| Phoenix, AZ to Tucson, AZ | $50 - $200 | Short distance; both are major hubs. |
| Miami, FL to Atlanta, GA | $150 - $500 | Cross-state, moderate distance. |
| San Francisco, CA to Portland, OR | $300 - $800+ | Long distance; high demand in SF. |
| Small Town, IA to Chicago, IL | $400 - $1,000+ | Relocating car from low to high demand. |
| New York, NY to Boston, MA | $100 - $400 | High-demand corridor, often needs vehicles. |
To get an accurate quote, you must specify your exact pickup and drop-off locations and dates during the reservation process on Enterprise's website or by calling. The final price will clearly itemize any one-way fee. Booking as far in advance as possible increases your chances of availability and may sometimes yield a lower fee. Be aware that some special offers or discounted rates may explicitly exclude one-way rentals.
