Most major rental car companies include a mileage allowance—typically 100 to 200 miles per day—in their standard contracts. Exceeding this limit results in per-mile overage fees, which can add up quickly. However, unlimited mileage is common for weekly rentals and one-way trips between major locations. The key is to read your rental agreement carefully before you leave the lot.
Rental companies use mileage limits to manage vehicle depreciation and maintenance costs. For a typical daily rental, you might see an allowance of around 150 miles. If you plan a long road trip, a daily limit could be restrictive. For example, driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is about 270 miles one way, easily exceeding a single day's allowance and incurring significant extra charges.
The best way to avoid surprises is to book a rental package that explicitly includes unlimited mileage. This is often the default for weekly reservations and for rentals picked up at airport locations. If you're taking a one-way rental (dropping the car off at a different location), unlimited mileage is almost always included.
Always confirm the policy directly with the rental agent. Some smaller, independent rental agencies or those specializing in luxury cars may have stricter policies or lower daily caps. Here’s a quick comparison of typical policies from major companies:
| Rental Company | Standard Daily Mileage Allowance | Typical Overage Fee (per mile) | Unlimited Mileage Common On... |
|---|
| Enterprise | ~150-200 miles | $0.25 - $0.35 | Weekly rentals, airport rentals |
| Hertz | ~150-200 miles | $0.25 - $0.40 | Weekly rentals, most leisure rentals |
| Avis | ~150 miles | $0.30 - $0.40 | Weekly rentals, corporate accounts |
| Budget | ~150 miles | $0.30 - $0.40 | Weekly rentals, specific promotions |
| Alamo | Unlimited (on most rentals) | N/A | Most rentals, especially at airports |
