Is it possible to return the car in a different location?
4 Answers
Most car rental companies allow returning the car in a different location. Currently, there are many car rental companies that support returning the car in a different location, and generally, mainstream car rental companies will offer this service. When traveling from location A to location B, and if you no longer need the car upon reaching B and won't be returning to A in the short term, returning the car becomes an issue. Where there's a demand, there's a service, hence the emergence of returning the car in a different location. Basic Information: The shared model, mainly based on car time-sharing rentals, is relatively mature abroad but has not been around for long in China, and the market still faces many uncertainties. Firstly, the initial capital investment for shared cars is very large. Besides the vehicle procurement costs, companies also need to cover daily operational costs such as parking fees, fuel/electricity charges, and insurance fees. This results in most shared car companies having relatively small fleets, making it difficult to achieve scale. Development Trends: Following its presence in Beijing and Shenzhen, the shared car service 'TOGO' has officially launched in Shanghai. The first batch of 100 brand-new smart cars has already taken over major fashion landmarks in the city, including Joy City, People's Square, Huaihai Road, The Peninsula Hotel on the Bund, Shanghai Exhibition Center, and the Old Pier.
One-way car rental is supported when renting a car, and I've tried it several times—it's very convenient. For example, last time I drove from Los Angeles to San Francisco and returned the car directly to a different branch. Hertz charged a small additional fee, but it saved me the hassle of driving back to the original location. Most major companies like Avis or Enterprise offer this service, with various charging methods: either by distance, possibly adding a few dollars per mile, or a fixed fee by zone. The longer the distance, the higher the cost—sometimes over a hundred dollars—but discounts are available through membership or early booking. Be sure to check the policy in advance on the app or official website to avoid arriving only to find it’s not supported. For long trips, one-way rental makes the itinerary more flexible, eliminating the need to backtrack, but the cost should be budgeted carefully to avoid overspending. Car-sharing services also offer similar options, making it easy for urban travel, but cross-city rentals depend on whether the specific operator allows it. In short, the process is simple—just check the one-way option when filling out the form—but don’t forget to review the fee details to avoid being overcharged.
As someone who frequently rents cars for travel, I'm accustomed to choosing the one-way rental option, which makes one-way trips incredibly convenient. I once drove from Chicago to Denver and returned the car directly at Denver Airport, and the process was seamless. This service is offered by mainstream car rental platforms, with prices varying based on distance—I've encountered additional fees ranging from $30 to $80. It's best to check the website in advance to confirm availability, as parking spots might be limited during peak seasons. Cost-wise, longer distances naturally incur higher fees, but comparing different companies via their apps can save money. Also, verify whether your insurance covers one-way rentals: some basic plans may not fully cover it, so paying extra for peace of mind might be necessary. Car-sharing services are also suitable for short-distance one-way rentals, which can be set up directly in the app, but longer trips might require alternative options. My personal advice is to plan your trip carefully and avoid impulsive one-way rentals to prevent unnecessary expenses. A money-saving tip is to use membership card points to waive fees or book during off-peak days for better deals.
On car-sharing platforms, I've rented cars with the option to return them at a different location, and it's as simple as a few taps in the app. Open the app like Zipcar, enter different pickup and drop-off points—most urban areas are supported, but don't go beyond the service boundaries. I easily returned the car from point A to point B within the city, with the system handling everything automatically and a small additional fee. Before booking, confirm if the location is within the coverage area, as remote spots might not be supported. The interface is intuitive, just a few clicks to complete, eliminating the need for manual processes. Renting traditional cars is similar, but sharing offers more flexibility and lower costs.
