Originally Answered: Is it expensive to rent a car one way to drive across America? Most major rental companies have unlimited mileage. But where they can make really easy money from you is the one-way trip and drop-off location. It’s very common for some companies to charge $250–500 for a one-way rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car and drive across the US?
Renting a Car for a Family Road Trip
For a rental, a 2,000-mile trip spread across 10 days at a rental rate of $35 per day (including taxes and fees) costs $350. The EPA indicates the average vehicle achieves about 25 miles per gallon, so the trip requires about 80 gallons of gasoline.
Can I rent a car to drive across USA?
Renting a car to drive cross-country
Most U.S. rental car companies offer unlimited mileage car rentals, meaning there is no limit on how far you can go. If you’re searching for a cross-country car rental, simply make sure you’re booking an unlimited mileage car rental.
How much would it cost to drive across the US?
Our road trip across America cost us $2,382, or an average of $149/day between both of us for a 16-day road trip across the US. It’s more than the $125/day that we planned on for our USA road trip budget, but we’re not kicking ourselves for it.
How much does it cost to rent a car in USA?
Cheap car rentals in the United States
| Economy | $6/day |
|---|---|
| Minivan | $21/day |
| Full-size SUV | $27/day |
| Premium | $17/day |
| Luxury | $33/day |
Is it cheaper to fly or drive a car?
For the shortest trip, driving is more economical than flying. But for the longer cross-country trip, flying is far cheaper. And keep in mind that this only considers solo drivers. Families or friends traveling in one vehicle can save money by driving, even on longer routes.
Is a cross-country road trip worth it?
Cross-country road trips provide an up-close-and-personal look at America and its many diverse people, sights, and landscapes. While it may take some planning, it can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences out there. It’s one you and your fellow travelers will talk about for years to come.
How many miles can you put on a rental car?
Limits vary by rental company but can range from 20 miles / 30 kilometers per day to 250 miles / 400 kilometers per day, so check the terms and conditions of your rental contract to be sure.
How long does it take to drive across the US in a car?
It takes about 45 hours, or six 8-hour days, to drive coast-to-coast. You will need to decide if you want to take one of four coast-to-coast interstates or traverse the country as the old-timers did on U.S. highways. If you have about three months to travel, you can even see all 48 continental states.
How many miles can you put on a rental car enterprise?
Unlimited mileage
Unlimited mileage is available for most car classes in the U.S. and Canada. Larger or Specialty vehicles (such as large passenger vans, large cargo vans, large SUVs or Exotic cars) come with limited mileage and an incremental cost of $0.10 – $0.25 for every additional mile/kilometer over the allowed limit.
What is the cheapest way to travel across America?
By bus. If you’re travelling on your own and plan on making a lot of stops, buses are by far the cheapest way to get around.
What is the cheapest way to get across the US?
If you are looking for the cheapest way to travel around the US, you might consider traveling by bus. If your trip around the US is primarily focused on city hopping and is around one region, traveling by bus might be the best option. It is a cheaper option and easier too.
What’s the best way to drive across America?
Route 66 may be the most iconic path for an east-to-west road trip. But the I-80 takes the crown as the best interstate travel route through the middle of the USA, passing 11 states and 2,902 miles.
Is it cheaper to buy or rent a car in the USA?
Pros of a long term rental
The monthly cost is often lower than a traditional auto loan payment. You are (usually) not responsible for repairs needed on your car for the length of the lease or rental. Renting or leasing a new-model car is cheaper than buying one.
How can I rent a car for cheap in USA?
The Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: 10 Tips
- Skip the airport. Renting at the airport is convenient when you’re flying into a new city.
- Shop around online.
- Turn to discount brands.
- Leverage memberships.
- Opt for economy cars.
- Stick to one driver.
- Use your own insurance.
- Forgo the extras.
Why is USA car rental so expensive now?
However, car rentals faced unique problems during the pandemic, which have led to a shortage of rental cars in many places. The demand for car rentals is higher, but the supply is meagre. This naturally spikes rental prices. But why are car rentals so expensive now when people are travelling again?
Is it better to drive 12 hours or fly?
Flying is faster than driving when you need to travel a long distance. If you need to make a connecting flight, flying is usually quicker for trips with an 8+ hour drive. Time is money, especially for long-distance trips. For flying, your largest expense is the cost of each plane ticket.
Is it better to drive 5 hours or fly?
Instead of defaulting to fly for short trips, keep the ‘5 Hour Rule’ in mind. It’s exactly what it sounds like–if your destination is roughly within a 5 hour drive of your starting point, you’re typically better off driving than flying in terms of cost to you or your business.
Is an 8 hour drive hard?
As a general rule, it’s safe to drive for no longer than eight hours a day, taking breaks of at least 15 minutes every two hours. This means you can safely drive for around 500 miles, not taking into account external factors such as slowing for tolls, traffic, travelling with children, and tiredness.
What is the best month to drive cross country?
The off-peak seasons of spring and fall tend to be the best times to drive, providing mild temperatures and perfect weather for both sight-seeing and cruising. However, to avoid pitfalls, check the weather daily during your cross-country road trip.
How much money should I save for a cross country road trip?
Some people could spend as little as $2500 for a 15-day trip. I would suggest setting a budget that you are comfortable with for your trip. This will help you make decisions about where you will go and what you will do.