How one-way rentals work
Most big brands let you return the car to a different branch, often for a one-way fee (sometimes called a drop fee). The fee depends on the route and the season: it can be small or even free between busy locations in the same country, and much higher for long distances or remote branches.
On the comparison sites, tick “return to a different location” (or similar) and enter your drop-off city to see the full price including the fee.
Crossing borders
Taking a rental car into another country needs the rental company’s permission. Many companies charge a cross-border fee, some restrict certain countries or car types, and international one-way returns (for example Spain to France) can be very expensive because the car has to be brought back. Declare your full route when you book.
Classic one-way road trips
- Los Angeles to San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway.
- Los Angeles or Phoenix to Las Vegas.
- Miami to Orlando, or down to the Florida Keys and back.
- Edinburgh to Inverness via the Highlands.
- Lisbon to the Algarve.
Last updated: 16 October 2026
