One way car hire

Question

We are looking to hire a car to drive from New Orleans via Nashville to Chicago over 3 days (few days in New Orleans first, then drive to Nashville 2 nights, then drive to Chicago but have been stunned at the cost! Presumably due to one - way surcharges. Any recommendations for which companies to look at ? Train or coach simply too slow…..

Answer

One-way car rentals can indeed be expensive, primarily due to the "one-way surcharge" that rental companies often apply when you pick up a car in one location and drop it off in another. This is especially true for long-distance drives, such as from New Orleans to Chicago via Nashville. However, there are ways to minimize costs and find the best deals. Here are some tips and car rental companies to consider:

Major Rental Companies: Most of the large car rental companies offer one-way rentals, but the costs can vary. The most well-known include:
- Enterprise
- Avis
- Hertz
- Budget
- Alamo
These companies have branches in both New Orleans and Chicago, and they may offer deals or discounts on one-way rentals, especially if you book in advance.
Check for Promotions and Deals: Sometimes, rental companies offer promotions where the one-way surcharge is waived or reduced for specific routes. It's worth checking the websites of the rental companies or calling to inquire about any current promotions for the New Orleans to Chicago route.
Use Aggregator Websites: Booking sites like Kayak, Rentalcars.com, or Auto Europe allow you to compare prices from multiple rental companies and can sometimes highlight discounts on one-way rentals. This will give you a clearer idea of which company offers the best rates.
Pick a Smaller Vehicle: If you're looking to reduce costs, consider renting a smaller vehicle, such as a compact car or economy sedan, rather than a larger SUV or luxury car. These tend to have lower base rental rates and lower surcharges.
Consider Longer Rentals: Some rental companies might offer a better deal for a longer rental period (such as a four- or five-day rental) compared to a three-day rental. It’s worth checking the price differences to see if an extra day or two makes a significant impact on the overall cost.
Alternative Car Rental Companies: While the major companies are the most reliable, consider looking into smaller or regional rental companies that might have more flexibility in pricing and fewer one-way surcharges. You could also check out ride-sharing services like Turo, where you can rent cars directly from owners—sometimes at a better rate than traditional rental agencies.

In summary, while one-way car rentals can be pricey, there are ways to reduce the cost by comparing options across multiple providers, looking for special promotions, and possibly adjusting your rental dates or vehicle size. Booking early can also help you secure the best deal. Safe travels on your road trip!

One way car hire

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