Planning a cross-country trip can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re sorting out how to get from point A to point B without blowing your budget. One-way car rentals have become increasingly popular for road trippers who want the freedom to explore without the hassle of returning to their starting point.
The challenge lies in finding deals that won’t drain your travel budget before you even hit the road. The good news is that rental companies are getting more competitive with their one-way pricing, and savvy travelers are discovering some fantastic opportunities.
Here’s a list of 14 one-way car rental deals that can make your cross-country journey both affordable and memorable.
Enterprise One-Way Specials
Enterprise regularly runs promotions for one-way rentals, particularly during off-peak seasons. Their deals often include waived drop-off fees, which can save you hundreds of dollars on a cross-country trip.
The company tends to offer the best rates for rentals that help them balance their fleet distribution, meaning you might score an amazing deal if you’re flexible enough to drive from a surplus location to one where they need more cars.
Keep an eye on their website’s special offers section, as these deals can change weekly and sometimes offer up to 50% off standard rates.
Budget’s Cross-Country Campaign
Budget has been pushing aggressive one-way pricing to compete with larger rental companies. Their ‘Drive Coast to Coast’ campaign specifically targets long-distance travelers with reduced daily rates and eliminated one-way fees on select routes.
The deals work especially well for trips from the East Coast to popular Western destinations like Los Angeles, Phoenix, or Denver. You’ll find the best savings when booking at least two weeks in advance, and the deals often include unlimited mileage, which is crucial for those 2,000+ mile journeys.
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Hertz Road Trip Rewards
Hertz combines their loyalty program benefits with one-way rental discounts to create compelling packages for frequent travelers. Members can access exclusive one-way deals that aren’t available to the general public, often featuring premium vehicles at economy prices.
The program works particularly well for business travelers who can accumulate points while making their cross-country move or extended vacation. Their deals frequently include GPS navigation systems and additional driver privileges at no extra cost.
Alamo’s Relocation Specials
Alamo offers some of the most aggressive one-way pricing in the industry through their vehicle relocation program. When they need cars moved from one region to another, they’ll practically pay you to drive them there with rates as low as $9.95 per day plus gas.
These deals are unpredictable and location-dependent, but signing up for their email alerts can help you catch these golden opportunities. The catch is that you typically have limited time to complete the trip, but for flexible travelers, it’s like getting paid to take a road trip.
National Car Rental Fleet Balance
National’s Emerald Club members get access to special one-way rates designed to help the company balance its fleet across different regions. The deals are particularly strong for routes from Florida to the Northeast during winter months, and from cold-weather states to warm destinations during summer.
Members can often upgrade to luxury vehicles at compact car prices, making it an excellent option for travelers who want to cruise cross-country in style. The program also includes expedited pickup, which means less time at the rental counter and more time on the road.
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Priceline’s Express Deals
Priceline’s opaque booking system can yield incredible one-way rental deals when you’re flexible about the rental company. Their Express Deals hide the rental company name until after booking, but the savings can be substantial — sometimes 40–60% off regular rates.
The system works best for travelers who care more about the price than the specific brand, and it’s particularly effective for popular cross-country routes where multiple companies are competing. Just make sure to read the fine print about mileage limits and additional fees.
Costco Travel One-Way Rentals
Costco members have access to exclusive one-way rental rates through Costco Travel that often beat publicly available prices. The warehouse club negotiates bulk rates with major rental companies and passes the savings on to members.
What makes their deals particularly attractive is the inclusion of a second driver at no additional cost and often upgraded insurance options. The booking process is straightforward, and you’ll typically save 10–25% compared to booking directly with rental companies.
Turo’s Peer-to-Peer Options
Turo’s peer-to-peer car-sharing platform has expanded to include one-way rentals in many markets, offering unique vehicles at competitive prices. Unlike traditional rental companies, you’re renting from individual car owners who set their own rates and policies.
This can lead to some incredible deals, especially on luxury or specialty vehicles that would cost a fortune from traditional rental companies. The platform works particularly well in major metropolitan areas where there’s high inventory turnover and competitive pricing.
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AAA Member Discounts
AAA members can access special one-way rental rates through the organization’s travel services. The deals often combine rental discounts with other travel perks like hotel savings and roadside assistance coverage.
What sets AAA deals apart is their customer service — if something goes wrong with your rental, AAA’s travel agents can help resolve issues quickly. The discounts typically range from 10–20% off standard rates, but the peace of mind and additional services make it worthwhile for many travelers.
Kayak’s Multi-Company Search
Kayak’s search engine excels at finding one-way rental deals by comparing prices across multiple companies simultaneously. Their algorithm identifies pricing patterns and can alert you to unusual deals or price drops.
The platform’s flexible date search feature helps you find the cheapest days to pick up and drop off your rental, which can sometimes save hundreds of dollars by shifting your dates by just a day or two. Their mobile app also sends price alerts, so you can book when rates drop.
Expedia Package Deals
Expedia often bundles one-way car rentals with flights or hotels to create package deals that cost less than booking components separately. Their cross-country road trip packages can include rental cars, hotels along your route, and even attraction tickets at significant savings.
The deals work best when you’re planning a multi-stop journey and need accommodations anyway. Booking through their app sometimes unlocks additional mobile-only discounts that can further reduce your total travel costs.
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Sixt’s Premium Value
Sixt positions itself as a premium rental company but offers competitive one-way rates on luxury and mid-size vehicles. Their deals often include high-end cars like BMW, Mercedes, or Audi at prices comparable to standard vehicles from other companies.
The German-based company has been expanding aggressively in the U.S. market and uses attractive pricing to win customers from established competitors. Their one-way policies are generally more flexible than traditional companies, with fewer restrictions on drop-off locations.
Zipcar’s One-Way Program
Zipcar has expanded beyond hourly rentals to offer one-way trips in select markets. Their program works well for urban dwellers who don’t own cars but need vehicles for longer trips. The rates include gas, insurance, and maintenance, making budgeting simpler than traditional rentals.
While not available nationwide, the service covers many major metropolitan areas and popular travel corridors. The booking process is entirely app-based, making it convenient for tech-savvy travelers.
Local Rental Company Partnerships
Smaller, regional rental companies often offer competitive one-way rates to compete with national chains. These companies sometimes partner with each other to provide seamless one-way service across multiple states.
The deals can be particularly attractive in areas where major companies charge premium prices due to limited competition. While you might sacrifice some brand recognition, the savings can be substantial, and many of these companies provide more personalized service than their larger competitors.
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Finding Your Perfect Cross-Country Match
The landscape of one-way car rental deals continues to evolve as companies adapt to changing travel patterns and competition from new players in the market. What started as penalty-heavy pricing has transformed into a competitive marketplace where smart travelers can find legitimate bargains for cross-country adventures.
The key lies in understanding that these deals reflect the companies’ operational needs as much as market demand, creating opportunities for flexible travelers to benefit from fleet imbalances and seasonal variations. Whether you’re relocating, taking an extended vacation, or simply want the freedom to explore without doubling back, these options prove that one-way doesn’t have to mean one-expensive-way.
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