Ahhh, the road trip. In the entire canon of travel phrases, few are as evocative as that combination of two simple nouns. To me it evokes images of the PCH – deserted coastal roads snaking along rocky cliffs under impossibly blue skies. Top down, engine revving and the wind whipping through my hair. It’s impossible not to smile at the thought – or memory.
We’re not all lucky enough to own the kind of convertible, classic car or RV that such dreams are made of. But renting a car for a road trip changes that. It opens up endless possibilities for what vehicle to get and, even more importantly, where it can take you. Buckle up, because here’s what you need to know for the (road) trip of a lifetime.
Should I rent a car or use my own?
Perhaps the most important thing to get right when planning a road trip is your wheels. If you already have a car, the most obvious thing to do is use it for your trip. But that may not be the right decision.
Reasons to rent a car for a road trip
The most obvious reason to rent a car is the versatility it gives you to pick the perfect ride. Whether you splash out on something extravagant or rent a home on wheels with an RV, the choice is yours.
Renting a car also avoids adding mileage to your own. That can be especially important if you lease your car and have mileage restrictions, or your car is old or unreliable. If your trip is long, the mileage and wear to your car could be costly down the line in maintenance.
Rental cars also often come with handy extras. If you’re crossing borders during your trip, international insurance is easy to organize. And most rentals come with roadside assistance, an essential for any trip no matter your destination.
Reasons to use your own car for a road trip
The biggest downside to a rental car is cost. Facing a potential rental fee of hundreds or even thousands of dollars can be intimidating and sway your decision immediately. Specialist vehicles like an RV or convertible can be particularly expensive.
Convenience can also be a factor. Using your own car means no deadlines and no hidden fees – something rental car companies are infamous for. The familiarity of driving your own car can also reduce any anxiety you may have about driving long distances.
Finding the sweet spot between renting or not can be tricky. My rule of thumb is the thousand mile mark. If a trip is longer than that, I’ll almost always opt for a rental. The longer you rent for, the lower the daily cost will be. And anything over 1,000 miles means significant wear on the car, meaning rental is often more cost effective in the long run.
How much does renting a car for a road trip cost?
The cost of your road trip will obviously depend on the vehicle you rent and how long you rent it for. It can also depend on when and where you rent from. If you’re trying to decide if it’s cheaper to rent a car, take public transport or even fly to your destination, these are the things to consider.
The type of rental car
No star prize for guessing the obvious, but the bigger, flashier, more luxe your rental car is, the higher the cost. Unless you’re going for something specialist, try to find the balance between price and comfort.
If you’re splashing out on a big road trip, don’t spend it uncomfortably wedged into the wrong car just to save a few bucks. Equally, there’s no need to rent a huge gas-guzzling SUV for a romantic couple's trip. Choosing a car in the right category can save you serious dollars.
When you book a rental car
As with airplane tickets, booking your rental in advance will be cheaper. Typically, you should start checking prices a month before your departure date and look to book two weeks before. Using a site like KAYAK will help you compare deals across different platforms, which is almost always cheaper than booking directly.
Where you rent your car from
The cheapest way to rent a car for a road trip is to do it online, in advance. You’ll always pay more if you book at the counter on the day.
It’s equally important to think about where you rent from. Rental at airports and transport hubs is almost always more expensive than renting from city center or suburban locations. If you’re flying in, you may not have much choice other than the airport. But if you can, going slightly out of your way to collect your rental may make it much cheaper.
Where you return your rental car
If you can, return your rental car to the same place you collected it. One of my favorite things about road tripping is having a destination to aim for – a coast-to-coast road trip is my preference. But the cost of leaving your rental on the other side of the country can be a nightmare.
Many rental companies impose significant fees for just such a service. On a recent road trip from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, I couldn’t face the return drive. But the rental company fees to leave the car and fly home were enough to get me back behind the wheel.
Prepaying for gas
Don’t take the rental agency’s offer for the prepaid full tank option. Unless you use every drop of gas in the tank, you’ll inevitably be paying for gas you don’t use. They may also charge a premium for the service. Instead, simply opt to return the vehicle with a full tank and fill up as close to the return point as you can. Any GPS or mapping app will be able to direct you to a convenient gas station.
What sort of vehicle should I rent?
Your rental vehicle should depend on your trip. If you’re taking on dirt tracks and rough roads on a cross-country odyssey, a compact city runabout won’t cut the mustard. Similarly, if you’re heading into the wilderness with few facilities, an RV may be more practical than that Mustang convertible.
And if you’re a proponent of electric vehicles, make sure to check and plan your recharge points en route. The further from cities you are, the less likely you are to find charge points.
What sort of insurance do I need?
While insurance is essential for renting a car, it can be a bit of a minefield choosing the right one. Rentals usually come with different levels of cover, often at wildly different prices. Some will cover just your rental vehicle. Others will cover any injuries or damage you might cause to yourself, your passengers or others.
The most sensible option is to take out full insurance to cover all eventualities, but it’s not always that simple. For the full lowdown, check the KAYAK complete guide to car rental insurance.
If you’re taking your own car, you should check with your insurer that your policy meets your needs. If you need to add another driver or are driving internationally, you may need to pay a premium.
How many miles can I drive?
Unless your trip is a short one, check that your rental comes with unlimited mileage. A reasonably new phenomenon, car rental companies are now squeezing extra dollars out of rentals with mileage restrictions. This is often as little as 100 miles a day, with per-mile charges afterwards that can soon mount up.
Can I cross borders in a rental car?
It’s usually no problem to cross borders in your rental car, but you should always check with the rental company first. Some may impose a small daily fee while you’re driving internationally. Don’t forget to make sure the roadside assistance is also valid!
Conclusion
Your road trip is built around the vehicle you’re driving, so it’s worth making sure you’re behind the right wheel. That’s true whether you’re on an epic family journey or a romantic couple’s break.
Once you’ve chosen your route and vehicle, the KAYAK car rental guide will help you get the best deal. Then it’s just a case of buckling up, cranking up the tunes and hitting the road. Just don’t forget the snacks!
