Fasten your seatbelts, flexible car rentals are nearly here!
It won't be long until you can compare and book car rentals at Alternative Airlines. In the meantime, check out what's coming!
Book one-way car rentals
Affordable car rentals across America. Buy now, pay later available.
Available one-way car rentals
Book one-way car rentals today!
- Thousands of pick-up and drop-off locations across America.
- Hundreds of collection and return points in every US State.
- 35+ available car rental suppliers - including Hertz, Enterprise and Sixt.
- A large variety of vehicles to rent - including Economy, luxury, SUVs, electric cars and more.
Put the brake on stressful rentals. Discover how Alternative Airlines makes coast-to-coast travel that much easier! 👇👇👇
What is a one-way car rental?
One-way car rentals are when you collect and return your rental to two separate locations. This way, you get to travel across the country without doubling back on yourself.
At Alternative Airlines, you can easily book a one-way car rental. Just enter a separate pick-up and drop-off location into our search bar. From there, you'll see all the rental options available to you.
One-way rentals across America
Book one-way rentals within America at Alternative Airlines!
Whether you’re looking for a luxury car to drive to the airport or a minivan for your next family road trip, we’ll have the perfect vehicle for you!
Our suppliers have pick-up and drop-off locations all across America. Book through Alternative Airlines and get where you need to be hassle-free!
Currently, our rentals are only available within the USA. While you can travel between states, you won’t be able to cross any international borders.
Popular suppliers offering one-way car rentals
Why book one-way car rentals?
They're perfect for road-trips 🚐
Road trips are one of the best ways to discover more of America. They’re often more affordable than flights and give you way more sightseeing opportunities! Explore new parts of the USA without circling back on yourself.
They're ideal for moving house 🏡
Available car rental suppliers like Thrifty offer full-service vans, designed for carrying large amounts of cargo. Fit everything you need into your vehicle, then drop it off near your new home.
They're great for business trips 💼
Staying in another state for a business trip? Booking a one-way rental allows you to drop off your rental in your arrival city. Instead of keeping it for your entire stay, you can rent a new one for your return journey, saving money on days when you won't need to drive.
Things to consider when booking a one-way rental
While one-way car rentals are often more convenient, there are still a few things worth considering.
Higher costs ➕
One-way car rentals can be more expensive. This is because a drop-off charge will usually be included in the price of your rental.
The drop-off fee covers the cost the supplier incurs to transport your rental back to its original location. This charge is usually calculated based on distance.
Limited options ➖
Not all suppliers offer one-way rentals, and the ones that do may have restrictions on your chosen locations.
If you can't find any rentals for your selected locations, then consider going with two nearby airports. Airports will often have a much larger fleet of available vehicles than neighborhood pick-up points. You don't have to be flying to or from the airport to book an airport car rental, either!
How to get the best deals on one-way car rentals
As one-way rentals can be more expensive, these are some handy tips and tricks to help you save.
Book an economy rental 🚗
What economy cars lack in size and power, they make up for in price. Designed with affordability in mind, these cars let you spend less on your rental so you have more for your destination.
Drive during the off-season 🍂
While the off-season will depend on which states you’re visiting, the general rule of thumb is that Fall and Winter travel is more affordable (excluding the holiday season). If your plans are flexible, consider travelling during these times.
Pay for your rental in installments 💸
By selecting a buy now, pay later option at checkout, you get to pay for your rental over time. Instead of paying one large sum upfront, spread the cost into manageable installments. Discover more below! 👇👇👇
Pay later on one-way rentals
Book your one-way rental now and pay later with one of our many buy now, pay later partners!
Choose from Klarna, Affirm, Cash App Afterpay and more!
Spread the cost of your car rental into manageable installments that go easy on your bank account. Drive now, pay later with long-term plans available! Some of our pay-later partners let you pay back over more than a year!
Currently, Alternative Airlines' pay-later rentals are only available to residents of the USA. If you're looking to book a car rental using our site and you're not living in the US, you can still do so, but you won't be able to pay later at this time.
One-way airport car rentals
Travelling to America and interested in visiting multiple states? Instead of booking several domestic flights, you can drive across America, exploring different locations on the way.
Airports are some of the most popular car rental collection and drop-off points for a reason. Enjoy greater convenience and quicker transfers combined with even more rental options.
Some of the most popular American airports for car rentals include: Denver International, Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles International.
At Alternative Airlines, you can book both flights and car rentals. Make travel that much easier when you book your transport all in one place! ✈️🚗
Popular one-way rental locations
Unsure where to go for your next trip? Consider making one of these destinations your final rental stop.
Las Vegas 🍸
As the entertainment capital of the world, Vegas makes for a memorable trip. Party the night away, visit the casinos or watch one of the many theatre shows. Drop your rental off at Las Vegas Airport, then hit the Strip. Not sure which car to rent? Convertibles are perfect for combating the Mojave Desert heat.
New York City 🌆
New York is one of America's most walkable cities. Drive your rental to John F. Kennedy International Airport, then use the city's efficient public transport system to get you from place to place. Make your journey easier when you choose a compact car. These small vehicles make navigating tight spots less challenging.
Orlando 🎡
Orlando's the perfect place for a family vacation. Get lost in the magic of its many theme parks with activities designed for all age groups. Drop your rental at Orlando Airport, then head over to one of the parks. Fit the whole family into one vehicle when you rent a passenger van.
Why book one-way rentals with Alternative Airlines?
We know our name may cause some confusion, but we’re more than just a flight booking site! Discover what makes us special.
We’re trustworthy 🗣️
Over the years, we’ve cemented ourselves as a go-to travel booking site. Our expert customer service team, reliability and no-hidden-fees approach have earned us a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot!
We make travel accessible 🌐
We offer pay later on both our flights and car rentals. With no big upfront fees, planning your next trip becomes that much easier. There’s no need to count the pennies after a big spend, instead pay over a time frame that suits you.
We have plenty of options ➕
With over 600 airlines to choose from and more than 35 car rental suppliers available, you get to travel how and when you want.
Book your one-way car rentals today!
Make your rental more affordable when you book through Alternative Airlines! Drive from coast to coast and pay upfront or later.
Trusted globally
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
One-way car rentals FAQs
What is a one-way car rental?
A one-way car rental lets you collect and return your rental to two separate locations.
How do one-way car rentals work?
Most car rental suppliers have bases all across the country. You’ll have the option to pick up your rental from base A and then return it to base B.
This means your collection and return locations must both be places that your supplier operates.
Are one-way car rentals more expensive?
This depends. In general, one-way car rentals are more expensive. This is because you’ll be paying extra for your car rental to be delivered back to your collection location.
Car rentals can work out more affordable, though, especially if you only need a rental to get you to your destination. Instead of spending money on a rental that you’ll barely use while on holiday, you can drop it off at a local return point.
Who has the best one-way car rental rates?
Booking your car rental with a third-party like Alternative Airlines means you get handy discounts that might not be available if you went directly through the supplier.
Compare hundreds of rentals and filter your search by price to find the best deals. Pay later on travel to make your rental even more affordable.
When it comes to actual suppliers, Dollar and Budget have an extensive range of economy vehicles. While Sixt and Avis have a wide selection of high-quality rentals at a decent price. All of these suppliers are available at Alternative Airlines.
Can I book a one-way truck rental?
Yes! One-way truck rentals are ideal for moving house or transporting large amounts of cargo between locations.
Enterprise, Dollar, Hertz and many more of our suppliers offer truck rentals.
How much is a one-way car rental?
This depends on a few factors, such as:
- Your pick-up and drop-off locations.
- Your type of vehicle.
- Your rental dates.
To get the cheapest rental, you'll typically want to collect from a non-airport location, select an economy or compact vehicle, and rent during the Fall or Winter.
Am I eligible for a one-way car rental?
To be eligible for a one-way rental at Alternative Airlines, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be over the age of 21 (While 21 is the requirement for most suppliers, age eligibility can vary).
- Be booking a rental to drive within the USA.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Have a mobile phone number and email address (so we can send you your receipt).
What happens if I return my car rental to the wrong location?
You’ll be charged a high drop-off fee, which can set you back hundreds or even thousands.
If you need to change your return location instead of dropping your rental at a different place, contact us as soon as possible, and we’ll try to mitigate any potential fees.
Can I change my collection and return locations?
Yes, but it may cost you extra. The more notice you give us, the lower any change fees will be.
Please note that you’ll have to select pick-up and drop-off locations that your chosen supplier operates. Not all suppliers offer rentals to the same places.
Can I book one-way car rentals and pay later?
Yes! At Alternative Airlines, US residents can book one-way car rentals and pay later.
Just select your rental, then choose one of our ‘buy now pay later’ options at checkout.
Spread the cost of your one-way rental into manageable installments that fit around your budget and travel needs!
Can I book last-minute one-way car rentals?
Yes! You can book last-minute one-way rentals at Alternative Airlines!
If you’re booking your rental in the days leading up to travel, then your rental may be more expensive than if you’d booked a few weeks prior. Luckily, there are ways to cut costs!
Book a more affordable vehicle, like an economy or compact car. And pay for your rental in installments with a buy now, pay later.