Can I book a one-way car rental?

What is a one-way car rental?

Rental car providers typically require renters to return their vehicle to the depot it was collected from — a one-way car rental lets you collect the car from one depot and return it to another.

Why should I get a one-way car rental?

With Australia being so large, return trips can take a lot of time especially if you’re on a cross-state drive, say from Darwin to Melbourne. If you find that your collection depot is hours — even days — away from your destination, consider booking a one-way rental to save time from driving all the way back at the end of your journey.

One-way rentals are also convenient for renters operating on a tight schedule, those on emergency trips, and those who simply have no need to return to where they collected the car from.

How do I book a one-way car rental?

When you book through VroomVroomVroom, you’ll find a toggle button on the booking widget that allows you to choose whether you’re booking a return or one-way trip. Enter your desired collection and drop off location, then hit search, and a list of available vehicles will appear.

Is a one-way rental more expensive than a standard booking?

Typically, yes. One-way fees vary per provider, location, vehicle class, distance travelled, and time of year. In some cases providers will add a one-way fee, and in others they may use a different daily rate. The easiest way to find out how much one-way fees are is to compare prices using VroomVroomVroom.

Do you need to pre-book a one-way rental?

Yes, when booking your rental car you can select both the collection and drop-off depots and you are expected to honour these. If you decide — for whatever reason — to return your car to a different depot to that specified on the Rental Agreement, there may be further additional charges applied, although providers such as Dollar, Hertz, and Thrifty may accept rentals where the vehicle is dropped off at a location different to from what is stated on the Rental Agreement. Always read your Terms and Conditions carefully.

What are some popular one-way rentals?

We have several one-way road trips guides to choose from. Here are four itineraries we have curated for one-way hires in Australia.

Do all providers allow one-way rentals?

All VroomVroomVroom car rental providers allow one-way rentals in some form.

Can I take my rental car to a different state during a one-way rental?

Most providers let you take their vehicles on a one-way drive to another state but will most likely levy a one-way fee, and fees can vary considerably. Not all depots offer or accept one-way rentals, and availability can be more limited, so it can be a good idea to be a bit flexible when searching.

Do I need to pay extra for a one-way rental?

Providers usually add a one-way or relocation fee to your total booking charge or increase their base rental rates.

What car can I book for a one-way rental?

Most rental vehicles are open to one-way rentals, however availability depends on location and time of year. To see which vehicles you can take on a one-way trip, input your pickup and drop-off location along with your preferred rental dates through VroomVroomVroom’s search widget. Read more about what you need to know before hiring a car in Australia.

What happens if I return my rental car to the wrong location?

Rental cars dropped off at the wrong location are considered one-way rentals, and may be subject to a relocation fee. Each provider handles one-way rentals differently, with factors including location, distance from the collection depot, and vehicle class taken into consideration. When you drop off your vehicle at a different location, contact your rental provider immediately and inquire about the next steps.

What documents do I need to provide to book a one-way car rental?

As with any car rental, you need to provide a driving licence and a credit card to book a one-way rental. Before reserving a car, ensure you’re legally allowed to drive in Australia, especially if you’re holding a digital driver’s licence, using an International Driving Permit, or booking with a different form of payment.

Do relocation deals fall under one-way car rental?

Providers offer relocation deals to cut on costs from transporting their fleet, marketing them as affordable one-way car rentals. See our guide on relocation deals to know why they’re considered one-way rentals.