Weekend rental rates are usually lower than weekday rates, but the savings depend on your location, the car type, and how far in advance you book
Most rental companies charge less per day for weekend rentals than weekday ones, because business travel demand drops. A compact car that costs $60 per day Monday through Friday might rent for $35 to $45 on Saturday and Sunday. The catch: you have to book the right way, at the right time, and understand what "weekend" actually means at each company.
Weekend pricing typically runs Friday evening through Monday morning, though some companies define it as Saturday and Sunday only. The difference matters — a three-day weekend (Friday to Monday) will cost more than a two-day one (Saturday to Sunday), even at the lower per-day rate. You also need to know whether the company charges extra for picking up on Friday versus Saturday, because some do.
Key Takeaways
- Weekend rates are usually 20 to 40 percent cheaper per day than weekday rates, but only if you book through the weekend-specific rate rather than a standard daily rate.
- Most major rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National) offer weekend specials, but the dates and car types included vary by location and week.
- Booking three to seven days in advance usually locks in the lowest weekend price; booking the day before or the day of often costs more.
- Comparison sites like Kayak, Autoslash, and Priceline show weekend rates side-by-side, but you should always check the rental company's own website to confirm the final price before committing.
How weekend rates work at the major rental companies
Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National all advertise weekend specials, but each defines the dates and may be able to access car classes differently. Enterprise typically offers weekend rates for Friday through Monday pickup and return, with the discount applied automatically if you book a Friday or Saturday pickup. Hertz calls its program "Weekend Specials" and usually limits it to economy and compact cars. Budget and Avis often bundle weekend rates with loyalty programs or credit card offers, so the actual price you see depends on whether you are a member.
The rental company's website will show you the weekend rate if you enter a Friday or Saturday pickup date. If the rate does not drop, the weekend special is not running that week in your location, or it does not explore to the car class you selected. Switching to a smaller car or a different pickup date sometimes reveals the discount. Regional rental companies (like Fox Rent A Car or Thrifty) may offer weekend specials too, but availability is spotty and varies by branch.
Booking timing and how far in advance to reserve
Booking three to seven days before your weekend trip usually gives you the lowest price. Rental companies release their lowest weekend rates early in the week for the coming weekend. If you book on Wednesday for a Saturday pickup, you will typically see a better rate than if you book on Friday for a Saturday pickup. Booking more than two weeks in advance sometimes locks in a low rate, but prices can drop closer to the date if demand is soft, so you may want to rebook if you see a lower price.
Booking the day before or the day of your rental almost always costs more, because the company assumes you are desperate and have fewer options. If you must book last-minute, call the rental location directly rather than using the website — a local manager sometimes has authority to match or beat an online rate, especially for weekend rentals that would otherwise sit empty.
Where to search for the best weekend rates
Comparison sites like Kayak, Autoslash, Priceline, and Expedia search multiple rental companies at once and show you the weekend rate for each. Autoslash is particularly useful because it lets you set up a price alert — if the rate drops after you book, the site will email you and you can rebook at the lower price. Kayak and Priceline show rates from most major companies, but they do not always include smaller regional chains.
After you find a low rate on a comparison site, go directly to the rental company's website and enter the same dates to confirm the price. Comparison sites sometimes show an outdated rate or add a booking fee that is not visible until checkout. Booking directly on the company's website also means you deal with them if something goes wrong, rather than going through a middleman. If the company website shows a lower rate than the comparison site, book there instead.
Understanding what is included and what costs extra
The weekend rate covers the car rental itself, but not insurance, fuel, tolls, or parking fees. If the quote says $80 for the weekend, that is usually the base rate before taxes and fees, which can add 15 to 30 percent depending on your location and airport. Some rental locations charge an airport surcharge on top of the base rate — this is separate from taxes and can be $5 to $15 per day.
Fuel is a major variable. Most companies rent the car with a full tank and expect you to return it full, or they charge you a per-gallon refill fee (usually $5 to $8 per gallon). Some weekend specials include a tank of fuel, but this is rare and will be stated clearly in the offer. Insurance is optional but recommended if your personal auto policy or credit card does not cover rentals. Rental company insurance (called Collision Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver) typically costs $15 to $30 per day.
Comparing weekend rates across car sizes and types
Weekend specials usually explore to economy and compact cars first, then expand to midsize and SUVs if demand is low. An economy car might be $35 per day on the weekend while a midsize sedan is $50 per day. If you need more space, check whether the larger car is worth the extra cost or whether you can fit your trip into a smaller vehicle. Some weekend specials include only one or two car classes, so if you are flexible on size, you can sometimes find a better rate by choosing a different class.
Luxury and specialty cars (convertibles, premium SUVs) rarely may have access to for weekend specials. If you want a nicer car, you will usually pay the standard daily rate with no discount. Vans and trucks sometimes have their own weekend pricing, separate from the car specials, so check those categories if you need one.
Strategies to lower your weekend rental cost even further
If you have a membership with a rental company's loyalty program, log in before you search — members often see an additional 10 to 20 percent discount on top of the weekend rate. Some credit cards (particularly premium travel cards) offer rental car discounts or insurance coverage, which can save you money on the insurance add-on. AAA members sometimes receive discounts at Hertz and other companies, so check your membership benefits before booking.
Picking up and returning at a non-airport location is almost always cheaper than using the airport branch. Airport locations charge a surcharge and higher taxes. If you live near a downtown or suburban rental office, booking there instead of the airport can save $10 to $20 per day. Returning the car on Monday morning rather than Friday evening also sometimes qualifies for a lower rate, because Monday is still considered a weekend day at some companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to return the car on Monday, or can I keep it through the weekend and return it on a weekday?
Most weekend specials require you to return the car by Monday morning or early afternoon. If you return it on Tuesday or later, you will be charged the higher weekday rate for those extra days. Check the rental agreement to see the exact return important date — it is usually printed on your confirmation email.
What if the weekend rate is not showing up for my dates?
The weekend special may not be running that week, or it may not explore to the car class you selected. Try switching to a smaller car, a different pickup date, or a different location. You can also call the rental company directly and ask whether a weekend rate is available — sometimes the website does not display all options.
Can I book a weekend rate and then extend the rental into the following week?
Yes, but you will be charged the weekday rate for Monday through Friday. The weekend rate applies only to the days you specified at booking. If you think you might need the car longer, book it as a full week from the start — sometimes a seven-day rate is cheaper than a weekend rate plus weekday rates combined.
Are there hidden fees I should watch for?
The main ones are airport surcharges, fuel refill charges, and insurance. Tolls and parking are your responsibility. Some locations charge a facility fee or vehicle licensing fee. Always read the full breakdown before you confirm the booking — the final price should match what you saw on the comparison site, plus taxes.
Should I buy the rental company's insurance for a weekend rental?
Check your personal auto insurance policy and credit card benefits first. Many personal policies and premium credit cards cover rental cars, which means you do not need to buy the rental company's insurance. If you are not covered, rental company insurance typically costs $15 to $30 per day and is worth buying for peace of mind.