Weekly car rental rates typically run $200 to $600 depending on the car type, location, and season

A week-long rental from a major company like Enterprise, Hertz, or Budget usually costs between $200 and $600 total. That breaks down to roughly $30 to $85 per day, but the weekly rate is almost always cheaper per day than renting day-by-day. A compact car in an average market during off-season might run $250 for the week; the same car during peak summer travel or in a high-demand city like New York or Los Angeles could easily hit $500 or more.

The final bill is rarely just the base rental rate. Insurance, taxes, airport fees, and fuel charges stack on top of the quoted price. Understanding what each of these costs and which ones you can control will help you predict your actual expense before you hand over a credit card.

Key Takeaways

  • Weekly rates from major rental companies range from $200 to $600 depending on car size, location, and time of year, with economy cars cheaper than SUVs or premium vehicles.
  • Airport rentals cost 10 to 15 percent more than off-airport locations because of facility fees, so picking up downtown or at a neighborhood branch can save $30 to $100 for the week.
  • Insurance through the rental company adds $15 to $30 per day; your personal auto policy or credit card may already cover rentals, so check before buying theirs.
  • Fuel charges depend on whether you return the car full or pay the company's per-gallon rate, which is typically 50 to 100 percent higher than gas station prices.
  • Taxes and surcharges vary by state and city but commonly add 20 to 30 percent to your base rate, so a $300 rental can become $360 to $390 after all fees.

How location and season change the weekly rate

The same economy car rented for seven days costs different amounts depending on where you rent it and when. A Toyota Corolla or similar compact might rent for $35 per day ($245 for the week) in a small Midwestern city during winter, but $75 per day ($525 for the week) in Miami during spring break or in San Francisco year-round. Peak travel seasons—summer, holidays, and spring break—push prices up across the board because demand exceeds supply.

Airport locations charge more than off-airport branches. Renting from an airport facility typically adds 10 to 15 percent to your rate because the rental company pays facility fees to the airport authority. If you can arrange ground transportation to a downtown or neighborhood location, you may save $30 to $100 over a week. Some travelers rent from a location near their home, drive to the airport, and reverse the process on return—this works if you have someone to drop you off and pick you up, or if public transit is available.

Insurance and what you might already have covered

Rental car insurance offered by the rental company costs $15 to $30 per day, adding $105 to $210 to a week-long rental. Before you buy it, check whether your existing coverage already protects you. Most personal auto insurance policies cover rental cars at the same level they cover your own vehicle, though some exclude certain types of rentals (like commercial use or long-term rentals over 30 days). Call your insurer before you rent and ask specifically whether rental cars are covered and what your deductible is.

Credit card companies often provide rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit, but the terms vary widely. Some cards cover collision and theft but not liability; others cover only if you decline the rental company's insurance. Read your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer to confirm what is covered. If your personal policy and credit card both cover rentals, you typically do not need the rental company's insurance. If neither covers rentals, or if your deductible is very high, buying the rental company's coverage may be worth the cost.

Fuel charges and how to avoid overpaying

Rental companies offer two fuel options: return the car full, or pay their per-gallon rate for whatever fuel you used. Returning the car full is almost always cheaper. The company's per-gallon rate is typically 50 to 100 percent higher than the local gas station price—you might pay $5 per gallon at the pump but $7 to $8 per gallon through the rental company. For a week-long rental, this difference can easily add $20 to $40 to your bill.

Fill the tank at a gas station near the rental location before you return the car. Leave yourself 15 to 30 minutes to do this; rental companies charge late fees if you miss your return time. If you cannot find a gas station near the rental facility, ask the agent at pickup where the nearest one is. Some rental locations are in areas where gas stations are sparse, so knowing this ahead of time prevents a last-minute scramble.

Taxes, surcharges, and fees that add to the base rate

Your quoted weekly rate is before taxes and surcharges. Most states charge sales tax on car rentals (rates vary from 4 to 10 percent depending on the state). Many cities and counties add additional surcharges—airport facilities often add 10 to 15 percent on top of state tax, and some cities add tourism or facility fees of 2 to 5 percent. A $300 base rental can become $360 to $390 after all taxes and surcharges are applied.

Some rental companies also charge a vehicle license recovery fee (typically $3 to $5 per day) or a concession recovery fee at airport locations. These are separate from taxes and surcharges and appear as line items on your final bill. The rental company must disclose all fees before you complete the reservation, so review the full breakdown on the confirmation screen before you book. If the total seems high, try a different location or company—rates and fee structures vary.

Comparing economy, midsize, and premium vehicles

An economy car (Corolla, Civic, Hyundai Elantra) typically costs $30 to $50 per day for a weekly rental. A midsize sedan (Camry, Accord, Altima) runs $40 to $70 per day. An SUV or crossover (CR-V, RAV4, CX-5) costs $60 to $100 per day. A premium or luxury vehicle (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) can exceed $150 per day. Over seven days, choosing an economy car instead of an SUV can save $200 to $350 before insurance and fees.

The choice depends on what you actually need. If you are traveling alone or with one other person and do not need cargo space, an economy car saves money and uses less fuel. If you are traveling with a family or need to haul luggage or equipment, a midsize sedan or small SUV may be necessary. Renting a larger vehicle than you need adds cost without benefit; renting a smaller vehicle than you need creates frustration and may incur overage charges if you exceed mileage limits or damage the car trying to fit too much inside.

Mileage limits and overage charges

Most weekly rentals include unlimited mileage, meaning you pay the same rate whether you drive 100 miles or 1,000 miles. However, some rental companies or specific promotional rates come with mileage limits—commonly 100 to 150 miles per day. If you exceed the limit, you pay an overage charge, typically $0.25 to $0.50 per mile. On a week-long road trip, this can add hundreds of dollars to your bill.

Before you book, check the fine print for mileage terms. If the rate seems unusually low, mileage limits are often the reason. For a week-long rental where you plan to drive more than 700 to 1,000 miles total, confirm that unlimited mileage is included. If it is not, calculate the overage cost and compare it to the cost of booking with a different company that offers unlimited mileage.

Booking strategies that lower your weekly cost

Book directly with the rental company rather than through a third-party site when possible. Third-party booking sites (Kayak, Priceline, Autoslash) sometimes show lower rates, but they may not include all fees or may have restrictions on changes and cancellations. Booking directly gives you the full picture of what you will pay and makes it easier to modify your reservation if plans change.

Check for discounts through your employer, professional association, or membership programs. Many companies offer AAA discounts, corporate rates, or loyalty program discounts that can reduce the weekly rate by 10 to 20 percent. If you are a member of AAA, AARP, or a professional organization, ask about rental discounts before you book. Some credit cards also offer rental discounts or cash back on car rentals, so check your card benefits.

Compare rates across multiple companies and locations. A week-long rental from Enterprise downtown might cost $280, while the same car from Hertz at the airport costs $420. Spending 10 minutes comparing options can save $100 or more. Use Google's car rental search, Kayak, or Autoslash to see rates from multiple companies at once, then book directly with the company offering the best total price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a weekly rate include gas?

No. The weekly rate covers the rental only. You pay for fuel separately, either by returning the car full or by paying the rental company's per-gallon rate. Returning the car full is almost always cheaper. Fill up at a gas station near the rental location before you return the car.

Can I cancel a weekly rental and get my money back?

Most rental companies allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time. After that, you may lose the full payment or be charged a cancellation fee. Check your confirmation email for the cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, do it as soon as possible through the rental company's website or by calling them directly.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late return fees vary by company but typically run $25 to $75 per hour or a percentage of the daily rate. Some companies charge a full day's rate if you are more than a few hours late. Plan to return the car with time to spare, especially if you need to fill the tank first. Check your confirmation for the exact late fee policy.

Is it cheaper to rent for seven days or to rent day-by-day?

Renting for seven days is almost always cheaper per day than renting day-by-day. A weekly rate might be $40 per day ($280 total), while daily rates for the same car might be $55 per day ($385 total). If your plans might change, book the weekly rate anyway—most companies allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.

Do I need to buy the rental company's insurance if I have my own car insurance?

Check your personal auto insurance policy first. Most policies cover rental cars at the same level they cover your own vehicle. If your policy covers rentals, you do not need to buy the rental company's insurance unless your deductible is very high. Call your insurer before you rent to confirm coverage and your deductible amount.