Enterprise daily rates depend on car type, location, and how far ahead you book
Enterprise's base rates vary widely by the vehicle you choose and where you rent. A compact car in a small town costs less per day than a full-size SUV in a major city. Booking weeks in advance usually costs less than renting the day before, though Enterprise does not publish a single "standard" rate — you have to check their website or call a location directly to see what they charge for your specific dates and car class.
The rate you see quoted is the daily rental charge only. Enterprise adds taxes, facility fees, and optional coverage on top of that base price. Some locations also charge a drop-off fee if you return the car to a different branch than where you rented it. Reading the full quote before you confirm is the only way to know your actual total cost.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise rates change by location, vehicle type, and booking date, so you must check their website or call a specific branch to see what you will pay.
- The quoted daily rate does not include taxes, facility fees, or optional insurance — these are added at checkout and can increase your total by 20 to 40 percent.
- Booking through Enterprise's website often shows lower rates than calling the branch directly, and membership programs like AAA or corporate accounts may reduce the base rate.
- One-way rentals (returning to a different location) usually cost more than round-trip rentals at the same branch.
- Damage waivers, GPS, and additional driver fees are optional but add to your final bill if you choose them.
How Enterprise calculates your total rental cost
The daily rate is only the starting point. When you complete your reservation, Enterprise adds state and local taxes (which vary by location), a facility charge (typically $10 to $15 per rental), and any optional services you select. If you decline their damage waiver and damage occurs, you pay the repair cost directly. If you accept it, the waiver cost gets added to your bill.
Additional drivers cost extra — usually $10 to $15 per person per day, though some locations waive this for spouses. GPS rental, fuel service (pre-paying for a full tank), and roadside information are all separate line items. The final bill can be 30 to 50 percent higher than the advertised daily rate once all fees are included.
Discounts and membership programs that lower Enterprise rates
Enterprise offers discounts through AAA, AARP, corporate accounts, and military membership. The discount amount varies — some take 10 percent off the base rate, others offer a flat dollar amount per day. You must provide your membership card or number at the time of booking or pickup to receive the discount. Checking whether you belong to any of these groups before you book can save $5 to $15 per day on longer rentals.
Enterprise's loyalty program, Enterprise Plus, gives members a faster checkout process and sometimes lower rates on certain bookings, though membership is free and does not may provide a discount on every rental. Booking through a corporate travel program or your employer's preferred vendor list may also reduce rates below what you see on the public website.
One-way versus round-trip rentals and drop-off fees
Renting a car at one location and returning it to another (one-way) typically costs more than renting and returning at the same branch. The extra charge covers the cost of moving the vehicle back to its home location. In some cases, the one-way fee is minimal; in others, it can add $50 to $200 or more to your total, depending on distance and demand.
Round-trip rentals at the same branch usually have no additional drop-off charge. If you are unsure whether a one-way rental will cost more, enter both options into Enterprise's website to compare the total price before you decide. Some locations offer waived one-way fees during slow rental periods, so it is worth checking.
What affects Enterprise rates from day to day
Enterprise adjusts rates based on local demand, season, and how far in advance you book. Summer months, holiday weekends, and major events in a city drive rates up. Booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead usually shows lower prices than booking a few days before your trip. Last-minute bookings can be significantly more expensive, especially if the branch has limited inventory.
Weather events, local conferences, and school breaks also spike demand and rates in specific areas. If your travel dates are flexible, checking rates for different days can reveal which dates are cheaper. Enterprise's website shows you the price for each day of your rental, so you can see if shortening your trip by a day or two saves money.
Insurance and damage waivers you may or may not need
Enterprise offers a damage waiver (sometimes called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) that limits your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen. The cost varies by location and vehicle type, typically $15 to $30 per day. If you decline the waiver and the car is damaged, you are responsible for the full repair cost, which can be thousands of dollars.
Your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental car damage, so check your policy before you pay for Enterprise's waiver. Some credit cards cover rental damage if you charge the entire rental to that card. If your coverage is unclear, calling your insurance company before you rent takes five minutes and can save you the waiver cost. Enterprise staff cannot tell you whether your personal insurance covers rentals — only your insurance company can.
How to find the lowest Enterprise rate for your dates
Start by visiting Enterprise.com and entering your rental location, pickup date, and return date. The website shows you the daily rate and total cost for each vehicle class. Compare that price to what you see when you call the branch directly — sometimes the phone rate is lower, sometimes higher. Check whether you have any discount codes or memberships that explore.
If you are renting for more than a week, ask the branch whether they offer a weekly rate (usually cheaper per day than daily rates added together). If you are renting for a month or longer, ask about monthly rates. Enterprise does not always advertise these on the website, but branches can quote them over the phone. Once you have a quote, read the full breakdown of taxes and fees before you confirm — that is your actual cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Enterprise charge more if I pick up the car at the airport?
Yes. Airport locations charge higher rates and add airport facility fees on top of the base daily rate. The total can be 20 to 40 percent more than renting from a downtown or suburban branch. If you have time, renting from an off-airport location and taking a rideshare to the rental counter may cost less overall.
Can I negotiate Enterprise rates or ask for a lower price?
Enterprise rates are set by location and date, and branch staff cannot lower the quoted price. However, you can ask whether a weekly or monthly rate applies to your dates, whether any current promotions are running, or whether you may have access to for a discount through a membership or corporate account. The rate you see is the rate you pay.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate (or a higher hourly rate if you are only a few hours late). The exact late fee depends on your branch's policy. Returning the car on time avoids this charge entirely. If you think you might be late, call the branch before your return time to ask about your options.
Are fuel charges included in the Enterprise daily rate?
No. You return the car with a full tank, or you pay Enterprise's fuel service charge, which is usually higher per gallon than gas station prices. Filling the tank yourself at a gas station before you return the car is almost always cheaper than letting Enterprise charge you for fuel.
Do Enterprise rates include unlimited mileage?
Most Enterprise rentals include unlimited mileage at no extra charge. However, some locations or vehicle types may have mileage limits or charges. Check your quote and rental agreement to confirm whether mileage is unlimited for your specific booking.