Enterprise rents vans for moving, cargo hauling, and passenger transport, but availability and pricing depend heavily on location and how far ahead you book
Enterprise operates thousands of locations across North America, and most of them stock cargo vans, passenger vans, or both. The company does not maintain a single national van inventory — each location manages its own fleet. That means a van available at one branch may not be available at another, even in the same city. You reserve through Enterprise's website or by phone, and the system shows you what is actually in stock at your chosen location on your chosen dates.
Pricing for van rentals varies by location, season, and demand. A one-day cargo van rental might cost $40 to $80 in a rural area or $80 to $150 in a major city, but these are rough ranges — actual prices shift based on local supply. Weekend rates are often higher than weekday rates. If you book far in advance, you lock in a price; if you book last-minute, you pay whatever the location has available, which can be significantly more.
Enterprise does not charge a separate mileage fee for most van rentals — you get unlimited miles included. However, you do pay for fuel, and you are responsible for returning the van with the same fuel level you received it. Some locations offer a fuel prepay option where you buy a full tank upfront at a set price per gallon, which can save money if you use most of the tank.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise van availability is location-specific, so check your exact pickup location before booking because nearby branches may have different stock.
- Pricing ranges from roughly $40 to $150 per day depending on van size, location, and how far ahead you book, with weekend rates typically higher than weekday rates.
- Unlimited mileage is included in most Enterprise van rentals, but you pay for fuel and must return the van at the same fuel level you received it.
- You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance to rent; some locations may ask for additional ID.
- Damage waivers and liability coverage are optional add-ons that can double your daily cost, so review your personal auto insurance before purchasing them.
What types of vans Enterprise stocks and when they run out
Enterprise typically offers two main van categories: cargo vans and passenger vans. Cargo vans (like the Ford Transit or Nissan NV) have a large open cargo area, no rear seats, and are designed for moving or hauling. Passenger vans (like the Ford Transit Connect or Nissan NV Passenger) have seating for 7 to 15 people depending on the model and are used for group transport, shuttles, or moving with passengers. Some locations also stock minivans, which are smaller and easier to park but have less cargo space.
Availability depends on the season and day of the week. Summer weekends, the first and last days of the month, and holidays are peak rental times — vans often run out several days in advance. If you need a van for a move on a Saturday in July, booking two weeks ahead is safer than booking one week ahead. Weekday rentals in the off-season are usually easier to find on short notice.
If your preferred location is out of stock, Enterprise can sometimes transfer a van from a nearby branch, but this takes time and may cost extra. Your other option is to check a different pickup location in your area or shift your rental dates by a day or two. The Enterprise website shows availability in real time, so you can see when ready whether your first choice is available.
How to book a van and what information you need
You can book through Enterprise.com, the Enterprise mobile app, or by calling your local branch directly. Online booking is fastest and lets you see real-time pricing and availability. The app lets you modify or cancel a reservation on the go. Calling is useful if you have questions about van features, fuel options, or insurance coverage before you commit.
To complete a reservation, you need your driver's license number, the dates and times you want the van, your pickup location, and a credit card to hold the reservation. Enterprise does not charge your card until you pick up the van. You can cancel or modify a reservation free of charge up until your pickup time, though prices may change if you rebook.
At pickup, bring your driver's license, the credit card you used to book, and proof of insurance. Enterprise will ask you to inspect the van for existing damage, take photos or note any dents or scratches, and sign a rental agreement. This step protects you — if you do not document damage that was already there, you may be charged for it when you return the van. The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes if the location is not busy.
Insurance, damage waivers, and what your personal policy covers
Enterprise offers several optional coverage options at pickup. The Damage Waiver (also called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) limits your liability if the van is damaged or stolen — you typically pay a deductible of $0 to $1,500 instead of the full repair cost. The Liability Coverage covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. A Personal Effects Coverage option covers theft of items left in the van.
These add-ons can cost $15 to $40 per day, which can double your rental cost. Before you buy them, check your personal auto insurance policy. Most personal auto policies cover rental cars and vans, including damage and liability, as long as you are renting for personal use. If your policy covers rentals, you do not need to buy Enterprise's coverage. If you do not have personal auto insurance or your policy excludes rentals, buying the damage waiver is worth the cost.
Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit, but this coverage is usually secondary (it pays after your personal insurance) and may not cover vans. Check your credit card's benefits guide or call the issuer before your rental to confirm what is covered.
Fuel, mileage, and what happens if you return the van late
Enterprise includes unlimited mileage on most van rentals, so you do not pay per mile. You do pay for fuel. When you pick up the van, the tank will be at a certain level — usually full or three-quarters full. You must return it at the same level. If you return it lower, Enterprise charges you for the missing fuel at a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than what you would pay at a gas station.
The fuel prepay option lets you buy a full tank at pickup for a set price per gallon. If you use most of the tank, this saves money compared to paying Enterprise's per-gallon rate on return. If you use less than a full tank, you lose money because Enterprise does not refund unused fuel. Calculate roughly how many miles you will drive and what your fuel cost will be before deciding whether to prepay.
If you return the van late, Enterprise charges a late fee. The amount depends on your rental agreement, but it is typically $40 to $75 for the first hour and then daily rates for each additional day. If you think you will be late, call the location as soon as you know — sometimes they can extend your reservation without a penalty if the van is not already booked for the next customer.
Age requirements and who can rent
Enterprise requires the primary renter to be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license. Renters between 21 and 24 may be charged a young driver fee of $15 to $25 per day. Renters 25 and older do not pay this fee. Some locations may have higher age requirements for larger vans or during peak seasons.
Additional drivers can be added to the rental agreement at pickup, usually for free, as long as they have a valid driver's license. All drivers on the agreement are responsible for the van and liable for damage, so only add drivers who will actually drive it. If someone not on the agreement drives the van and causes damage, your insurance may not cover it.
Comparing Enterprise vans to other rental companies and alternatives
Hertz, Budget, and Avis also rent vans, and pricing and availability vary by location. Enterprise often has more locations in smaller cities and suburbs, which can make it easier to find a nearby branch. Hertz and Avis tend to have more locations at airports, which matters if you are renting after a flight. Budget sometimes undercuts competitors on price, but availability is often lower.
For one-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another), Enterprise charges a drop-off fee that varies by distance. A one-way rental from one city to a neighboring city might cost $50 to $150 extra; a cross-country one-way rental can cost $500 or more. If you are moving across the country, a one-way rental may still be cheaper than driving your own vehicle and paying for fuel and wear-and-tear.
For local moves, U-Haul and Penske also rent cargo vans and are sometimes cheaper than Enterprise for full-day or multi-day rentals. However, they have fewer locations in some areas and may require a longer minimum rental period. If you only need a van for a few hours, Enterprise is usually more flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an Enterprise van if I do not have a credit card?
No. Enterprise requires a credit card in the renter's name to hold the reservation and complete the rental. Debit cards are not accepted. If you do not have a credit card, you cannot rent from Enterprise.
What happens if I damage the van and I did not buy the damage waiver?
You are liable for the full repair cost, which Enterprise will charge to your credit card. Repair bills for vans can range from a few hundred dollars for minor dents to several thousand for major damage. This is why checking your personal auto insurance before declining the waiver is important.
Can I rent a van for a one-way trip?
Yes, but you will pay a drop-off fee in addition to the daily rental rate. The fee depends on the distance between pickup and drop-off locations. Enterprise's website shows the drop-off fee when you enter your return location during booking.
Do I need to buy extra insurance if I have my own auto policy?
Probably not. Most personal auto insurance policies cover rental vans for personal use, including damage and liability. Call your insurance company before your rental to confirm your policy covers rentals and what the deductible is. If it does, you can skip Enterprise's optional coverage.
What if the van breaks down while I am renting it?
Call Enterprise roadside information when ready — the number is on your rental agreement. Enterprise will send a tow truck or a replacement van at no cost to you. You are not responsible for mechanical failures that occur during the rental period.