What Enterprise's hourly rental service is and who it's for
Enterprise's hourly rental program lets you rent a car for periods shorter than a full day — typically starting at one hour and going up to 24 hours. You pay by the hour rather than by the day, which can cost less if you need a vehicle for a few hours of errands, a short trip across town, or a same-day round trip. The service is available at select Enterprise locations, not all of them, and you book and unlock the car through the Enterprise mobile app.
This service works best if you live or work near an Enterprise location that offers it, because you pick up and drop off at that same location. You don't need to visit a counter — the app handles the entire transaction. The car stays in the Enterprise lot, and you return it to the same spot when you're done.
Hourly rentals are different from the traditional daily rental model. You're not paying a daily rate; you're charged for each hour the car is in your possession. This means a two-hour errand costs less than renting for a full day, but a 25-hour rental will likely cost more than booking it as a one-day rental instead.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise hourly rentals are booked and managed entirely through the mobile app, with no counter visit required.
- You can rent for as little as one hour, with pricing that varies by location, vehicle type, and time of day.
- Pick-up and drop-off happen at the same Enterprise location, so the service only works if there's a participating branch near you.
- You'll need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card to complete the rental.
- Hourly rates are typically cheaper than daily rates for short trips, but a rental approaching 24 hours may be more expensive than booking a full day.
How to book an hourly rental through the Enterprise app
read the Enterprise mobile app and create an account with your email address and password. Add your driver's license information, insurance details, and a payment method (credit card). The app will ask for your driver's license number, state, and expiration date — have your physical license ready when you set this up.
Open the app and select "Hourly" as your rental type. Enter the location where you want to pick up the car, the date, and the time you need it. The app will show you available vehicles at that location and the hourly rate for each one. Select the car you want and confirm your reservation. You'll receive a confirmation in the app with a pickup code.
On the day of your rental, go to the Enterprise location at your scheduled time. Use the app to unlock the car — the app will guide you through this step. The car's doors will unlock, and you can start driving. When you're done, return to the same location, park in the designated spot, and lock the car through the app. Your rental ends and you're charged for the hours used.
What you need to bring and have ready
You must have a valid driver's license — the app will verify it before you can pick up the car. Your license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must be at least 21 years old (some locations may require you to be 25 for certain vehicle types). Bring your physical license with you to the pickup location, even though you've already entered the information in the app.
You'll need proof of insurance. This can be your personal auto insurance card or a digital copy on your phone. Enterprise requires this before you can complete the rental. If you don't have personal insurance, you can purchase coverage through Enterprise at the time of booking, though this adds to your total cost.
Have a credit card ready for payment. The app charges your card when you end the rental. Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but credit cards are preferred because they allow Enterprise to place a hold for the rental period and any potential damage charges.
Hourly pricing and how it compares to daily rates
Hourly rates vary by location, vehicle type, and demand. A compact car might cost $8 to $15 per hour at one location and $10 to $18 at another. Rates are higher during peak times (weekday mornings and evenings) and lower during off-peak hours. The app shows you the exact rate before you confirm your reservation, so you know the cost upfront.
For a two-hour rental of a compact car, you might pay $20 to $36 total. A full day (24 hours) of the same car through the hourly program could cost $192 to $432, depending on the location and time. A traditional daily rental of that same car might cost $40 to $70 for the day. This means if you need the car for more than about four to six hours, a daily rental is usually cheaper — compare the app's hourly quote to a daily rate before you book.
Mileage is typically unlimited on hourly rentals, so you don't pay extra for driving. Fuel is your responsibility; you return the car with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up, or you pay a refueling fee if it's lower.
Insurance, damage, and what happens if something goes wrong
Your personal auto insurance may cover a rental car, but you should check your policy before you rent. If your insurance doesn't cover rentals, or if you don't have insurance, you can buy coverage from Enterprise. This is called Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and it costs extra per hour or per rental.
When you pick up the car, the app shows you photos of the vehicle's condition. If there's existing damage, report it in the app before you drive away. When you return the car, take photos of it yourself as well. Enterprise inspects the car after each rental and charges the renter for any new damage. Charges can range from minor (a small dent or scratch) to major (collision damage), and they're deducted from your credit card after the rental ends.
If you're in an accident or the car breaks down, contact Enterprise when ready through the app or by calling the location. Enterprise will arrange roadside information or a replacement vehicle depending on the situation. You're responsible for any damage you cause, unless you purchased damage coverage.
Locations that offer hourly rentals and how to find them
Hourly rentals are not available at every Enterprise location. The program is offered in select cities and at specific branches. To learn about there's a participating location near you, open the Enterprise app, select "Hourly," and enter your location. The app will show you which branches offer hourly rentals and which don't.
Availability varies by region. Major metropolitan areas and cities with high demand for short-term rentals are more likely to have hourly service. Suburban and rural locations may not offer it. If the nearest hourly rental location is too far away, you may need to use the traditional daily rental service instead.
You can also visit Enterprise's website and use their location finder to search for hourly rental availability in your area. Call the location directly if you want to confirm they have hourly rentals available before you read the app and set up an account.
Age requirements, restrictions, and who cannot rent
You must be at least 21 years old to rent through Enterprise's hourly program. Some vehicle types, such as premium or larger vehicles, may require you to be 25 or older. The app will tell you which vehicles you're may be able to access to rent based on your age when you search for available cars.
Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot complete a rental. Enterprise verifies your license status through the app before you can unlock the car. If you have a learner's permit instead of a full license, you're not may be able to access.
If you have a poor driving record or previous damage claims with Enterprise, the company may deny you access to the hourly rental program. Enterprise reviews your history when you create your account. If you're unsure whether you're may be able to access, contact Enterprise customer service before you attempt to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer than I planned?
Yes. Open the app and select the option to extend your rental. You'll be charged for the additional hours at the current hourly rate for that time of day. If extending would push you past 24 hours, the app may suggest switching to a daily rate, which could be cheaper.
What happens if I return the car late?
You're charged for every hour the car is in your possession. If you keep it one hour past your scheduled return time, you pay for that extra hour. The app tracks the time automatically, so there's no grace period — charges begin when ready when your reservation starts and end when you lock the car and end the rental through the app.
Do I need to fill up the gas tank before I return the car?
You need to return the car with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up. If the tank is lower, Enterprise charges a refueling fee, which is typically higher than the cost of gas at a pump. It's cheaper to fill it yourself at a gas station near the Enterprise location before you return it.
Can I book an hourly rental for someone else to use?
No. The person who books the rental through the app must be the person who drives the car. The app verifies the driver's license of the account holder before unlocking the vehicle. Additional drivers are not permitted on hourly rentals.
What if the car I reserved isn't available when I arrive?
Contact Enterprise through the app or by phone when ready. Enterprise will offer you an alternative vehicle at the same hourly rate, or you can cancel the reservation and receive a refund. Availability issues are rare if you book in advance, but they can happen during peak times.