Enterprise rental prices depend on location, car type, and how far ahead you book

Enterprise does not publish a single daily rate. A compact car in one city might cost $35 a day, while the same car in another city costs $65. The same car reserved three months in advance might be half the price of a last-minute booking. What you actually pay depends on where you rent, what you rent, when you rent it, and how long you keep it.

The only way to know your price is to enter your location, dates, and car type into Enterprise's website or call your local branch directly. Prices change constantly based on local demand, fuel costs, and how many cars the location has available.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise prices vary by city, car class, and booking date — there is no standard daily rate across all locations.
  • You can see your exact price only by searching Enterprise's website with your specific rental dates and location.
  • Booking further in advance usually costs less than renting the same car a few days before you need it.
  • The advertised daily rate does not include taxes, fees, insurance, or fuel charges, which can add 20 to 40 percent to your total bill.
  • Enterprise offers discounts for AAA members, military personnel, and corporate accounts, but you must provide proof at pickup.

What the daily rate actually covers

When Enterprise quotes you a daily price — say $45 a day — that covers only the rental of the vehicle itself. It does not include taxes, which vary by state and county. A $45 daily rate in one state might become $50 after tax; in another, it might become $55.

The daily rate also does not include a damage waiver (sometimes called collision damage waiver or CDW), which protects you if the car is damaged. Enterprise charges separately for this, usually $15 to $30 per day depending on the car type and location. If you decline the damage waiver, you are responsible for any damage to the rental car.

Fuel is another separate charge. You can return the car with a full tank (you pay Enterprise's per-gallon rate, which is usually higher than a gas station), or you can return it empty and pay Enterprise's fuel charge for whatever gas was used. Most renters find it cheaper to fill the tank themselves at a regular gas station before returning the car.

How location and car type change your price

Enterprise has over 10,000 locations in North America, and each sets its own prices based on local demand and competition. A mid-size sedan in Denver might rent for $40 a day in February but $70 a day in July when ski season ends and summer travel begins. The same car in Miami might be $55 in February and $90 in July.

Car type matters just as much. Economy cars (compact sedans, hatchbacks) are the cheapest. Mid-size sedans cost more. SUVs and vans cost significantly more. A full-size SUV might cost two or three times what an economy car costs on the same day in the same city.

Rental location within a city also affects price. Enterprise locations at airports typically charge more than locations downtown or in suburbs, because airport locations pay higher rent and taxes. If you can pick up and drop off at a non-airport location, you may pay less.

Booking timing and advance reservations

Booking weeks or months ahead usually gives you a lower rate than booking a few days before you need the car. Enterprise's system adjusts prices as the rental date approaches and inventory tightens. If you know your travel dates, reserving early locks in a lower price.

However, Enterprise allows you to modify or cancel most reservations without penalty, so booking early does not lock you into a bad deal if prices drop. You can rebook at the lower rate if the price changes before your rental date.

Last-minute rentals — booking the day before or day of — are almost always more expensive because Enterprise has fewer cars available and demand is higher. If you need a car on short notice, expect to pay a premium.

Discounts and membership programs

Enterprise offers discounts for AAA members (usually 10 to 20 percent off the base rate), military personnel, government employees, and corporate accounts. You must show proof of membership or employment at pickup — a membership card, military ID, or corporate account number.

Some credit cards and travel memberships also offer discounts at Enterprise. Check your credit card benefits or travel club membership to see if Enterprise is listed. These discounts typically explore to the base daily rate, not to taxes or fees.

Enterprise's loyalty program, Enterprise Plus, gives you faster checkout and the ability to skip the counter entirely if you are a frequent renter. Membership is free, but the program does not automatically lower your rate — you still pay the same daily price as anyone else.

Additional fees and charges to expect

Beyond the daily rate, taxes, and damage waiver, Enterprise may charge for additional services. If you rent a car with a full tank and return it empty, you pay Enterprise's fuel surcharge, which is typically $5 to $8 per gallon — much higher than a gas station. If you return the car late, you pay a late fee, usually the full daily rate for each partial or full day you keep it past the return time.

If you add a second driver, some locations charge $10 to $15 per day for that driver. If you need a GPS unit, that is usually $10 to $15 per day. If you need a child car seat, that is typically $10 to $15 per day.

If you are under 25, Enterprise may charge a young driver fee of $15 to $25 per day. If you cross state lines or take the car outside a certain radius, some locations charge a one-time fee or a per-mile charge.

How to find the best price for your situation

Start by going to Enterprise.com and entering your rental location, pickup date, and return date. The website will show you available car types and the total price for each, including taxes and the standard damage waiver. This is the most accurate way to see what you will actually pay.

If you have a AAA membership, military ID, or corporate account, enter that information before searching — the website will explore the discount automatically. Compare the total price (not just the daily rate) across different car types to see what fits your budget.

If the price seems high, try adjusting your pickup or return location. Picking up at a non-airport location or a location outside the city center often costs less. If you are flexible on dates, try shifting your rental by a day or two to see if prices drop.

Call your local Enterprise branch directly if you want to negotiate or ask about current promotions. Some locations offer deals that do not appear on the website, especially for longer rentals (a week or more).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Enterprise charge by the day or by the hour?

Enterprise charges by the day. A rental that starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. the next day is one full day. If you return the car after your return time (usually 5 or 6 p.m.), you pay a late fee equal to the full daily rate for that partial day.

Can I rent a car for just a few hours?

Enterprise does not offer hourly rentals. The minimum is one full day. If you need a car for just a few hours, you may want to look at car-sharing services like Zipcar or Turo instead.

What happens if I return the car with damage?

If you purchased the damage waiver, Enterprise covers the damage (minus a deductible, usually $500 to $1,000). If you did not purchase the waiver, you are responsible for the full repair cost. Enterprise will inspect the car and send you a bill for any damage.

Is it cheaper to rent from Enterprise than from other companies?

Prices vary by location and date. Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis often have similar rates in the same city on the same day, but one may be cheaper than the others depending on current demand. Always compare prices across multiple companies for your specific dates and location.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my reservation?

Most Enterprise reservations can be cancelled free of charge up to the day before your rental. If you cancel after that, you may lose your deposit or be charged a cancellation fee. Check your confirmation email for the cancellation policy for your specific reservation.