Van rental prices range from $30 to $150 per day depending on the van size, rental company, location, and how far in advance you book

A small cargo van or passenger van from a major company like Home Depot, U-Haul, or Penske typically costs $20 to $60 per day for local rentals. Mid-size vans run $40 to $100 per day. Large passenger vans or box trucks cost $60 to $150 per day. These are base rates before taxes, insurance, mileage fees, and fuel charges.

The actual price you pay depends on several factors that shift week to week and sometimes day to day. Weekend rates are usually higher than weekday rates. Summer and moving season (May through September) cost more than winter. Booking a month ahead often costs less than booking three days before. A van rented in a rural area may cost less than the same van in a major city, but availability is tighter.

One-way rentals — picking up in one city and dropping off in another — typically cost 50 to 100 percent more than local rentals, and some companies charge a drop-off fee on top of the mileage difference. If you need the van for only a few hours, some companies offer hourly rates starting around $15 to $25 per hour, with a 3- or 4-hour minimum.

Key Takeaways

  • Daily van rental rates start around $20 to $30 for small cargo vans and go up to $150 for large box trucks, before taxes and fees.
  • Mileage charges, insurance, fuel, and late fees can easily add 30 to 50 percent to your base rental cost.
  • Booking through a warehouse store membership, a credit card travel program, or a rental aggregator site can sometimes lower the daily rate by 10 to 20 percent.
  • One-way rentals cost significantly more than local rentals and may include a separate drop-off fee.
  • Weekend and summer rates are higher than weekday and winter rates, sometimes by 25 to 40 percent.

What's included in the base daily rate

The daily rate covers the van itself and usually a set number of miles — often 100 to 150 miles per day for local rentals. After that, you pay per mile, typically 15 to 50 cents per mile depending on the company and van size. If you exceed the mileage limit, those overage charges add up quickly on a long trip.

The base rate does not include fuel. You rent the van with a full tank and return it full, or you pay the company's fuel surcharge, which is usually higher than gas station prices. Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a set price, which can save money if you use most of it but costs more if you return the van nearly full.

Insurance is separate. The rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers damage to the van. Your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental vehicles, so check your policy before paying for the company's coverage. Some credit cards offer rental car protection if you charge the rental to that card.

How rental company and location affect price

National chains like U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot, and Budget have different pricing models. U-Haul and Penske are moving-focused and often have lower daily rates but higher mileage charges. Home Depot offers hourly and daily rates for small cargo vans and is usually competitive for short local jobs. Budget and Hertz rent passenger vans and are often pricier for longer rentals.

Local and regional rental companies sometimes undercut national chains on daily rates, especially in smaller cities. Check Google Maps or Yelp for "van rental near me" to find local options. Airport locations charge more than off-airport branches because of airport fees. Renting from a downtown or mall location usually costs less than from an airport.

Seasonal demand shifts prices dramatically. In May through September, moving season, rates can jump 30 to 50 percent. Winter rates are lowest. Weekends are busier than weekdays, so a Friday or Saturday rental costs more than the same van on a Tuesday. Booking during a holiday week or around major moving dates (end of month, summer Fridays) will cost more.

Mileage, fuel, and hidden fees that add up

Mileage charges are where rental costs surprise people. If your daily rate includes 100 miles and you drive 250 miles, you owe for 150 overage miles. At 30 cents per mile, that's $45 extra. On a three-day rental, overage mileage can exceed the base rental cost. Always ask the company what mileage is included and what the per-mile rate is before you book.

Fuel charges work two ways. If you return the van on empty, the company charges you per gallon at a markup — sometimes $1 to $2 per gallon above market price. If you pre-purchase fuel, you pay a flat rate for a full tank upfront, and any unused fuel is not refunded. For a one-way rental where you know you'll use most of a tank, pre-purchase is often cheaper. For a short local rental, returning the van full yourself is cheaper.

Late fees explore if you return the van after the agreed time. Most companies charge a per-hour fee (often $15 to $30 per hour) for the first few hours, then a full day's rate if you're more than a few hours late. Damage waivers, tolls, and parking violations are billed separately. Some companies charge a restocking fee if you return the van dirty or with trash inside.

Ways to lower your van rental cost

Booking directly on the rental company's website sometimes costs less than booking through a third-party site like Kayak or Autoslash, though not always. Compare the same dates and location on at least three sites before booking. Autoslash and Kayak let you set up price alerts so you can see if rates drop after you book.

Warehouse memberships like Costco, Sam's Club, and AAA often have negotiated rates with rental companies. Costco Travel, for example, offers discounted rates on U-Haul and Budget rentals. If you have a membership, check the travel section before booking elsewhere. Some credit cards offer rental car discounts through their travel programs — American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve both have partnerships with major rental companies.

Renting on a weekday instead of a weekend, or in winter instead of summer, can cut your cost by 25 to 40 percent. If your move or project is flexible, shifting it by a few days or weeks can save hundreds of dollars. Booking further in advance — at least two weeks out — usually locks in a lower rate than booking last-minute.

For very short trips, hourly rates may be cheaper than a full day. Home Depot and some U-Haul locations offer 4-hour rentals for around $15 to $25 per hour. If you need the van for only a few hours and don't need to drive far, this option beats paying for a full day.

One-way rentals and long-distance costs

A one-way rental — picking up in one city and dropping off in another — costs significantly more than a local rental. The company has to move the van back or position it for the next customer. Expect to pay the daily rate plus a one-way fee (often $50 to $300 depending on distance) plus mileage charges for every mile driven.

For example, a one-way rental from Los Angeles to San Francisco might cost $60 per day plus a $150 one-way fee plus 380 miles at 30 cents per mile ($114). Over three days, that's $60 × 3 + $150 + $114 = $444 before taxes, insurance, and fuel. The same van rented locally for three days might cost $120 to $180 total.

If you're moving across the country, compare one-way rental costs against hiring a moving company or renting from a company that specializes in long-distance moves. Some moving companies offer better rates for long distances than van rental companies do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a van for just a few hours?

Yes. Home Depot, U-Haul, and some local rental companies offer hourly rates, typically $15 to $25 per hour with a 3- or 4-hour minimum. This works well for short local jobs like picking up supplies or furniture. A full-day rate is usually cheaper if you need the van for more than 4 to 6 hours.

What happens if I return the van late?

Late fees typically start at $15 to $30 per hour for the first few hours, then jump to a full day's rental rate if you're more than a few hours late. Always ask the rental company what their late fee policy is before you pick up the van, and plan to return it with time to spare.

Does my car insurance cover a rental van?

Most personal auto insurance policies cover rental vehicles, but the coverage limits and deductibles may differ from your own car. Call your insurance company before renting to confirm you're covered. Some credit cards also offer rental car protection if you charge the rental to that card.

Is it cheaper to rent a van or hire a moving company?

For a local move with a small amount of stuff, renting a van is usually cheaper. For a long-distance move or a large amount of furniture, a moving company may cost less when you factor in your time, fuel, and the risk of damage. Get quotes from both before deciding.

What's the difference between a cargo van and a passenger van?

A cargo van has no rear seats and is designed to haul boxes and furniture. A passenger van has rows of seats and is designed to transport people. Cargo vans are usually cheaper to rent and hold more stuff. Passenger vans are better if you need to transport both people and cargo.