Weekly car rental prices range from $150 to $600 depending on the car type, location, season, and which company you book through

A week of car rental is not a fixed price. Economy cars at major chains like Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget typically run $20 to $40 per day in off-season, which works out to $140 to $280 for seven days. Mid-size sedans and SUVs cost more—usually $35 to $60 per day, or $245 to $420 weekly. Luxury or specialty vehicles can exceed $100 per day. But these are base rates before taxes, fees, and insurance, which often add 20 to 40 percent to your final bill.

Location matters enormously. Renting at an airport costs significantly more than renting from a downtown location in the same city, because airports charge rental companies facility fees that get passed to you. A car that costs $25 per day at a city branch might cost $35 at the airport terminal. Peak travel seasons—summer, holidays, spring break—push prices up across the board. The same car might rent for $30 per day in February and $50 in July.

Weekly rates are usually cheaper per day than daily rates. If a company quotes you $45 per day, a seven-day rental might drop to $38 per day when you book the full week at once. This discount exists because the company knows you are committed and they avoid the overhead of turning the car over multiple times.

Key Takeaways

  • Economy cars typically cost $140 to $280 for a week before taxes and fees; mid-size vehicles run $245 to $420.
  • Airport locations charge 30 to 50 percent more than city branches because of facility fees the rental company pays.
  • Taxes, airport surcharges, and vehicle licensing fees can add $30 to $150 to your total depending on location.
  • Insurance through the rental company costs $15 to $30 per day; your personal auto policy or credit card may already cover rentals.
  • Booking directly with the company often costs less than third-party sites, and weekly rates drop the per-day cost by 10 to 20 percent.

What gets added to the base rental rate

The price you see quoted is almost never what you pay. Taxes vary by state and city—some places tax car rentals at 10 percent, others at 20 percent or higher. A $280 weekly rental in New York City will have roughly $50 to $70 in taxes added. Some states also charge a vehicle licensing fee (sometimes called a concession recovery fee) that runs $3 to $5 per day, which adds $21 to $35 to a week-long rental.

Airport surcharges are separate from taxes. If you rent at an airport, expect an additional 10 to 15 percent on top of the base rate plus taxes. This is a facility charge the airport imposes on the rental company. A $280 rental becomes $308 before taxes, then taxes are calculated on that higher number.

Fuel is your choice. You can return the car with a full tank (you pay for the fuel upfront at the rental counter, usually at a premium price per gallon), or you can return it empty and pay the company's per-gallon rate for whatever you used. The premium route is often cheaper if you are renting for a week and will use significant fuel. Always clarify the fuel policy when you book—some companies charge $7 to $9 per gallon if you return it empty, while gas stations charge $3 to $4.

Insurance and damage coverage explained

The rental company will offer you collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage, which costs $15 to $30 per day. For a week, that is $105 to $210. This covers damage to the rental car if you are in an accident. Before you buy it, check whether your personal auto insurance already covers rental cars—most policies do. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your own vehicle, that typically extends to rentals.

Credit card companies also offer rental car coverage. American Express, Visa Signature, and Mastercard World Elite often include rental car damage protection if you book the rental with that card. Call your card issuer before you rent to confirm what is covered and whether there are exclusions (some cards exclude luxury vehicles or certain countries).

If neither your insurance nor your credit card covers rentals, buying the company's CDW is worth the cost. A single accident can cost thousands in repairs, and you are liable for the full amount without coverage. The daily fee is a form of insurance, not a scam, even though it feels expensive.

How to find the lowest weekly rate

Book directly with the rental company website rather than through Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline. Third-party sites often show a lower headline price but add booking fees or lock you into a non-refundable rate. Calling the company directly or using their app usually gives you the best rate and more flexibility if your plans change.

Compare the same dates and location across at least three companies. Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, Avis, and National often have different pricing for the same week. One company might offer a weekly special that another does not. Loyalty programs also matter—if you are a member of a company's rewards program, you may get an additional 10 to 15 percent off.

Book early if you know your dates. Prices rise as the rental date approaches, especially during peak seasons. Booking two to three weeks ahead usually saves 20 to 30 percent compared to booking one week before. However, if prices drop after you book, most companies allow you to rebook at the lower rate without penalty.

Check whether you need a car for the full seven days. Sometimes renting for five days and then renting again for two days costs less than one continuous week, depending on how the company structures its discounts. It is worth calculating both options.

Choosing between economy, mid-size, and larger vehicles

Economy cars (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra) are the cheapest option and use the least fuel. For a week of city driving or moderate highway use, an economy car saves you $100 to $150 compared to a mid-size SUV. They are reliable and straightforward to park, but they have less cargo space and less comfortable seating for long trips.

Mid-size sedans and compact SUVs (Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5) cost $35 to $60 per day and offer more space and comfort. If you are traveling with two or more people or carrying luggage for a week, the extra room is worth the additional $70 to $140 for the week. Fuel economy is still reasonable.

Full-size SUVs and vans cost $50 to $100 per day and are necessary only if you need to transport more than five people or have substantial cargo. For most week-long rentals, they are overkill and will cost you $350 to $700 for the week plus higher fuel costs.

Understanding mileage limits and overage charges

Most weekly rentals include unlimited mileage, meaning you can drive as far as you want without extra charges. This is standard for week-long bookings at major chains. However, always confirm this when you book—some regional companies or special promotional rates cap mileage at 100 or 150 miles per day, and overage charges run $0.25 to $0.50 per mile.

If you are planning a road trip of more than 1,000 miles in a week, unlimited mileage is essential. A 1,500-mile trip with a 150-mile daily cap would cost an extra $525 to $1,050 in overage fees. Confirm the mileage policy before you commit to a rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week or rent it day by day?

Weekly rates are almost always cheaper per day than daily rates. A car that costs $45 per day rented individually might cost $38 per day when booked as a full week. For a seven-day rental, the weekly rate saves you $50 to $100 compared to paying the daily rate seven times.

Do I have to buy insurance from the rental company?

No. Check your personal auto insurance policy and your credit card benefits first—most cover rental cars. If you have neither, then buy the company's collision damage waiver. Never buy coverage you already have elsewhere.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late return fees vary by company but typically run $30 to $75 per hour or a full day's rental charge if you are more than an hour late. Some companies charge a grace period of 30 minutes to an hour. Call ahead if you know you will be late—sometimes the company will waive the fee or extend your reservation without charge.

Can I rent a car for a week if I am under 25?

Yes, but most companies charge an additional $15 to $30 per day for drivers under 25. This is a young driver surcharge, not a restriction. For a week, this adds $105 to $210 to your total cost. Some companies have higher minimum ages (Hertz requires 20, some require 21), so check the company's policy before booking.

Should I prepay for fuel or return it empty?

Prepaying for a full tank is usually cheaper if you will use most of the fuel. Returning it empty means paying the company's per-gallon rate, which is often $7 to $9 per gallon versus $3 to $4 at a gas station. Fill up at a station near the rental location before you return the car, then return it on empty.