Weekly van rental rates typically range from $300 to $800, depending on the van size, where you rent it, and the rental company you choose.

The price you pay depends on four main things: the type of van, your location, the time of year, and which rental company you use. A cargo van costs less than a passenger van, which costs less than a full-size moving van. Renting in a major city usually costs more than renting in a smaller town. Summer and holiday weeks cost more than off-season weeks. And national chains like Enterprise or Budget price differently than local operators.

Most rental companies quote a daily rate, then multiply it by seven days. Some offer a weekly rate that's slightly cheaper per day than the daily rate. You'll also pay for mileage (either unlimited or per-mile charges), insurance, fuel, and sometimes a facility fee. These add-ons can easily add $100 to $300 to your total.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard cargo van rents for roughly $40 to $70 per day, while a full-size passenger van runs $60 to $100 per day, so a week costs $280 to $700 before add-ons.
  • Unlimited mileage is usually included with weekly rentals at national chains, but local companies and budget operators often charge per mile, which can add $50 to $200 depending on your trip distance.
  • Insurance through the rental company typically costs $15 to $30 per day; check whether your personal auto policy or credit card covers rental vehicles before paying for it.
  • Fuel, facility fees, and taxes can add another $50 to $150 to your total, so always ask for the final price before you commit.

How van size affects the weekly cost

Cargo vans are the cheapest option. These are typically 10 to 15 feet long, hold 2 to 4 people, and have an open cargo area behind the driver. Weekly rates at national chains usually run $280 to $420. Local rental companies sometimes undercut this, but not always.

Passenger vans (also called minivans or seven-seaters) cost more because they seat more people and have more amenities. A week typically costs $420 to $700 at national chains. These are good if you need to move people and some cargo at the same time.

Full-size moving vans are the most expensive. These are 20 to 26 feet long and designed for major moves. Weekly rates start around $500 and can reach $1,200 or more, depending on the company and location. If you only need to haul cargo, a cargo van or passenger van usually does the job for less money.

Mileage charges and what unlimited really means

National rental chains—Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, U-Haul—typically include unlimited mileage with weekly rentals. This means you pay the weekly rate and drive as far as you want without extra charges per mile.

Local rental companies and some budget operators charge per mile instead. Rates usually run $0.15 to $0.50 per mile. If you drive 500 miles in a week, that's $75 to $250 on top of your base rental cost. If you drive 1,000 miles, it's $150 to $500. Ask about mileage before you book, because this can double your total cost.

One exception: some national chains offer lower daily rates but charge per mile. Always compare the total cost (daily rate plus estimated mileage) rather than the daily rate alone.

Insurance, fuel, and fees that add to the bill

Rental companies offer collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) insurance, which covers damage to the van if you're in an accident. This typically costs $15 to $30 per day, so $105 to $210 for a week. Before you buy it, check your personal auto insurance policy and your credit card benefits—many cover rental vehicles, which means you don't need to pay the rental company's insurance.

Fuel is your responsibility. The van comes with a full tank, and you return it full. If you don't, the rental company charges a premium per gallon—often $5 to $8 per gallon, much higher than gas station prices. Budget for fuel based on the van's size and your planned mileage. A cargo van might use 15 to 20 gallons for 500 miles; a full-size moving van might use 25 to 35 gallons.

Facility fees, airport surcharges, and taxes vary by location and company. These can add $30 to $100 to your bill. Ask for the total price, including all fees and taxes, before you confirm your reservation.

Seasonal and location differences in pricing

Summer (June through August) and major holidays are peak rental season. Van prices can jump 20 to 40 percent during these periods. If you can rent in the off-season (September through May, excluding holidays), you'll usually pay less.

Urban areas and tourist destinations charge more than rural areas. Renting a van in New York City or Los Angeles costs significantly more than renting the same van in a smaller city two hours away. If you have flexibility, picking up and dropping off in a less busy location can save money.

One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) usually cost more than round-trip rentals. Some companies charge a drop-off fee; others build it into a higher daily rate. If you need a one-way rental, compare the total cost to renting round-trip and driving back yourself.

National chains versus local rental companies

National chains like Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, and U-Haul have consistent pricing and policies across locations. They typically include unlimited mileage on weekly rentals, offer online booking, and have clear cancellation policies. Their prices are usually in the middle range—not the cheapest, but predictable.

Local rental companies sometimes undercut national chains on the base daily rate, but they often charge per mile or add facility fees that eat into the savings. They may have less transparent pricing, stricter cancellation policies, or fewer vehicle options. Call and ask for the total out-the-door price before comparing.

Home Depot and Lowe's rent moving vans through third-party operators. These are often cheaper than dedicated rental companies for short trips, but the selection is limited and availability depends on your local store. Check their websites for pricing in your area.

How to get the actual price before you book

Online quotes often don't include all fees and taxes. To get an accurate total, you need to enter your pickup location, drop-off location, rental dates, and van type, then look at the final price breakdown. Most rental websites show this before you commit.

Call the rental location directly if the online price seems too good to be true. Ask specifically about mileage charges, insurance, fuel policy, facility fees, and taxes. Write down the total price the agent quotes you, including the date and time of the call. This protects you if the price changes when you arrive.

Compare at least three companies—two national chains and one local operator—using the same pickup location, drop-off location, dates, and van type. The cheapest option isn't always the best if it has hidden fees or a poor reputation, but comparing forces companies to compete on price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy insurance from the rental company?

Not necessarily. Check your personal auto insurance policy and your credit card benefits first—many cover rental vehicles at no extra cost. If neither covers rentals, then buy the rental company's insurance. Confirm coverage details before you decline their offer, because you're responsible for any damage if you're not covered.

What happens if I return the van late?

Most rental companies charge an hourly rate for late returns, usually $15 to $50 per hour depending on the company. Some charge a full day's rate if you're more than a few hours late. Check the rental agreement for the exact policy, and call ahead if you know you'll be late—some companies waive small overages if you notify them in advance.

Can I rent a van one-way and save money?

Usually not. One-way rentals typically cost more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the van back to its original location. Compare the one-way price to the round-trip price plus your own fuel and time to drive back before deciding.

Are there cheaper alternatives to renting a van for a week?

If you only need the van for a few days, daily rates might be cheaper than a weekly rate—do the math. For longer moves, peer-to-peer rental platforms like Turo or Peerspace sometimes offer vans at lower rates, though availability and insurance coverage vary. Buying a used van and reselling it afterward is an option for very long-term needs, but it requires time and carries risk.

What's included in the weekly rate?

The weekly rate covers the van itself and usually unlimited mileage (at national chains). It does not include fuel, insurance, taxes, or facility fees. Always ask for a complete breakdown of what's included and what costs extra before you book.