Planning a cross-country road trip or need a rental car for an extended business trip? Here’s what you need to know right off the bat: unlimited mileage car rentals let you drive as far as you want without paying extra per-mile fees.

Major companies like Enterprise, Budget, and Avis include unlimited mileage on most standard vehicles across the United States, though you’ll want to watch out for restrictions on luxury cars and large SUVs. Daily rates typically run between $30 and $80 depending on your location, vehicle type, and booking time.

What is Unlimited Mileage Car Rental?

Unlimited mileage car rental means exactly what it sounds like—you can drive as many miles as you want without racking up extra charges. There’s no daily cap, no weekly maximum, and no hidden fees when you return the vehicle.

With unlimited mileage, that entire calculation disappears. Whether you drive 100 miles or 3,000 miles during your rental period, the price stays the same. You’re paying a flat daily or weekly rate, and the odometer reading when you return the car doesn’t matter one bit.

Most rental companies in the US have shifted toward offering unlimited mileage as their standard policy for economy and mid-size vehicles. It’s become the industry norm rather than the exception.

However, you’ll still find mileage caps on specialty vehicles, certain luxury models, and in specific rental situations like long-term rentals or insurance replacements.

How Much Does Unlimited Mileage Car Rental Cost?

• Economy cars typically start around $30 to $45 per day with unlimited mileage included. You’ll find the best rates at airport locations in major cities, though be aware that airport convenience fees can add 10-15% to your total. 
• Mid-size sedans run between $40 and $60 per day. These are the sweet spot for most travelers—comfortable enough for long drives, efficient on gas, and widely available with unlimited mileage across all major rental companies. 
• SUVs and larger vehicles cost $60 to $100+ per day. Here’s where it gets tricky. Standard SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V usually include unlimited mileage. But larger models like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban often come with mileage restrictions, especially during peak travel seasons. 
• Weekly rates offer better value than daily rentals. A car that costs $50 per day might rent for $280 per week—that’s a 20% savings. Most companies sweeten weekly deals with guaranteed unlimited mileage, even on vehicles that might have daily caps.
• Geographic pricing differences matter more than you’d think. Renting in Las Vegas or Orlando tends to be cheaper than New York City or San Francisco. The same economy car with unlimited mileage might cost $35/day in Phoenix but $65/day in Boston.

Best Car Rental Companies with Unlimited Mileage (2025)

Enterprise Unlimited Mileage Policy

Enterprise has become the largest car rental company in North America, and their unlimited mileage policy is pretty straightforward for most rentals.

In the United States and Canada, virtually all standard car classes come with unlimited mileage. We’re talking economy cars, compacts, mid-size sedans, and standard SUVs. You can drive from Maine to California without worrying about mileage charges.

Cross-border travel between the US and Canada? No mileage restrictions apply. You can pick up a car in Seattle and drive to Vancouver, or start in Detroit and end up in Toronto, all with unlimited mileage.

One-way rentals get complicated. If you’re renting an economy or mid-size car for a one-way trip, you’ll typically get unlimited mileage. But large vans, 12-passenger vehicles, and premium SUVs often have caps ranging from 200 to 300 miles per day.

You’ll also pay a one-way fee that varies wildly—anywhere from $50 to $500 depending on the distance between pickup and drop-off locations.

Budget Rent a Car Unlimited Mileage

Budget positions itself as the value option, and they deliver on unlimited mileage for most rentals without making you jump through hoops.

SUV rentals: Standard SUVs and crossovers typically include unlimited mileage. Larger models like the Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon might have restrictions, especially during summer travel season when demand spikes.

Truck rentals: Budget offers pickup trucks in many locations. These usually come with a 100-150 mile daily cap, with overage charges around $0.35 per mile. If you need a truck for hauling but also plan to drive significant distances, factor this into your decision.

Avis Unlimited Mileage Terms

Avis operates in the premium tier of car rentals, and their unlimited mileage policy reflects that positioning—generous on most vehicles, with clear exceptions for luxury options.

Reservation process: Avis shows mileage terms at three points during booking. First, when you search for available cars, there’s a small icon next to vehicles that include unlimited mileage.

Second, when you select a specific vehicle, the details page lists mileage terms clearly. Third, on the final confirmation page, you’ll see “Unlimited Mileage” as a line item in your rate breakdown.

Luxury vehicle restrictions: This is where Avis differs from Budget and Enterprise. Premium cars like BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class, and Cadillac CT5 often come with daily mileage caps ranging from 150 to 250 miles. The overage fee runs about $0.45 to $0.65 per mile—significantly higher than standard vehicles.

Convertibles and sports cars: These typically have mileage restrictions regardless of class. A Mustang convertible might look like a mid-size car in terms of pricing, but it’ll likely have a 200-mile daily cap.

Avis Preferred benefits: Status members in the Preferred program sometimes receive unlimited mileage upgrades even on restricted vehicles. If you rent frequently, joining the program (it’s free) can unlock better terms.

Cross-country rentals: Avis explicitly allows unlimited mileage for rentals that cross state lines, as long as you’re renting a standard vehicle class. One-way coast-to-coast rentals include unlimited mileage but expect to pay a hefty drop-off fee, often $500 or more.

Hertz Unlimited Mileage Options

Hertz has been rebuilding its reputation and competitive position, and their unlimited mileage offerings have improved significantly in the past year.

Premium and luxury tiers: Hertz segments their fleet more granularly than other companies. Their “Dream Cars” collection—exotic vehicles like Corvettes and Porsches—always has mileage limits.

But their “Prestige” collection of luxury sedans sometimes includes unlimited mileage, especially for Gold Plus Rewards members.

Truck and van rentals: Hertz cargo vans and pickup trucks typically have 100-mile daily caps. However, if you’re using the vehicle for business purposes and rent through their Hertz Business program, you can often negotiate unlimited mileage terms.

International rentals: Hertz’s unlimited mileage policy is solid in the US, but their international operations work differently. In Europe, unlimited mileage is common in the UK, Germany, and France but rare in Eastern European countries. Always verify when booking internationally.

SIXT Unlimited Mileage Coverage

SIXT brings a European approach to car rentals, and they’ve been expanding aggressively in the US market. Their unlimited mileage policy is competitive but comes with some unique considerations.

Standard policy: It includes unlimited mileage at no extra cost for most vehicle categories, including one-way rentals. This is a strong selling point since many competitors charge for both one-way fees AND impose mileage limits.

Luxury vehicle exceptions: High-end vehicles in SIXT’s fleet, particularly exotic sports cars and premium luxury sedans, often have mileage caps. We’re talking about vehicles like Porsche 911s or BMW 7-Series. These caps range from 150 to 200 miles per day.

Business rentals: SIXT’s corporate program offers guaranteed unlimited mileage across all non-exotic vehicle categories, making them a strong choice for business travelers who expense rentals.

Can You Drive a Rental Car Across State Lines with Unlimited Mileage?

Yes, you absolutely can drive rental cars with unlimited mileage across state lines throughout the United States. This is standard practice, and rental companies don’t restrict interstate travel.

 When you rent from Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Hertz, or SIXT in the US, your rental agreement allows you to drive the vehicle anywhere within the continental United States. There are no geographic restrictions, no state-by-state mileage caps, and no requirements to notify the company if you cross state lines.

One-way rentals versus round-trip: There’s an important distinction here. If you’re doing a round-trip rental (pick up and return to the same location), unlimited mileage applies automatically for standard vehicles.

If you’re doing a one-way rental (pick up in one city, drop off in another), you’ll still get unlimited mileage on most vehicle types, but you’ll pay a one-way fee that can run anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the distance.

Insurance considerations: Your rental car insurance or credit card coverage typically follows you across state lines. However, if you’re traveling to a state with different insurance requirements, verify your coverage is adequate. For example, driving from Texas to Michigan involves different minimum liability requirements.

Do All Rental Cars Come with Unlimited Mileage?

No, not every rental car includes unlimited mileage, though it’s become the industry standard for most everyday rentals.

Vehicles that often have mileage restrictions include:

Large passenger vans: 12-passenger vans and similar vehicles usually have daily caps between 100-150 miles. These vehicles are expensive to maintain and consume lots of gas, so rental companies limit wear and tear through mileage caps.

Luxury sedans and sports cars: Premium vehicles like BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class, Porsche, and other high-end models frequently come with 150-250 mile daily limits. Overage charges run $0.45-$0.75 per mile.

Pickup trucks: Full-size trucks often have mileage restrictions, especially at locations where truck rentals are less common. Expect 100-150 mile daily caps in most cases.

Moving trucks: If you’re renting from a company like U-Haul or Penske, mileage charges are almost always separate from the daily rate. These typically run $0.79 to $0.99 per mile.

Geographic exceptions: Some tourist-heavy locations in Hawaii, Alaska, and certain resort towns impose mileage caps even on standard vehicles. Hawaii is notorious for this—many rentals come with 100-150 mile daily caps because the rental market there operates differently than the mainland.

Tips for Maximizing Your Unlimited Mileage Rental

Understand the fuel policy: Most rentals require you to return the car with the same fuel level as pickup. The “prepaid fuel” option rarely makes financial sense—you’re paying above-market rates and can’t get a refund for unused gas. Fill up at a gas station near the return location for the best value.

Document the vehicle condition thoroughly: Take photos and videos of the entire vehicle before leaving the rental lot, including close-ups of any existing damage, the fuel gauge, and the odometer. This protects you from fraudulent damage claims. With unlimited mileage, you’ll be putting more wear on the vehicle, so clear documentation matters even more.

Keep all toll receipts and parking tickets: Even with unlimited mileage, you’re responsible for tolls and parking. Save receipts to reconcile against your final bill. Some rental companies add administrative fees on top of toll charges if you use their electronic toll payment system.

Return on time: Late return fees can be steep—often the full daily rate plus penalties. Set a realistic return time and buffer for traffic, especially if returning to an airport location during rush hour.

Take advantage of 24-hour locations: Many airport rental locations operate 24/7, giving you flexibility to pick up or return vehicles at odd hours. This can help you maximize your rental period for the same daily rate.

Rental Car Mileage Restrictions: What to Watch For

Luxury and premium vehicles: If you’re renting a BMW, Mercedes, Cadillac, or similar high-end vehicle, read the contract carefully. Many luxury rentals have daily mileage caps between 150-250 miles, with overage fees of $0.50-$0.75 per mile.

Exotic and sports cars: Corvettes, Mustangs, Camaros, and other performance vehicles almost always have mileage restrictions, even if other vehicle classes include unlimited miles. These cars are expensive to maintain, and rental companies limit usage accordingly.

International rentals: Unlimited mileage is less common outside North America. European rentals often charge per kilometer over a daily or weekly limit. Always verify international rental terms.

Final Thoughts on Unlimited Mileage Car Rentals

Unlimited mileage car rentals have become the industry standard for good reason—they eliminate stress and unexpected costs from road trips and long-distance travel. Whether you’re planning a cross-country adventure, need flexible transportation for a business trip, or just want the freedom to explore without watching the odometer, unlimited mileage gives you that flexibility.

The major rental companies—Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Hertz, and SIXT—all offer competitive unlimited mileage options on standard vehicles. The key is knowing what to look for, asking the right questions during booking, and confirming terms before you drive away from the rental counter.

Remember to compare rates across multiple booking platforms, consider membership discounts, and factor in all costs including insurance and fuel when budgeting. A slightly higher daily rate with unlimited mileage almost always beats a cheaper rate with mileage caps once you factor in potential overage fees.

FAQs

Does unlimited mileage mean unlimited gas?

No. Unlimited mileage only removes per-mile fees — you still pay for your own fuel and must return the car with the same gas level.

Can two drivers share unlimited mileage?

Yes. Unlimited mileage applies to the car, not the driver. Both listed drivers can share miles without limits.

What if I lie about having unlimited mileage?

You can’t. If your rental has mileage limits and you exceed them, the company will charge overage fees automatically when you return the car.

Does unlimited mileage allow off-road driving?

No. Unlimited mileage covers only paved, public roads. Off-road driving breaks your rental agreement and voids insurance.

Can I extend my unlimited mileage rental?

Yes. Call your rental company before your return date to extend. Your unlimited mileage usually continues with the extension.

Is unlimited mileage available for drivers under 25?

Yes, standard cars still include unlimited mileage. However, renters aged 21–24 pay an underage fee of about $15–30 per day.

Does unlimited mileage include tolls?

No. You pay for tolls separately. Many rental companies offer toll like E-ZPass or SunPass for convenience.