We travel a lot, and we mean a lot. Between full time travel, hotel stays that easily top 100 nights a year, and trips across the U.S. and internationally, we’ve rented more cars than we can count. We’ve dealt with just about every major rental car company out there, including Budget, Hertz, and several international brands.

After nearly five years of consistently using Enterprise, we’ve learned what they do well, where they fall short, and what most people don’t realize until they’re already standing at the counter.

If you’re trying to decide whether Enterprise Car Rental is the right fit for your trip, this review breaks it all down the good, the frustrating, and the things no one really talks about until you experience it yourself.

Is Enterprise Car Rental Worth It?

Short answer: YES, for the right type of traveler.

After nearly five years of using Enterprise across the U.S. and internationally, we can confidently say that Enterprise Car Rental is worth it if you value flexibility, availability, and consistent service over chasing the absolute lowest daily rate.

Enterprise isn’t always the cheapest option on paper, but in our experience, it’s one of the most reliable. When travel plans change, flights get delayed, or you need a last-minute or one-way rental, Enterprise tends to handle those situations far better than most competitors.

Enterprise Car Rental Is Worth It If You:

• Travel frequently or book rentals often
  
  
• Need flexibility with after hours drop-offs or last-minute changes
  
  
• Book one-way rentals or long road trips
  
  
• Want a wide variety of vehicle options, even during busy seasons
  
  
• Value customer service that actually solves problems
  
  
• Travel with family, gear, or on unpredictable schedules (like Space-A travel)
  
  

For us, the peace of mind alone makes Enterprise worth it. Knowing there’s usually a car available, that returns won’t become a logistical nightmare, and that issues get handled without endless back-and-forth has saved us time, money, and stress.

You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If You:

• Only care about the cheapest possible daily rate
  
  
• Are renting for a very short, simple trip with fixed dates
  
  
• Don’t need flexibility around pickup or drop-off times
  
  
• Are comfortable dealing with stricter policies to save a few dollars

If your travel plans are locked in and price is your top priority, another rental company might occasionally come out cheaper. But for travelers who value reliability and adaptability, Enterprise consistently delivers.

Bottom line: If you’re asking “should I rent from Enterprise?” and your trip involves any complexity at all, our answer is yes. Enterprise is worth it for travelers who want fewer surprises and more control over how their rental experience actually plays out.

What Variety of Vehicle Options Does Enterprise Offer?

Enterprise offers one of the widest selections of rental vehicles we’ve seen, ranging from entry-level economy cars and pickup trucks to full-size SUVs and luxury car rental options. No matter the type of trip, they usually have something that fits the need.

Over the years, we’ve personally rented everything from compact four-door economy cars to a six-passenger van and a midsize SUV. Each rental worked exactly as intended for the type of travel we were doing, whether it was a quick city stay or a longer road trip with more gear.

One thing that consistently stands out is availability. As the largest car rental provider in the U.S., Enterprise has almost always had a vehicle ready for us, even during busy travel periods.

In the last six months alone, we’ve rented from Enterprise four separate times, and every one of those rentals was a one-way booking, something not all companies handle as smoothly. If having a strong variety of vehicle options matters to you, especially when plans change or you need flexibility, Enterprise

is hard to beat.

Reserving a Car Rental with Enterprise

Reserving a car with Enterprise is straightforward and stress-free. You can book online ahead of time for your desired pickup location and time, which helps ensure a vehicle is ready when you arrive, without surprise reservation fees.

Another easy option is using the Enterprise Car Rental app, especially if you rent often or manage bookings on the go. While we usually reserve directly through the website, the app is a solid tool for checking availability, managing reservations, and making quick changes right from your mobile phone.

If you travel frequently or rely on Enterprise rent services for one-way trips, last-minute changes, or longer rentals, having the app downloaded can definitely make the process smoother and more efficient.

The Major Perks of Using Enterprise Car Rentals

Late-Night and After-Hours Drop-Offs

One of the biggest reasons we almost exclusively use Enterprise Car Rentals now is their flexibility, especially when it comes to drop-off times.

We learned this lesson the hard way after getting burned by another company. We once rented a car from Baltimore International Airport for a quick drive to a town near Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst to catch an early morning Space-A flight. Before heading out, we specifically discussed office hours and return options because timing was tight.

When we called Budget to confirm, we were told the car could only be returned during normal business hours. That meant I had to completely reroute our plans: drive back to Philadelphia International Airport to return the car, then grab an Uber to Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst. The extra cost, added stress, and lost time were brutal, especially with such a narrow window.

That experience made it very clear how important flexible drop-off times are, especially if you’re traveling early, late, or on unpredictable schedules. Since then, Enterprise has consistently allowed us to return vehicles after hours at many car rental locations, making travel days far smoother and far less stressful.

Pro tip: No matter which company you use, always confirm after-hours return policies directly with the rental agent when they’re checking your documents. Policies can vary by location, and it’s better to ask upfront than scramble later.

For us, Enterprise’s after-hours drop-off flexibility alone has been a major reason we keep coming back.

Better Deals In-Office With a Same-Day Rental

We’re very much last-minute travelers, constantly jumping in and out of Space-A terminals like pilots on standby. Because of that, we’ve learned that booking online isn’t always the best option with Enterprise.

More than a few Enterprise managers have told us that same-day, in-office rentals can sometimes unlock special discounts that aren’t advertised online. When you’re in a pinch and need a car fast, talking directly with the desk staff can work in your favor.

We’ve also been told that they can occasionally arrange one-way rentals this way, even if the drop-off location still shows as the original pickup spot on the car rental information or terms of use paperwork. That sounds confusing, but in practice, it’s worked smoothly for us.

We did exactly this on a last-minute rental from Fairfield, California, and returned the vehicle at Joint Base Lewis–McChord without a single issue. No surprise fees, no follow-up problems, no stress.

Pro tip: If you’re renting same day or dealing with unpredictable travel plans, it’s worth walking into an Enterprise location and asking what they can do. Those in-office options can be a game changer when timing matters.

Free Shuttle Service

We’ve used Enterprise’s free shuttle service multiple times, and it’s one of those underrated perks that makes a big difference. One time, we called from Shades of Green and asked for a pickup, and they came without any hassle.

And just to clear up a common concern: they don’t care about your credit score when it comes to the shuttle. If you need a ride to or from the branch, they’ll pick you up. Period.

This service is available at most Enterprise branch offices and includes free pickup and drop-off, which is incredibly helpful if you don’t have a car, are traveling solo, or are trying to avoid ride-share costs. It’s a small thing, but it shows that Enterprise actually thinks about customer convenience instead of nickel-and-diming you for every extra step.

For us, that reliability is one more reason Enterprise keeps ending up at the top of our list when we need a rental car.

Complimentary Clorox Wipes

When you travel as much as we do, staying healthy becomes a priority, especially when you’re constantly getting in and out of planes, hotels, and rental cars. Germs travel fast, and not everyone has the best habits.

One thing we genuinely appreciate about Enterprise is their Complete Clean Pledge. In many of the cars we’ve rented, they didn’t just leave one, but two single-use Clorox wipes inside the vehicle. That small detail makes it easy to quickly wipe down high-touch surfaces like the steering wheel, door handles, center console, and touchscreen before hitting the road.

It’s a simple but thoughtful touch that gives us peace of mind, whether we’re traveling for vacation or business. Anything that helps lower the chances of catching a cold or flu while on the move is a win in our book and this is one area where Enterprise consistently shows they care.

Enterprise Car Rental Pros and Cons

After years of real-world use, across airport rentals, military bases, one-way trips, and last-minute bookings, here’s our honest breakdown of the pros and cons of Enterprise Car Rental.

Pros of Enterprise Car Rental

Wide variety of vehicle options

Enterprise consistently offers one of the largest selections we’ve seen, from economy cars to SUVs, vans, and luxury rentals. Availability has rarely been an issue for us, even during busy travel seasons.

Flexible after-hours drop-offs

This is a huge advantage. Being able to return a car late at night or early in the morning without rerouting our entire trip is one of the main reasons we stick with Enterprise.

Strong one-way rental network

While one-way fees vary, Enterprise actually makes one-way rentals possible in many situations where other companies simply won’t. This is especially valuable for long-distance travel and Space-A logistics.

Free shuttle service at most locations

The free pickup and drop-off shuttle is an underrated perk that saves time and money, especially if you’re trying to avoid rideshares or don’t have a car at pickup.

Consistent customer service

Across dozens of rentals, we’ve had far more positive interactions than negative ones. Staff have helped us with last-minute changes, forgotten items, and tight timelines without making things harder than they need to be.

Military-friendly locations

Having Enterprise locations on or near military bases is a major advantage for military families and Space-A travelers.

Cons of Enterprise Car Rental

One-way fees can be unpredictable

This is one of the most common Enterprise car rental complaints, and it’s valid. One-way fees vary by location, demand, and time of year, and can range from reasonable to surprisingly high.

Fuel options can be expensive if misunderstood

The Pre-Pay fuel option only makes sense if you return the car nearly empty. Otherwise, it often ends up costing more than refueling yourself.

Toll service fees add up

While the toll system is convenient, the service fees can be higher than the tolls themselves. It’s hassle-free, but not always the cheapest option.

Pricing varies significantly by location

Enterprise rental pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Airport locations, tourist hubs, and high-demand areas often cost more than neighborhood branches.

Not always the cheapest upfront option

If your only goal is the lowest possible daily rate, Enterprise may not always win. Where they shine is flexibility, availability, and service, not bargain-basement pricing.

The Bottom Line on Enterprise Pros and Cons

If you value flexibility, availability, and fewer logistical headaches, Enterprise’s advantages often outweigh the downsides. If you’re extremely price-sensitive or booking a simple round-trip rental with no schedule changes, another company might come out cheaper.

For us, the pros consistently outweigh the cons, especially for complex travel, one-way trips, and military connected travel.

Enterprise Car Rental Pricing: What to Expect

When it comes to Enterprise Car Rental pricing, there’s no single flat rate, and that’s where a lot of confusion (and frustration) comes from. Enterprise pricing is dynamic and influenced by several factors that can cause prices to swing pretty dramatically from one trip to the next.

Here’s what you should realistically expect.

Daily Rates Vary Widely

Enterprise car rental pricing can range anywhere from budget-friendly to surprisingly expensive, depending on:

• Pickup location (airport vs neighborhood branch)
• Time of year and local demand
• Vehicle class
• Length of rental
• One-way vs round-trip booking

We’ve seen daily rates that felt like a steal and others that made us pause and rethink the plan. Airport locations and high-traffic destinations almost always cost more than off-airport branches.

Rule of thumb: flexibility in pickup location and dates can save you real money.

One-Way Rentals Affect Pricing Fast

One-way rentals are where Enterprise pricing can really jump.

Sometimes the one-way fee is quietly baked into the daily rate. Other times, it shows up as a very obvious added cost. We’ve paid anywhere from under $150 to over $300 for one-way rentals depending on distance, demand, and where the car needed to end up.

This doesn’t make Enterprise bad at one-way rentals, it actually makes them more flexible than many competitors. But it does mean you should always ask for the total price upfront before committing.

Fuel Options Impact the Final Cost

Enterprise offers three fuel options, and your choice here can noticeably affect what you pay:

• Pre-Pay Fuel: Convenient but usually the most expensive unless you return the car almost empty
• Pay Upon Return: Easy, but the per-gallon rate is higher than local gas stations
• Return at Current Level: Almost always the cheapest and most predictable option

If you’re trying to control costs, returning the car with the same fuel level you picked it up with is usually your best bet.

Location Demand Plays a Huge Role

Enterprise rental fees are heavily influenced by local demand. Busy airports, tourist destinations, military PCS seasons, and event-heavy cities all drive prices up.

On the flip side, neighborhood branches or same-day, in-person rentals can sometimes unlock better rates, especially if inventory is high and cars need to move.

The Bottom Line on Enterprise Pricing

If you’re asking “How much does Enterprise car rental cost?” the honest answer is: it depends, but the pricing usually reflects flexibility, availability, and service rather than rock-bottom deals.

Enterprise may not always be the cheapest option on paper, but for travelers who need one-way rentals, late drop-offs, or last-minute changes, the value often shows up where it matters most, fewer headaches and fewer travel disruptions.

Enterprise Car Rental Pricing & Hidden Fees

Car hire pricing can look straightforward at first glance, but like most rental car companies, the final cost often depends on fees, fuel choices, and rental type. Here’s where Enterprise pricing can surprise you and how to avoid paying more than you expected.

Enterprise One-Way Rentals: Are They a Good Deal?

One-way rentals can be incredibly convenient or surprisingly expensive, and with Enterprise, whether they’re “worth it” really comes down to your route, timing, and flexibility.

Enterprise does offer one-way car rentals, which is a major advantage compared to rental companies that severely limit availability or add strict restrictions. We’ve used Enterprise for multiple one-way rentals across the U.S., especially when coordinating Space-A flights, repositioning trips, and last-minute travel changes.

That said, one-way rentals are where Enterprise pricing can vary the most.

In some cases, the one-way cost is barely noticeable and quietly rolled into the daily rate. Other times, it appears as a separate fee that can feel shockingly high if you’re not expecting it. Based on our experience, pricing differences usually come down to:

• Location demand
• Time of year
• Vehicle availability
• Where Enterprise needs the car returned or repositioned

We’ve also noticed that same-day, in-office rentals sometimes come with more flexibility, while pre-booked one-way reservations are more likely to trigger a clearly defined one-way fee.

So, are Enterprise one-way rentals a good deal?

They can be, especially if the convenience saves you time, stress, or additional transportation costs. But they’re not something we recommend booking blindly without asking questions first.

Below, we break down exactly how Enterprise handles one-way fees, what we’ve personally been charged, and how to avoid getting caught off guard.

One-Way Fees: What We’ve Actually Paid

If you’re booking a same-day, in-office rental, the one-way fee doesn’t always show up as a separate line item. In some cases, Enterprise simply rolls that cost into the daily rate. The first time this happened to us, we were skeptical and triple-checked everything and sure enough, the pricing was accurate.

That said, this is where things can vary wildly.

On a recent one-way rental from Prescott, Arizona to Fairfield, California (shoutout to Shalamar and Emily — they were amazing), we were charged a $300 one-way fee. In the past, we’ve seen one-way fees as low as $145 for similar distances, so the difference was noticeable.

Here’s the key thing to understand: Enterprise one-way rental fees are heavily influenced by location, demand, and timing, and they’re often set at the manager level. Enterprise’s internal policies allow flexibility, which means pricing can change quickly depending on vehicle inventory and where the car needs to end up next.

Our advice: before committing to a one-way rental, always ask for the exact one-way fee upfront, especially if you’re booking last minute. Knowing that number ahead of time can help you decide whether the convenience is worth it or if another option makes more sense.

Pre-Pay, Pay Upon Return, or Return at Current Fuel Level

Pre-Pay Fuel Option

The Pre-Pay fuel option sounds convenient at first, especially when you’re booking upcoming reservations and trying to save time. The idea is simple: you pay upfront for a full tank of gas and return the car without worrying about refueling.

But here’s the catch, and this one got us.

When we returned the vehicle, our receipt was much higher than expected. With the Pre-Pay option, you’re charged for an entire tank of gas no matter how much you actually use. To truly get your money’s worth, you’d need to return the car with the fuel gauge nearly on empty.

In our case, we returned the car with about ¾ of a tank still full, which means we essentially paid for gas we didn’t use. That leftover fuel doesn’t get refunded, and Enterprise can turn around and rent the car again with that gas still in it. From a business standpoint, this clearly benefits Enterprise, but it’s not a great deal for the customer unless you time it perfectly.

Our takeaway: only choose the Pre-Pay fuel option if you’re confident you’ll return the car almost empty. Otherwise, it’s usually cheaper and fairer to refill the tank yourself before drop-off or choose the “return at current level” option.

Pay Upon Return

The Pay Upon Return option is exactly what it sounds like. If you don’t want to stop for gas before returning the car, Enterprise will refuel it for you and charge accordingly. They use the vehicle’s onboard computer to estimate how much fuel is needed to bring the tank back to full, then add that cost to your final receipt.

This option can be convenient when you’re short on time, but keep in mind that the per-gallon price is usually higher than what you’d pay at a local gas station.

Return at Current Fuel Level

This is the most straightforward and typically the most cost-effective option. When you pick up the vehicle, you and the rental agent note the current fuel level. You’re expected to return the car with the same amount of fuel.

As long as you refill the tank before drop-off, there are no extra fuel charges, making this the best choice if you’re trying to avoid hidden fees and keep your rental costs predictable.

How Do the Tolls Work in an Enterprise Rental Car?

I’ll be honest, tolls have caught us off guard more than once. When you travel as much as we do, it’s easy to forget about a random toll from months ago and then suddenly get a bill in the mail, sometimes with added late fees.

The good news is that Enterprise generally makes tolls pretty straightforward. Enterprise automatically charges tolls to your rental and adds a separate convenience or service fee for handling the payment on your behalf. This is especially common at high-traffic rental locations like Disney, where toll roads are unavoidable.

When we picked up our car, the branch confirmed that any tolls we went through would automatically be added to our rental agreement and charged to the card on file. No invoices showing up later, no tracking toll roads, and no surprise late fees.

When we received our final receipt, we saw:

• $3.50 in toll charges
• $4.95 service (convenience) fee

The service fee was actually higher than the tolls themselves, which isn’t ideal, especially since traffic that morning around Orlando wasn’t terrible. That said, the convenience factor was real. Not having to worry about unpaid tolls, mailed notices, or extra penalties made the experience completely stress-free.

For us, the hassle-free setup was worth the extra few dollars, but it’s definitely something to factor into your budget if you’ll be driving in toll-heavy areas.

Requirements for Renting a Car with Enterprise (What’s New)

To rent a car with Enterprise, the basics are pretty standard. You’ll need to meet the minimum age requirement, have a valid state-issued driver’s license, and provide a credit card or another accepted form of payment. Many travel-focused credit cards also include rental car insurance as a built-in perk, which can save you money at the counter.

One newer change we noticed in 2024 is how Enterprise handles insurance when you decline their coverage. If you’re relying on a credit card benefit, like coverage from the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you may be asked to provide the name of your personal auto insurance company along with your policy number. This step helps Enterprise confirm there’s adequate coverage in case of damage or an accident during your rental.

While some premium travel cards offer primary collision coverage, that protection doesn’t always meet every rental company’s internal requirements. Policies can vary, and what’s accepted one time may be handled differently the next.

If you’re unsure whether your credit card coverage will be sufficient, it’s best to contact Enterprise customer support directly before your trip. They can walk you through current requirements and help you avoid surprises at the rental counter, especially if you’re booking last minute or doing a one-way rental.

Where to Rent a Car from Enterprise

You’ll find an Enterprise rental car location at nearly every major airport, making it easy to pick up a vehicle no matter where your travels take you. Between full-time travel and constant flights, we’ve visited more Enterprise locations than we can count.

One thing that’s stayed consistent is the award-winning customer service. Whether we’re renting in the U.S. or internationally, the experience has been reliable and straightforward. We’ve been especially impressed with Enterprise locations in Latin America, where staff have gone out of their way to help with paperwork, vehicle swaps, and even last-minute changes.

If convenience, availability, and solid service matter to you, renting directly from an airport Enterprise location is usually the easiest and most stress-free option.

Locations and International Rentals We’ve Used

Over the years, we’ve rented cars with Enterprise across multiple countries and regions, including Mexico, Japan, and throughout the United States. No matter what part of the world you’re traveling to, it’s usually easy to find an Enterprise rental car location. Whether that’s at a major international airport or a city-center branch.

Having access to familiar rental locations worldwide has made international travel far less stressful for us. Knowing what to expect at the counter, how the pickup process works, and what paperwork is required adds a layer of consistency, especially when navigating a new country.

One important thing to know when renting internationally: some countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular U.S. driver’s license. Even in places where it’s not legally required, rental agencies or local authorities may still ask for one. We always recommend getting an IDP before leaving the U.S. to avoid issues at the rental counter or during a traffic stop. 

You can read our full step-by-step guide on how to get an AAA International Driving Permit here and why it’s worth having even if you’re unsure you’ll need it. 

If you’re planning a road trip in Japan, where knowing local driving rules, left-side roads, and toll systems make a big difference. Check out our guide to renting and driving in Japan for tips before you go. 

Between Enterprise’s global footprint and being prepared with the right documentation, renting a car abroad has been smooth and predictable for us — which is exactly what you want when traveling internationally.

Our Favorite Enterprise Location: Joint Base Lewis–McChord: JBLM

Our favorite Enterprise location hands down is the Enterprise at Joint Base Lewis–McChord (JBLM). Even with limited availability, this team came through for us when it mattered most, providing a vehicle so we could move our personal car into a secure parking space before heading out on a six-month Space-A adventure through Asia.

Ty Ward deserves a special shoutout. He’s helped us on multiple occasions and always brings high energy, clear communication, and solutions. From last-minute rentals to securing some of the best rental cars available, including a six-passenger van on short notice, he consistently made things happen when timing was tight.

On one trip, after arriving back from Travis AFB, we realized the next day that we had accidentally left a small bag under the passenger seat. It contained important travel gear like cords, thumb drives, and adapters. We immediately called the phone number listed on our rental details paperwork, and Ty stepped in right away. He contacted the current renter, coordinated everything, and helped us recover the bag quickly and stress-free.

That level of service is exactly why this JBLM location stands out to us. When logistics are complicated and timing is tight, having a rental team you trust makes all the difference.

Car Seat Rentals

Enterprise offers car seat rentals for families traveling with young children, which can be a lifesaver when hauling your own seat just isn’t realistic. While we personally travel with a Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat because it’s compact and easy to pack, Enterprise’s car seat rental option is a solid backup.

If you’re flying in, doing a one-way rental, or juggling a tight itinerary, renting a car seat directly from Enterprise can simplify things and cut down on extra luggage stress. It’s not something we use often, but it’s reassuring to know the option is there when you need it.

Good to Know Before Renting

If you want to travel worry-free, Enterprise offers optional roadside assistance that you can add at checkout. This can be helpful if you’re driving long distances, heading into remote areas, or just want extra peace of mind during your trip.

That said, many premium travel credit cards already include roadside assistance at no additional cost. Before adding it to your rental, it’s worth checking your card benefits so you don’t pay twice for the same coverage. A quick look at your credit card perks could save you money and still keep your trip stress-free.

Enterprise Car Rental for Military & Space-A Travelers

If you’re a military family or someone who regularly flies Space-A, renting a car looks very different than it does for a typical vacationer and this is where Enterprise consistently stands out.

Why Enterprise Works So Well for Space-A Travel

Space-A travel is unpredictable by nature. Flights change, terminals shift, arrival times move, and sometimes plans fall apart entirely. Because of that, flexibility matters far more than flashy rewards programs or rock-bottom teaser pricing.

Enterprise has proven, time and time again, to be one of the most reliable rental options for military and Space-A travelers navigating last-minute changes. One of the biggest advantages is location access. Enterprise operates on or near many military installations, making it far easier to grab a car after landing or return one before hopping on a Space-A flight. Having a rental car location close to base eliminates the need for expensive rideshares, awkward shuttles, or relying on someone else’s schedule.

If you’re new to Space-A or still figuring out how to plan trips around it, we break down the entire process step by step in our full Space-A guide, including terminals, categories, fees, and how we build trips around flexible flights.

One-Way Rentals, After-Hours Returns, and Real Flexibility

Another major win for Space-A travelers is one-way rental flexibility, especially when repositioning between bases or airports. We’ve used Enterprise repeatedly for one-way rentals to and from bases like Joint Base Lewis–McChord and Travis AFB, often with very little notice. While one-way pricing can vary, Enterprise is far more accommodating than many competitors when it comes to actually making these rentals happen.

After-hours drop-offs are also a huge plus. Space-A flights don’t care about business hours and neither do early morning roll calls or late-night arrivals. Enterprise’s ability to accept vehicles outside of standard office hours has saved us both time and money on more than one occasion.

While Enterprise does offer a military discount (covered in detail below), the real value for Space-A travelers isn’t just the percentage off. It’s the operational flexibility, base proximity, and staff who are accustomed to working with military customers. That combination makes Enterprise one of the most practical car rental options for anyone navigating the realities of military travel.

If you’re flying Space-A, moving between bases, or building trips around unpredictable schedules, Enterprise isn’t just convenient it’s often the difference between a smooth transition and a logistical headache.

The Military Discount

Travel costs add up fast, so every discount helps. Enterprise currently offers a 5% military discount, which can still make a meaningful difference, especially on longer rentals.

This discount is available to active-duty service members, veterans, retired military, and current federal government employees when reserving vehicles for leisure or official government travel at participating U.S. locations.

Important to know: The military discount does not apply in Hawaii or at international Enterprise locations. Availability can also vary by branch, so it’s always a good idea to ask directly when booking or at the counter.

Pro tip: Even when the military discount isn’t available, some Enterprise locations can still offer local or manager-approved rates, especially for same-day or one-way rentals, so it never hurts to ask.

Enterprise Plus: How the Rental Car Rewards Program Works

If you rent with Enterprise even semi-regularly, Enterprise Plus is worth signing up for. It’s their free rewards program, and the perks add up faster than you might expect.

You earn points for every qualifying dollar you spend at participating Enterprise locations worldwide. As long as you complete one qualifying rental every three years, your points never expire, which is great if you rent sporadically like we do between trips.

Those points can be redeemed for free rental days on almost any available car, any day, with no blackout dates. The free day covers the base rate (time and mileage), while taxes, fees, and optional add-ons are still your responsibility.

Bottom line: if you already rent from Enterprise, this is an easy yes. It’s free, low-effort, and actually useful.

Other Services Enterprise Offers

Enterprise Truck Rental

If you’re moving, hauling gear, or tackling a big project, Enterprise Truck Rental is a solid option. They offer box trucks, cargo vans, pickup trucks, and larger moving vehicles at dedicated locations designed specifically for these rentals.

With more than 500 truck rental locations across the U.S. and Canada, it’s fairly easy to find a vehicle that fits your needs without relying on traditional moving companies.

Are You Looking for a Used Car?

Enterprise doesn’t just rent cars, they also sell them. Many of the vehicles for sale are former rentals that have been regularly maintained and inspected. Their inventory includes thousands of cars nationwide, with plenty of options priced under $25,000.

If you’re shopping for a reliable used car and want transparent pricing with no-pressure sales tactics, Enterprise’s used car sales program is worth checking out.

Enterprise Car Rental vs Other Companies: Budget, Hertz, and More

If you’re comparison shopping, you’re not alone. A lot of travelers don’t just ask “Is Enterprise worth it?”, they’re actively weighing it against other major rental car companies like Budget, Hertz, and Avis.

We’ve rented from all of them, repeatedly, both in the U.S. and internationally, and while every company has its pros, Enterprise continues to come out ahead for our style of travel.

Enterprise vs Budget

Budget often looks cheaper upfront, especially when you’re booking online. But in our experience, that lower price can come with trade-offs.

We’ve run into stricter return windows, limited after-hours drop-off options, and far less flexibility when plans change. For travelers with fixed itineraries, Budget can work. But for early flights, late arrivals, or anything unpredictable (hello Space-A), it’s not always the best fit.

Enterprise consistently offers more forgiving policies, better communication, and fewer surprises when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Enterprise vs Hertz

Hertz tends to focus heavily on loyalty status and premium upgrades, which can be appealing if you rent frequently for business. However, availability has been hit-or-miss for us, especially during peak travel seasons or when we needed a last-minute rental.

Another growing concern with Hertz is their newer camera-based drive-through vehicle inspection systems, which have been widely reported for flagging questionable or inaccurate damage claims after drop-off. Many renters have shared experiences of being charged unexpected fees for damage they didn’t cause, based solely on automated images rather than in-person inspections. That kind of uncertainty is stressful, especially when you’re traveling on a tight schedule or returning a car after hours.

Enterprise, on the other hand, has reliably had cars available when we needed them, even for one-way rentals or same-day pickups. More importantly, we’ve consistently experienced clear, human-reviewed inspections and straightforward billing, without surprise post-rental charges showing up days or weeks later.

That combination of availability, transparency, and fewer “gotcha” fees is a big reason Enterprise continues to feel like the safer and more predictable option for our style of travel.

Why We Keep Choosing Enterprise

For us, the biggest difference isn’t just price, it’s reliability and flexibility.

Enterprise stands out for:

• More locations, including near military bases
• Better after-hours drop-off options
• Easier one-way rentals
• Staff who are willing to work with you instead of defaulting to policy scripts
  
  

When you’re traveling with kids, coordinating Space-A flights, or dealing with moving parts across multiple locations, those things matter far more than saving a few dollars upfront.

If your travel plans are rigid and predictable, other companies might work just fine. But if you need room to pivot, adjust, or problem-solve on the fly, Enterprise consistently delivers a smoother experience.

Who Should Rent from Enterprise Car Rental?

Enterprise isn’t the right fit for everyone, but for the right type of traveler, it’s hard to beat. After years of renting across the U.S. and internationally, we’ve noticed a clear pattern in who benefits most from using Enterprise.

Enterprise Is Best For:

Families and group travelers

If you’re traveling with kids, extra luggage, or need larger vehicles, Enterprise shines. Their availability of SUVs, vans, and family-friendly options makes it easier to find a car that actually fits your needs, not just your budget.

Long road trips and one-way travel

Enterprise works well for longer rentals and repositioning trips, especially when you don’t need to return the car to the same location. While one-way fees can vary, the overall flexibility and nationwide footprint make these trips far easier to manage.

Military and Space-A travelers

This is a big one for us. Enterprise locations near military bases, flexible return options, and familiarity with unpredictable schedules make them especially helpful for Space-A travelers. When flights change or plans shift last minute, having a rental company that can adapt matters.

Travelers who value flexibility over rock-bottom pricing

Enterprise isn’t always the cheapest option upfront, but it consistently delivers when plans change. After-hours drop-offs, free shuttle service at many locations, and staff who are willing to problem-solve instead of defaulting to policy scripts all add real value.

People renting last minute or same day

If you often book on the fly, Enterprise is one of the better options. We’ve had solid luck walking into locations and finding cars available, sometimes even with better in-office rates than what was shown online.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere:

If your trip is short, your schedule is fixed, and price is the only thing that matters, other rental companies may come in cheaper. Budget or similar brands can work fine for quick, predictable rentals where flexibility isn’t needed.

The Bottom Line

Enterprise is a strong choice for travelers who want reliability, availability, and flexibility, especially families, long-haul road trippers, military travelers, and anyone whose plans aren’t set in stone. If that sounds like you, Enterprise is absolutely worth considering.

Why We Use Enterprise and How It Fits Into Our Travel Life

We rely on Enterprise for a few key reasons, but the biggest one is convenience, especially when it comes to traveling with Space-A. Having Enterprise locations on or near military bases makes picking up and returning a car incredibly easy and low-stress. When flights, terminals, or plans change last minute, that flexibility matters.

Another major reason we stick with Enterprise is their after-hours drop-off option. Our travel life is anything but predictable, and knowing we can return a car outside of normal business hours takes a huge weight off our shoulders. That flexibility alone has saved us time, money, and unnecessary stress more times than we can count.

Customer service is also consistently solid. From airport locations to smaller branch offices, we’ve had great experiences with staff who actually try to help instead of rushing you through the process. On one trip, we were assigned a 6-passenger Chrysler van with leather seats and a folding third row, which made a four-hour drive feel easy and comfortable.

Between the reliability, flexibility, and vehicle quality, Enterprise continues to be our go-to choice when we need some of the best road trip cars to support our constantly moving lifestyle.