When renting a car, one of the most important questions travelers often ask is, “How far can I drive it?” For many, the appeal of a rental car lies in the freedom to explore without worrying about extra costs for every mile driven.
That’s where Hertz’s unlimited mileage policy comes into play. Hertz, one of the largest and most trusted car rental companies in the world, offers both limited and unlimited mileage options depending on the rental type, location, and vehicle category.
Understanding how this policy works can save you money and prevent unexpected charges at the end of your rental period. This detailed guide explains Hertz’s unlimited mileage policy in clear, simple terms so you can make confident decisions before your next trip.
What Does “Unlimited Mileage” Mean at Hertz?
“Unlimited mileage” means you can drive the rental car as much as you want without incurring additional fees for distance traveled. In other words, there’s no cap on how many miles you can put on the vehicle during your rental period.
Whether you’re traveling across town or across the country, you won’t be charged extra based on mileage — as long as your rental agreement specifies unlimited miles.
This policy is especially valuable for road trips, business travel, and long-distance journeys where mileage can quickly add up. Instead of monitoring the odometer constantly, you can focus on your destination and travel plans.
Hertz Unlimited Mileage vs. Limited Mileage: The Key Difference
Not every Hertz rental automatically comes with unlimited mileage. Some rental agreements offer limited mileage, meaning you’re only allowed to drive a specific number of miles per day or per rental period. If you exceed that limit, you’ll be charged a per-mile fee for every additional mile.
The difference between unlimited and limited mileage rentals mainly depends on the type of vehicle and where you rent it. For example, standard cars rented at most airport or urban locations typically include unlimited mileage, while specialty vehicles like cargo vans, moving trucks, or luxury cars may come with restrictions.
Which Hertz Rentals Include Unlimited Mileage?
Hertz offers unlimited mileage on the majority of its car classes, especially those used for leisure and business travel. Below are the categories that generally include unlimited miles:
- Economy, Compact, and Mid-Size Cars: These are the most common rentals for everyday use and typically include unlimited mileage at no extra cost.
- Full-Size Sedans and SUVs: Popular with families and business travelers, these vehicles almost always feature unlimited mileage, especially on standard rates.
- Premium and Luxury Cars: Some luxury models may include unlimited miles, though others (like high-end sports cars) may have specific mileage restrictions.
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: These vehicles often come with unlimited miles, though charging availability may limit how far you can travel efficiently.
- Airport Rentals: Rentals from major airport branches usually default to unlimited mileage because they cater to long-distance travelers.
Always check your rental confirmation or ask the Hertz agent at pickup to confirm whether your specific rental includes unlimited mileage. It should be clearly stated in your rental agreement or on your reservation details.
When Hertz Rentals Have Limited Mileage
Although most Hertz cars come with unlimited miles, there are exceptions. Some vehicle categories and rental scenarios include mileage limits to manage wear and tear or maintain fleet balance. Common examples of limited mileage rentals include:
- Cargo Vans and Pickup Trucks: Often rented for moving or commercial use, these vehicles may include only a set number of miles per day, with additional mileage charged at a fixed rate.
- Luxury or Specialty Vehicles: High-performance or exotic cars sometimes have mileage caps to control depreciation and maintenance costs.
- Local Rentals: Neighborhood Hertz branches may offer local-use vehicles with mileage limits to encourage short-distance rentals.
- One-Way Rentals: Depending on distance and location, Hertz may impose mileage restrictions or include a fixed one-way fee that accounts for long-distance use.
- Promotional Rates: Discounted or special-offer rentals may come with limited mileage to keep costs low.
If you’re renting a vehicle with limited mileage, your rental agreement will specify the maximum miles allowed per day and the cost per mile beyond that limit. For instance, you might get 200 free miles per day, and each additional mile could cost $0.25 or more. Always review these details before signing your rental contract.
How to Confirm Whether Your Hertz Rental Has Unlimited Mileage
It’s easy to confirm whether your Hertz rental includes unlimited mileage. You can verify this at multiple stages of your rental process:
- During Booking: When you reserve online, the “Rental Terms” or “Rate Details” section will specify whether unlimited mileage is included.
- On Your Confirmation Email: After booking, check your confirmation email under the “Rate Information” or “Mileage Policy” section.
- At Pickup: Ask the Hertz counter representative directly to verify your mileage terms before signing the rental agreement.
- In the Rental Agreement: The printed contract you receive at the counter will clearly indicate if your rate includes unlimited mileage or if limits apply.
Never assume that your rental has unlimited miles without confirming in writing. Clarifying this upfront can prevent disputes or unexpected charges later.
Does Hertz Offer Unlimited Mileage for One-Way Rentals?
Hertz does offer unlimited mileage on many one-way rentals, especially between major cities or airport locations within the same country. However, whether or not your one-way rental includes unlimited mileage depends on the specific route, vehicle type, and local policy.
For example, a one-way rental from Los Angeles to San Francisco with a standard car may include unlimited miles, while a one-way trip involving a truck or luxury car could have restrictions. Additionally, one-way rentals often come with separate drop-off fees, so even if mileage is unlimited, you might still pay an additional charge for returning the car to a different branch.
Cross-Border Travel and Unlimited Mileage
Hertz’s unlimited mileage policy typically applies within the same country. Crossing international borders can complicate things. For example, driving a U.S.-rented car into Canada or Mexico requires special authorization and may invalidate the unlimited mileage provision unless specifically approved in your contract.
Similarly, in Europe, unlimited mileage is often valid only within certain countries. If you plan to drive across borders — say, from France into Italy or Germany — check with Hertz in advance. Some rentals include unlimited mileage only for travel within a pre-approved region, and additional surcharges may apply for crossing into other nations.
How Unlimited Mileage Affects Rental Pricing
While unlimited mileage offers peace of mind, it also influences the rental rate. Rentals that include unlimited miles tend to have slightly higher daily rates than those with limited mileage. This pricing accounts for the potential wear and tear on the vehicle from extended use.
For most travelers, the higher upfront cost is well worth the convenience. Paying a few extra dollars per day can save you significantly compared to per-mile overage charges on limited-mile rentals. Always calculate your expected driving distance before choosing your rental type — if you plan to drive long distances, unlimited mileage will almost always be the more economical choice.
How to Find Hertz Locations That Offer Unlimited Mileage
Hertz locations vary in their offerings depending on local demand, fleet type, and regional policies. To find locations offering unlimited mileage, follow these steps:
- Use the Hertz website or mobile app and enter your rental details.
- Look for a “Rate Details” or “Rental Terms” section during booking — it will state “Unlimited Mileage Included.”
- Filter your search results by airport locations, as these usually include unlimited mileage by default.
- Call the branch directly if the online listing is unclear or if you’re booking a specialty vehicle.
Hertz customer service can also confirm mileage options for specific routes, especially for long-distance or international trips.
Exceptions to Hertz’s Unlimited Mileage Policy
While unlimited mileage offers flexibility, it comes with certain restrictions and exceptions. Hertz may limit mileage or impose special conditions under the following circumstances:
- Specialty and Luxury Vehicles: Premium models, sports cars, and specialty vehicles often include daily mileage caps due to high maintenance costs.
- Commercial or Cargo Rentals: Vans, trucks, and large SUVs used for business or moving purposes may have limited mileage and specific usage rules.
- International Rentals: Cross-border travel may limit unlimited mileage benefits unless expressly stated in the contract.
- Local Rentals: Some city-based neighborhood locations offer limited-mile rentals for short-term or local customers.
- Third-Party Bookings: If you book through a partner or third-party travel site, the mileage terms may differ from Hertz’s direct policy.
To avoid confusion, always confirm directly with Hertz when booking through intermediaries. Mileage terms are binding based on what appears in your official rental agreement, not third-party listings.
What Happens If You Exceed the Mileage Limit
If your rental includes limited mileage and you exceed that limit, Hertz will charge an additional per-mile fee when you return the vehicle. The rate varies depending on location and vehicle type but usually ranges from $0.25 to $0.50 per mile. For long trips, these charges can add up quickly, so it’s important to monitor your odometer if your contract includes mileage restrictions.
When returning the car, Hertz will record the total miles driven. Any mileage beyond the contracted allowance will be calculated and added to your final bill. The best way to avoid these surprise charges is to choose unlimited mileage upfront if you expect to drive extensively.
Benefits of Hertz Unlimited Mileage Rentals
Unlimited mileage offers several clear advantages, particularly for travelers who value flexibility and simplicity. The most notable benefits include:
- No Distance Restrictions: Drive as far as you want without worrying about exceeding limits or incurring per-mile fees.
- Ideal for Road Trips: Perfect for vacations, cross-country adventures, and scenic drives where your itinerary may change spontaneously.
- Simplified Billing: Your rental cost is straightforward, with no hidden fees for mileage overages.
- Peace of Mind: Focus on the road instead of the odometer — especially valuable for business travelers on tight schedules.
- Flexible Travel Routes: Change your route or add stops without penalty.
Unlimited mileage gives renters a sense of freedom and transparency — a major reason it’s included in most Hertz standard car rentals today.
How to Save Money on Unlimited Mileage Rentals
While unlimited mileage rentals can sometimes cost slightly more, there are ways to reduce your overall expense. Consider the following tips:
- Join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: Loyalty program members often receive special discounts, free upgrades, or access to unlimited mileage on select vehicles.
- Book Early: Reserving your vehicle ahead of time helps you secure better rates and avoid peak-season price hikes.
- Use Corporate or Membership Discounts: Many organizations, including AAA and AARP, offer discounts on unlimited mileage rentals with Hertz.
- Look for Promotional Offers: Hertz frequently runs promotional deals for long-distance travelers, especially during relocation seasons or holidays.
- Compare Pickup Locations: Airport and major city branches often include unlimited mileage automatically, while smaller local offices may charge extra for it.
By applying these strategies, you can enjoy the convenience of unlimited travel without paying more than necessary.
Regional Variations in Hertz Mileage Policy
Hertz operates in over 150 countries, and policies can differ significantly depending on the region. Here’s a quick overview of regional mileage practices:
- United States and Canada: Most standard rentals include unlimited mileage by default, except for commercial or specialty vehicles.
- Europe: Many European Hertz locations also offer unlimited mileage for standard cars, though cross-border travel may restrict it.
- Asia and the Middle East: Unlimited mileage is less common, and many rentals have daily mileage caps with clear overage fees.
- Australia and New Zealand: Unlimited mileage is usually included for passenger vehicles, but trucks and vans often have restrictions.
It’s important to review the terms for the specific country you’re renting in, as local laws and operating costs influence Hertz’s mileage policies.
Final Thoughts
Hertz’s unlimited mileage policy is designed to give renters freedom, simplicity, and peace of mind. It allows you to drive without constraints or unexpected costs for distance, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers. While most standard Hertz rentals in the U.S. and many international markets include unlimited miles, there are exceptions — especially for specialty vehicles, one-way trips, or commercial rentals.
Before you pick up your vehicle, take a few minutes to verify your mileage terms in the rental agreement. Confirm whether your rate includes unlimited miles, check for any geographic restrictions, and ask about additional fees if you plan to drive long distances or across borders. With this knowledge, you can plan your journey confidently, knowing that your rental agreement aligns with your travel goals and budget.
Ultimately, understanding Hertz’s unlimited mileage policy ensures that you get the most value and flexibility out of your rental experience. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or a short weekend getaway, Hertz provides options that let you explore freely — without counting miles or worrying about surprise charges at the end of your trip.
