Which Are the Cheapest Companies to Go With?

Road trips represent one of the best ways for students to explore the United States. Students can enjoy the freedom of travel while sharing the costs of gas with friends, alleviating worries about public transport logistics. Utilizing a GPS can prevent getting lost, making road tripping an essential experience for every college student.

However, what if you don’t own a car? It’s a common concern whether rental companies allow students under 25 to rent vehicles.

Fortunately, the answer is yes! This article provides a comprehensive list of companies that cater to students under 25. It’s important to note, however, that young drivers typically incur a daily surcharge. This fee varies by company, generally ranging from $15 to $40 per day.

To better manage this additional cost, consider inviting as many friends as possible for the trip. For instance, if you form a group of five, the extra $20 per day fee becomes much more manageable.

List of Companies for Student Rentals

Note: Michigan and New York maintain state laws allowing car rental agencies to rent to individuals over 18 years old. In every other state, the minimum age is 21.

01. Alamo

• Minimum rental age: 21 years
• Vehicle rental restrictions: None
• Young driver daily surcharge: $25/day
• Michigan daily surcharge (18-20 years): $26/day
• Michigan daily surcharge (21-24 years): $14/day
• New York daily surcharge (18-20 years): $66/day
• New York daily surcharge (21-24 years): $24/day

02. Avis

• Minimum rental age: 21 years
• Vehicle rental restrictions: No full-size or premium SUVs
• Young driver daily surcharge: $27/day
• Michigan daily surcharge (18-20 years): $41/day
• Michigan daily surcharge (21-24 years): $28/day
• New York daily surcharge (18-20 years): $52/day
• New York daily surcharge (21-24 years): $35/day

03. Budget

• Minimum rental age: 21 years
• Vehicle rental restrictions: Luxury cars, mini-vans, 12-passenger vans, specialty vehicles, full-size SUVs, or premium SUVs
• Young driver daily surcharge: $27/day
• Michigan daily surcharge (18-20 years): $41/day
• Michigan daily surcharge (21-24 years): $28/day
• New York daily surcharge (18-20 years): $52/day
• New York daily surcharge (21-24 years): $35/day

04. Enterprise

• Minimum rental age: 21 years
• Vehicle rental restrictions: None
• Young driver daily surcharge: $20+
• Michigan daily surcharge (18-20 years): $26/day
• Michigan daily surcharge (21-24 years): $14/day
• New York daily surcharge (18-20 years): $66/day
• New York daily surcharge (21-24 years): $24/day

05. Hertz

• Minimum rental age: 20 years
• Vehicle rental restrictions: No prestige or adrenaline collection cars.
• Young driver daily surcharge: $15/day
• Michigan daily surcharge (18-20 years): $20-41
• Michigan daily surcharge (21-24 years): $20-25
• New York daily surcharge (18-20 years): $20-41
• New York daily surcharge (21-24 years): $20-25

06. National

• Minimum rental age: 21 years
• Vehicle rental restrictions: No luxury cars or premium SUVs
• Young driver daily surcharge: $25/day
• Michigan daily surcharge (18-20 years): $26/day
• Michigan daily surcharge (21-24 years): $14/day
• New York daily surcharge (18-20 years): $66/day
• New York daily surcharge (21-24 years): $24/day

07. Thrifty

• Minimum rental age: 21 years
• Vehicle rental restrictions: No premium luxury, SUVs, or convertibles
• Young Driver Daily surcharge: Variable
• New York daily surcharge (18-20 years): $73/day
• New York daily surcharge (21-24 years): $35/day

Important Rental Information

Understanding the details of each rental company is crucial for students planning a road trip. By considering the minimum age, daily surcharges, and vehicle restrictions, students can make informed decisions that fit their budget and travel preferences. Planning your trip accordingly, and utilizing shared costs among friends can create a more enjoyable and economical travel experience.