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One-way RV rentals: what changes

Picking up in one city and dropping off in another saves the drive back, but the rental terms change. These are the rules one big fleet renter publishes.

Mileage is estimated higher

Cruise America charges mileage up front on an estimated 100 miles per night for a local rental and 250 miles per night for a one-way rental1, at 39¢ per mile1; unused estimated miles are refunded; extra miles are charged at 39¢1.

Drop fees

Drop fees vary with pick-up and drop-off location, dates and vehicle availability1. There is no fixed drop fee to quote: get it in writing with your booking.

Deposits and cancellations

  • the $300 down payment on a one-way reservation is not refundable once confirmed1.
  • one-way cancellations forfeit the down payment1.
  • A security deposit applies as on any rental: a $300 reservation down payment, plus a security deposit of at least $500 before departure1.

Who can drive

For Cruise America: 21 or older with a valid driver’s license; no special endorsement1.

In the calculator, set the included miles to zero and enter the per-mile rate; the total then reflects your actual route miles.

Work out your own trip: open the RV rental calculator. It starts with sourced defaults and leaves the rest for your quote.

Sources

  1. Cruise America, RV Rental FAQs. Checked October 31, 2026.