One-way car hire — picking up at one location and returning at another — can make perfect sense for road trips, house moves and point-to-point travel. But one-way fees can be significant. VIP Cars shows one-way availability and pricing upfront so you can compare before committing.
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What Is a One-Way Car Hire Fee?
When you return a hire car to a different location than you picked it up from, the supplier charges a one-way fee to cover the cost of relocating the vehicle. This fee varies enormously — from £0 (some suppliers actively want cars relocated) to £200+ (rare long-distance one-way trips).
When Does One-Way Car Hire Make Sense?
- Flying into one UK airport and out of another — e.g. Fly into Edinburgh, drive south, fly home from London
- Moving house and needing a van or large car for a one-way journey
- Road trip that naturally ends at a different destination to the start
- Picking up from a city centre depot and returning to an airport
One-Way Car Hire Fees by Route Type
| Route Type | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Same city (airport to city centre) | £0–£25 | Common and cheap |
| Same country, different city | £25–£100 | Depends on popularity of relocation |
| Scotland to England or vice versa | £50–£150 | Popular route — fees moderate |
| England to Republic of Ireland | £100–£300+ | Cross-border premium applies |
| UK to mainland Europe | Usually not available | Most UK hirers don't allow this |
💡 Pro Tip: Some suppliers actively incentivise one-way hires on certain routes — particularly where they have a surplus of cars at the destination. VIP Cars will show you if a one-way deal is available at a discount.
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Sento earns a commission if you book through our links — this never affects our recommendations. VIP Cars prices and availability are set by rental suppliers and change regularly. Always compare prices before booking. Updated April 2026.