Last Updated on July 1, 2023 by Michael
If you need to rent a vehicle for a group of seven or more people, you have two choices: You can rent multiple cars or one passenger van with room for 12 or 15 people. Depending on how many passengers you have, a van is often the most economical way to go.
Major car rental companies typically include some 12- and 15-passenger vans their fleets. By far the most commonly offered van model is the Ford Transit.
When you’ve got a large group, renting a passenger van can have its upsides. They are easy to enter and exit through large sliding doors, plus there are typically two back doors for luggage storage.
Depending on your pick-up location, the decision may be made for you. Full-size vans can be hard to come by in some locations. For example at the Nashville airport, none of the brands operated by Hertz Global Holdings (Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty) offer passenger vans.
What You Need to Know About Renting a Passenger Van
You do not need a special license to drive a passenger van in the U.S. But if you’re renting in another country, there will likely be restrictions on the size of a van you can drive with a regular U.S. driver’s license.
Some rental car companies require the driver to be at least 25 years old. But age restrictions vary by company, so be sure to shop around.
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Booking in advance is absolutely crucial. Where passenger vans are available, they tend to sell out quickly. We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak family vacation periods, such as summer, holidays, and long weekends.
Sometimes availability may be better at off-airport locations, while other times airport locations may be the only option. It’s always best to check both types of locations since pricing and availability can vary widely.
What to Do if a Passenger Van is Unavailable
If the rental car companies have no full-size vans available, the next-best option is likely to be two smaller vehicles or a minivan seating seven.
Also, keep in mind that full-size vans are almost never available for a one-way rental. Rental locations tend to want to keep those vehicles local for various reasons. If you need a one-way rental for more than seven people, you’ll have to go with multiple cars.
How to Determine Which Van to Rent
Be sure that you rent a van with enough space for your entire group. When renting a vehicle, the capacity is always noted on the vehicle confirmation screen. For instance, Budget offers no vehicle class above a 12-passenger van, so be sure to review the listed capacity at the time of booking.
These vans look identical, but one seats 12 people and the other seats 15.
Restrictions on Renting Passenger Vans
While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has highlighted the safety issues inherent in 15-passenger vans, the United States is far more lenient than the rest of the world in allowing drivers to operate passenger vans. While a regular driver’s license might allow you to drive a 12- or 15-passenger van in the United States and many Mexican resort towns, in Europe you would be limited to vehicles seating nine people. In Canada, vehicles seating more than 12 passengers are considered commercial vehicles. That means you would need a commercial driver’s license to cross the U.S. / Canada border in a rented van.
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Renting a passenger van can mean extra costs. Typically passenger vans do not come with unlimited mileage, so a long trip may incur additional mileage fees. Note also that your personal auto insurance and credit card coverage is unlikely to extend to rented passenger vans.
In addition, rental car companies will not rent a 12- or 15-passenger van to a driver under the age of 25.
Related:
- How to Rent a Camper Van
The post How to Rent a Passenger Van appeared first on AutoSlash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I document pre-existing damage on the rental car?
Take all necessary documentation with you, including photos. When inspecting your vehicle, you should ask the agent for information if you are not sure of the damage. You may need to pay extra for an inspection if there is any damage.
Can you rent a car to drive between countries in Europe.
Hertz is the best place to rent a car if you're planning on driving all over Europe. It is much less expensive than hiring a private driver. And they have great coverage.
They also provide unlimited mileage. You can rent multiple cars to go on longer trips.
What is the average daily price of a European rental car?
We are not certain, but believe it is somewhere between $100 to $200 daily.
We recommend that you rent at most for two days. There are plenty of sights and activities.
If you are willing to stay for longer periods of time, you may want to think about buying a vehicle at around $2000-$3000.
You can now travel throughout Europe without paying a single penny.
It is also worth checking if your credit company offers discounts on rental.
Which is the best road trip across Europe?
It is important to take time to stop at interesting spots along the road, rather than driving from A to B in the quickest possible.
Although there are many beautiful roads in Europe, none are as stunning as the route between Venice & Dubrovnik.
For much of the trip, you'll be driving through stunning scenery. There are many stops along the route to enjoy all the sights.
Highlights include Torcello and Lido di Jesolo islands on Lake Garda, northern Italy's Dolomites and Lake Como, and Carcassonne, a walled medieval town in southern France.
Statistics
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- I'd say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
External Links
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How To
Here are some things to remember when you rent a car
What should I look for before renting a vehicle?
You must consider the following factors when you book a rental car.
- There are many types of cars to choose from: small compact, medium compact and large compacts; SUVs, minivans and more.
- The cost of renting a vehicle varies depending on its make and model. Renting a vehicle is as low as $15 per day for smaller vehicles. Larger vehicles can cost you much more.
- Other than the daily price, there are additional charges depending on how long the vehicle is rented, such mileage fees.
- Additional fees will be charged if you hire your vehicle.
- Renting a car lets you travel at any hour of your choosing. But, there are some restrictions. This means that you can't rent a car during rush hour.
- Be sure to choose a model that suits your budget before you commit to buying a car. Make sure the car has air conditioning. This is very important in hot weather.
- You should reserve a car that you require well in advance if you have a particular type of vehicle. Many people don’t realize they need one until the very last minute.
- Safety features come standard in all rental cars. It is recommended that you have a first aid kit and blanket in case of an emergency.
- You might consider adding a collision damages waiver to your rental. You can save money by adding this waiver to your rental agreement.
- If you have special requirements, you can ask for them during the reservation process.
- Before leaving the airport, pack all your belongings and take your ID and credit cards with you.
- Keep your eyes open while driving. Stay focused and avoid distractions.
- If you are involved in an auto accident, immediately contact the police.
- When you are done using your car, be sure to turn it in. Otherwise you'll be fined.
https://rentacar24.org/rent-a-car-europe/how-to-rent-a-passenger-van/
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