How do you count rental days?
To help you plan your trip perfectly and avoid any surprise charges, here is everything you need to know about how rental days are counted.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Car rentals run on a strictly 24-hour clock, not calendar days—timing is everything!
Your rental day starts the exact minute you pick up the car.
If you pick up your car at 10:00 AM on Monday and return it at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, that is exactly 1 rental day.
If you return the same car at 11:00 AM on Tuesday (just one hour later), you enter the next 24-hour cycle and will be charged for 2 rental days. The additional time is often charged at the supplier’s standard desk rate, which may be higher than your original online price.
Running a little behind? Some suppliers offer a short grace period, often around 30 minutes, but this varies by company. Always check the Rental Conditions to know the exact policy.
If you return the car earlier than planned, unused time is usually non-refundable, since the vehicle was reserved specifically for your full booking period.
💡Did you know?
Unlike hotels that charge by the "night," rental cars charge by the "day" (24-hour period).
Picking up early in the morning and returning late the next day will usually count as two rental days, even if you only stayed overnight once.
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