The One Way fee, also known as the one-way charge, is a supplement applied when the car is returned to a different location from where it was originally picked up. In these cases, the agency may apply an extra cost to cover the transfer of the vehicle from the location chosen by the customer back to the rental company’s main office.

In this article we explain how it works and how to avoid paying it.

One-way fee for rental cars

When planning a road trip, you may need to return the car somewhere far from the original pickup point. Imagine, for example, planning a tour of Sardinia with arrival at Olbia Airport. You need a rental car to start your holiday and move easily across the island, but you plan to fly back from Cagliari Airport to save time and avoid driving the entire route again. Or perhaps you found a cheaper return flight from the south of the island. In these cases, being able to drop off the car in a different location becomes essential, even if it requires paying a supplement on the rental rate.

At Ellepirental we offer the option to return the vehicle at a hotel or holiday destination. You simply need to book this service at least 24 hours in advance, with an extra charge added under the “extras and accessories” section of our booking form.

Is it possible to avoid the One Way fee?

The best way to avoid this fee is to organise your itinerary so you do not need to request this service from the rental company. When planning your stops, you can structure your journey to explore Sardinia along the coast and eventually finish your route at the same point where you started.

This solution is ideal if you want to visit the most characteristic locations along both the coast and inland, without retracing the same roads, saving time and avoiding extra rental costs.

What if you have already picked up the car?

If you have already collected the car and later decide to return it far from the company’s office, simply inform the rental agency. They will apply the supplement on the payment method provided at pickup.

Some agencies require this information well in advance, either at the time of booking or with sufficient notice. Otherwise, they may apply an additional penalty for the one-way fee. By planning your trip in detail, you’ll know beforehand whether you need this service and can inform the company during the booking process.

How much can the One Way fee cost?

In Italy, the one-way fee can range from €10 to €140. The amount depends on several factors determined by the rental company. Generally, the cost varies based on the location where you choose to drop off the rental car. If it is far from the pickup point, the One Way fee will be higher than if you return it somewhere closer. We recommend contacting your rental agency to get all the details you need.

Renting a car for a short period offers plenty of advantages for both holiday and business travellers, especially when the destination is Sardinia. Looking for a rental car in Olbia to organise your trip? Explore our fleet!