How long do people rent cars? Rental duration and Price trends

How long do people usually rent a car - a few days, a week, or longer? We looked at our booking data in the last 365 (between Oct 2025 - Oct 2026) days covering rentals in all locations to see which rental durations are most popular and how daily prices vary with rental length. Here’s what the figures show and what they could mean for your next trip. 

How long do people typically rent a car?

According to EconomyBookings booking data, around 64% of reservations last a week or less. Seven days is the most popular rental duration, accounting for 13.42% of bookings, followed by four and three days.

Around 99% of all bookings last no more than 30 days. The chart and table below shows the share of bookings for each rental duration from 1 to 30 days.

Short-term rentals: Most bookings last a week or less

After seven days, the most popular durations are four days (11.56% of bookings) and three days (10.49%). Rentals of one to three days make up around 22% of all bookings, while four to seven days make up around 42%. Another 25% last between eight and fourteen days.

This pattern makes sense for holiday travel, with rentals of one or two weeks fitting typical trip lengths. Shorter rentals can also suit weekend breaks or travelers who only need a car for part of their stay.

Long-term rentals: How common are they?

Around 1% of EconomyBookings reservations last more than 30 days. Long-term rentals are less common than rentals for weekend trips and holidays, but this still represents many customers who book with us for longer periods. Our longest recorded rental lasted 364 days, which is almost a full year. 

Still the data shows customers book cars for months at a time. Long-term car rentals are booked the same way as shorter rentals, though some need supplier confirmation before they're final.

Why do bookings peak at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days?

Our data shows smaller peaks at each full week. One possible reason is that people plan their trips in weeks, renting a car for the same period. A seven-day rental fits a one-week holiday, while 14, 21, and 28 days fit longer stays.

The booking figures don’t tell us why customers chose these durations, but the pattern suggests a connection with weekly travel plans.

How does rental duration affect the daily price?

Rental prices depend on several factors, including the location, supplier, season, and car type. However, as the chart below shows, shorter rentals generally cost more per day than longer rentals.

One-day rentals are the most expensive, averaging 72% above the overall daily average. Seven-day rentals are around 12% below it, while 14-day rentals are about 24% below it. For 28-30 day rentals, daily prices are roughly 43-46% below average. 

A lower daily rate doesn’t necessarily mean a lower total cost. A longer rental can still cost more overall, so compare the full booking price when choosing your dates.

What does this mean for your next rental?

Choose a rental duration that fits your plans. If getting around without a car is difficult, having one for your whole stay may be worth it. A lower daily rate alone isn’t a reason to rent for extra days.

Monthly and long-term rentals are also an option through EconomyBookings. Our data shows that longer bookings generally have lower daily prices, making them worth considering if you need a car for an extended stay.

Rental duration is only one part of the price. For more ways to save, read our guides on how to save money on car rentals and the best time to book a rental car.