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Explore the Journey: San Antonio to Houston

Plan your one-way car rental with ease and confidence

Can I rent a car from San Antonio to Houston?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from San Antonio to Houston. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for US residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 year(s).

    Notes: North Korean driving licenses were not accepted for insurance purposes.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card attributes include XpCard and DcCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-99 years old to rent a car. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 27.00 per day.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    • Original South Korea Driving Lisense (English version) (An English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license.)
    • Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (Original Driver's Licenses printed in Roman alphabet such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc., are acceptable for car rental without the need for an IDP. Driver's licenses printed in a non-Roman alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, etc., must be accompanied by an IDP.)

    Notes: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will be also required to present a return airline ticket. Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license (written in Roman alphabet) may be required to present a valid passport or other government-issued ID as a second form of identification.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-99 years old to rent a car. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 27.00 per day.
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How much does renting a car from San Antonio to Houston cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 114/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 122/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 115-US$ 209US$ 0-US$ 100US$ 340-US$ 393Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 120-US$ 209US$ 0-US$ 100US$ 393Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 125-US$ 277US$ 0-US$ 150US$ 347-US$ 375Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 183-US$ 253US$ 0-US$ 150US$ 365-US$ 475Large groups, long drivers
Pickup TruckUS$ 195-US$ 203US$ 0-US$ 150US$ 382Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: The additional fee associated with picking up a rental car in one location and dropping it off in another.
  • Vehicle Choices: Not all car models may be allowed for one-way rentals, so confirm vehicle availability in advance.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: If your route crosses state lines or international borders, confirm rental policies and restrictions.
  • Rental Duration: Determine if minimum or maximum rental periods apply to your booking for this route.
  • Fuel Policy: Understand fuel policies, such as returning the car with the same fuel level as it was picked up.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Reserve Early: Booking your one-way rental well ahead of your travel dates can ensure vehicle availability.
  • Plan Your Route: Research the route from San Antonio to Houston, including rest stops and refueling options.
  • Compare Prices: Check rates across different rental companies to find the best deal suited for a one-way trip.
  • Understand Insurance Coverage: Verify that your rental includes necessary insurance or if separate coverage is required.
  • Check Drop-Off Locations: Ensure you’re aware of where in Houston you need to return the vehicle, especially near major transport hubs.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the vehicle before returning to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Always use the recommended fuel type to avoid engine issues.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along this route is approximately $3.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed of around 55-65 mph for optimal fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Minimize air conditioning usage to conserve fuel.

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San Antonio Parking

Downtown parking rates range from $2-$5 per hour.

Free parking is available at many suburban locations.

Consider using park-and-ride services for convenience.

Houston Parking

Downtown parking garages cost around $5-$10 per hour.

Metered street parking is available but limited.

Use parking apps to find and reserve spots in advance.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero: Reserve parking in advance.

ParkWhiz: Compare prices and book a spot.

BestParking: Find affordable parking options nearby.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Recommended Routes from San Antonio to Houston:
Via I-10 East
Interstate highways 3 hours 15 minutes

The fastest and most direct route using Interstate 10, providing quick access to Houston.

Seguin , Luling , Columbus
Via Hwy 90
Scenic highways 3 hours 45 minutes

A scenic alternative through smaller towns and local landscapes.

Seguin , Gonzales , Schulenburg
Via Fm 722
Rural roads 4 hours

A more relaxed drive through quiet rural areas and picturesque countryside.

Floresville , Hallettsville , Wharton
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Condition: Before starting the trip, ensure your rented vehicle is in excellent condition to avoid breakdowns.

Routes and Directions: Plan your route in advance and keep updated with real-time traffic and road conditions.

Gas Stations: Identify and note gas stations along the route to ensure you never run low on fuel.

Dining Options: Research popular dining spots or rest stops along the way to enjoy local cuisine.

Accommodation: If staying overnight, book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel periods.

Insurance: Check and understand the rental vehicle insurance policy to avoid unexpected costs.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Discover key aspects to consider when selecting a one-way car rental service for the route from San Antonio to Houston.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive Flexible one-way rental options , Wide range of vehicle types , Strong presence in both cities , Excellent customer service
Enterprise$ModerateVery Extensive Affordable pricing , Convenient pick-up and drop-off points , Well-maintained fleet , Frequent promotions
Avis$$$HighModerate High-quality vehicles , Luxury and premium options , User-friendly booking process
Budget$ModerateModerate Competitive pricing , Special discounts for members , Reliable vehicles
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

San Antonio to Houston Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with some locations offering 24/7 drop-off.

Rental Car Center Location:

Main rental car offices can be found at the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and around central Houston.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttle services are available from terminals to rental centers at airports.

Coverage Information:

Ensure pick-up and drop-off locations coincide with your travel plans. All major rental providers cover this route extensively.

Pro Tips for San Antonio Airport(SAT) Car Rentals

Book early to secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a car in one city, such as San Antonio, and drop it off in another, like Houston, without having to return it to the original location.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals from San Antonio to Houston?

Yes, many rental companies charge a one-way fee, also known as a drop-off fee, to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. This fee varies by company.

What types of cars are available for one-way rentals?

Most rental companies offer a variety of vehicles including economy cars, SUVs, luxury sedans, and vans. Availability can depend on the rental location and the date.

Can I modify or cancel my one-way rental reservation?

Yes, most rental companies allow modifications and cancellations, often with no charge if done within a certain timeframe. It’s recommended to review the company’s cancellation policy beforehand.

Do I need to refill the gas tank before returning the car in Houston?

Typically, rental agreements require you to return the car with the same level of fuel it had when you picked it up. Otherwise, you might be charged a refueling fee.

Ready to Book Your San Antonio to Houston Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes