Car rentals cross-border between USA & Canada

Question

Looking to hire or lease a car for 6 weeks in New Brunswick, Canada and return it to New York.(Oct- Nov 2015) Any suggestions how to go about this as all inquiries so far say "no car available"

Answer 1

This is likely dependent on the company, as some won't necessarily allow one-way cross-border rentals, or may not have a license to cross the borders for their commercial operation.

I'm assuming, however, that you've tried some large ones. It's also possible that they're full then - are you trying a busy period? New Brunswick doesn't have that big a population, it's possible they aren't particularly set up for rentals like that.

Do you absolutely need a car? There are buses, planes and trains. Even a cheap bus from Toronto to Buffalo, for example, and you could rent a car from NB to Toronto, and then from Buffalo for your USA segment.

It's noted on tripadvisor that one-way rentals across borders are often the most expensive type, so that may even save you money. They suggest looking on a multi-vendor search site like expedia as well, you may have more luck. I use kayak.com, but up to you.

Answer 2

The drop fee for a one way cross border rental will be quite high, as the car would have to be repositioned since having a matching reverse rental would be highly unlikely.

You are better off doing a Canadian rental, then transport (bus, plane) to New York, then a USA rental.

The other option is buying a second hand car, driving it for a while, then selling it off. But not sure what the title transfer procedure would be when you sell it in New York state (perhaps some duty or import fees?)

Answer 3

Another solution would be to rent two cars, using public transit between. A one-way car rental from Bangor, Maine to NYC is about $50-60/day, although whether rates that far in advance are meaningful, I don't know.