Van Rental
Need more than eight seats or serious cargo space? Compare 12- and 15-passenger vans and cargo vans — and check the age and location rules first.
What kinds of vans can you rent?
Passenger vans (typically 12- or 15-passenger, such as the Ford Transit) for large groups, and cargo vans for moving goods. A standard US driver's license is enough for vans designed for up to 15 people including the driver. Many companies require renters of large vans to be 25 or older, and not every location stocks them.
Last reviewed . Rules vary by rental company — check your rental terms before you book.
12- and 15-passenger vans
Large passenger vans are longer, taller and heavier than anything most people drive. Allow extra braking distance, take corners slowly, and check height limits before entering parking garages and drive-throughs.
Fully loaded 15-passenger vans are more prone to rollover than smaller vehicles, and US safety agencies advise making sure every occupant wears a seat belt, keeping the load forward and avoiding roof racks. Drivers experienced with large vehicles are safer behind the wheel.
Where to find vans
Passenger vans are stocked at larger airport and city locations but are scarce at small branches. Book as early as you can, and confirm the van is at your pickup location rather than transferred in.
Cargo vans are more often found at truck-rental and commercial branches than at airports.
Example vehicles
US rental companies book a vehicle class, not a specific model. These are typical examples — you'll get one of them or a similar car.
What affects the price
The search shows live prices for your dates. These are the things that move them.
- Van size (12- vs. 15-passenger vs. cargo)
- Location stock — few branches carry large vans
- Mileage allowances, which are more common on vans
- One-way restrictions on specialty vehicles
Van Rental tips
- Book early and confirm the van is at your pickup location.
- Check the minimum age for the van class — often 25.
- Measure your route's parking garages: many can't fit a high-roof van.
- Use every seat belt and load luggage forward, not on the roof.
Rental requirements
- A valid driver's license, held for at least a year at most companies. Visitors can usually rent on their home license; if it isn't in English, carry an International Driving Permit or official translation alongside it.
- Minimum age is 21 at most major companies, and drivers under 25 pay a daily young-driver surcharge. New York and Michigan require companies to rent to drivers from 18, with surcharges.
- A credit card in the main driver's name. Some locations accept debit cards with extra checks — often a return travel itinerary at airports, a larger deposit or a credit check.
- International renters should also bring a passport.
More detail: What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car? · What Is the Minimum Age to Rent a Car in the USA? · Can You Rent a Car With a Debit Card? Rules & Tips · International Driving Permit (IDP) — Do You Need One and How to Get It
Insurance and deposit
- Collision and loss damage waivers (CDW/LDW) are optional. Before you accept one at the counter, check whether your own auto policy or a credit card benefit already covers rental cars — many do, with conditions.
- Liability cover varies by state and company. Supplemental liability (SLI) raises the limit and is worth considering if you don't have a personal auto policy, including as an international visitor.
- A security deposit is held on your card at pickup and released after the car is returned and checked. It can take several business days to disappear from your statement, and holds are larger on debit cards and premium cars.
More detail: Do You Need Insurance to Rent a Car? · What Is a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)? · How Much Is a Rental Car Deposit? How Holds Work
Fuel policy and additional fees
- Full-to-full is usually the cheapest fuel policy: you collect the car full and return it full. Prepaid fuel only saves money if you return the tank nearly empty, and refueling charges on a car returned short are well above pump prices.
- Airport rentals include airport concession recovery fees and facility charges on top of the rate. State and local rental taxes apply everywhere.
- Other common extras: additional-driver fees, young-driver surcharges, toll-program charges, one-way drop fees, child seats and late-return charges. Read the rental terms before you pay so you know which charges are included and which are added at the counter.
More detail: Car Rental Fuel Policies Explained — Which One Should You Choose? · Hidden Car Rental Fees — The Complete Guide to What to Watch Out For · How are tolls and traffic fines handled? · Can someone else drive the car?
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Related
8-Seater Car Rental
Groups of eight · Large families
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Minivan Rental
Families with young children · Groups of 6–8
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One-Way Car Rental
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Related guides
FAQ
Van Rental — FAQs
Everything you need to know about renting a car
Compare prices for your dates
Enter your pickup location and dates to see which suppliers have cars for this kind of rental and what they cost.
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