How to find $1 a day rental car relocation deals
Six practical tactics for finding rental relocation deals that actually work — filters, timing, flexibility, and what to ignore.
Cheap relocations are real, but they reward planning. Here's how to actually land one.
1. Widen your route, not just your dates
Most travellers only search their exact origin and destination. Add nearby cities — a relocation from a depot 90 minutes away is still a good deal when the base rate is a dollar.
2. Check daily, book within the hour
Popular routes vanish fast. New listings often appear in the morning local time as fleet planners review the previous day's returns.
3. Read what's included before you compare prices
A $1/day car with no fuel and 500 km included can cost more than a $20/day car with a full tank and 2,000 km. Compare total spend for your route, not sticker price.
4. Match the vehicle to the trip
A campervan relocation is a bargain accommodation deal. A small hatch is best for solo drivers on tight budgets. A ute or SUV pays off if you're moving stuff or a group.
5. Be honest about the deadline
Free-day counts assume direct driving. Add sightseeing time at the daily extension rate, or pick a listing with more free days.
6. Set an alert and be ready
Save your search criteria and turn on notifications. The best deals go to the first driver who books, not the one who deliberates.
Frequently asked questions
Are $1 per day rental cars real?
Yes. They're not a promo trick — they're relocation listings where a rental company subsidises the trip because they need the vehicle moved. The catch is you drive a fixed route on their timeline, not yours.
When are the best relocation deals posted?
Deals peak at the shoulders of tourist seasons, when fleets are moving back to hub cities. Weekly Sunday-to-Sunday listings are common. Setting up alerts beats manual refreshing.
Keep reading
A behind-the-scenes explanation of the Tote Car marketplace — how listings appear, how bookings clear, and what the flat fee covers.
Rapid answers to the most common questions about rental relocations — licence, insurance, damage, deadlines, cancellations.
Family-friendly relocation planning — car seats, kid-friendly routes, and choosing the right vehicle size.