One-way rentals let you pick up a car in one city and return it in another, which is ideal for trips that don't loop back to the starting point.
Not every route is available, and not every vehicle class supports one-way drop-off — it depends on the specific locations involved. Checking availability before booking saves a headache later.
One-way rentals often carry a drop-off fee, which varies by distance between the two cities. It's usually shown clearly at checkout rather than added as a surprise later.
For long linear trips — coast-to-coast, or point A to point B without a return leg — a one-way rental is almost always cheaper and simpler than renting twice.