Van Rental
We have a group of 8 planning a trip in October, starting in Bangor and ending in Burlington VT. We have been unable to find a van large enough for our group and luggage through any of the usual car rental agencies. Does anyone know of other options for rental companies that might have a 12 to 15 passenger van available without drop off at same location?
Finding a 12- to 15-passenger van for a one-way trip from Bangor, ME to Burlington, VT can be tricky, especially in October when demand for larger vehicles increases due to fall foliage tourism. Most of the major car rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget have limited availability for larger vans and often require return to the same location for one-way rentals, or charge high fees for drop-off.
Here are some alternative approaches and rental options to consider:
- Specialty Van Rental Companies: Companies that focus on larger passenger vans or shuttle services sometimes allow one-way rentals. Examples include:
- Go Rentals (or similar regional van rental services in New England)
- North American Van Lines / U-Haul for passenger van rentals
- Local shuttle or limo services that may rent vans for multi-day trips
- Airport Rental Locations: Sometimes the airport locations (Bangor International Airport) have larger vans available even when city locations don’t. Check Enterprise Airport, Avis, or Hertz at Bangor Airport specifically for 12–15 passenger vans.
- Booking Early: October is a peak month for fall trips in Maine and Vermont, so securing a van early increases your chances of availability and reduces exorbitant one-way fees.
- Consider Split Vehicles: If one 12- to 15-passenger van isn’t available, renting two smaller SUVs or minivans may be a viable alternative, especially if the group is comfortable splitting luggage.
Other considerations:
- Confirm insurance coverage for a larger passenger van, as some personal auto policies don’t cover vehicles over 9 passengers.
- Check if the rental company allows interstate travel and drop-off in another state, as not all smaller regional companies allow this.
- Consider shuttle services that provide custom charters; some local transportation companies in Bangor offer one-way multi-day van rentals for groups.
In summary, your best bet is to contact specialty van rental companies, airport locations, and local shuttle providers as soon as possible. Being flexible on vehicle type or considering splitting into two vehicles can also ensure your group of 8 travels comfortably with all luggage. Booking early is crucial for October travel, especially for a one-way trip spanning multiple states.
