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*Based on an individual aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions taking single trip cover for 3 days to France. Cover starts on August 10th, 2024 and ends on August 13th, 2024. Price correct as of August 15th, 2024.

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Best car hire deals – All prices have been selected from deals found since 06 Nov 2024. Prices are subject to the partners Ts & Cs.

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Best car hire deals – All prices have been selected from deals found since 06 Nov 2024. Prices are subject to the partners Ts & Cs.

Search for the best car hire deals in the United States

The vast, varied United States is the ultimate place to take a road trip in 2024. Whether you're winding along the Pacific Coast Highway, cruising down Route 1 to Key West or following legendary Route 66 through the Midwest, exploring by car is a pleasure – and, in some of the US's wilder places, a necessity.

Travel Information

LanguageEnglish | Currency: US Dollar ($) | Average flight time: 10 hrs

Fast facts about hiring a car in United States

Getting a rental car in the United States couldn’t be easier. Cheap car hire is available from the vast majority of its major airports and city centres. Big rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget and Alamo have nationwide coverage, and there are plenty of local brands that often offer cheap deals.

If you’re flying into America’s main international airports – think New York John F. Kennedy (JFK), Miami International Airport (MIA) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – there will be multiple companies to choose from when it comes to hiring a car.

If you only want to drive for part of your trip, it’s possible to get a good rental deal in most American cities and towns. You may also find that some companies will deliver cars to your hotel or accommodation if you book in advance. For point-to-point road trips, you can usually hire a car in one city and drop it off in another, but bear in mind that this often incurs a hefty extra fee.

Driving in the United States

From long straight roads through arid deserts to grid-plan cities to winding mountain roads, driving in the United States can vary enormously. Americans drive on the right-hand side of the road, and you’ll find that most hire companies only rent out automatic vehicles.

Thanks to the wide, well maintained roads and great signposting, driving is the best way to make more remote areas instantly accessible. One thing you’ll want to watch out for are four way stops (the American equivalent of roundabouts) that are typically located at road intersections and require you give priority to cars in the order they reached the intersection.

If you’re travelling along a freeway (motorway), you’ll find drivers will overtake from both sides.

Penalties for things like speeding and driving while over the legal blood alcohol limit will vary from state to state, but they are never lenient, so take care (or avoid alcohol completely if you’re driving). If you’re driving through National Parks or across states, you’ll want to look up any rules or fees you might have to pay in advance.

Automatics as standard

It’s unlikely that any USA car hire company will have cars with manual transmission, so expect automatic as standard. If you’ve never driven one before, it’s simple. Just remember that when in gear the car will creep forwards unless you’re pressing the brake.

In some vehicles, the automatic gear lever is on the steering column rather than between the two front seats.

Recommended road trips in the United States

Yellowstone National Park

The United States is packed with stunning national parks, ideal for outdoor activities and overnight camping trips. Yellowstone, the world’s first ever national park, is a haven for nature lovers thanks to its array of wildlife – including bears and bison – as well as its turquoise geysers and dramatic canyons. Visit for the day or pitch up a tent in one of the designated campsites.

New Orleans

The deepest of Deep South cities, and one of America’s most vibrant, the Big Easy is a natural endpoint for southern road trips. Its melting pot culture is evident everywhere, from the diverse architecture to the fizzing collision of musical styles (jazz, blues, r'n'b, rock, hip-hop… everybody's in the pool here). Head to the atmospheric French Quarter for live jazz and spicy local delicacies, or join in with the raucous street parties if you’re visiting around Mardi Gras.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley plays tricks on you. One moment it reminds you of old Westerns. The next moment it reminds you of eerie sci-fi imagery, like the blasted deserts of Blade Runner 2049. Located on the border of Arizona and Utah, and part of the Navajo Tribal Park, it’s a red sand landscape littered with incredible sandstone formations. Just one road runs through it, and while hiking, horseback and jeep tours are available, driving allows you to cover more ground. With one-way car hire you can re-create some of these epic drives!

Top tips for car hire in USA

  1. While the United States can feel familiar, the sheer scale often takes Brits by surprise. Respect it. If you’re heading out into the sticks, never miss a chance to fill your tank, and bring plenty of food and water with you.
  2. In many American states, you’ll need to make sure you get an International Driving License (available from your local post office) in advance in order to hire a car.
  3. Watch out for four way stops and remember to wait your turn. Priority is usually given to the car that arrives at the intersection first.

Important information

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.

Find answers to your questions

Driver requirements

What age do I need to be to hire a vehicle in the US?

Typically, you can hire a car in the US from the age of 21. There are some exceptions, however, and some states allow drivers as young as 18 to rent a car. It’s also worth noting that if you’re under 25, you may find that you’re limited to certain car types.

What do I need to hire a vehicle in the US?

If you’re based in the US, you’ll need a valid driving licence and a credit card in your name. If you’re travelling to the US from abroad, you’ll need a full driving licence, an International Driving Permit and a current credit card. An additional form of ID, such as a passport, may be required.

Do I need car hire excess insurance in the US?

When you hire a car in the US, you’ll usually receive a basic level of protection as a minimum. However, this tends to be limited in scope, so it’s worth taking out additional cover, such as car hire excess insurance. Opt for an independent provider – that is, don’t pay at the collection desk – to save on this essential cover.

Can I rent a car with a debit card in the US?

While you can rent a car with a debit card in the US, not all car hire companies accept them. And those that do accept debit cards usually have a number of conditions and restrictions in place. Generally speaking, you’re better off renting a car with a credit card.

Which rental companies are available at JFK International Airport?

Many of the major rental companies are available at JFK, including Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt and Thrifty.

Which rental companies are available at Los Angeles International Airport?

A number of major car rental companies are based at Los Angeles International Airport. They include Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, Midway, National, Payless, Sixt and Thrifty. If you’ve booked in advance, a representative from most firms will come meet you.

Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or off-site in the US?

The general rule is that it’s cheaper to rent a car off-site in the US than at an airport, as a surcharge can be added to the cost of an airport rental. It’s always best to shop around in advance.

Can you rent a car in one city in the US and drop it off in another?

You certainly can. One-way rental policies are commonplace throughout the US. Check with your hire car company for more info, as there can be additional fees, as well as cross-state restrictions.

Can you rent a car the same day in the US?

Yes. You should have no trouble renting a car without prior booking. That said, if you want to keep costs down, it pays to compare prices in advance.

Can I hire a vehicle at 21 years of age in the US?

Absolutely. In general, the minimum age you can rent a car in the US is 21. However, be aware that drivers under 25 will likely incur a ‘young driver fee’ and that some vehicle categories will be off limits.