- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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 2020. 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
Language: English | Currency: US Dollar ($) | Local time: (GMT-5) | 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!