The United States is a country made for road trips. With sprawling highways connecting vibrant cities and breathtaking national parks, having a rental car gives you total freedom to explore. Whether you’re planning to drive historic Route 66 or just need a convenient ride for a business trip, we’ve got you covered. Our USA car rental page combines the best nationwide deals with insider tips on driving in America, so you can book with confidence and hit the road knowing you’re prepared!
Search & Book Your Car
Ready to find your perfect ride? Use the search form above to compare real-time rental rates from coast to coast. Select your pickup location (from major airports to neighborhood branches), choose dates, and in seconds you’ll see offers for everything from compact cars to spacious SUVs. It’s fast, easy, and designed to help you save money and time – so you can focus on planning your adventure.
Why Rent a Car in the USA?
Renting a car in the United States unlocks the full diversity of this vast country. Public transportation can be limited outside big cities, and many of America’s greatest sights lie beyond the reach of trains or buses. With a car you can:
Our USA Car Rental Benefits
Today’s Top United States Car Rental Deals
(We’ve scoured our nationwide inventory to highlight some of the best deals across the USA right now. These offers are updated frequently, so you’re seeing the latest prices.)
(Prices vary by location and date. “From” rates are based on recent searches in major cities and may change based on availability.)
Driving in the USA: Tips for International and Domestic Travelers
Driving in the United States is generally straightforward, but it’s important to know a few rules of the road and plan for regional differences. Here’s your quick guide to a safe and enjoyable U.S. driving experience:
By understanding these tips and planning ahead, you’ll find that driving in the USA is a rewarding experience. From the freedom of the open road to the convenience of having your own wheels, a car lets you see parts of America that tours and public transport can’t reach.
Popular USA Road Trip Ideas
One of the best things about renting a car in the U.S. is the ability to embark on amazing road trips. Here are three iconic American road journeys to inspire you – each offering a unique experience:
Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica (Cross-Country Adventure)
Distance: ~2,448 miles (3,940 km) one-way – plan 2+ weeks for a full trip.
Route: Historic Route 66 (overlaps with modern I-55, I-44, I-40, I-10).
Highlights: Kick off in Chicago, Illinois, then wind your way through 8 states to the Santa Monica Pier in California. Along the “Mother Road,” you’ll pass classic Americana: vintage diners, neon signs, and kitschy roadside attractions. Don’t miss the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, the Blue Whale of Catoosa (Oklahoma), Cadillac Ranch art installation in Amarillo, Texas, and the breathtaking deserts of the Southwest. Finish by dipping your toes in the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles.
Tips: Much of old Route 66 has been bypassed by interstates, but you can still follow marked historic segments for nostalgia. Take it slow and stop in small towns – the journey is the destination here. Plan for weather: summers can be extremely hot in the Southwest deserts, and thunderstorms are common in the Midwest. Always carry water in the car. Unlimited mileage rentals are standard, so you don’t have to worry about distance. One-way rental from Chicago to L.A. is possible – check for any drop-off fee (we often have specials to waive these on popular routes).
Pacific Coast Highway: Seattle to Los Angeles (West Coast Scenic Drive)
Distance: ~1,350 miles (2,170 km) – ideally 5–7 days.
Route: Interstate 5 to Seattle, then switch to US-101 and CA-1 down the Pacific Coast.
Highlights: Experience the entire West Coast, from the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest to the sunny beaches of Southern California. Start in Seattle (perhaps with a coffee at the original Starbucks), then drive south through Oregon – stop to see Cannon Beach’s iconic Haystack Rock and drive the winding roads alongside the Pacific Ocean. In Northern California, marvel at the giant redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods State Park). Continue to San Francisco and cross the Golden Gate Bridge. The crown jewel is the stretch of California Highway 1 through Big Sur between Monterey and San Luis Obispo – dramatic cliffs, the Bixby Bridge, and unspoiled coastline. Farther south, enjoy Santa Barbara’s Spanish vibes before ending in Los Angeles.
Tips: This route is all about the scenery – plan short driving segments so you can spend time sightseeing. Summers bring the best weather, but also more crowds; book accommodations in advance. Big Sur has limited gas stations – fill up in Monterey or Morro Bay. Portions of CA-1 are very curvy; take your time and use turnouts to let faster cars pass. Many rental companies allow one-way drop-off in L.A. if you start in Seattle or SF – check in advance. Also, be prepared for cooler temperatures and fog on the northern coast even in summer (pack layers).
East Coast Road Trip: New York City to Miami (Atlantic Coast Journey)
Distance: ~1,300 miles (2,100 km) – about 3 days driving (7+ days recommended with stops).
Route: I-95 South nearly the whole way (the main Atlantic Coast interstate).
Highlights: Begin amid the skyscrapers of New York City (pick up your car after you’ve explored the Big Apple by foot/subway). Head south through historic Philadelphia and Washington D.C. (nation’s capital – worth a stop for monuments and museums). Continue into the Carolinas for some Southern charm – maybe a detour to Charleston’s cobblestone streets or Savannah’s oak-lined squares. As you drive through Florida, consider a pit stop at St. Augustine (the oldest city in the US). End in Miami, Florida, where vibrant nightlife, Latin culture, and South Beach await. You’ve just traversed the Eastern Seaboard!
Tips: I-95 is one of the busiest corridors – try to avoid major city rush hours (e.g., D.C. and NYC area in the morning/evening). Keep change or a toll pass handy, as there are tolls especially in the Northeast (e.g., Delaware Turnpike). If you have time, break up the trip: perhaps overnight in D.C. or Charleston. Once in Florida, Miami is not far from Key West – if time permits, an extra 160-mile drive down the Overseas Highway can be a trip of its own. One-way rentals from NYC to Florida are common in winter (when retirees drive south); in spring, some agencies even offer deals for driving cars back north (check with us for specials). As always, unlimited mileage means you can detour all you want. Enjoy the diverse regional food along the way – from NYC pizza to Carolina BBQ to Florida Key Lime pie!
Frequently Asked Questions
The vast majority of rental cars in the USA have automatic transmission. You do not need to know how to drive stick-shift. Automatic cars are the norm for American drivers, and rental fleets reflect that. If you specifically want a manual (stick) for any reason, it can be very difficult to find – virtually all economy, intermediate, SUV, etc., are automatics. Occasionally specialty or high-end sports cars might be manual, but assume automatic unless explicitly stated. This is great news if you’re not used to manual; you can focus on enjoying the drive. If you only drive manual and have never used an automatic: don’t worry, they’re easy – basically just “D” for drive and go (the rental agent can give you a quick primer).
We make it easy, just enter your dates and location above! But for extra savings, use these tips: 1) Book early – rates often go up as the pickup date nears, especially for peak seasons. 2) Be flexible with location – renting from an airport is convenient, but off-airport city locations can be cheaper (avoiding airport fees). We show you multiple pick-up spots where available. 3) Compare vehicle classes – sometimes you can snag a larger car for less if demand for small cars is high (or vice versa). 4) Check for discounts – we automatically apply any promos available, but also consider memberships (AAA, AARP, etc.) which might give discounts or fee waivers. 5) Avoid under-25 fees if you can – if you’re 21-24, some companies (or states like New York & Michigan) have lower mandatory surcharges, so compare providers. 6) Refuel yourself – prepaying fuel or returning empty is convenient but often more expensive per gallon. To save money, fill up the tank at a local gas station before returning (and keep the receipt as proof). 7) Leverage unlimited mileage – plan your itinerary efficiently under one rental instead of multiple separate rentals. One longer rental is usually cheaper than several short ones once you factor repeated base rates/fees. Finally, keep an eye on our site’s Today’s Deals and last-minute offers – we occasionally have flash sales for certain locations. With a bit of planning, you’ll drive away with a bargain!
There are two main types of toll collection in the U.S.: cash and electronic. Many modern toll roads and bridges have no cash booths and only use electronic systems (like E-ZPass, SunPass, TollTag, etc.). In those cases, your rental car will be recorded via a windshield transponder or license plate photo. Rental companies offer solutions: typically, a toll program where you pay a daily rate (e.g., $3-5 per day) plus the actual tolls incurred, allowing unlimited use of toll roads. Alternatively, some companies simply bill you for tolls plus an admin fee per toll. It’s important to ask at pickup how your company handles tolls. If you know your route (say you’ll be in Florida on the Turnpike or in California on the FastTrak lanes), it can be worth opting into the rental’s toll program for convenience. You can also avoid tolls by setting your GPS to “avoid toll roads” – but this might make your trip longer. Never attempt to go through a cashless toll without a payment method – you’ll get a bill mailed to the owner (rental company) and then passed to you with a hefty fee. Our recommendation: use the rental’s toll option if you’ll hit multiple tolls, or pay cash where available. And don’t worry – we clearly outline each rental agency’s toll policy in the booking info, so you can make an informed choice.
Possibly not. If your license is issued in English (for example, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.), you generally do not need an International Driving Permit – the rental company and police can read your license. If your license is in another language or non-Roman alphabet (e.g., Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic), it’s highly recommended to get an IDP, which provides an official translation. Some states require an IDP for certain foreign licenses, so having one is the safest bet. Note that an IDP is only a translation and must be accompanied by your original license to be valid. You must obtain the IDP before you travel (your home country’s motor club or transport authority issues them). In summary: many visitors drive with just their foreign license and passport (and have no issues, especially tourists from Europe/UK), but an IDP can be a helpful supplement.