Whether you're embarking on a full cross-country road trip or just exploring one of the many large cities, having your own vehicle is essential for making the most out of your time in the United States of America!
Trust us ... we know!
We spent more than 3 months driving the Western states of the USA (+ Alaska) and had an epic time.
The freedom of your own car or camper is unparalleled.
If you aren't opting to rent a motorhome in the US, hiring a car is your next best option to ensure you have the freedom to get out onto the open road and plan your own itinerary.
With endless options available to you, finding the best car rental company can seem like a daunting task.
That's why we have compiled this guide to help you navigate the world of car rentals in the US.
Whether you're after affordability, style or convenience, our guide should help you narrow down your searches and guarantee you a positive experience from what we believe to be the best car rental companies in the United States.
Let's get into it!
With over 4000 car rental agencies operating in the US, you might be wondering where on earth you start to try and narrow down the options.
We always start our search for a car rental on Discover Cars!
Discover Cars is an awesome website that allows you to enter your chosen dates and pick-up location, and see heaps of cars that are available to you from tons of trusted rental companies.
You can then use their handy filters to narrow down your searches even further! Allowing you to filter by:
By booking with Discover Cars you can put your mind at ease knowing you're fully protected and have their incredible 24/7 customer service team on hand for any query you might have.
They also have flexible cancellation policies, no hidden fees and a price match guarantee so you know you're getting the best price possible.
We've used them a bunch of times to get the best car rental prices around the world, so can vouch for their ease of use and truly unbeatable prices!
Pick up/drop off locations: All across the US!
Price range: $-$$
Best suited for: Everyone!
Availability: Check here
When it comes to car rental companies in the US, Budget is our top pick!
They offer affordable prices, easy booking options, and exceptional customer service that can't be beaten.
With locations in every state, including near international airports, Budget is the perfect choice for those looking for affordable car rentals.
They always have promotions and offers available, ensuring that you get the best value for your money.
Plus, booking with them online is a breeze.
Don't just take our word for it, check out their website and read their endless satisfied customer reviews!
Looking for a rental car? Budget's got you covered!
Their diverse fleet is perfect for any kind of renter, whether you're on a business trip in New York or taking a road trip through the Utah National Parks.
With 16 different categories to choose from on their website, finding your perfect fit has never been easier.
You'll have plenty of options, including a three-door Hyundai i10s, a larger Peugeot 5008s with automatic transmission, and even a luxurious Mercedes E-Class.
The best part about this rental car company? All of their vehicles are high-quality, comfortable, and reasonably priced.
Pick up/drop off locations: All over the US!
Price range: $
Best suited for: budget-conscious renters
Availability: Check here
Looking for an affordable and reputable car rental option in the US? With over 80 locations across the country, Payless is a great choice.
They have a strong reputation for excellent customer service and transparent pricing, which means you can trust them to deliver a quality experience at a reasonable price.
Plus, they offer plenty of awesome car rental deals and discounts, especially if you sign up for their Payless Perks membership program.
With a focus on affordability and quality, it's no wonder Payless has received thousands of glowing reviews.
And if you're planning a long road trip, they have one-way offers and a wide selection of pick-up and drop-off locations to make your journey even easier.
So if you're on a budget, Payless is undoubtedly one of the best rental car companies in the USA!
Even though Payless are known for their lower prices, it doesn't mean their fleet is lacking.
They have heaps of vehicles to choose from, for all travel needs and budgets.
Whether you're looking for a VW Beetle convertible, a Ford Expedition EL or a Ford Transit Van, they’ve got you covered.
The Payless website is really user-friendly, just enter your dates and pick-up location and use their handy filters to narrow down your searches.
Pick up/drop off locations: All over the US including neighborhood and airport pick-ups
Price range: $$
Best suited for: Frequent car renters
Availability: Check here
For every type of traveler in the US, you really can't go wrong with Hertz car rental!
They are huge players in the car hire game with locations and raving reviews from all over the world.
Hertz has an extensive fleet and endless pick-up and drop-off locations throughout the US, making them the ideal choice for one-way trips so you can drive from Los Angeles all the way to Seattle, in comfort and style!
What really sets Hertz apart from the rest of the car rental companies in the US has to be their incredible loyalty program, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, offering perks and discounts to all of their frequent customers. Other benefits include free rental days and upgrades (depending on your points).
With unbeatable customer service and a long-standing reputation, you can't go wrong with Hertz.
Hertz really has a vehicle for every type of traveler!
Whether you're looking for a sturdy family car with space for all your luggage or a sporty number to get you across the states in style, Hertz will have something for you.
Make use of their price match guarantee - if you find a cheaper Hertz vehicle on any other site, they will refund you the difference!
Pick up/drop off locations: All over the US including Atlanta, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Denver, Chicago and San Francisco
Price range: $$-$$$
Best suited for: Business and leisure travelers!
Availability: Check here
In 1912, a small German company started with just three vehicles. Today, that company has grown into one of the largest car rental companies in the world with over 2000 locations worldwide.
Sixt stands out as an excellent choice due to their commitment to exceptional customer service and high-quality vehicles.
Customers from all over the world have given glowing reviews, and Sixt's expert multilingual team is available around the clock to help ensure a seamless rental experience.
Although their car rental rates may be slightly higher than other rental companies, Sixt offers transparent pricing, comprehensive coverage, and top-notch vehicles.
SUVs, electric cars, convertibles, sports cars, vans, pick-up trucks, four-wheeled drives, and premium cars, the list is endless when it comes to the vehicles available to hire from Sixt!
With a high-quality fleet, great discount options and a seamless rental process, you can't go wrong with Sixt.
Pick up/drop off locations: Every state in the United States!
Price range: $$
Best suited for: Business car hire
Availability: Check here
You may be familiar with Enterprise car rental, which is among the world's largest rental car companies, boasting 9000 locations globally and 1.5 million vehicles.
Enterprise has a presence in every state of the US, making it highly accessible, particularly with locations near major airports throughout the country.
As a well-established company, Enterprise excels in providing top-notch customer service and a seamless rental process.
They're especially a great option if you're wanting to explore California, offering car rentals in Los Angeles as well as Santa Barbara and San Diego, among other locations.
You might be sensing a theme here as Enterprise, like all of the companies on this list, have a great choice of cars available to hire in the US.
From compact three-doors to spacious SUVs and people carriers, all of their vehicles are updated, comfortable and reliable.
Pick up/drop off locations: All across the US
Price range: $$-$$$
Best suited for: Luxury travelers
Availability: Check here
With 1500 locations around the world, National has quickly become a household name when it comes to car rentals in the US.
National Car Rental offers a premium rental experience, with high-quality vehicles, exceptional customer service, convenient pick-up and drop-off locations and flexible booking options.
What really sets this company apart from the rest is its loyalty program, the Emerald Club where frequent renters can take advantage of even more deals, discounts and upgrades.
National definitely leans towards the higher end when it comes to its fleet as they have an extensive range of premium and luxury vehicles available for hire.
You can expect to see models like the Porshe Taycan, Audi R8, Chevrolet Corvette and Rolls Royce Ghost available to rent in your chosen destination.
Pick up/drop off locations: 300 locations across the country
Price range: $-$$
Best suited for: Everyone
Availability: Check here
Thrifty, along with its parent company Hertz and sister company Dollar, operates in more than 4,000 locations worldwide, with 300 of them located in the USA.
This extensive network of locations makes Thrifty a convenient option for people seeking short-term or long-term car rentals in the US.
Thrifty offers competitive rates, value to customers, and a loyalty program with significant discounts, making it a standout car rental company.
Thrifty has a fantastic selection of vehicles available for rental in the US, ranging from economy cars, mid-size SUVs, convertibles, pick-up trucks, full-sized vans and some luxury vehicles for those wanting to travel through the states in style.
Do check out the additional fees that might be added to your booking with Thrifty as there are some extras depending on your rental location.
Pick up/drop off locations: Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, San Diego, New Orleans, Portland and more!
Price range: $-$$
Best suited for: Everyone!
Availability: Check here
If you're looking for a reliable car rental service in the US, Dollar is an excellent option.
They offer competitive rates, clear fees, excellent customer service, and numerous convenient locations throughout the country.
With over 55 years of experience in the industry, Dollar knows how to provide a top-notch car rental experience at a great value.
Plus, their membership program offers even better deals and discounts, and it's free to join.
If you're looking for car rentals in Las Vegas, San Francisco, or other locations in the United States, don't hesitate to check this company out!
Dollar has 19 different types of vehicles available in the US so you will be spoilt for choice if you opt for them.
Ranging from smaller three-door city explorers to twelve seater Ford transit vans, no matter your reason for renting a car in the US, they will have something that meets your needs and budget.
Pick up/drop off locations: 240+ locations across the US
Price range: $$
Best suited for: Families
Availability: Check here
Looking for a family-friendly car rental? Look no further than Alamo!
With a vast network of locations, you can start your adventure at any location, and Alamo will have a car waiting for you.
Alamo Car Rental offers competitive all-inclusive rates, 24/7 customer support, no hidden fees, and a free additional driver for all renters in the United States. This is perfect for couples and families who want to divide their journeys.
With a fleet jam-packed full of vehicles that are reliable, comfortable and spacious, this company is the ideal option for a full US road trip!
Alamo has over 60 different vehicles to choose from so you will be spoiled for choice, everything from family-sized SUVs to small fuel-efficient economy cars, there is something for everyone.
Pick up/drop off locations: Every major airport and city in the US!
Price range: $$
Best suited for: Everyone!
Availability: Check here
When it comes to the best car rental companies in America, Avis is a must-mention.
Their dedication to excellent customer service and straightforward booking system makes them a fantastic option for all kinds of travelers.
Avis Car Rental also offers an easily navigable website that features heaps of discounts and promotions, making their already affordable rates even better value!
As I'm sure you can guess, Avis has a huge fleet for you to choose from so you won't struggle to find one that meets your taste, needs and budget!
If there are too many options for you to pick from, make use of their handy online car guide to see each vehicle's specifications.
Whether you opt for an electric city explorer, a large pick-up truck or a family-sized car, you will find that all their vehicles are clean, comfortable and reliable.
It's almost impossible to say how much renting a car in the US can cost as it depends on so many factors!
The time of year, state, pick-up location, length of rental, and type of car you hire will all have a big impact on your overall price.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $30 to $100 dollars per day or more for larger or more premium vehicles.
Renting a car in the US typically requires you to be at least 21 years old, though some companies may permit those over 19.
If you are under 25, most companies will charge an extra fee for young drivers.
However, it's best to confirm the age requirements and policies with the rental company you plan to use.
There are heaps of incredible road trips you can take in the US but some of the most popular include the Pacific Coast Highway, Route 66, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, each offering iconic landmarks and unbeatable landscapes!
If you're planning a US road trip soon, here are some guides you might find useful!
Absolutely!
Whether you rent a motorhome or a car, having a vehicle is vital for exploring everything the US has to offer.
While public transport in the US is good, it's nowhere near the level of Europe and you will find getting from state to state without your own vehicle pretty pricey and restricting.
Hiring your own vehicle will give you the freedom to get around the country on your own schedule and allow you to get off the beaten track and into some of the country’s incredible national parks.
Now you've got an idea of the best hire car companies in the USA, it's time to plan your trip!
Here are some other North America rental guides that you may find helpful:
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