Car Rental in United States - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in the United States is highly recommended for tourists, particularly for exploring beyond major city centers. The country is designed around automobile travel, with extensive highway systems connecting destinations that may be impractical to reach by public transport. Car rental is ideal for road trips, visiting national parks, exploring countryside regions, and traveling between cities where public transit is limited. However, avoid renting in congested urban areas like New York City, San Francisco, or Boston, where parking is expensive and difficult, and public transportation is efficient. These cities have excellent subway and bus systems that make car ownership unnecessary and burdensome. Driving conditions are generally excellent, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. Americans drive on the right side of the road. Most tourists find driving straightforward, though highway speeds can be faster than in some countries, and distances between destinations are often much greater than expected. Be prepared for toll roads in certain regions and familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, which can vary by state. An International Driving Permit may be required depending on your country of origin, so verify requirements before arrival.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is generally accepted for short-term visits. Most states allow foreign visitors to drive with their home country license for tourism purposes.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

While not legally required in most states, an IDP is recommended as an official translation of your license. Some rental agencies may request it, particularly if your license is not in English.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may rent to drivers aged 18-20 with additional fees. Drivers under 25 often face young driver surcharges.

Credit Card

A major credit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit. Debit cards are rarely accepted, and the hold amount varies by vehicle class and rental duration.

Insurance Coverage

Basic liability insurance is mandatory. Rental agencies offer various coverage options (collision damage waiver, liability protection). Check if your personal auto insurance or credit card provides rental coverage before purchasing additional insurance.

State-Specific Rules

Driving rules vary by state, including speed limits, right-turn-on-red permissions, and cell phone usage laws. Familiarize yourself with the specific regulations of the states you'll be driving through.

Major airports and cities throughout the United States typically offer both international rental agencies (like Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) and local companies - airport locations are generally convenient but may include facility fees, while city locations might offer better rates.

Before driving off, verify the vehicle condition with photos, confirm your insurance coverage (your personal auto policy or credit card may provide coverage), and familiarize yourself with the vehicle controls as automatic transmission is standard but features vary by model.

GPS navigation is available as a rental add-on, though using your smartphone with apps like Google Maps or Waze is often more cost-effective - download offline maps if traveling through areas with limited cell service.

Most rental cars in the United States use unleaded gasoline and are rented with a full tank - you'll typically need to return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid refueling charges, and note that gas stations are generally self-service.

When returning your rental, allow extra time for the vehicle inspection, keep your fuel receipt if you refilled nearby, and confirm the return process as some locations offer express return while others require an agent check-in.

Rush hour traffic in major US cities (typically 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) can cause significant delays, particularly on urban highways and interstates - plan extra travel time for these periods.

Winter weather conditions vary dramatically by region, with northern states experiencing snow and ice requiring winter tires or chains, while sudden weather changes can create hazardous driving conditions even in typically mild areas.

Speed limits and traffic enforcement are strictly monitored with both patrol officers and automated cameras - fines vary by state but can be substantial, and some states use unmarked police vehicles for enforcement.

Right turns on red lights are generally permitted after stopping (except where posted), and highway driving requires staying right except when passing - these rules differ from many countries where overtaking lanes and turn restrictions work differently.