Car Hire in the USA

The United States is the ultimate road trip nation. Whether you're chasing Route 66 through the desert Southwest, tracing the Pacific Coast Highway, or exploring National Parks from Yellowstone to the Everglades, the country is best experienced behind the wheel.

Best airports for car hire in the USA

• Las Vegas (LAS) — gateway to the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Death Valley.
• Los Angeles (LAX) — Pacific Coast Highway, Joshua Tree, Yosemite.
• Miami (MIA) — Florida Keys, Everglades, the East Coast.
• New York (JFK/EWR) — New England, the Catskills, the Hamptons.
• Denver (DEN) — Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado ski country.

Driving in the USA: key things to know

• Drive on the right. Speed limits vary by state — typically 25–35 mph urban, 65–75 mph interstate.
• Right turns on red are generally permitted unless signed otherwise.
• International driving licences are recognised, but carry your home country licence too.
• Most rental cars in the USA are automatic — request manual (stick shift) in advance if required.
• Gas is much cheaper than in Europe — fill up at interstate service stations for the best prices.

One-way rentals in the USA

The USA is excellent for one-way road trips. Many suppliers offer competitive one-way rates between major cities — ideal for classic point-to-point routes like San Francisco to Los Angeles or New York to Miami. Always check one-way fees at time of booking as they vary significantly between suppliers.