Planning a trip across the United States? Whether you’re dreaming of cruising Route 66, exploring the Pacific Coast Highway, or chasing fall colors in New England, having your own car makes it all easier.
This car rental guide for the U.S. covers everything you need to know before you hit the road — from requirements and insurance options to road trip tips, rental costs, and must-see routes.
I live in the U.S. and have spent time in 35 U.S. states (lived in 7) and can tell you that I have enjoyed every single one. Each place offers something just a little different and interesting. And the best way to see all their quirks is by car.
If you’ve ever wanted to take a classic American road trip, this is where to start. 🚗
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- Why Rent a Car in the United States
- Do You Really Need a Car?
- Requirements for Renting a Car in the U.S.
- What Type of Car to Rent
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in the U.S.?
- Insurance and Coverage Options
- Driving in the U.S.
- Essential Tips for Renting a Car in the U.S.
- Best Road Trips in the United States
- Where to Stay on Your U.S. Road Trip
- My Favorite Travel Websites
- FAQs: Car Rental Guide for the U.S.
- Final Thoughts on the Car Rental Guide for the U.S.
Why Rent a Car in the United States
The U.S. is enormous — and most of it is best explored behind the wheel. While big cities like New York, Chicago, or Washington DC (where I live!) have solid public transit, once you get outside the city limits, buses and trains become extremely rare.
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore small towns, national parks, and off-the-beaten-path spots on your own schedule. You can stop at roadside diners, detour to quirky museums, and stay overnight wherever you want. These places are the heart of the U.S.
It’s also surprisingly affordable when shared among travelers, and it lets you build your itinerary around what you want to see — not the nearest bus stop.
Some of the best U.S. road trips include:
- Pacific Coast Highway (California)
- Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia → North Carolina)
- Route 66 (Chicago → Los Angeles)
- Great River Road (Minnesota → Louisiana)
- New England fall foliage loop
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Do You Really Need a Car?
That depends on your trip.
If you’re staying mostly in one city — like New York, Boston, DC, or San Francisco — skip the car. Parking is pricey, traffic is intense, and public transport or rideshares work fine.
But if your plans include multiple destinations, day trips, or national parks, you’ll absolutely want your own vehicle. From the deserts of Arizona to the coastlines of Maine, a car is the key to freedom and flexibility.
A quick rule of thumb:
➡️ If your itinerary includes more than one city or natural area, rent a car.
➡️ If it’s all within one metro area, rely on local transport (but check if it’s efficient beforehand or you’ll spend a lot on Uber).
Requirements for Renting a Car in the U.S.
The rental process is straightforward, but it’s important to meet all the requirements before you go.
Age to Rent a Car in the U.S.
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 usually pay a “young driver surcharge” (typically $25–40 per day). Drivers over 75 should check for any addition charges as well.
Driver’s License
You’ll need a valid driver’s license in English. If your license is not in English, you must bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation.
Credit Card
A credit card in the driver’s name is usually required for the deposit. Some companies accept debit cards, but may run a credit check or limit your car options.
Insurance Coverage
All U.S. rentals include the minimum liability insurance required by law, but additional coverage options are available (more info below).
What Type of Car to Rent
The United States is made for driving — long highways, wide roads, and plenty of parking. Choose the type of car that best fits your trip and group size.
Compact or Economy
Perfect for solo travelers or couples exploring cities or short distances. Easy to park, great gas mileage.
Midsize Sedan
A versatile choice for most U.S. road trips — roomy, comfortable, and efficient.
SUV or Crossover
Ideal for mountain roads, desert drives, or national park trips. Great storage space and comfort for families or groups (but it does gobble gas).
Convertible or Luxury
For scenic coastal routes like California’s Highway 1 or Miami’s Ocean Drive — go ahead and treat yourself. These roads are made for convertibles (just wear sunscreen).
Campervan or RV
Planning a long adventure? Renting a campervan combines car + accommodation and gives you the freedom to sleep wherever the road takes you. Check the Where to Stay section for info about reserving a camping/RVI spot.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in the U.S.?
Rental prices vary by season, vehicle type, and location. Here’s what to expect per day:
| Type | Average Cost (per day) |
| Economy | $35 – $60 |
| Midsize | $45 – $80 |
| SUV | $70 – $120 |
| Luxury | $100 – $180 |
| Campervan/RV | $150 – $300 |
Additional costs:
- Insurance: $10 – $30/day for collision coverage
- Young driver surcharge: $25 – $40/day (under 25)
- Additional driver: $10 – $15/day
- Tolls & fuel: Varies by region and route
- Parking: If you’ll be in the city, it can add up
Insurance and Coverage Options
Understanding car-rental insurance in the U.S. can be confusing, but this section of the car rental guide for the U.S.breaks it down clearly.
- CDW/LDW (Collision or Loss Damage Waiver): Covers damage or theft of the rental vehicle.
- SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance): Covers damage to other vehicles or property.
- PAI (Personal Accident Insurance): Covers medical costs for you and passengers.
- PEC (Personal Effects Coverage): Covers theft of your belongings inside the car.
Check whether your credit card or travel insurance already includes car rental coverage — many do. If it does, you can decline the company’s add-ons and save money.
🤞 If you’re looking for trip insurance, Insure My Trip works with many different companies to find you the perfect plan.
Driving in the U.S.
If you’ve never driven in the U.S. before, don’t worry — roads are well-marked, rules are clear, and the scenery is unbeatable. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Driving Side
Drive on the right-hand side and pass on the left. Slower traffic keeps right on multi-lane highways.
Speed Limits
Speed limits differ by state and road type. These are the general limits:
- Cities: 25–35 mph (40–55 km/h)
- Highways: 55–75 mph (90–120 km/h)
- Interstates in rural areas: up to 80 mph in some states
In some cities, there are cameras that will take a photo of your license plate if you speed or run a red light. It will be sent to the rental company and you’ll generally be charged the citation fee plus and administration fee by the company for paying it.
Gas Stations
Fuel prices are listed per gallon (1 gallon = 3.8 liters). Pay at the pump with a card or inside before fueling if you need to use the restroom or grab a snack too.
✅ Wondering what to bring with you? Check out my Road Trip Checklist! You can find it in the ⭐️Travel Resource Library⭐️ and it has everything you need to stay comfy and safe when you hit the road.
Tolls
Many highways use electronic toll systems like EZ-Pass or SunPass. Ask how your rental company handles tolls — some charge daily device rental fees on top of the tolls.
In addition to traditional tolls, there are “fast lanes” to avoid traffic on some highways near big cities like DC. If you use these lanes, you will be charged a fee which is pretty steep usually (but sometimes worth it).
Parking
Street parking varies by city. Always read the signs to avoid fines or towing.
In some places, you Pay & Display by paying at a nearby machine and putting the receipt in your window. Some use parking apps where there’s a QR that you scan to pay (sometimes using your license plate number, sometimes the number of your parking space). You can also find pay lots where a machine spits out a ticket when you enter and you pay by credit card when you leave according to how long you spent there.
Be sure not to leave valuables in sight no matter where you park.
Cell Service
Cell service is strong in most areas, but download offline maps for remote national parks and other wide open places like Native American reservations.
Essential Tips for Renting a Car in the U.S.
- Book early to secure better rates.
- Inspect the car and photograph any scratches or dents before driving away.
- Avoid one-way rentals to skip extra fees.
- Check toll policies — admin fees can be steep.
- Bring your own GPS via smartphone apps like Google Maps.
- Refuel before returning to avoid inflated charges.
- Keep snacks and water handy for long stretches between stops.
Best Road Trips in the United States
If you’re reading this car rental guide for the U.S., you’re probably planning a road trip — so here are some unforgettable routes to consider.
The most memorable US road trip I’ve ever taken (and I’ve taken a TON) was when my husband and I moved from Arizona to Massachusetts. It was a long trip with a car packed to the ceiling (and even a cat) but we saw everything from the mesas in New Mexico to the smoky mountains of Tennessee to the New England coast.
Every bit of it is breathtaking.
Here are a few of the best road trips in the U.S. to consider:
🏜️ Southwest National Parks Loop
Las Vegas → Zion → Bryce → Arches → Grand Canyon
Epic red rock scenery and endless adventure.
🌲 Pacific Coast Highway
San Francisco → Big Sur → Los Angeles
One of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.
🍁 New England Fall Foliage
Boston → Vermont → New Hampshire → Maine
Perfect for autumn road trips and cozy small towns.
🎶 The Deep South
Nashville → Memphis → New Orleans
Music, barbecue, and Southern charm.
🏞️ The Great Western Loop
Denver → Yellowstone → Glacier → Seattle → San Francisco
A grand tour of America’s wild landscapes.
Where to Stay on Your U.S. Road Trip
The U.S. has endless accommodation options — from nostalgic motels to luxury resorts to quirky boutique hotels.
Popular no-frills hotel chains: Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Best Western are widespread across the country.
Upscale hotel options: Marriott Brands, Hilton Brands (I like the Curio Collection Hotels), and Hyatt Hotels can be found in even some of the smaller cities.
https://www.stay22.com/embed/68e3debb24ecc1f8e80cdbe5If you prefer unique stays, check out:
- The Dyrt for camping and glamping around the country
- National Park lodges for unforgettable stays surrounded nature
- VRBO for cozy cabins, city apartments, beach rentals, and other non-hotel options
Book ahead for summer and holiday travel, especially near popular national parks.
My Favorite Travel Websites
When you purchase items through links on my site, I earn a tiny commission at no cost to you.
Thank you for purchasing through me- you’re the best! 😍
Ready to plan your trip?
Here are my favorite travel websites to get you started.
✈️ Flights 🏨 Hotels 🚃 Trains
🚗 Car Rental 🤞 Insurance 🏰 Activities
FAQs: Car Rental Guide for the U.S.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in the U.S.?
Only if your license isn’t in English. Otherwise, your home license works fine.
Can I rent a car without a credit card?
Some companies allow debit cards but expect extra ID checks and a large deposit hold- make sure you have enough in your account to cover it.
Can I take my rental car across states?
Yes! You can drive freely between states. Just confirm with the car rental company before entering Canada or Mexico.
What’s the minimum age to rent a car in the U.S.?
Usually 21. Drivers under 25 or over 75 may pay a surcharge.
Are there tolls everywhere in the U.S. ?
No, but they’re common on East Coast and Florida highways. They can add up so be sure to factor that into your budget.
Are all rental cars automatic in the U.S.?
Yes — nearly all U.S. rentals have automatic transmission. If you want manual, you’ll need to book early.
Still have questions? 🤔
Get in touch! I bet I can answer them for you.
Final Thoughts on the Car Rental Guide for the U.S.
A rental car is the best way to experience America’s vast landscapes, charming small towns, and iconic highways. Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or exploring one state in depth, this car rental guide for the U.S. will help you do it safely, confidently, and with plenty of freedom to explore.
Roll down the windows, turn up the music, and hit the open road — adventure is waiting for you. Come discover the United States.
Happy Travels… 🇺🇸 🚙
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