Keep in mind that the USA is a vast country, and road trip distances between major cities can be quite long. Plan your routes carefully, and consider using GPS or a navigation app for guidance. Additionally, research specific traffic rules and parking regulations for the state or city you'll be visiting, as they can vary. Always have the necessary documents, including a valid driver's license and insurance, when renting a car in the USA.
Distances from Airports to Main Cities:
- Distances can vary greatly depending on the airport and city. Here are some examples:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Downtown Los Angeles: Approximately 19 miles (30.5 km).
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Downtown Atlanta: Approximately 10 miles (16 km).
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Manhattan, New York City: Approximately 16 miles (26 km).
Traffic and Terrain:
- Traffic conditions vary widely across the USA. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago can experience heavy congestion, especially during rush hours.
- In rural areas and on highways, traffic is generally lighter.
- The terrain in the USA is diverse, ranging from flat plains to mountainous regions. This can impact driving conditions and weather.
Age requirements for car hire in the USA
The minimum age to hire a rental car in the USA is 21, however some rental agencies will require drivers to be aged 25 or over. If you are under 25 and wishing to hire a car in the USA, a young driver surcharge is commonly added. This surcharge varies by rental agent, see below for current charges from the most popular rental agents.
Can I hire a car in the United States of America with a UK driving licence?
Visitors from the UK can hire a car in the USA with their UK issued driving licence. There is no need for an international driving permit in the USA for UK licence holders. Thanks to a bi-lateral agreement between the 2 countries UK visitors to the USA can hire cars and drive legally with their domestic licence and vice versa for US visitors to the UK.
A credit card in the main drivers name, passport and visa (ESTA) are required!
Car hire supplier
Alamo
Budget
Dollar
Hertz
National
Thrifty
Minimum age
21
21
21
20
21
21
Young driver supplement/day
(under 25)
$27
$27
$27
$27
$25
$25
Visitors from the UK can hire a car in the USA with their UK issued driving licence. There is no need for an international driving permit in the USA for UK licence holders. Thanks to a bi-lateral agreement between the 2 countries UK visitors to the USA can hire cars and drive legally with their domestic licence and vice versa for US visitors to the UK.
A credit card in the main drivers name, passport and visa (ESTA) are still required.
Most popular US states to hire a car
Most popular airports for car hire in the USA
Most popular types of rental car in the USA
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.