Last updated: April 2026

Driving in United States: What You Need to Know

Before you rent a car in United States, here are the essential driving facts:

Drive SideRight
International Driving PermitRecommended For Non-English Licenses
Speed Limit (Motorway)65โ€“85 mph varies by state
Average Fuel Price$3.50/gal
Minimum Rental Age21 (surcharge under 25)+

Sources: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) ยท USA.gov โ€” Driving in the US

๐Ÿ’ก Insider Tip

Drivers under 25 face surcharges of $10โ€“30/day at most agencies โ€” some waive this for AAA members.

Best Cities for Car Hire in United States

Click on any city below to see detailed rental information, driving tips, and provider comparisons.

Los Angeles

LA is America's car culture capital โ€” you essentially need wheels to function here. The Pacific Coas...

Car hire in Los Angeles โ†’
Miami

Miami is the gateway to the Florida Keys, the Everglades, and the Gulf Coast. The Overseas Highway f...

Car hire in Miami โ†’
New York

You don't need a car in Manhattan, but renting from JFK or Newark lets you explore the Hudson Valley...

Car hire in New York โ†’
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the ultimate road trip base. Within a few hours you can reach the Grand Canyon, Death V...

Car hire in Las Vegas โ†’
Orlando

Beyond the theme parks, a car in Orlando lets you reach Kennedy Space Center, the springs of Ocala N...

Car hire in Orlando โ†’
San Francisco

San Francisco is the starting point for two legendary American drives โ€” the Pacific Coast Highway so...

Car hire in San Francisco โ†’

Airport Car Hire in United States

Car Hire in United States FAQ

Do I need an International Driving Permit in United States?
For United States, an IDP is recommended for non-English licenses. We recommend carrying one as some rental agencies and police may request it, especially outside major tourist areas.
What side of the road do you drive on in United States?
In United States, you drive on the right side of the road. If you're used to driving on the left, take extra care at roundabouts and junctions.
How old do I need to be to rent a car in United States?
The minimum age to rent a car in United States is typically 21 (surcharge under 25). Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge of โ‚ฌ5โ€“25 per day depending on the provider.
Which car rental comparison site is best for United States?
The US rental market is controlled by a few major chains (Enterprise/National, Hertz/Dollar, Avis/Budget). Economybookings and QEEQ compare these efficiently. Price differences between platforms are narrower than in Europe (typically 10โ€“15%), but still worth checking. Note the under-25 surcharge of $15โ€“30/day if applicable.