Road Trips in the USA

Why are Road Trips Popular in the USA?

Whether you want to relish the picturesque coasts of the Pacific Ocean or go for some adventure sites, a road trip easily covers anything and everything you wish to travel for, in the USA. Due to the size of the country, there is so much one can explore from the north to the south. The USA consists of some of the most popular destinations in the world like the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Miami — a city of beautiful turquoise beaches, and has the most famous road routes such as the Overseas Freeway, Big Sur, and Route 66.

For the people who love to travel, hitting the road for long drives is an adventure they never would want to miss, reason being road trips are immortalized part of the USA. As much as road trips are adventurous it requires a lot of guidance while on road. If you are looking forward to your next big road trip in the USA make sure to consider tips that would help you to enjoy the trip without any stress. Plan your trip according to the tips mentioned below to make the most out of what the USA has to offer.

Most Popular Road Trips in the USA

Los Angeles to San Francisco

Los Angeles to San Francisco

  • Distance: 381.8 mi via I-5 N
  • Time: 5 hr 43 min
Los Angeles to Las Vegas

Los Angeles to Las Vegas

  • Distance: 270.0 mi via I-15 N
  • Time: 3 hr 53 min
Fort Lauderdale to Orlando

Fort Lauderdale to Orlando

  • Distance: 213.0 mi via I-95 N
  • Time: 3 hr 7 min
Los Angeles to San Diego

Los Angeles to San Diego

  • Distance: 120.3 mi via I-5 S
  • Time: 1 hr 47 min
San Diego to Las Vegas

San Diego to Las Vegas

  • Distance: 331.6 mi via I-15 N
  • Time: 4 hr 54 min
San Diego to San Francisco

San Diego to San Francisco

  • Distance: 508.3 mi via I-5 N
  • Time: 7 hr 46 min
Phoenix to Las Vegas

Phoenix to Las Vegas

  • Distance: 297 mi via US-93 N
  • Time: 4 hr 45 min
Orlando to Miami

Orlando to Miami

  • Distance: 234.8 mi via Florida's Turnpike
  • Time: 3 hr 27 min
Seattle to Portland

Seattle to Portland

  • Distance: 174 mi via I-5 S
  • Time: 2 hr 50 min

5 Reasons why a car rental is the best choice:

  • Plan your trip way ahead of the traveling day. If you are supposed to spend a longer time on the road it is important to priorly plan your itinerary like where you are to stay, which routes are to be followed, and what are you going to do along the way. In a vast country like the USA, it is easy to misjudge the time you would take to reach from point A to point B, planning ahead would help you to have a rough estimation of the days of your trip.
  • Maps (both GPS and physical fold-outs) are one of the most important accessories for your road trip in the USA.
  • Try not to get into the main city areas during rush hours, it is hectic and time-consuming.
  • Know priorly about the driving rules for the US state you are in, the speed limits will change, and the driving rules might as well change in some locations, keep in mind to drive wisely.
  • Make sure you have a road safety kit with you, this will be helpful in case of an emergency.

Types of Car Rentals Available for a Road Trip

Economy Car Rentals

If you are looking for affordable rentals you can book an economy rental car. The cars are the cheaper among other rental options. The cars are fuel efficient, low maintenance, and offered on a cheap rates as well.

Compact Car Rentals

These cars are smaller in size, so when traveling light or in a small group, compact rental cars are the ideal choice. Most hatchbacks come under this category.

Full-Size Car Rentals

These cars have more boot space, so if you are looking for a spacious car, go for a standard size. Sedans and small SUVs come under this category.

Luxury Car Rentals

Mostly preferred by business personnel, luxury rental cars in the USA are the most comfortable cars. Choose from brands like Chevrolet, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes.

SUV Rentals

The most popular car rental type for USA road trips is an SUV or a standard car rental. SUVs are meant for heavy driving and have a powerful built, making them perfect for long drives.

Van/ Minivan Rentals

Renters looking for a vehicle for a bigger group, rent a van/minivan. The rentals come with 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 15 seater capacity.

One-Way or Round Trip for a Road Trip?

  • A one-way car rental in the USA is an option where you can drop your car rental at a different location than you had picked it from. You can save a lot of your time with a one-way car rental.
  • In a round trip car rental, you will have to return the car rental to the exact location you had made the pick-up from.
  • Your car rental trip type will totally depend upon the itinerary you have planned. If you are to return to the city/location you had picked the car from, a round trip would be a suitable choice, but if you are a tourist and want to go a long way from the pick-up location, a one-way car rental is an ideal choice.
  • Booking a car rental with USACarsRental allows you to drop your rental at the location you wish to. The website consists of locations including but not limited to the airports, railway stations, and most of the downtowns.

Car Rental Tips for a Trip in the USA

  • Rent a Suitable Car Type

    The most popular car rental type for USA road trips is an SUV or a standard car rental. SUVs are meant for heavy driving and have a powerful built, making them perfect for long drives.

  • Choose One-Way Car Rental

    A one-way trip will allow you to drop off the rental at any other available location in the USA or Canada. One-way trips will incur extra charges. The charges are the cost of dropping the car to its original location.

  • Book a Car Rental in Advance

    Book your car rental well in advance for discounted prices and a wider fleet to choose from. Car rental companies in the USA tend to provide lower prices for early bookings. .

  • Choose Full-to-Full Fuel Policy

    In a car rental, you will get benefitting options such as a full-to-full fuel policy and unlimited mileage. You can save money by taking such small yet impactful decisions.

  • Keep all Required Documents Along

    You will need a driver’s license (DL), an international driving permit (IDP) if your DL is not in Roman Alphabet, a credit card in the name of the main driver to pay the security deposit, and ID proof (preferably a passport if you supposed to travel outside the country or you are a tourist) to rent a car in the USA.

  • Opt for Useful Extras Only

    You can also rent chargeable yet optional extras such as an extra driver, child booster seats, snow chains, GPS system.

Cross Country Road Trip from the USA to Canada

  • People very often travel from the USA to Canada in a car rental and as you are crossing the border of the USA, it is known as a cross border or a cross country car rental. Car rental trips to Canada from the USA are as much as popular as road trips inside of the USA.
  • Enjoy the Niagara Falls in Canada, discover the old Old Quebec, visit the naturally beautiful National Parks, or enjoy the city vibe around the CN Tower, a car rental is a perfect partner you would cherish your memories with.

FAQs Related to Road Trips in the USA

  • What are the documents required to rent a car for a road trip in the USA?

    You would require a driver’s license, a credit card in the name of the main driver to pay the security deposit at the rental desk, and international ID proof (passport preferably) to rent a car in the USA.

  • What type of car rental is good for long-distance driving in the USA?

    SUV rentals are the best when it comes to long-distance traveling in the USA. The cars are efficient, have good legroom, and have space for extra equipment and luggage you might be carrying on your trip.

  • How can I find a car rental near me, in the USA?

    Search for your current location on the USACarsRental portal. As the website serves all the local and major car rental pick-up points you can easily find a car rental of your choice at your preferred location.

  • Can I rent a car in one location and return it to another, in the USA?

    Yes, you can with a one-way car rental in the USA. You can choose a different car rental drop-off location than your pick-up location, be it inside the USA or outside of the USA such as Canada.

More options, More freedom

Holiday car rental USA

Looking to rent a car for a holiday in the USA? Now book with flexibility of drop off locations and duration of your choice.

One way car rental

Your monthly car rental can also be a one way trip. Pick a different drop off location, and enjoy the freedom and save loads of time.

Long term car rental USA

A car rental type that allows you to rent a car for as long as you want. This flexibility and freedom only comes with long term car hire.

Book A Car Rental Near You by Giving Us A Call!