HZUSA / Global
Book Hertz car rental
A long-established global operator with a broad airport network and a well-known loyalty programme.
View guide and request a carCar rental guides
Hit the road with a car that suits the trip
Independent guides to the rental companies travellers ask us about most. Compare what each one is actually good at, then send a request and we will check live availability for your dates.
Rental brand guides
Car rental brands, compared honestly
These companies are not interchangeable. One is built around neighbourhood branches, another around skipping the counter, another around price. Here is what each is genuinely known for.
- ETUSA / Global
Book Enterprise car rental
Known for customer service and an unusually large number of neighbourhood branches away from airports.
View guide and request a car - ALUSA / Global
Book Alamo car rental
Leisure-focused and built around self-service kiosks, which suits families arriving on holiday.
View guide and request a car - AVUSA / Global
Book Avis car rental
Long-standing brand oriented towards business travel, with expedited pick-up for regular renters.
View guide and request a car - BDUSA / Global
Book Budget car rental
Value-oriented brand popular with leisure travellers, with cars, SUVs and moving trucks.
View guide and request a car - NAUSA / Global
Book National car rental
Aimed at frequent business renters, best known for letting members choose their own car from a designated aisle.
View guide and request a car - DLUSA / Global
Book Dollar car rental
Value brand with a straightforward process, concentrated around major airport locations.
View guide and request a car - THUSA / Global
Book Thrifty car rental
Geared to leisure renters, with a wide category spread that works well for holidays and road trips.
View guide and request a car - SXUSA / Global
Book Sixt car rental
European-founded brand with a growing US presence and a fleet that skews towards premium marques.
View guide and request a car - PLUSA / Global
Book Payless car rental
Deep-discount brand for price-sensitive travellers, operating mainly in major tourist markets.
View guide and request a car - FXUSA
Book Fox Rent A Car car rental
Discount operator focused on major US airports, with aggressive pricing on longer rentals.
View guide and request a car - ACUSA / Global
Book Ace Rent A Car car rental
A network of independently operated locations, which tends to mean a more local, personal service.
View guide and request a car
Before you book any rental car
These rules apply whichever company you go with, and they are where most unexpected charges come from. Worth two minutes now.
What you need to collect a car
A full driving licence held for the operator's minimum period, a payment card in the main driver's name for the security hold, and photo ID or a passport when renting abroad. Some countries also ask for an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence.
How insurance and excess work
Rentals include basic cover with an excess - the amount you are liable for if the car is damaged. You can reduce it at the counter, through a separate policy, or sometimes through your own credit card. We explain the options; the choice stays yours.
Fuel policies
Full-to-full is usually the fairest: you collect a full tank and return it full. Prepaid fuel only pays off if you return the car close to empty. We tell you which policy applies before you book.
Driver age and extra drivers
Drivers under 25 often face a young-driver surcharge and are restricted from larger or premium categories. Additional drivers must be registered and usually carry a daily fee. Tell us who is driving and we will price it properly.
Not sure which category you need?
Tell us the group size, the luggage and the roads you are driving, and we will tell you what actually fits before you book it.
Travelzeo is an independent travel agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorised agent of the rental companies named on this page, and all trademarks belong to their respective owners. These guides are provided for information only. Vehicle availability, rates and rental terms are set by the rental company and confirmed with you before any booking is made.