Planning a U.S. road trip in 2025? This friendly, SEO‑smart guide highlights the six cities travelers book the most with Hola Car Rentals—and exactly how to keep your rental simple, well‑covered, and great value. If you’re still comparing nationwide prices and depot options, start with our all‑market view for car rental in the United States, then dive into city‑by‑city tips below.
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage, exclusive to Hola Car Rentals.
- No Additional Fees at destination—save 60% guaranteed and avoid surprise add‑ons.
- Free Travel Insurance with medical coverage up to US$150,000.
- Maximum Coverage on selected itineraries with third‑party liability from $300,000.
- Cashback on Tolls so cashless lanes in Florida and Texas don’t dent your budget.
Orlando (MCO): Theme parks, toll roads, and easy resort parking
Orlando is designed for drivers: wide parkway loops, plentiful resort lots, and fast links to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, the Space Coast, and outlet malls. If your flight lands at MCO and you want to go from baggage claim to sunshine quickly, compare on‑airport depots, shuttle times, and price classes with Orlando Airport car hire before you finalize tickets or dinner reservations.
Driving tips: Expect slowdowns on I‑4 during morning park entries and post‑fireworks exits. Central Florida uses cashless tolls on common routes between the airport, resorts, and beaches—Hola Car Rentals’ Cashback on Tolls makes them painless, so you can focus on character breakfasts instead of receipts.
Parking: Resorts and shopping areas like Disney Springs offer multi‑level garages and surface lots; off‑resort hotels along International Drive or Lake Buena Vista often include parking in the nightly rate. If you’ll shuttle between parks and dinner spots, a compact SUV offers the best blend of stroller‑friendly cargo and easy hotel garage maneuvers.
Family favorite: Minivans that actually fit the luggage
For six to eight travelers, sliding doors and fold‑flat cargo space beat juggling two smaller cars. If your theme‑park week is locked in, book early to secure your class and keep airport pickup smooth—see sizes and luggage layouts on our Orlando minivan car rental page.
Miami (MIA): Beaches, bilingual neighborhoods, and coastal day trips
Miami blends sun‑seekers, cruise passengers, and food lovers—so flexibility is everything. If you’re heading straight to South Beach, Brickell, or Wynwood, arriving and going is simplest with Miami Airport car hire, which keeps you out of rideshare queues after long flights.
Parking & timing: South Beach street spaces are limited and metered; garages around Collins Avenue and Alton Road are easier for overnights. If your first 48 hours are all beach time and walkable dining, delay pickup and grab a compact closer to your hotel via Downtown Miami car rental—it’s often cheaper and kinder to hotel valet lines.
Cruise connections: Many travelers schedule a one‑ to three‑day hire around cruises to explore Key Biscayne, Little Havana, and the Everglades. Watch weekday peaks on I‑95 and the Dolphin Expressway (SR‑836), and budget a little extra time for causeway traffic on sunny weekends.
New York City (JFK): Best when you’re heading beyond the five boroughs
Subways and taxis are perfect inside Manhattan—but a car is a game‑changer for Hudson Valley vineyards, Catskills cabins, or the Jersey Shore. If your plan is city plus countryside, pick up on the way out with New York JFK car hire. You’ll avoid Midtown congestion and reach the Van Wyck or Belt Parkway in minutes.
Timing: To keep stress low, dodge late‑afternoon weekday departures that funnel through the Cross Bronx or George Washington Bridge. Early morning starts make a big difference on summer weekends, and you’ll reach trailheads or river towns before brunch queues.
Los Angeles (LAX): Freeways, view roads, and lots of weekend mileage
LA is tailor‑made for road trips—Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu canyons, Venice to Santa Monica bike paths, and theme parks from Universal to Disneyland. For the simplest logistics and the widest vehicle choice, start at the airport and compare fleets and opening hours with Los Angeles LAX car rental.
Parking & fueling: Most hotels charge nightly parking; factor it into your budget. Beach cities and major museums have reliable public lots—always read street‑cleaning signs. For longer desert loops to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, a hybrid or mid‑size SUV balances range, cargo space, and comfort for hot afternoons and cool desert nights.
Las Vegas (LAS): Day‑trip paradise beyond the Strip
Vegas is more than casinos—it’s quick access to Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Hoover Dam, all spectacular with your own wheels. Signage to the consolidated rental center is clear, making pick‑ups and returns fast; browse current classes and depot hours with Las Vegas Airport car hire before you lock show tickets.
Parking: Complimentary parking isn’t universal anymore, so check your property. If you’re hopping between resorts on the Strip, consider rideshare for short hops and save your rental mileage for scenic drives—the views pay off in every direction.
Austin (AUS): Live music, Hill Country, and lake days
Austin rewards variety—food trucks, Barton Springs swims, Hamilton Pool hikes, and Fredericksburg wine country. Airport pick‑ups are smooth, with quick routes via TX‑71 and US‑183 into the city. If you like clear signposting and easy returns, start by checking shuttle details and depot hours at Austin AUS car rental.
Weekend strategy: Street parking near South Congress and East Austin fills early on Saturdays. Aim for morning starts, or pick garages on side streets to keep the day flexible. Spring festival weeks and fall football weekends fill popular classes first—book early if you want a specific SUV or minivan.
Adventure‑ready: SUVs for Hill Country detours
If your itinerary includes Pedernales Falls, Enchanted Rock, or the Highland Lakes, extra ground clearance and cargo space help—especially with coolers and hiking gear. For the latest availability during spring festivals, check Austin SUV car hire and compare mileage allowances for your day‑trip wish list.
NYC travelers: consider Newark (EWR) for west‑side or Jersey routes
Headed to Manhattan’s west side, North Jersey outlets, or Pennsylvania? Skipping JFK traffic can be a win. Compare depots, opening hours, and one‑way options with Newark EWR car rental—the NJ Turnpike makes it easy to bypass Midtown if your road trip targets the Jersey Shore, Princeton, or Philadelphia.
Trusted brands through Hola Car Rentals
Hola Car Rentals partners with leading providers so you get coverage clarity and smooth counters without bouncing between websites. In Los Angeles, many travelers like predictable airport operations from Alamo car hire Los Angeles LAX (fast exits to I‑405). Late‑night arrivals into South Florida? Check staffing and queues at Avis car rental Miami MIA. We also work with Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, National, and Payless—giving you flexibility without opening ten tabs.
Money‑saving checklist for 2025 bookings
- Book early, modify later: With Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up, you can lock a great rate today and adjust as plans evolve.
- Airport vs. downtown: Airport depots win on hours and stock; downtown can be cheaper if you’ll be car‑free for your first couple of days.
- Mileage & fuel: Confirm your mileage policy and return the tank per your rate (full‑to‑full is common). Top up near the airport to avoid refueling fees.
- Car class fit: Compacts for urban hotel garages; mid‑size SUVs for families; minivans for 6–8 travelers; hybrids for long scenic loops.
- Tolls: Florida and parts of Texas use cashless systems. Hola Car Rentals’ Cashback on Tolls keeps the admin painless.
- Drivers & coverage: Add additional drivers during booking and pick All‑Inclusive+ for maximum coverage and stress‑free counters.
Three easy starter itineraries
- Orlando → Cape Canaveral → Cocoa Beach (1–2 days): Break up a theme‑park week with a quick East Coast beach loop; it’s a breezy toll‑road cruise and a refreshing change of pace.
- Los Angeles → Joshua Tree → Palm Springs (2–3 days): Mix food, art, and desert skies. Start early on weekends and bring layers for cool high‑desert evenings.
- New York City → Hudson Valley loop (2 days): Farm stands, hikes, and river views—plus excellent coffee towns. Leave after breakfast to beat the bridges and midday traffic.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to rent at the airport or downtown?
It depends on your schedule. Airports usually have longer hours and bigger fleets, while downtown depots can be cheaper if you won’t drive for the first couple of days. In Miami, for example, you can relax car‑free, then pick up via our downtown option once you’re ready to head to the Keys.
What documents do I need to rent a car in the U.S.?
Bring your driver’s license, passport (for international visitors), and the credit card in the lead driver’s name. Some suppliers may ask for an International Driving Permit if your license isn’t in Roman characters—carry it if you have one.
How do tolls work in Florida and Texas?
Cashless lanes read a windshield tag or license plate. With Hola Car Rentals, you get Cashback on Tolls and transparent invoices—just drive and enjoy the trip.
What size vehicle should a family choose?
Think in luggage and parking: a mid‑size SUV fits four with strollers; a minivan is best for six to eight. For Orlando theme‑park weeks, remember that souvenirs grow.
Can I do one‑way rentals between these cities?
Often, yes—one‑way fees may apply. Check availability early if your route spans states (for example, Los Angeles to Las Vegas or New York to Boston) to lock the right depot pairing.
Ready to roll?
From Orlando’s theme parks to Miami’s beaches, from New York’s weekend escapes to LA’s canyon drives, and from Vegas day trips to Austin’s live‑music nights—Hola Car Rentals makes it simple to compare prices, coverage, and pick‑up spots in minutes. Prefer to book on your phone? Download our app for iOS or Android and keep your reservation at your fingertips.
