Hertz Car Rental: How the Service Works for US Drivers

Hertz car rental offers short-term access to vehicles for business and leisure trips in the US and abroad. Here is how reservations, vehicle pickup, and key options work for American customers.

Hertz car rental is a global vehicle rental service that lets drivers book cars, SUVs, and other vehicles for short-term use in the US and many other countries, as explained on the company site Hertz, 03/10/2025 and in a business overview Reuters, 02/20/2025.

Updated: 05/17/2026 | Reading time: approx. 11 minutes

By the AD HOC NEWS editorial team - specialized in product-led market coverage.

At a Glance

• Product: Hertz car rental
• Category: Vehicle rental service
• Brand/Manufacturer: Hertz
• Main Use Cases: Travel, commuting, temporary vehicle access
• Availability: Locations across the US and many global markets
• Key Markets: United States, Europe, international airports

What Hertz car rental Is and How It Works

Hertz car rental is a service that provides short-term access to passenger vehicles, typically from a few hours to several weeks, through a reservation and pickup system at rental locations and airports Hertz, 03/10/2025.

Customers usually reserve vehicles online, through a mobile app, by phone, or at a counter, then present a valid driver license and payment card at pickup, according to the US rental terms Hertz, 03/05/2025.

Hertz locations often offer a range of vehicle classes such as economy cars, sedans, SUVs, and sometimes specialty models, with categories varying by location and demand patterns Hertz, 01/15/2025.

Booking and pickup experience

US customers can search available vehicles, compare car groups, and choose pickup and return locations on the Hertz website or app, which also displays rental terms and optional coverage choices Hertz, 02/01/2025.

At pickup, renters sign the agreement that sets mileage rules, fuel expectations, and return conditions, a standard process described in the rental terms and conditions for the US market Hertz, 01/20/2025.

Key features and service options

Hertz offers features such as loyalty rewards, optional coverage products, and add-ons like child seats or navigation devices, where available, described in the customer programs and product pages Hertz, 01/30/2025.

Some airport locations provide expedited pickup lanes for loyalty members, so frequent US travelers can reduce wait times by enrolling in the rewards program Hertz, 02/12/2025.

Why Hertz car rental Matters for Consumers and Industry

For US consumers, Hertz car rental offers an alternative to owning a car in situations like vacations, business trips, or temporary vehicle needs, as noted in overview materials describing common rental use cases Hertz, 03/10/2025.

Trade coverage has pointed out that car rentals continue to support business travel and tourism by providing flexible mobility from airports and city locations for visitors and residents Wall Street Journal, 10/02/2024.

Vehicle rental fleets can also influence demand for certain car segments, since rental companies repeatedly purchase and remarket vehicles from major automakers, according to industry reporting on fleet ordering trends Bloomberg, 09/18/2024.

Role in US mobility and travel patterns

US business media have described rental cars as part of the broader mobility mix that includes ride-hailing and public transit, especially important for airport to destination legs in cities with limited transit links New York Times, 06/11/2024.

For many US drivers who own smaller vehicles, renting a larger SUV or van for vacations or moves can be more practical than buying, as noted in consumer guidance about rental versus ownership decisions Consumer Reports, 07/22/2024.

Links to tourism and business travel

Hertz rental counters are commonly located at major US airports, supporting domestic and inbound tourism with convenient access to vehicles, as seen in the airport location finder for the brand Hertz, 02/18/2025.

Industry publications have noted that car rental trends often move with airline and hotel bookings, underlining the ongoing role of rental providers in the travel supply chain Skift, 05/07/2024.

Hertz car rental in the US and Global Market

Hertz operates rental locations across the United States and in many international markets, with a network that includes on-airport and off-airport branches Hertz, 02/18/2025.

Company and business media profiles describe Hertz as one of several major vehicle rental brands competing in North America and Europe, along with other large rental companies Financial Times, 08/29/2024.

US coverage has emphasized that rental companies adjust their fleets and pricing according to travel demand, vehicle supply conditions, and used-car markets, which can affect the customer experience at the counter CNBC, 04/30/2024.

• Short-term access to cars without long commitments
• Online and app-based booking for US locations
• Choice of vehicle classes, where available
• Loyalty program for frequent renters
• Airport and neighborhood pickup options

Frequently Asked Questions About Hertz car rental

How do I book Hertz car rental in the US?
US customers can book Hertz car rental online, in the mobile app, by phone, or at a rental counter, selecting pickup and return locations and dates before confirming payment details Hertz, 02/01/2025.

What documents are needed to rent from Hertz?
For most US rentals, customers must present a valid driver license and a form of payment that meets rental qualifications, as outlined in the US rental policy information Hertz, 03/05/2025.

Where can I pick up Hertz rentals in the United States?
Hertz operates locations at many US airports and in neighborhoods, and customers can search exact branches on the location finder before reserving a vehicle Hertz, 02/18/2025.

Hertz Global Holdings is the company behind Hertz car rental, providing vehicle rental services through its brand network in the US and other regions Hertz, 03/10/2025.

Shares of Hertz Global Holdings have traded in US markets under the ticker HTZ, and company information lists the security with ISIN US42809H1077 SEC, 01/15/2025.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute investment advice. Stocks are volatile financial instruments.