Hertz is reporting a resurgence in American road trips this summer as soccer fans visiting the United States increasingly choose rental cars to travel between host cities, transforming tournament travel into multi-city driving holidays.
According to the company’s latest booking data, travelers are increasingly opting for one-way car rentals, allowing them to attend multiple matches while exploring different parts of the country rather than remaining in a single destination.
One-Way Rentals on the Rise
Hertz said demand has increased along several of the country’s best-known travel corridors, including New York–Boston, Los Angeles–San Francisco, Los Angeles–Las Vegas, and Orlando–Tampa–Miami.
The company also reported strong growth in bookings for secondary destinations, with July reservations rising 25% in Kansas City, 17% in Philadelphia, 12% in Houston, 10% in Seattle and 8% in Boston compared with the previous year.
International Visitors Driving Demand
International football fans from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and China are among the largest groups contributing to increased demand for rental vehicles as they travel across the United States.
Hertz said many visitors are choosing rental cars because they offer greater flexibility and can be more economical than purchasing multiple domestic airline, rail or coach tickets, particularly for groups travelling together.
One-way rentals currently average approximately US$60 to US$70 per day for a midsize vehicle, according to the company.
Road Trips Gain Momentum
Adnan Manzur, Senior Vice President of North America Customer Operations at Hertz, said the company is seeing both international visitors and American travellers rediscover the appeal of road trips.
He said many fans are extending their journeys beyond football matches by exploring multiple destinations, creating flexible itineraries that showcase more of the country.
Hertz also highlighted the experience of German traveller Freddy, whose social media posts documenting his cross-country journey attracted significant online attention after a Hertz employee helped him continue his trip following a travel disruption in Vermont.
Classic American Routes Benefit
The increased interest in road travel is also boosting demand for iconic American driving routes. Hertz reported a 12% increase in July bookings connected to Route 66 during the highway’s centenary year, while reservations linked to historic travel routes around Boston and New England have risen by 11%.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Hertz said this summer’s travel patterns indicate growing demand for flexible, experience-led journeys that combine major events with classic American road trip experiences.
