While international air transportation is increasingly easy to arrange, global rental car companies are making it easier for travelers to get around at their own convenience once their airplanes land. International rental car providers are largely based in the United States or Europe, but serve a variety of international destinations with hubs at international airports around the globe.

When booking ground transportation reservations with international rental car companies, check out their options and policies online and get quotes before you book. You can save time and trouble by booking your international ground transportation before your trip rather than at the airport, and will also need to be aware of traffic and rental regulations.

When booking international ground transportation, investigate the following options:

1. Get rentals around the globe from well-known U.S. companies;

2. Find budget rentals available from global rental car companies;

3. Browse European rental companies for international travel in Europe.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find global rental car providers based in the United States

Many global rental car providers are well-known American companies that are also used for domestic car rentals, but also provide rental services in other countries. Search a car rental company's website for rental locations to find out if vehicle rentals are available in your destination.

I recommend: Look for international ground transportation options from companies such as Advantage, Avis and Hertz. If you have a preferred rental company, check its locations to see if they operate internationally, or select your international destination when getting a rental quote.

Get budget rentals from international rental car providers

Travelers can still get a good bargain from international rental car providers, especially when renting from a global rental car provider that advertises low rates in the United States and abroad. If you prefer to rent from a major discount rental company, there are several options when booking global travel.

I recommend: Several international rental car companies advertise discount rates, including Budget and Thrifty, which allows you to browse location maps to find your international destination. If a global rental car company advertises prices in Euro or another world currency, remember to convert when comparing prices.

Get international ground transportation rentals worldwide from European providers

Many international rental car companies have hubs in Europe, and offer a range of options for people traveling on the continent who want the convenience of a car rental. Worldwide rental car companies may be based in Europe or operate hubs in Europe using European model rentals.

I recommend: Kemwel and Europcar are two major international rental car companies based in Europe. Many other American rental companies also rent vehicles in Europe, and you can call or check their websites for information about international rental car services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you purchase travel insurance before your trip, it may cover damage to rental cars used for international ground transportation. Check your travel insurance policy and bring documentation with you when you travel to prove coverage to global rental car companies if damage is incurred.