Thanksgiving Car Rental Survival Guide: How to Save Money During the Busiest Week of the Year
Thanksgiving Car Rental Survival Guide: How to Save Money During the Busiest Week of the Year
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weeks in the U.S. Nearly 80 million Americans will hit the road this year, with 71.7 million driving, according to AAA. Rental cars are in high demand, and if you wait too long, you may pay more or lose your reservation.
The good news: prices have stabilized. Fall 2024 surveys show the average daily rental rate is $64.50, down 28% from summer and only 0.5% higher than last year. With a few smart strategies, you can save money and secure the right car for your trip.
Know the Busy Days
Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest pick-up day. Most travelers return cars on Monday or Tuesday after the holiday.
Driving patterns shift during Thanksgiving. Telematics provider Arity found high-speed driving (>80 mph) jumps 78% on the holiday, while distracted driving and hard braking drop 16% and 19%. Traffic surges on Wednesday and Sunday, so plan your departure accordingly.
Info: Busiest Airports for Rentals
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- Phoenix (PHX)
Tip: Airport locations run out of cars fast. Book early if you’re flying.
Choose the Right Location
Location drives cost. A fall 2024 survey of 100 U.S. airports shows:
- Most expensive: Little Rock (LIT) – $95/day, Charleston (CHS) – $91/day, Madison (MAD) – $87/day
- Popular hubs: Los Angeles (LAX) – $80/day, Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – $58/day, New York JFK – $56/day
- Cheapest major airport: Raleigh-Durham (RDU) – $41/day
West-coast hotspots like Palm Springs and San Francisco averaged $82–83/day. Off-airport locations often cost less. Nearly 48% of renters say they’ll choose a less convenient location to save money.
Info: Cheapest Airports for Car Rentals
Raleigh-Durham (RDU) – $41/day
New York JFK – $56/day
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – $58/day
Orlando (MCO) – $62/day
Denver (DEN) – $65/day
Info: Cheapest Airports for Car Rentals at Carla
Raleigh-Durham (RDU) – $41/day
New York JFK – $50/day
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – $55/day
Orlando (MCO) – $12/day
Denver (DEN) – $53/day
Know the Budget
Zubie’s 2024 survey shows 1 in 3 Americans plans to rent a car for Thanksgiving. The average daily budget is $86.04. Two-thirds rented a car in the past year, and 74% said leisure or vacation is the main reason.
Historical context: In 2023, the average domestic car rental for Thanksgiving cost $590, 20% lower than in 2022. Statistics report that average North American rental prices fell from about $369 in 2023 to $316 in 2025, reflecting broader industry price corrections.
Book Smart
Booking early ensures availability, but flexibility saves money. Data shows that booking 2–3 days before Thanksgiving often produces rates similar to six weeks in advance. Pay-later options let you lock in a car and rebook if rates drop.
Watch Promotions
Fall promotions can help you save — and at Carla, we make it easy to spot the best deals.
Keep checking rentcarla.com for low prices, as our platform highlights the lowest rates available. Even if a deal isn’t Thanksgiving-specific, it often applies during the holiday period, so you can secure a great car without overpaying.
Pick a Cost-Effective Vehicle
Fuel efficiency saves money. Nearly 48% of renters prefer fuel-efficient cars. SUVs remain popular (20%), but luxury vehicles are rented by only 17%. Pick a vehicle that fits your trip and saves on gas.
Your Money-Saving Checklist
- Book early with pay-later options
- Compare airport and off-airport locations
- Leverage membership and loyalty discounts
- Confirm branch hours to avoid holiday closures
- Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle
- Watch for promotions from CARLA
With planning and flexibility, you can save money, avoid last-minute stress, and get on the road quickly. Secure your rental early, monitor rates, and focus on enjoying your Thanksgiving holiday.
