20 reasons to visit Houston
Once the centre of America’s space race, Houston has recently been busy reinventing itself. It’s...
Reserve a vehicle
Hertz car hire in Texas
Texas is known for big open roads, bold food, and cities that each feel like their own world. You can catch live music and relaxed outdoor spots in Austin, explore arts districts and big shopping areas in Dallas, and spend time in Houston for museums and a seriously diverse dining scene.
Beyond the city limits, Texas also gives you small towns, scenic backroads, and long drives that feel like part of the experience.
That’s where car hire in Texas really helps. You can travel on your own schedule, take day trips without stress, and stop whenever something looks worth it.
With a car rental in Texas through Hertz, you can pick up from convenient airport and city locations and choose a vehicle that suits your route, from electric options to petrol-powered cars.
Top cities in Texas
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Why Hertz?
Reserve direct for our best rate guarantee
Found a lower rent? We’ll match it and give 10% off of that base rate.
Easily modify or cancel reservations
Plans change. Cancel for free up to 2 days before pick-up.
Your world 11,000 locations
Enjoy hassle-free rentals with convenient pick-up locations.
Better journeys with Hertz's premium fleet
A premium fleet for better travel each time.
Everything you need to know about hiring a car in Texas
Parking in Texas
- 515 Congress Garage is a handy, no-fuss place to park right in the middle of Downtown Austin, just off Congress Ave and a short walk from spots around 6th and 7th Street. It’s a good choice if you’re heading out for dinner, bars, or live music and want to leave the car somewhere central while you explore on foot. The garage has around 465 spaces, including an EV charging facility.
- The Star Garage (703 Fannin St, Downtown Houston) is a convenient downtown option if you want to park once and explore on foot. With around 700 spaces, it’s a solid pick when downtown feels busy, and you want a reliable garage nearby.
- Renaissance Tower Garage is a large downtown parking option with around 1,100 spaces, set just off N Field St near Pacific Ave and the Field at Pacific transit stops. It’s a handy choice if you want to park once and walk to nearby offices, restaurants, and central-city sights.
Electric Car Hire
Texas is even more fun when you can explore it on your own schedule, and an electric car can make the drive feel calm and comfortable. EVs are quiet in stop-and-go city traffic, smooth on long highway stretches, and a great match for trips where you want to mix big-city time with easy day drives.
If you are staying in Austin, Dallas, or Houston, an EV is ideal for moving between neighborhoods, food spots, and attractions without feeling rushed. When you head outside the city, it still holds up well for longer routes and scenic detours, whether you are driving out to small towns, wide-open countryside, or hill-country viewpoints.
With Hertz, electric car hire in Texas is straightforward. Choose an EV that suits your route, pick up from convenient locations, and enjoy a modern way to travel with lower emissions and zero tailpipe output.
Charging Points
Texas has a strong and growing EV charging network, with over 4,300 public charging stations across the state. That makes it easier to plan charging stops as you go, whether you’re driving around a city for the day or mapping out longer routes between destinations.
With new locations being added over time, you’ll likely find even more places to plug in as the network expands.
This wider access makes hiring an EV through Hertz in Texas a practical choice, whether you’re staying local in Austin, Dallas, or Houston, or heading out on longer drives to small towns, scenic backroads, and wide-open stretches of road.
Congestion Charges
Texas does not have a citywide “congestion charge” zone like London or New York City.
What you, however, will see in parts of Texas are tolls and managed lanes where the price can change based on traffic (often called express lanes or HOT lanes).
In other words, it’s not a fee for entering a downtown area; it’s a toll for choosing certain lanes or toll roads, and the rate may be higher at busy times.
Key Roads
- I-35 (Austin): The main north–south spine through Austin. It links Downtown with North Austin and the routes toward San Antonio, and it’s often the busiest corridor in the city, especially during weekday rush hours and event weekends.
- I-635 (Dallas, “LBJ Freeway”): A major loop-style freeway that helps you move around North Dallas and connect to key routes like I-35E, US-75, and DFW-area highways. Useful for cross-metro trips, but congestion can build quickly around interchanges.
- I-45 (Houston to Dallas corridor): The primary route for travel between Houston and Dallas, and the go-to road for longer intercity drives. Inside Houston, it connects downtown with the north side and major exits, so it’s a common route for hotel areas and onward road trips.
Toll Roads
- Dallas North Tollway (Dallas area): A major north–south toll road that links Downtown Dallas with suburbs like Plano, Frisco, and Prosper. It’s a common route for business areas, shopping zones, and moving across North Dallas quickly.
- Sam Houston Tollway (Houston area / Beltway 8 toll lanes): A key loop around Houston that helps you bypass downtown traffic and connect between major highways. It’s widely used for cross-city drives and airport-area routes, depending on where you’re staying.
- State Highway 130 (Austin–Central Texas): A toll road that runs parallel to I-35 and is often used as a faster, less congested alternative for longer drives, including routes toward the Austin–San Antonio corridor.
Driving Tips: When you are in Texas
Texas is great for road trips, but the roads can feel faster and bigger than what many visitors are used to. A few local basics will help you drive your car rental in Texas with more confidence, especially around Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
- Plan for tolls early. Many Texas toll roads are cashless, so it helps to know your rental’s toll option (tag or pay-by-mail) before you start driving.
- No texting while driving. Texas prohibits reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while driving, and handheld phone use is restricted in school zones.
- Follow the “Move Over or Slow Down” rule. If you see flashing lights on the roadside, change lanes when safe, or slow down (often to 20 mph below the limit if you can’t move over).
- Stop for school buses. If a school bus has flashing red lights and the stop arm out, you must stop (with limited exceptions on divided highways).
- Right turn on red is usually allowed. Come to a complete stop first, yield to pedestrians, and only turn if there’s no sign stopping you.
- Watch the speed signs. Limits can change quickly, and some highways are legally set as high as 75, 80, or even 85 mph in certain areas.
- Use frontage roads calmly. In many cities, you’ll see parallel “frontage roads” and U-turn lanes near exits. Stay in your lane, follow signs early, and avoid last-second moves.
A Quick Guide to Texas
The Joule
1530 Main St STE 100, Dallas
A stylish boutique stays right in the heart of Downtown Dallas, set inside a restored landmark building on Main Street. It’s a strong pick if you want to walk to restaurants, shops, and city sights without planning long drives. The hotel is also known for its rooftop “cantilevered” pool and a design-forward feel throughout.
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
1600 W Loop S, Houston
This is a polished, full-service luxury hotel in the Uptown area, which makes it handy for high-end shopping, business meetings, and upscale dining nearby. It’s a great choice if you like having everything on-site, plus valet and a more private, resort-like atmosphere. Ideal when you want a comfortable base and plan to drive out to different parts of Houston.
The Driskill
604 Brazos St, Austin
A classic Austin icon with a historic look and a central location, so you can step out and feel the city’s energy straight away. It’s especially convenient for live music spots, quick downtown sightseeing, and easy evenings out. Best for travelers who want old-school character, not a generic modern hotel vibe.
FAQs
What do I need to bring for a Hertz car rental in Texas?
To get a car rental in Texas, all you need is your driving license and a passport or government-issued ID. The main driver will also need a payment card in their own name for the deposit. Keep your booking confirmation on your phone for a quicker pickup. If your license isn’t in the Latin alphabet, bring an International Driving Permit too.
What are the age rules for renting in Texas?
Age rules depend on the pickup location and car type. Many drivers under 25 can rent, but a young renter surcharge may apply, and some vehicle categories may be restricted. Check the Rental Qualifications at checkout for the exact rule on your booking.
What payment types are accepted to rent a car in Texas?
A credit card in the main driver’s name is usually the easiest option, since it’s commonly required for the deposit. Some locations accept debit cards, but extra requirements may apply, especially at airports. Your booking page will show what’s accepted for your pickup point.
Does the rental car come with a full tank of fuel?
Fuel is usually not included. Many rentals follow a full-to-full policy, so return the car at the fuel level shown in your booking to avoid refueling charges. If you want a simpler return, ask at pickup about a Fuel Purchase Option.
What is Hertz’s cancellation policy in Texas?
Hertz's cancellation policy in Texas states that if you have paid in advance, you can often cancel up to 48 hours before pickup for a full refund. Cancel later, and a fee may apply depending on your terms. If you’re paying at pickup, cancellation is usually free before pickup, but a no-show fee may apply if you don’t collect the car or cancel in advance.
Related articles
Saddle Up For Adventure In The Lone Star State
Rugged mountain ranges, picture-perfect prairies and far-reaching forests – it's easy to see why p...
What’s So Great About San Antonio?
Welcome to Texas with a Spanish accent, an outstanding culinary game, and a treasure trove of histor...
GB | EN ▾