posted on October 27, 2026
Heading home for Thanksgiving, hitting the beach for spring break, or planning a New Year’s Eve road trip? Car rental prices can fluctuate wildly during peak season, particularly at popular collection spots and airport locations.
If you’re wondering, “How far in advance should you book a rental car on holidays?” you’ve come to the right place. While the exact booking window depends on when and where you’re traveling, it’s recommended that you book your rental car at least three to six months in advance during the holidays.
Curious about why car rental prices change during seasonal, holiday moments? Keep reading to discover when to rent a car based on your travel dates, the best time to book by vehicle type, and tips for saving money and securing the best deal on your booking.
In this guide:
- Quick answer: when to book a rental car for the holidays
- Why rental car prices and availability change around the holidays
- The best time to book by holiday
- The best time to book a rental car by vehicle type
- Tips to save money and guarantee availability
- Frequently asked questions
Quick answer: When to book a rental car for the holidays?
In the US, two peak travel seasons affect rental car prices: the summer months (from June to August) and the winter year-end holidays (mid-November to early January). If you’re thinking about booking a car during the holidays, it’s recommended to book early, at least three to six months ahead of your travel dates.
The holidays are a peak travel time, with Americans flying and driving across the country to see family and enjoy a well-earned vacation. Many traditional rental car companies see a surge in demand around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, along with summer holidays like Labor Day and the Fourth of July.
Rental car prices change with demand, so when inventory drops, rates can spike. The closer you book your rental car to a major holiday, the more limited and pricier options become. While seasonal demand varies between cities and states, Christmas and NYE tend to be the highest-demand window nationwide for rental cars; if you’re traveling during these rental dates, booking at least 3+ months ahead is a must.
| Holiday moment | Popular pickup locations | Recommended booking window |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | Major hub airports, mid-size city airports, train stations near family | ~4-8 weeks ahead |
| Christmas & New Year’s | Ski destinations (e.g., Colorado, Utah, Vermont), warm-weather resort airports (e.g., Florida, Arizona), major metro airports | ~3-4 months ahead |
| Spring break | College town airports, beach/resort destinations (e.g., Florida, Gulf Coast Texas, Southern California) | ~8-10 weeks ahead |
| Summer holidays (July 4th, Labor Day) | Resort/beach destinations (e.g., Florida, coastal California), national park gateway airports, major metro | ~8-12 weeks ahead |
Why rental car prices and availability change around the holidays
Car rental prices change during the holidays for two reasons. First, demand for cars spikes during these peak seasonal moments, with thousands (if not millions) of Americans traveling to new cities, visiting relatives, and trying to book cars on the exact same dates. Second, many car rental companies have a fixed fleet size, meaning they can’t increase the number of cars available to rent during peak periods.
The combination of high renter demand and limited car supply leads to peak prices. Many rental companies use dynamic pricing to adjust rental car rates based on supply and demand factors. If fewer cars are left, prices automatically increase at that rental location.
Price increases tend to be most common at popular destinations and pickup locations such as airports, transportation hubs, major cities, and tourist gateways. With a limited inventory, rental cars tend to sell out fastest in these spots.
Plus, specialty vehicles (such as winter-ready 4WDs with snow tires) and larger vehicles (such as 7+ seat minivans) tend to go first since families and large groups commonly travel together during the holidays.
Tip from the author: Looking for a more convenient way to secure a rental car during the holidays? With Turo, you can browse and book thousands of unique car makes and models, and get your vehicle delivered to your home, hotel, or office; it’s one less thing to organize during the busy holiday season.
The best time to book a rental car by holiday
Whether you’re planning to ice skate in Chicago’s Millennium Park, catch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, or enjoy a tropical escape in Florida, consider renting a car as early as possible. If you’re looking for cheaper prices and a wider availability of car types, booking early is a must.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weekends in the US. In fact, at least 73 million people traveled by car in 2025 (accounting for nearly 90% of all Thanksgiving travelers). Falling on the fourth Thursday in November, it’s a high-demand travel weekend, with many renters opting for one-way and multi-city trips.
- Best time to book: 4-8 weeks ahead of time; ideally before the week of Thanksgiving itself.
- Why booking early matters: Car availability will drop closer to Thanksgiving weekend, and prices will rise as demand and last-minute bookings surge. Booking at least a month ahead will give you a wider range of vehicle types to choose from, especially if you need a large car for extended family.
- Recommended car type: Something with enough cabin and trunk space for extended family and luggage — think mid-size SUVs or larger sedans.
- Seasonal considerations: In northern and mountain states (such as Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming), look for AWD for extra traction on snowy roads, plus remote start for cold mornings. If multiple generations are traveling together, prioritize cabin and trunk space above all else.
Christmas and New Year’s
Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, and the busiest season to book a rental car. This festive period stretches across multiple weeks, making it the longest holiday travel window. Expect rental car demand to surge in both ski towns and warm-weather resorts, with Americans flocking across the country to mark the year’s end.
- Best time to book: 3-4 months ahead, or as early as you can. This isn’t a holiday period where waiting until the last minute is a viable or realistic option.
- Why booking early matters: Over 122.4 million Americans traveled during the Christmas/New Year holiday period in 2025, with the vast majority (110 million) opting to drive to their destination.
- Recommended car type: SUVs and larger vehicles are ideal for ski trips, while 7-, 8-, or 9-seater cars are ideal for large groups traveling with kids, luggage, and gifts.
- Seasonal considerations: AWD is worth prioritizing for traction on snow, and roof rails or a roof box make it easier to bring skis or snowboards. Car seats and extra cargo space help with family travel and holiday luggage.
Spring break
While exact dates vary by school, the spring break holiday window runs from late February to mid-April each year. During this season, families and vacation seekers tend to head to beach towns like the Florida Keys, Sarasota, and Fort Myers to chase warm temperatures, white-sand beaches, and excellent snorkeling spots.
- Best time to book: 8-10 weeks ahead
- Why booking early matters: Popular family-friendly, warm-weather destinations tend to see a surge in rental car demand, with many travelers seeking the same car types (such as large SUVs or 8-seater minivans that can carry multiple kids, luggage, and a few surfboards).
- Recommended car type: Convertibles or SUVs are popular picks in warm-weather markets; families should look for extra seating and car seat compatibility.
- Seasonal considerations: Demand is typically spread throughout March and April, but Thursdays and Fridays tend to be the most expensive days to pick up rental cars. Opting for a Wednesday or Sunday start date can give you a better chance of securing a rental car at a deal.
Tip from the author: While spring break is a major holiday for college students, keep in mind that most car rental companies have strict age limits and impose extra young driver fees. If you’re under 25, make sure to check whether you’re eligible to rent a car before planning your spring break road trip. On Turo, your required minimum age depends on the vehicle class and considers your age at the time you book.
Take the guesswork out of planning your spring break drive by exploring the best family road trip destinations in the US (for every age and stage).
Summer holidays (July 4th, Labor Day)
The peak summer months of July to September can see car rental availability shrink fast, particularly around dates like July 4th and the Labor Day weekend. If you’re spending July 4th in Washington, Boston, or Philadelphia, make sure to book early as thousands of visitors flock to these cities each summer.
- Best time to book: 8-12 weeks ahead of time
- Why booking early matters: Convertibles, luxury vehicles, and larger SUVs are in short supply relative to demand, especially in resort towns.
- Recommended car type: Look for cars with a strong AC system and plenty of cargo space for tents, luggage, and beach gear. An SUV is a reliable all-rounder for most families.
- Seasonal considerations: Look for rental cars with roof racks or bike racks if outdoor gear is part of the trip, and prioritize trunk space on longer road-trip stretches.
Planning a summer road trip? Consider visiting one of the top destinations for a Fourth of July getaway.
The best time to book a rental car by vehicle type
Along with understanding seasonal trends, the best time to book a rental car depends on the type of vehicle you’re hoping to drive. During the holidays, certain vehicle makes and models tend to be more popular than others, including:
- Large and family vehicles (minivans, 7+ seaters): In high demand year-round for holiday travel with extended family, but especially tight around Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s when multiple generations travel together; book these earliest of all vehicle types.
- Winter-ready vehicles (AWD, SUVs): Demand spikes in ski and mountain destinations during the winter holiday season; AWD models are sought after for improved traction in winter weather, so book several weeks ahead if traveling to a ski destination.
- Luxury and convertible vehicles: Demand for luxury vehicles in resort and warm-weather destinations like Florida and Miami tends to peak during the summer holidays and July 4th, when travelers are looking for a vacation-specific driving experience. At traditional car rental companies, these are a smaller share of the fleet, so they book out fast and command higher prices.
Tip from the author: On Turo, you can book unique, exotic, and luxury car models that traditional rental fleets won’t have. If driving a Chevrolet Corvette or Lamborghini is on your holiday bucket list, skip the traditional car rental companies and book on Turo instead.
Tips to save money and guarantee rental car availability
While traveling off-peak is the cheapest time to secure a rental car, there are other ways to lower the costs of your booking (even if you need to travel during Christmas, Thanksgiving, or the peak of summer).
- Book as early as your plans allow: Even if your itinerary isn’t finalized, locking in a reservation early secures better pricing and a wider choice of vehicles; you can always adjust the details closer to your trip.
- Compare pickup locations: Airport rentals and nearby neighborhood pickups can vary in both price and availability, so it’s worth checking a few options near your destination before booking.
- Stay flexible on vehicle type: If price is your top priority, being open to a different car size or model can unlock better availability and lower rates than holding out for one specific type.
- Shift your pickup or return by a day: Demand and pricing both peak right around the holiday date itself, so picking up the day before or returning the day after initially planned can mean lower rates and more cars to choose from.
Frequently asked questions about booking a holiday rental car
How far in advance should I book a rental car for Thanksgiving?
Aim to book a rental car 4–8 weeks ahead, ideally before the week of Thanksgiving itself. This gives you the widest choice of vehicles, which matters most if you need extra seating or cargo space for extended family.
How far in advance should I book a rental car for Christmas?
Christmas and New Year’s is the highest-demand holiday window of the year, so it’s best to book a rental car 3–4 months ahead where possible, especially if you’re heading to a ski town or popular resort destination.
Is it cheaper to book a rental car early or last minute?
During the holidays, early booking for a rental car is almost always the better bet. Last-minute deals can sometimes work during off-peak travel periods, but holiday demand tends to push prices up (not down) as pickup dates get closer.
Can I cancel a rental car reservation if my plans change?
Many rental car options come with flexible cancellation terms, so booking early doesn’t have to mean locking yourself in. It’s worth checking the specific cancellation policy for your booking at the time you reserve.
What’s the best way to find a rental car during a busy holiday weekend?
Book as early as you can, compare a few different pickup locations, and stay open to different vehicle types if you’re chasing the best price. Browsing Turo can also help; with thousands of cars available across a range of neighborhoods and airports, you’re less limited to whatever a single rental counter has left.
Book your holiday rental car on Turo
However you’re spending the holidays, booking your rental car early gives you the best shot at the vehicle you actually want, not just whatever’s left. With Turo, you can browse thousands of car listings across the country, from practical SUVs and minivans to something a little more memorable for the trip.
Whether you need extra seating for a big family gathering, an AWD model for a snowy getaway, or a convertible for a warm-weather escape, Turo offers a wider selection of vehicles that you won’t find at a traditional rental counter, often with the convenience of delivery to your home, hotel, or airport.
Browse Turo to see what car makes and models are ready to rent for your next holiday road trip.
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda Starr is a travel and automotive writer with 5+ years of firsthand experience road-tripping across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. She writes road trip guides for Turo, drawing on her experience behind the wheel to share practical insights on long-distance drives, destinations, and vehicles. Her travels have taken her across Australia’s East Coast, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, and both islands of New Zealand. One of her most memorable journeys was an 11-day, 2,600+ km route from Auckland to Punakaiki and Queenstown. Lucinda has a particular passion for classic, rugged 4WD vehicles and the freedom they bring to exploring new places.
