posted on May 16, 2026
Choosing between Turo and Hertz comes down to what kind of rental experience you’re looking for. Hertz is a traditional car rental company with branch locations at airports and cities across the US, while Turo is a car rental marketplace where you can browse and book a specific car from local owners (no rental counter required). Whether you’re after a seamless airport pick-up or a unique vehicle delivered straight to your door, here’s what you need to know before you book.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What is Turo?
- What is Hertz?
- Turo vs Hertz: how they compare at a glance
- Turo vs Hertz: the key differences
- How it works: booking with Turo vs Hertz
- Which is better for you?
- Frequently asked questions
- Key takeaways
What is Turo?
Turo is a car rental marketplace, on a mission to reinvent the car rental experience in the US, Canada, the UK, France and Australia. Instead of booking from a fixed fleet of cars, you can choose from a wide variety of vehicles available locally through the Turo mobile app.
On Turo, there are over 1,600+ unique car makes and models to choose from. The exact car you book is the one you’ll get, with delivery options and thousands of pickup locations available (including pickup at over 100 airport parking lots and garages across the US and Canada). Plus, renting a car on Turo is flexible, with long-term bookings of one month or more available.
What is Hertz?
Hertz is a global car rental company with an extensive presence across the US. As one of the world’s leading traditional rental companies, you can find Hertz branches at major airport locations as well as cities and neighborhoods across America.
This rental car company boasts an impressive fleet, with everything from cars to trucks to vans and even luxury vehicles available to rent. Plus, Hertz offers a Gold+ loyalty program allowing frequent renters to earn points and rewards (such as free rental cars).
Turo vs Hertz: how they compare at a glance
| Turo | Hertz | |
|---|---|---|
| Service type | Car rental marketplace | Traditional car rental company |
| Vehicle selection | Browse and book the exact car you want | Book by vehicle class (e.g. economy, SUV); specific model not guaranteed |
| Locations | Car owners set their own pick-up locations across the US; custom delivery locations available from some owners | Airport and neighborhood branch locations across the US |
| Pricing model | Set by individual car owners; varies by vehicle, location, and trip length | Set by Hertz; varies by location, dates, and vehicle class |
| Booking process | App or web; book directly from a local car owner | App, web, phone, or in person at a branch |
| Pick-up/drop-off | Flexible; owner-determined locations, with delivery available from some owners | Pick-up and return at Hertz branch locations; one-way rentals available at select locations |
| Minimum age requirement | 18 in most US states (fees may apply for drivers under 25) | 20 at most US locations (fees may apply for drivers under 25; varies by state) |
| Membership required? | No | No |
| Loyalty program | No | Yes — Hertz Gold+ (free to join; earn points toward free rental days) |
| EV availability | Yes | Available at select locations |
| One-way rentals | Varies by car owner | Available at select Hertz locations |
| Long-term rental | Book by the day, week, or month | Long-term rentals available |
| iOS/Android app | Yes | Yes |
Source note: Data sourced from turo.com and hertz.com, accurate as of May 2026. Pricing and availability subject to change — check each platform directly for current information. For Turo trip cost information, visit: https://help.turo.com/en_us/trip-costs-Syxm4NeNq
Turo vs Hertz: the key differences
When comparing Turo and Hertz, it’s important to consider the way each rental car provider operates. While Turo lets you rent unique car makes and models from local owners through a mobile app, Hertz is a traditional car rental agency with a fleet available for rent at branches across the US. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when comparing major rental companies.
Vehicle selection: browse and book the exact car you want
One of the biggest differences between Turo and Hertz is the range of car types available to rent.
On Turo, the range of rental vehicles available from local owners spans over 1,600+ different makes and models. The exact car you book is the car you drive, with vehicle listings sharing the exact model, year, color, and specs of every car (along with reviews from recent drivers who’ve driven this exact car). One of Turo’s biggest selling points is the unique cars you’ll find available to rent (from classic cars to prestigious vehicles and even the latest electric vehicles).
Like most traditional car rental companies, Hertz lets you book by vehicle class. This means you’ll select which type of vehicle you’d like to drive (from electric cars to SUVs or even cargo vans), and you’ll be assigned an available car from that class at pick-up. The drawback here is you’re not guaranteed a specific car model, and it’s unlikely you’ll be driving more unique, specialty vehicles.
Pricing and fees
On Turo, trip fees and prices are set by individual vehicle owners. The rental price will vary by factors like vehicle type, location, and rental duration. If you’re looking for a deal, many car owners on Turo offer discounts for long-term or early-bird bookings.
On Hertz, pricing depends on location, vehicle class, and when you book (with members of the Hertz Gold+ program eligible for discounts that can lower the cost of renting a car).
Pick-up, drop-off, and car delivery options
Curious about where you can pick up and drop off rental cars on Turo and Hertz?
Renting a car on Turo gives you access to flexible pick-up and drop-off locations. Local owners offer pickup options at hotels, offices, local landmarks, and even train stations. Plus, many offer custom delivery locations (meaning you can set your preferred collection and return spot). Rather than standing in line at a crowded car rental counter, simply check the Turo app, locate your rental car and hit the road.
On Hertz, rental car pick-up and drop-off happen at Hertz branch locations. There is a wide range of airport and neighborhood branches to choose from, with the ability to book one-way rentals (meaning you collect the car at one location and return it to another). Keep in mind that additional fees may apply for one-way rentals and car pick-up from airport locations.
How the booking experience works
As a car rental marketplace, Turo makes it easy to find a vehicle that fits your trip. Browse a wide range of makes and models, choose a convenient pickup location, and communicate directly with your vehicle owner throughout the booking process. Unlike traditional rental companies, Turo doesn’t require you to wait at a rental counter.
At Hertz, renting a car happens in person at a Hertz counter, over the phone or online. Most renters head to the Hertz website or app to make a reservation by searching by location, dates and vehicle class. Plus, during the booking process, you can add-on extras such as extra insurance coverage and premium emergency roadside service for an addtional fees.
Tip from the author: Turo is one of the first companies in the car rental industry to launch an app in ChatGPT. This offers a truly personalized rental experience, allow you to bridge the gap between a road trip idea and a confirmed car rental booking.
Long-term rentals and lease alternatives
Looking for an alternative to traditional car leasing? On Turo, many car owners offer long-term bookings, often at a discounted rate. This means you can skip the high upfront costs and fixed rental agreements, and rent a car for an extended period of time, on your own terms.
Hertz’s Multi-Month rentals also offer extended bookings of over 63 days. This long-term car rental offering gives you access to low multi-month rates on a range of Hertz’s cars (including hybrids, SUVs, and minivans).
How it works: booking with Turo vs Hertz
Booking with Turo
- Create a free account on the Turo app or website
- Enter your location, dates, and preferred vehicle type
- Browse individual car listings and filter by make, model, price, features, and reviews
- Book the exact car you want instantly, or send a booking request
- Verify your identity and enter your valid driver’s license details
- Check what protection plans are available to you
- Add a payment method and confirm your booking
Booking with Hertz
- Visit hertz.com or open the Hertz app
- Enter your pick-up location, dates, and times
- Browse available vehicle classes and select the type that suits your trip
- Add any extras and reserve your car
- Check your email for your booking number and confirmation details
Which is better for you?
Turo may be the better fit if you…
- Want to browse and book the exact car you want, not just a vehicle class
- Are looking for a wide range of vehicle types, from everyday cars to specialty or unique vehicles
- Want flexible pick-up and drop-off options beyond branch locations and traditional car rental counters
- Prefer an app-based experience where you can communicate directly with the car owner
- Are looking for options across a range of price points to fit your budget
- Need a car for a day, a week, or longer, without a long-term commitment
Hertz may be the better fit if you…
- Prefer picking up and returning a car at a traditional rental branch
- Rent frequently and want to earn points toward free rental days through the Hertz Gold+ loyalty program
- Want the option of one-way rentals; picking up in one city and dropping off in another
- Value the ability to skip the counter at select locations as a Hertz Gold+ member
Frequently asked questions about Turo vs Hertz
Is Turo cheaper than Hertz?
On Turo, each owner sets the price of their rental car. Costs vary depending on the vehicle, location, and trip length. Booking early or for an extended period of time (one month or more) can help you unlock the best deals on Turo. Hertz sets pricing based on location, vehicle class, booking dates and availability. The best way to check which car rental provider has the best price is to enter your preferred dates, car type and location.
Can I pick up a rental car at the airport on Turo?
Yes, you can pick-up a rental car at or near the airport on Turo. You can arrange delivery at these airports and confirm where you will pick up and return vehicles with the owner. At all other airports, your vehicle owner will use the Turo app to send you vehicle location information.
Can I do a one-way rental on Turo?
Yes, you can find one-way rental cars on Turo. Each car owner sets their own rules, so make sure to filter specifically by vehicles available for one-way trips. Keep in mind there may be added costs for one-way bookings.
What is the minimum age to rent with Turo vs Hertz?
On Turo, the minimum age to rent a car in the US is 18 years old (but drivers under 25 may be subject to a “young driver fee“). At Hertz, the minimum age to rent is usually 20 years old at most locations, with drivers under 25 often incurring a young driver fee, too.
Key takeaways
- Turo is a car rental marketplace with no membership fees; browse and book the exact car you want from local owners, with flexible pick-up and drop-off options across the US.
- Hertz is a traditional car rental company with branch locations at airports and neighborhoods nationwide, best suited to drivers who prefer a familiar counter experience or want to earn loyalty points through Hertz Gold+.
- On Turo, you book a specific car (make, model, year, and specs confirmed upfront) whereas Hertz assigns you an available vehicle from your chosen class at pick-up.
- Both platforms offer long-term rental options, but Turo gives you more flexibility on vehicle choice, pick-up location, and pricing, with no upfront commitment or loyalty membership required.
Ready to book with Turo?
Whether you’re after a specific car for a weekend road trip, need flexible pick-up options, or just want to browse something beyond the usual rental fleet, Turo makes it easy to find the right car for your trip. Explore cars available near you and book the exact vehicle you want, on your terms.
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America, Europe and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
