Best ways to find cheap car rentals for Memorial Day Weekend 2026

Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods in the United States & it also marks the start of the summer holiday season.

Whether you're planning a road trip, visiting family or heading to a beach getaway, waiting too long to book a vehicle can leave you paying double or with no car available at all.

This blog walks you through the strategies to find cheap car rental for Memorial Day Weekend 2026. We have uncovered some of the useful ways to lock in the best deal before prices spike.

Why car rentals get expensive during Memorial Day

Understanding the “why” helps you understand the car rental market. Basically, during Memorial Day weekend:

• Travel demand spikes dramatically
• Rental inventory becomes limited
• Airport locations increase prices due to convenience fees
• Last-minute bookings dominate (and cost more)

In order to tackle all such points, your timing and strategy for booking matters more than ever.

Ways to find cheap car rental for Memorial Day 2026

• Book early, then recheck prices

  Secure your car early from a platform that offers free cancellation and keep checking the cost later. Prices fluctuate and you can rebook at a lower rate if they drop.

  If you are booking in the US cities like Seattle, Chicago, Washington D.C, Florida or New York City, these places have a popularity in general and Memorial Weekend attracts more travellers, so booking in advance is your ideal way to grab the best deal.

• Compare multiple suppliers

  The USA is known to be the home of thousands of suppliers. Here you will find international brands like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, Alamo, Budget, as well as local providers in every urban & suburban area.

  So we highly advise comparing across different rental companies or travel deal platforms. Check the inclusions given in the final price, read the rental terms of multiple suppliers and then make your decision.

• Choose compact/economy cars

  In the United States, smaller cars are cheaper and comparatively more available during peak demand. Unless you truly need extra space, this is the easiest way to cut costs.

  These vehicles offer better fuel efficiency, thereby helping you save gas costs, especially while driving across long US highways.

  Confused? It might help you: Economy vs compact car rental: Which is cheaper for your trip?

• Look for car rental deals

  Many companies provide great discounts during special events & holiday sales, making it easier to find budget-friendly options.

  By keeping an eye out for limited-time promotions like the Memorial Day weekend car rental offers, you can secure a great deal that suits your travel needs without overspending.

• Extend your rental period strategically

  Sometimes renting for 3 to 4 days is cheaper than renting for 2 days. Make sure to compare the daily rate vs the weekend package and short vs slightly longer rentals. You can plan your trip based on that.

  For example, in Denver, extending your rental closer to a weekly rate (5 to 7 days) can significantly lower the daily price, especially during Memorial Day weekend demand.

• Skip extra add-ons if not necessary

  Unless really needed, you can avoid the extra add-ons like seat boosters, additional drivers and GPS.

  Many U.S. credit cards (like Visa or Mastercard) offer rental car insurance coverage and your personal auto insurance policy in the U.S. may already extend to rental vehicles. So make sure to check all these things before booking a vehicle.

When is the best time to book a car rental for Memorial Day 2026?

We recommend booking your rental car 2–3 weeks before Memorial Day weekend. Here’s how pricing works:

• 3+ weeks before: you get the lowest prices, a wide fleet
• 1 to 2 weeks before: prices start rising
• Last 5 to 7 days: prices spike sharply with limited vehicle options available
• Same-day booking: extremely expensive (that too if car is available)

What type of car should you rent for Memorial Day?

Choosing the right rental car for Memorial Day weekend isn’t just about price; it is also about comfort, space, fuel efficiency & trip type. Below are the most popular options:

Economy cars

This category is best for short city trips, budget travellers, couples or solo travellers. Economy cars like the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Versa or Chevrolet Spark are quite popular in the USA and known for great fuel efficiency.

SUVs

SUVs like Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Tahoe & Toyota Highlander are one of the most popular choices because they offer more space and comfort for long drives. This category is the best choice for family, group travel or for your American road trips.

Mid-size & full-size sedans

This category provides the perfect balance for something more comfortable than economy but cheaper than SUVs. Popular options include Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Impala.

Convertibles

If you are planning a scenic Memorial Day drive, convertibles are a fun option. They are best for your coastal drives across California or Miami. Convertibles like Ford Mustang Convertible and Chevrolet Camaro are the most famous among travellers.

People also ask

• Are car rentals more expensive during Memorial Day weekend?

  Due to high demand, prices typically increase significantly compared to regular weekends. That is why it is recommended to book your car rental at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance.

• Which is the cheapest car rental for Memorial Day Weekend 2026?

  Economy cars like Toyota Corolla or Nissan Versa are the cheapest rental options for Memorial Day weekend.

• Are car rental companies open on Memorial Day?

  Yes, most major car rental companies remain open on Memorial Day, especially at airports. Locations like Los Angeles Airport (LAX) and Orlando Airport (MCO) typically operate 24/7 or extended hours.

• Is it easy to find a car rental at Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) during Memorial Day weekend?

  Yes, but availability can become limited quickly. Seattle is a popular travel destination during Memorial Day weekend, so rental cars at SEA Airport often sell out in advance. Booking at least 2 to 3 weeks early is highly recommended to secure the best rates & vehicle options.