Car Hire 24 Hrs

Question

Hi we are staying in Linq hotel and want to hire a car to do hoover dam and Grand Canyon. Looking at older posts the South Rim seems to be the most recommended. Can anyone advise best way to rent a car, also will our Irish driving licence suffice ?

Thanks in advance

Answer

It's great that you're planning a road trip to visit the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon! Here's some information to help you with car rental and driving in the area.

Car Rental:

The most common way to rent a car in Las Vegas is through rental agencies located at or near McCarran International Airport, but you can also find rental locations along the Strip, including at the Linq Hotel. Many car rental companies offer daily rentals, so a 24-hour rental for your trip to the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon should be no problem.

Tips for Renting a Car:

Book in advance: It's always a good idea to reserve your car ahead of time, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons. You can use rental aggregators like Kayak, Rentalcars, or Auto Europe, or book directly through major car rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, or Alamo.
Pick-up and drop-off: If you’re renting the car at the Linq or another Strip location, make sure to check the hours of the rental agency and the location for car pick-up and drop-off.
Consider insurance: Rental companies will offer you insurance, but check with your personal insurance provider or credit card company beforehand to see if you’re already covered for rental cars to avoid duplicate charges.
24-hour rental: Most rental companies offer 24-hour rentals, so you should be able to pick up the car at a convenient time and return it within 24 hours. However, be aware that if you exceed the time by a significant amount (like a few hours), additional charges may apply.

Driving with an Irish License:

Yes, your Irish driving license is valid in the U.S., including for car rental in Las Vegas. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:

International Driving Permit (IDP): While an IDP isn’t mandatory for tourists from Ireland, it’s a good idea to have one just in case you’re pulled over or need to show identification. Some rental companies may recommend it, but it's generally not required for Irish drivers.
Age Requirements: The minimum age to rent a car in the U.S. is typically 21, and some companies may charge an additional fee for drivers under 25. Make sure to check rental policies for age restrictions.
Driving Laws: Familiarize yourself with local driving laws in the U.S. For example, speed limits and traffic signs may be different from what you're used to in Ireland. Also, be mindful that in the U.S., you drive on the right side of the road.

Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon Trip:

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is indeed the most recommended for tourists, as it offers the most amenities, viewpoints, and hiking options. It’s about a 4-5 hour drive from Las Vegas, so plan for a full day of driving. The Hoover Dam is only about 45 minutes from Las Vegas, so it’s perfect for a short stop on your way to or from the Grand Canyon.

Suggestions for Your Itinerary:

Hoover Dam: Spend about 1-2 hours exploring the Hoover Dam. You can park at the visitor center and walk around, or you can take a guided tour if you want to learn more about the history and engineering of the dam.
Grand Canyon: For the South Rim, consider visiting popular viewpoints like Mather Point, Yaki Point, and Desert View for the best views. If you're planning to hike, the Bright Angel Trail is a great option for a moderate hike.

Enjoy your trip, and safe travels!

Car Hire 24 Hrs

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