How to find a cheap car hire deal in Charlottesville
Pick up a cheap rental car in Charlottesville for around $215 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top providers, so you can quickly compare prices and book.
$96 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Charlottesville.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $667 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
To land the best price on a Charlottesville car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Rates tend to climb as your travel dates approach, and last-minute availability isn't always guaranteed.
Dollar, Enterprise and Hertz are some of the most reliable providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Whether you book with Dollar or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Charlottesville car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Simply select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can bag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Charlottesville.
Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of $184 a day.
Next in line is [this provider](this provider), offering daily rates of around $195.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly $211 a day.
If you're not sure what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car in Charlottesville.
Flying to Charlottesville? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at Charlottesville Airport. If you're flying to Charlottesville through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 13 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Charlottesville
Small: These cheap rental cars in Charlottesville may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Charlottesville car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Charlottesville makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're roomy, reliable, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Charlottesville car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Charlottesville.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so check your rental company's policy to see what applies to you.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat laws vary from one location to another, and the best setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Make sure you add the right one to your Charlottesville car hire booking.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Stay within local speed limits of about 40kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a few drinks, get someone else to do the driving or use public transport instead.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with your card where you can, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Best hotels in Charlottesville for drivers
Pull in and enjoy your stay at Kimpton - The Forum Hotel by IHG. Offering parking as well as a minibar and a bar, this hotel is around 3 kilometres from central Charlottesville.
Alternatively, take advantage of the accessible parking at Oakhurst Inn at the University. The city centre is roughly 3 kilometres from this option, which also features air conditioning and a bar.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Charlottesville and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Charlottesville and the right hotel, all that's left to do is decide where to go first. Kick things off with major attractions like Jefferson School African American Heritage Centre, The Looking Glass Immersive Art Experience and University of Virginia.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Charlottesville
Shift gears and head toward Lynchburg. Around 88 kilometres southwest of central Charlottesville, it's home to must-sees like Legacy Museum of African American History and The Nature Zone.
They've perfected the guest experience at Fairfield Inn & Suites Lynchburg Liberty University and Lynchburg Grand Estate by IHG, two accommodation options with parking in Lynchburg.
West Lynchburg has some good places to stay such as Fairfield Inn & Suites Lynchburg Liberty University and Lynchburg Grand Estate by IHG. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.
When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Cruise on over to Virginia Beach, about 257 kilometres southeast of Charlottesville. From Virginia Beach Boardwalk to Resort Beach, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
Catch up on sleep in Virginia Beach at either Sandcastle Resort or Oceans 2700. They have a room waiting for you and space for your wheels too.
