How to find a cheap car hire deal in Wilmington
Pick up a cheap rental car in Wilmington and be on your way for around $134 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
$82 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Wilmington.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from $570 and make room for more adventures.
Book early to secure the best price for a Wilmington car hire. Beyond just getting a great rate, you'll have first pick of the most popular options.
Enterprise, Budget and Avis are among the top-rated providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
The coverage Enterprise or another supplier offers for your Wilmington car hire can vary, so be sure to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.
Go wherever the road takes you by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with average prices of $185 a day.
Coming in second, [this provider](this provider) offers daily rates of around $166.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $167 a day with this supplier.
The Economy rental category is a dependable pick if you can't decide what kind of wheels you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Wilmington.
Flying to Wilmington? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Wilmington, be on your way quicker by booking a car hire at Greater Wilmington Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 13 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Wilmington
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Wilmington makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are great for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for longer drives, this Wilmington car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Wilmington that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group outings, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Wilmington car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Wilmington by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may rent vehicles to younger drivers for an extra fee, so always check the terms before securing your wheels.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat rules vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Find out if you need to add one to your Wilmington car hire booking.
Come prepared to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and a second photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Driving in the United States can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the right side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a few drinks, leave the driving to someone else or take another form of transport.
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 purchases and activities. Use cards when it's possible, and keep some cash handy for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Best hotels in Wilmington for drivers
Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at The Quoin Hotel. Offering parking as well as a bar and room service, this hotel is about 0.32 kilometres from central Wilmington.
HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof Wilmington - New Castle is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features accessible parking, along with a 24-hour front desk and air conditioning. Check in here and you'll be roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.
Want more inspiration? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Wilmington. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've found a car hire deal in Wilmington and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. River Walk, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library and River Walk are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Wilmington
Around 40 kilometres northeast of central Wilmington, Philadelphia belongs on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Independence Hall and Liberty Bell.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Centre City and Club Quarters Hotel in Philadelphia, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Philadelphia.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Wilmington and then head for Allentown. Around 97 kilometres north of Wilmington, Allentown Art Museum and Allentown Passenger Station Historic Site - Lehigh Valley Railroad are big attractions that are worth going out of your way for.
Super 8 by Wyndham Allentown and Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino & Resort are comfortable places to stay in Allentown if you're hanging out for a while. Book one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Ready to go the extra mile? Washington DC is a popular road trip destination that's around 161 kilometres southwest of Wilmington. Plan to make a few pit stops at Lincoln Memorial and The White House.
Time to think about catching some z's. The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle and Generator Hotel Washington DC have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Washington DC.
