How to find a cheap car hire deal in Richmond (RIC)
Get into the driver's seat with a cheap Richmond rental car. With prices averaging $265 a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From economy models to full-size family cars, we'll help you pick the right wheels at a price that works.
Daily rental prices at Richmond start from just $86.
Planning a longer trip to Richmond and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $600 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
If you want to get the best price, book your RIC car hire around one week in advance.
Get behind the wheel with Dollar, Budget or Hertz, some of the most popular providers at Richmond.
The coverage Dollar or another company includes with your Richmond car hire can vary, so be sure to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Simply check 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in RIC. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can bag some excellent one-way prices.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Richmond with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Pack more into your journey by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at $217 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $190, this provider lands in second place.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly $211 a day for one of their rentals.
The Large rental category is a dependable pick if you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other at RIC.
Compare car hire types from Richmond (RIC)
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or just planning a quick trip, this cheap Richmond rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this RIC car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Richmond makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your RIC car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so compare before you book.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Richmond by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
Generally, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
If you're bringing the kids along, check if you need to add a child car seat to your RIC car rental reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've grabbed the keys to your RIC car hire, it's time to create your own itinerary. Central Richmond is about 14 kilometres west and a drive of around 20 minutes if that's where your journey begins.
Allow roughly 30 minutes to drive from Richmond to the city centre during peak travel times.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You can also get the keys to a car hire in Richmond. If you don't need a ride immediately on arrival, wait until you're in the city and avoid paying for unused rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Richmond (RIC)
Begin with some of the most popular attractions in Richmond, like Black History Museum & Cultural Centre of Virginia and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Whether you roll up in your rental or get there another way, you'll want to tour these highlights before you move on.
Shift gears and head toward Newport News. Around 88 kilometres southeast of RIC, you'll find popular sights like The Mariners' Museum and Park and USS Monitor Centre.
Add Petersburg to your travels too. About 32 kilometres south of the airport, drive there in your Richmond car hire to explore standout attractions like Petersburg National Battlefield Park and Pocahontas Island Black History Museum.
Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Virginia Beach, roughly 137 kilometres southeast of RIC. First, swing past Virginia Beach Boardwalk, then follow it up with Resort Beach.
