How to find a cheap car hire deal in Roanoke (ROA)
In search of a cheap Roanoke rental car? With prices averaging $218 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're after a go-anywhere compact, a road trip-ready SUV, or something in between, we compare all the top offers to get you real value.
Daily rental prices at Roanoke start from just $74.
Staying on in Roanoke for a while? Book a weekly rental from $517 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
To land the best deal on your ROA car hire, get in early. Prices generally rise as your travel dates get closer, and any last-minute deals can vanish like a disappearing act.
Check out the options available with Dollar, Budget and Avis. They're the most popular providers at Roanoke.
Whether you go with Dollar or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Roanoke car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.
Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in ROA. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Roanoke with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value deal with this company, with average prices coming in at $109 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around $104.
The third option also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly $110 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not sure what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Large rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type at ROA.
Compare car hire types from Roanoke (ROA)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Roanoke rental car gets you moving without breaking the bank. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Long drives fly by in this ROA car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Roanoke that can handle the big jobs. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your ROA car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so take the time to shop around.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Roanoke by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always read your rental company's policy to be sure you satisfy the requirements.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you should add a child car seat to your ROA car rental reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll have to provide some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
Driving in the United States can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the right side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. As well as your bank cards, consider taking some cash for smaller purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
With a ROA car hire, you're in the driver's seat when it comes to where you go. If central Roanoke is the first place you're exploring, it's around 11 kilometres southeast of the airport and a drive of about 15 minutes.
During peak hour, expect the drive from Roanoke to the centre to take as long as 25 minutes.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
Don't need a set of wheels right away? Consider collecting a car hire in Roanoke instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Roanoke (ROA)
Before you move on, enjoy a bit of sightseeing around Roanoke first. Highlights such as Taubman Museum of Art and Harrison Museum of African-American Culture are the perfect warm-up for the rest of your trip.
Buckle up and make tracks to Lynchburg. Around 72 kilometres east of ROA, it's home to favourite sights like Legacy Museum of African American History and The Nature Zone.
