Charlottesville car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in Charlottesville
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Charlottesville
- If you're looking to experience as much as you possibly can from your Charlottesville trip, having a rental car can go a long way. Transportation plays a major role in how well you can enjoy your trip and how much you can do in the amount of time you have. Most cars from car rentals in Charlottesville come equipped with high-tech GPS navigational systems that will help you reach the city’s hidden spots. You won't have to worry about getting there or getting back because everything will be at your own pace. Besides, renting a car is budget-friendly, especially if you're traveling in a group or with children. Even better, you can explore outside the city and enjoy some wine at Cardinal Point Winery, which is about 24 miles away. The Massanutten Indoor Waterpark, situated about 56 miles away from the city, is another popular day excursion.
- The Charlottesville Albemarle Airport has an on-site rental car counter where you can conveniently pick up your car once you arrive. It's located in the baggage claim lobby. Just follow the "Arrivals" and "Baggage Claim" signs to get there. This is where you'll find Charlottesville car rentals, including National, Budget, and Hertz. The cars are located right outside the baggage claim.
- Jaywalking violations are no longer enforceable in Virginia, so it is advisable to watch out for pedestrians that may be inattentive when crossing the street, whether on a marked crosswalk or not. Cyclists are also allowed on the road and even though they’re advised to ride as close to the sidewalk as possible, make sure you keep three feet between you and the bike when passing them.
- You may have to commute early because the morning rush hour starts around 7am and ends around 10am. Interstate 64, in particular, gets congested, and traffic on US 29, especially close to the US 250 bypass, often drags for miles during evening rush hours, which span from 4pm to 6pm. If you can hang out where you are and wait until 7pm, you'll get to your destination much faster. You might experience snow and patches of slippery ice on Charlottesville roads during the winter, so you’ll want to choose the right kind of vehicle for these conditions.
- Book your rental car in Charlottesville at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Charlottesville car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about renting a car in Charlottesville
What type of car is recommended for driving in Charlottesville?
Charlottesville is a city well-suited for on-road cars unless you specifically intend to go off-roading on some of the trails around the city. You can choose any car from a premium to an economy or a standard SUV, depending on your needs and budget. If you're bringing kids to the city, a minivan or station wagon is an ideal choice. If you're here on business, consider getting a premium or luxury car from car rentals in Charlottesville.
What’s the speed limit in Charlottesville?
In Charlottesville, VA, the statutory speed limit for all highways is 55mph, and in business or residential areas, you have to adhere to a limit of 25mph. When driving your rented car on unpaved roads, you need to maintain a limit of 35mph, and when cruising around school zones, you have to drive at 25mph.
Where are the best places to park in Charlottesville?
On-street parking in the city streets around the mall is free for a maximum of 2h. If you need to park longer, you'll find parking garages in the immediate vicinity of the downtown area. The Market Street Garage and Water Street Garage offer free parking for the first hour, then charge about $1 for every half-hour after that.
How much is gas price in Charlottesville?
The average gas price in Charlottesville is 13.06 ﷼ per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between 157 ﷼ and 209 ﷼, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Charlottesville?
Standard (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Charlottesville.
How can I find car rentals near me in Charlottesville?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Charlottesville?
A Standard car rental in Charlottesville costs 135 ﷼ per day, on average.
Charlottesville car rental reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Budget
7.4
Good
Read 22 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
7.5
2 locations in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop Suite 102
+1 434 973 3079
325 Rivanna Plaza Drive
+1 434 973 1595
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Pros:
Friendly staff. Free upgrade to a fun to drive car as they had no other vehicle!2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2020
Cons:
Rented three different cars from Budget over Christmas holiday - all three had major mechanical issues. The battery on the first one died, leaving me stranded.6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Dec 2020
Pros:
Car interior was clean.Cons:
Exterior of car showed minor damage that was not mentioned during pick-up, requiring a return trip to the desk to document. Front right tire was 7 psi low, causing warning light on dashboard to illuminate.4.4 Mediocre
Anonymous, Sep 2020
Pros:
The staff was friendly!Cons:
The car conditions9.2 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2020
Pros:
Staff was very helpful in difficult circumstances given the power was off at the airport due to a major storm. They still processed my rental and got me on the road quickly.Cons:
The price. Maybe a fare for renting by the week.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.9
Good
Read 17 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
7.5
3 locations in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop
+1 844 934 1096
1650 Seminole Trl
+1 434 974 7488
392 Pantops Center
+1 434 979 5566
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Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Full-size SUV
10.0 Wonderful
William, Sep 2024
Compact
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Pickup truck
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
The staff was friendly and helpful. It was very easy to get to the car and then return it.Cons:
This was my first time ever renting a car I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was definitely disappointed. Once I got the keys I went to get the car and got in, I immediately noticed it smelled like smoke. It wasn’t unbearable but I wanted to report it because I didn’t want the company to think I had anything to do with it. I went back to inform the guys at the desk but they were all gone. I waited for about 10 minutes or so but no one came back. Fortunately there was a woman at another rental car company desk right there who took my information and said she would give it to the guys in the morning and to not worry about it. While driving the car around over the weekend I had the AC on and it had a mold smell at different times. I’m assuming the air filter needed changed. I’m kind of surprised This happened. I assumed rental car companies would make sure the car was clean and was maintained with new air filters. But perhaps not and this is just how it is. Also, I was incorrectly charged on my credit card and customer service is going to fix it but could not tell me why that happened.8.0 Very good
Leah, Dec 2020
Pros:
Very much so. They were friendly, professional, and prompt.Cons:
Pick up and drop off options could have been communicated more clearly.10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2020
Pros:
Friendly staff, quick pickup and drop off. Also, a great car.Dollar
7.3
Good
Read 1 reviewCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.3
2 locations in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop
+1 866 434 2226
104 Meade Ave
+1 434 978 4433
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2020
Pros:
NothingCons:
Information given at time of booking was incorrect and was not able to rent car.Avis
6.9
Okay
Read 7 reviewsCleanliness
7.1
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
6.5
2 locations in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop Suite 102
+1 434 973 6000
325 Rivanna Plaza Drive
+1 434 973 1563
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Brandon, Aug 2024
Intermediate
8.0 Very good
Inna, Mar 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendlyCons:
Car was in terrible condition, but it was replaced with a normal car4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jan 2021
Pros:
Car was great. Drop off was convenient.Cons:
When I got to the desk to pickup they had already closed. I had to ask a police officer to call the manager to come in.2.8 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2020
Pros:
Horrible experience in Virginia. Pick up service was late and gave us a damaged car.Cons:
They need to pay more attention to your other branches.8.0 Very good
Anemone, Jun 2023
Standard SUV
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Oct 2021
Hertz
6.9
Okay
Read 18 reviewsCleanliness
6.9
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
6.6
2 locations in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop #200
+1 434 297 4288
104 Meade Ave
+1 434 978 4433
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Supplier choice
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Economy
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Supplier choice
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2021
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
Pick up was tedious because the computers were down.Cons:
The car was very dirty and the windshield so smeared on the interior that I had to clean it myself.6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Apr 2021
Pros:
The staff was amazing and so friendly.Cons:
The car was dirty when we picked it up. Sanitized- but not really cleaned.National
6.7
Okay
Read 4 reviewsCleanliness
7.1
Comfort
7.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
5.7
One location in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop
+1 844 934 1095
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Reviews
9.6 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2019
Pros:
Friendly staff, super easy pickup, even super easier drop off.Cons:
provide a chauffeur?10.0 Wonderful
Jameel, Jun 2023
Luxury
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2022
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2022
One location in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop
+1 844 934 1095
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
104 Meade Ave
+1 434 978 4433
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Charlottesville
Good to know
Most popular car type | Standard |
|---|
When to book a rental car in Charlottesville
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Charlottesville
Car rental at airports serving Charlottesville
Charlottesville car rental information
| Pick-up location | Charlottesville |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 17 |
| Airport locations | 9 |