Charlottesville car rentals from $37/day
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Charlottesville with a pick-up date of 8/16 and drop-off date of 9/15. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car rentals in Charlottesville
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Charlottesville
- If you arrive in the city by train, consider using cheap car rentals in Charlottesville to connect to various destinations. Major Charlottesville car rentals like Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, have their offices located about 10min walk distance from the Charlottesville Amtrak Train Station, which is the city’s main train station. The availability of these offices near the train station offers many travelers enhanced convenience and saves on their budget. This is because train transport is one of the most popular means of transport among travelers arriving in Charlottesville.
- It is important that you have a glimpse of the traffic interruption when getting cheap car rentals in Charlottesville. During the Virginia Film Festival, which happens during the first week of November every year, the city experiences major interruptions in the traffic with heavy jams on nearly all roads. You can easily be stuck in a traffic jam on many of these roads. Using your rental car during this period is inconvenient and costly. Unless there are unavoidable reasons to come to the city and use Charlottesville car rental during this period, you can visit Charlottesville during the other times of the year.
- You need to know knowledge of the direction and time taken to drive your cheap car rentals in Charlottesville from the city center to the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport in order to plan your schedule properly. There are two options for drivers from the city center to the airport. The first option is through US-29 S, which is a distance of 6.3 miles. If you choose this direction, it will take about 10min to arrive at the city center from the airport. The second option is via Berkmar Drive, which is a distance of 6.4 miles. In this case, you will take 11min to arrive at the city center from the airport.
- 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.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Charlottesville for $61 or less
- Book your rental car in Charlottesville at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in Charlottesville are around 25% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Supplier choice rental cars in Charlottesville are around 5% cheaper than other car types, on average
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 does it cost to rent a car in Charlottesville?
On average a rental car in Charlottesville costs $67 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Charlottesville found in the last 2 weeks is $40.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Charlottesville?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($37/day) and Dollar ($48/day).
How much is gas price in Charlottesville?
The average gas price in Charlottesville is $3.82 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $46 and $61, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Charlottesville?
Supplier choice (Class Special Car 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 Special car rental cost in Charlottesville?
A Special car rental in Charlottesville costs $90 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Charlottesville?
A Mini car rental in Charlottesville costs $111 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Charlottesville?
A Standard car rental in Charlottesville costs $68 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Charlottesville?
On average a rental car in Charlottesville costs $469 per week ($67 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Charlottesville?
On average a rental car in Charlottesville costs $2,008 per month ($67 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Charlottesville?
Most car rental providers in Charlottesville offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Charlottesville, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Charlottesville?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 9 car rental agencies in Charlottesville.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Charlottesville?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Charlottesville?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Charlottesville so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Which places can you visit with Charlottesville car rentals?
Most Charlottesville car rentals allow drivers to use their cars to visit nearby cities, including Waynesboro, Staunton, and Harrisonburg. This distance from Charlottesville to Waynesboro is 28.5 miles, which you are likely to cover in 33min in light traffic. If you use your rental car from Charlottesville to Staunton, you will take about 44 min, covering a distance of 39.7 miles. The distance from Charlottesville to Harrisonburg is 45.8 miles, which you cover in 54min in light traffic.
Where is the best place to rent a car in Charlottesville?
Major Charlottesville car rentals like Avis, Enterprise, and Dollar have pick-up and return offices in various locations in the city. However, the offices at Charlottesville Albemarle Airport are highly rated among travelers. You can conveniently get your preferred car model from the airport.
Charlottesville car rental reviews and directory
Budget
7.4
Good
40 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.6
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
May 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
Friendly staff. Free upgrade to a fun to drive car as they had no other vehicle!2.0 Poor
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
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
Sep 2020
Pros:
The staff was friendly!Cons:
The car conditions9.2 Wonderful
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
8.0
Very good
24 reviewsCleanliness
8.1
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
7.4
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
Filters
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Dec 2023
4.0 Mediocre
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
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
Nov 2020
Pros:
Friendly staff, quick pickup and drop off. Also, a great car.10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Cons:
Fastest check in and check out ever!10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2020
Pros:
The rep on duty on 9/18 at 9:45 am was friendly, knowledgeable and accommodate my rental request. Through a website I reserved a large SUV. Enterprise was oversold on the vehicle I needed. The rep. came through for me on my request and worked hard to make sure that I had what I requested. That Rep made my trip with my family comfortable and joyful.Cons:
Get more Large SUVs for the area (Charlottesville, VA) they always sell out on the weekend.National
7.9
Good
11 reviewsCleanliness
8.1
Comfort
8.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.0
One location in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop
+1 844 934 1095
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Reviews
9.6 Wonderful
Dec 2019
Pros:
Friendly staff, super easy pickup, even super easier drop off.Cons:
provide a chauffeur?9.6 Wonderful
Aug 2019
Pros:
Very quick and easy process10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2023
2.0 Poor
Dec 2022
6.0 Okay
Mar 2022
Dollar
7.3
Good
3 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.3
One location in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop
+1 866 434 2226
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jun 2020
Pros:
NothingCons:
Information given at time of booking was incorrect and was not able to rent car.Avis
7.2
Good
16 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
6.8
2 locations in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop Suite 102
+1 434 973 6000
325 Rivanna Plaza Drive
+1 434 973 1563
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Mar 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendlyCons:
Car was in terrible condition, but it was replaced with a normal car4.0 Mediocre
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
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
Jun 2023
8.0 Very good
Oct 2021
7.9 Good
Sep 2021
Hertz
7.2
Good
21 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
6.9
2 locations in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop #200
+1 434 297 4288
104 Meade Ave
+1 434 978 4433
Filters
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2024
2.0 Poor
Jan 2024
2.0 Poor
Dec 2021
4.0 Mediocre
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
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.6.0 Okay
Apr 2021
Pros:
The Car worked okay and got great mileage and the staff really tried to help - they were just understaffed for the amount # of cars going out and coming in.Cons:
The 7 passenger Van was 2.5 hours late in getting to my pickup location. I did not receive a call until I arrived in the parking lot at 9:00 a.m. to pick it up. I had to return and I actually picked it up at about 11:30 a.m. and spent a about 30-45 minutes waiting as they were totally understaffed. The care worked fine, but was smaller than what was advertised - it was definitely not an equal to the model advertised which was a Nissan Pathfinder.Alamo
8.0
Very good
No reviews available
One location in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
100 Bowen Loop
+1 844 934 1095
Filters
No reviews available
Easirent
4.7
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Charlottesville
Locations in Charlottesville
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Charlottesville
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 | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Rental locations | 15 |
| Airport locations | 9 |
| Popular agencies | Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Turo, Dollar |