Wilmington car rentals
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Wilmington car rental information
| Pick-up location | Wilmington |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Pickup truck, Premium SUV, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Rental locations | 19 |
| Airport locations | 10 |
| Popular agencies | Turo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis |
Cheap car rentals in Wilmington
| Economy | $29/day |
| Compact | $37/day |
| Intermediate | $30/day |
| Standard | $32/day |
| Full-size | $34/day |
| Minivan | $45/day |
| Full-size SUV | $76/day |
| Luxury | $59/day |
| Pickup truck | $44/day |
| Premium SUV | $56/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $31/day |
| Standard SUV | $42/day |
Top tips for renting a car in Wilmington
- Booking a rental car near the airport is the best choice, whether for business or personal reasons. Wilmington car rentals such as Budget, Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise are located near Wilmington International Airport. These companies are located near the only terminal in the airport, which has eight gates. Thus, picking up your rental car in the city is easy and convenient. The distance from the airport to the city center is 4.5 miles (7.2km) and takes about 8min using a rental vehicle. A bus takes 11min to cover the same distance. Again, you can choose affordable car rentals in Wilmington from those near the airport if you’re on a tight budget.
- Choose a comfortable, spacious, and affordable rental car that meets your needs. It should have all the safety features, including seatbelt reminders, airbags, luggage space, a toll pass, and parking sensors. Ensure your car rental agency checks the functionality of these features before picking up your rental car. Some types of rental vehicles to choose from include standard SUV, intermediate SUV, Compact, economy, luxury, and supplier choice. Prices vary depending on the car rental company. Thus, choose cheap car rentals in Wilmington to avoid affecting your budget despite your reason for renting the car.
- Be careful when driving your rental vehicle in Wilmington during winter. The icy, steep, and hilly roads are slippery, and you're prone to accidents and fatal injuries. That’s why most car rental companies offer different models of 4WD vehicles for renters to choose from. However, most companies give tips for driving on slippery roads, such as driving on matching tires, turning off traction control and driving slower on curvy snowy roads. Despite these weather conditions, these rental companies offer cheap car rentals in Wilmington that are affordable to most renters in the city.
- Car rentals in Wilmington are a convenient way to visit the city and its neighborhoods, granting you flexibility and freedom to move around. Whether in Wilmington for business or holiday, choosing a Wilmington car rental company through KAYAK gives you the opportunity to visit different attractions and discover Wilmington neighborhoods at your convenience. For instance, you can travel places like Water Street Center, Harbor Oaks, Historic Downtown Wilmington, or even go to Carolina, Kure, or Wrightsville Beach, where you can unwind and enjoy local meals, such as cheesesteak egg rolls.
- Different Wilmington car rental companies offer various vehicles depending on client needs. Picking a rental car from these companies is easy and will take you a few minutes since they are located within a short walking distance from the Wilmington International Airport. For instance, Alamo is a 10min walk from the airport. Other car rental companies that are within a walking distance from the airport include Enterprise, National, Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz, among many others.
- Wilmington’s law enforcement officials are strategically located at different points to ensure drivers adhere to driving rules. The strategy has improved the road conditions and community impacts by reducing crime rates in the neighborhoods. While using your Wilmington rental car, ensure you stop at a stoplight, stick to the speed limits, observe traffic circle rules, and stick to the correct lanes to avoid problems with the highway patrol, as it might affect your experience.
- If you plan to drive around Wilmington and its neighborhoods, we recommend you avoid rush hours, from around 7am to 8am and from about 6pm to 7:30pm. Wilmington traffic in various areas, such as the South College Road in Wilmington, may be challenging for a foreign driver as multiple cars line the middle lane during peak hours. If you have to drive during rush hour, avoid going through Market Street, Carolina Beach Road, and Oleander Drive, which can be quite congested.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Wilmington for $53 or less
- Book your rental car in Wilmington at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in Wilmington are around 26% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Intermediate rental cars in Wilmington are around 67% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Wilmington
What type of car is recommended for driving in Wilmington?
There are scenic drives in and around Wilmington, and they require vehicles that can endure the terrain. If you decide to drive on the beach, we recommend a four-wheel drive to avoid getting stuck in the sand. Ensure to book a powerful vehicle to explore the mountains and get the best of both worlds of Wilmington.
What’s the speed limit in Wilmington?
Most neighborhoods in Wilmington operate at speed limits of 35mph for the local streets. In others, however, the speed limits have been changed over the years to enhance safety. The roads where traffic gets heavier, such as Market Street and College Road, are 35mph. Other roads, including Shipyard Boulevard and South College, and Carolina Beach Road, have speed limits of 45mph. Follow the right speeding rules on different routes to avoid colliding with the law.
Where are the best places to park in Wilmington?
Places to park car rentals in Wilmington are Downtown Parking, Empie Park, and Wilmington Long Leaf Park. There are several parking lots around the central business district governed by the city’s limited-time parking regulations. You can park downtown at street meters from 6:30pm to 9am on weekdays and all day Sundays (which is free), but you’ll have to pay $1.50 per hour at any other time. You can either use the mobile parking app, use coins, or a credit card when making payments for the meters. When parking your rental car, be careful not to break Wilmington’s parking regulations, such as blocking sidewalks, parking in a loading zone, blocking fire hydrants, or blocking the flow of traffic.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Wilmington?
On average a rental car in Wilmington costs $64 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 Wilmington found in the last 2 weeks is $39.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Wilmington?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($37/day) and Avis ($56/day).
How much is gas price in Wilmington?
The average gas price in Wilmington is $4.12 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $49 and $66, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Wilmington?
Intermediate (Honda CR-V or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Wilmington.
How can I find car rentals near me in Wilmington?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Wilmington?
An Intermediate car rental in Wilmington costs $31 per day, on average.
How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Wilmington?
A Luxury car rental in Wilmington costs $35 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Wilmington?
A Standard car rental in Wilmington costs $37 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Wilmington?
On average a rental car in Wilmington costs $445 per week ($64 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Wilmington?
On average a rental car in Wilmington costs $1,907 per month ($64 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Wilmington?
Most car rental providers in Wilmington offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Wilmington, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Wilmington?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 10 car rental agencies in Wilmington.
Which car rental companies in Wilmington have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Some car rental companies in Wilmington which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget and Alamo
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Wilmington?
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 Wilmington?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Wilmington so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What is the minimum amount of time to rent a car?
The minimum amount of time varies from one rental car company to another. Thus, check the requirements for returning a rental vehicle when booking to avoid penalties. Ask the customer care any questions to understand the needs of returning a car.
Do rental companies offer deals in Wilmington?
Most rental vehicle agencies offer deals to travelers who book in advance. However, deals differ in various companies depending on the time of the year you book a rental car. Therefore, search several sites and choose the company offering the best deal.
Wilmington car rental reviews and directory
Hertz
7.5
Good
108 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
7.6
3 locations in Wilmington
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2021
2.0 Poor
Nov 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2021
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Car was ready but had to get an upgrade as my choice was not available gave me the same rate as booked.Cons:
All went well car was very comfortable.8.0 Very good
May 2021
Pros:
Quality vehicle. Great service.Cons:
We got assigned a mini van for a get away with my wife. Would have preferred a car like we indicated.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.9
Good
32 reviewsCleanliness
8.5
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
7.6
6 locations in Wilmington
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Check in and check out was super easy. Very friendly, and answered any questions we had. Car we rented accommodated everyone. I highly recommend Enterprise, Wilmington7.6 Good
Aug 2020
Pros:
Quick pick up and drop offCons:
Was really hoping for an F 150 not a Dodge ram.9.6 Wonderful
Jul 2020
Pros:
Friendly staff, quick process.6.0 Okay
Jun 2020
Cons:
Kayak sent me to a closed location. I called the rental company and they told me the right location. Other than that, it was a good experience3.2 Poor
Apr 2019
Pros:
That I was ultimately able to actually get a car?Cons:
Basically everything. Kayak/Enterprise shouldn't allow 12PM pickups on Saturday. They close abruptly at this time. Went to another location, was given a much smaller car, but no discount in price. Went to drop off that car, but nobody was there, and had to go to another location to drop off. 3 loc's8.8 Very good
Feb 2019
Cons:
The car wasn’t ready at noon. It had a cracked windshield, so they gave me a different car. The car was ready 4.25 hours later. They drove me to an appointment, but were late picking me up. Otherwise, everything was excellent!Alamo
7.5
Good
64 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
7.5
One location in Wilmington
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Show reviews that mention
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Nov 2020
Pros:
Yes quick and easy.5.2 Fair
Oct 2020
Pros:
Drop off was easy.Cons:
I ordered an economy car, not a minivan. The minivan was ok but when I started it up, the screen said that the tire was low so I had to go back into the airport to tell them. They said it was fine so for four days, I drove around in a minivan that said “tire low”. Not good customer service.2.0 Poor
Aug 2020
Cons:
I was able to book a rental car but when I went to pick it up they said they had no cars available. I ended up having to rent from another company and was very expensive.10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly and accommodating. I would use them again.Cons:
This is not a bad thing just wish I could have added a day to the front of the rental. Due to COVID we landed a day early.8.4 Very good
Jun 2020
Cons:
Nothing6.0 Okay
Mar 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly but during drop off and pick up the person helping me stopped two times to help his coworker even though I was there first. Neither one of them didn’t say excuse me or apologize for holding me up while I waited patiently. The customer service person that didn’t know what they were doing just interrupted as well without saying excuse me. How hard is it to say i’ll be right with you let me finish taking care of my customer. It was very rude and inconsiderate as my time was just as important as the other customers time. I may rent from Alamo again but not certain because again this happened during drop off and pick up.Cons:
The staff could just be more considerate and fair of everyone’s time. If I were a different type of person it would’ve been a problem.Thrifty
7.0
Good
52 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.9
Value for money
6.7
One location in Wilmington
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
It was all good.Cons:
It was all good.8.4 Very good
Jul 2020
Pros:
Staff was very friendly. They did not have record of my economy car reservation from Kayak. They were able to place me in a Ford F150 instead of an economy sized car that was ordered. The lady stated that 3rd party vendors information doesn't always come through with details.Cons:
Have the car size as requested.4.4 Mediocre
Jul 2020
Pros:
Not much.Cons:
Once the staff showed up at the booth they were friendly and helpful. But I had to wait 25 minutes and call the person since they were "moving cars around". Then there were "computer problems", so the pick off took way much longer than it should have. I was told that the "manager's special" that I reserved was an F-150 pick up truck. There was nothing on my reservation that said that so I couldn't dispute it - so in order to get a smaller car, I was charged an additional $10 per day. Plus I was tired from traveling all day, it had already taken way to long to pick up a car, so I didn't argue. I think they plan things that way.10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2020
Cons:
really, everything was perfect...10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2020
Cons:
The staff was friendly. I was also glad dropoff was quick.4.0 Mediocre
Dec 2019
Pros:
Staff was nice. F150 only had 800 miles on it.Cons:
Got the manager's special(so no choice of vehicle) and it was an f150. I know my fault... Did not include the airport pick up fee in the advertised price, so all in all should have gone with enterprise midsize because there was no cost savings.Avis
6.9
Okay
41 reviewsCleanliness
7.0
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.9
Value for money
6.8
2 locations in Wilmington
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Reviews
8.0 Very good
May 2021
Cons:
They didn't know where the car was because it was absolutely brand new but someone put it in a field away from the other cars so it took us 25 minutes or so to find it find it.2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Cons:
They did not have a car at the time I needed one. They said it would be an hour and a half to get a car even though I made reservations 2 weeks before. I will never rent with Avis again.4.8 Mediocre
Jun 2020
Pros:
The drop off was super easy.Cons:
The car was disgusting and had towels and other beach items still in its trunk. Also, I had to wait for a car and even then they only had an intermediate size car for me instead of SUV, and then they wouldn't even decrease the prize9.2 Wonderful
Jan 2019
Cons:
I was charged $5 more than what I booked it for. They said the taxes were higher.8.0 Very good
Feb 2018
Pros:
NICE DRIVING CAR. VERY CLEAN.Cons:
I WAS SUPPOSE TO PICK UP MY RENTAL AT 11:00 AM BUT DID NOT GET CAR UNTIL AN HOUR LATER.10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2017
Pros:
Kind courteous service, very affordable price.Budget
6.5
Okay
84 reviewsCleanliness
6.4
Comfort
7.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
7.0
2 locations in Wilmington
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2022
8.0 Very good
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Sep 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Cons:
Woman at desk was super helpful!4.8 Mediocre
Sep 2020
Pros:
They never told me I could only do 1 month rental at a time. So that resulted in me being overcharged and spent 45 minutes on the phone to fix that. Next i have been on the phone with them 3 times so far because they have incorrectly over charged me by over $1000. It still isn’t fixed but I essentially was told to let them fix the first two mistakes and then call again to fix the rest of the over/double charges.Cons:
Billing6.0 Okay
Aug 2020
Pros:
Staff was nice.Cons:
The car smelled like an ashtray. Disgusting!!National
7.2
Good
3 reviewsCleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
7.9
One location in Wilmington
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Oct 2022
5.9 Fair
Jul 2021
Easirent
3.8
Poor
No reviews available
One location in Wilmington
Dollar
No score available yet
One location in Wilmington
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Wilmington
Car rental locations in or near Wilmington
Good to know
Most popular agency | Enterprise Rent-A-Car |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
Average price | $64/day |
Good deal | $53/day |
When to book a rental car in Wilmington
Airports serving Wilmington
Popular rental types in Wilmington
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Popular car brands to rent in Wilmington
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