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Charlottesville car hire

Driver's age: 26-65
Fri 26-4
Fri 3-5

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Charlottesville car hire information

Pick-up locationCharlottesville
Car types
Hire locations13
Airport locations7

Cheap car rentals in Charlottesville

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Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
Luxury
People carrier
Passenger van
SUV
Commercial
Pick-up truck

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
  • Economy rental cars in Charlottesville are around -124% cheaper than other car types, on average

Charlottesville car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Charlottesville 
Verified travelerSep 2023
Allow enough time to thoughtfully go through the car before you drive off in it. But the staff in Charlottesville was very friendly and kind.
AnemoneJun 2023
I did not stay in Charlottesville. My SUV broke down in the mountains and I just rented from there.
JameelJun 2023
Maybe more staff. One person had to do all the work of checking in and out vehicles.

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 the price of fuel in Charlottesville?

    The average price of fuel in Charlottesville is S$ 5.25 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between S$ 63 and S$ 84, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Charlottesville?

    Economy (Kia Rio or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Charlottesville.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Charlottesville?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does an Economy car rental cost in Charlottesville?

    An Economy car rental in Charlottesville costs S$ 113 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Charlottesville?

    A Full Size car rental in Charlottesville costs S$ 51 per day, on average.

Charlottesville car rental reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.0

Very Good

57 reviews

Cleanliness

8.2

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

7.5

3 locations in Charlottesville

Show locations

Locations in Charlottesville

100 Bowen Loop

+1 844 934 1096

Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 23:59
Sunday08:00 - 23:59

1650 Seminole Trl

+1 434 974 7488

Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday10:00 - 13:00

392 Pantops Center

+1 434 979 5566

Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Dec 2023

KAYAK
The rental car (pickup truck) that was requested was not available. No other suitable options were available either.

4.0 Mediocre

May 2021

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff, quick pickup and drop off. Also, a great car.

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Fastest check in and check out ever!

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2020

KAYAK

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.

1 out of 9

Budget

7.4

Best rated

Cleanliness

7.8

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.4

Value for money

7.6

2 locations in Charlottesville

Show locations

Locations in Charlottesville

100 Bowen Loop Suite 102

+1 434 973 3079

Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

325 Rivanna Plaza Drive

+1 434 973 1595

Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:30 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

May 2022

KAYAK
The inside front window needed some cleaning. Otherwise, it was terrific. I loved the car (Toyota Camry), the people were nice, and the whole process was very quick and smooth. Thanks!

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff. Free upgrade to a fun to drive car as they had no other vehicle!

2.0 Poor

Dec 2020

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was friendly!

Cons:

The car conditions

9.2 Wonderful

Aug 2020

KAYAK

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.

1 out of 14

Hertz

6.9

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.7

Value for money

6.7

One location in Charlottesville

Show locations

Locations in Charlottesville

104 Meade Ave

+1 434 978 4433

Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Dec 2021

KAYAK
Under staffed, car was filthy,1/4 tank of gas. Paid up front and had to wait a hr to pick up cat

4.0 Mediocre

May 2021

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

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.

2.0 Poor

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Actually having my rental car. They did not have any available rentals even after I had made my reservation days before. Associate who called me was very rude

6.0 Okay

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

The employees actually drove the car before renting it out. There was a ridiculously loud roar coming from wheels. So loud could be heard over radio and almost max volume

1 out of 9

National

8.0

Very Good

24 reviews

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.1

Value for money

7.3

One location in Charlottesville

Show locations

Locations in Charlottesville

100 Bowen Loop

+1 844 934 1095

Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 23:59
Sunday08:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

9.6 Wonderful

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff, super easy pickup, even super easier drop off.

Cons:

provide a chauffeur?

9.6 Wonderful

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Very quick and easy process

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

The agent was especially helpful!

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

First time using this as opposed to going directly through rental car companies. Very easy very affordable and will use again.

10.0 Wonderful

Nov 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

New SUV - really needed it to haul around the cousins around town

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2023

KAYAK
Good experience. Easy drop off. Customer service with actual human beings is fantastic! Thank you for putting people first!

1 out of 3

Dollar

7.9

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.3

Value for money

8.3

One location in Charlottesville

Show locations

Locations in Charlottesville

100 Bowen Loop Ste 100

+1 866 434 2226

Monday10:00 - 13:00
Tuesday10:00 - 13:00
Wednesday10:00 - 13:00
Thursday10:00 - 13:00
Friday10:00 - 13:00
Saturday10:00 - 13:00
Sunday10:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Information given at time of booking was incorrect and was not able to rent car.

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Quick service at counter on both ends of the trip. Car was a short walk from terminal. Very clean. Nice man took care of us. Not one issue. Great experience.

5.6 Fair

Jun 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Reserved large SUV, got open bed smaller pickup. Open bed resulted in problems due to three days of rain and I was transporting supplies for wedding and four passengers

10.0 Wonderful

May 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Everything was smooth sailing.

6.0 Okay

Jul 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Easy pick up and drop off

Cons:

Car was dirty, maintenance light was on for oil change and filter when we picked it up. Tires were bare causing us to hydroplane during rain storms. Rear view mirror kept falling off.

6.8 Okay

Jun 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

Dropping off in Charlottesville was not good. Their drop off area was completely full and cars were half-hazardly parked and a few people weren’t sure where to leave the cars. We all ended up just parking in the middle of a row.

1 out of 3

Avis

7.0

Cleanliness

7.2

Comfort

7.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.8

Value for money

6.6

2 locations in Charlottesville

Show locations

Locations in Charlottesville

100 Bowen Loop Suite 102

+1 434 973 6000

Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

325 Rivanna Plaza Drive

+1 434 973 1563

Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:30 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly

Cons:

Car was in terrible condition, but it was replaced with a normal car

4.0 Mediocre

Jan 2021

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

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.

7.2 Good

Sep 2017

KAYAK

Cons:

There are no signs telling you where to turn on the keys. Turns out you have to go to baggage claim to find the desk. We certainly weren't the only ones walking around in the rain trying to figure that out.

9.2 Wonderful

Jul 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

She fixed the problems that D.C. created with my booking (had wrong car, thus wrong mileage and gas level on my reservation form).

4.0 Mediocre

Jun 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

That the car was clean and worked.

Cons:

Make and model of the car the 55 min wait to get a car when I was the only customer. Took 10 min before I was greeted. Both agents were on the phone. Was lied to about vehicle choice. Was told this was the only car that was available and it was an upgrade. it was not and the lot was full of cars that were available.

1 out of 4

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Charlottesville

Show locations

Locations in Charlottesville

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Charlottesville

Show locations

Locations in Charlottesville

100 Bowen Loop

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

250 travellers who rented a car in Charlottesville gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.8

Car hire locations in or near Charlottesville

Good to know

Most popular car type

Economy

When to book a car hire in Charlottesville

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches