Charlotte, also known as the Queen City, is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. It’s home to many attractions, such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, and Carowinds Amusement Park. When planning a trip to Charlotte, one question that often comes up is whether or not to rent a car. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of renting a car in Charlotte, the cheapest way to rent a car, and some tips to make your trip more enjoyable.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Should I Rent A Car In Charlotte?
Yes, you should rent a car in Charlotte. Having a car provides more flexibility in your schedule, and it’s the most convenient way to explore the city and its surroundings. While Charlotte has a public transportation system, it may not be the best option for tourists, as it doesn’t cover all the areas of the city that you might want to visit. Plus, having a car makes it easier to visit nearby attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway or the beaches on the North Carolina coast.
However, if you plan on staying within the downtown area and only visiting the major tourist attractions, you may not need a car. In that case, you can rely on public transportation, ride-sharing services, or even walking, as many of the downtown attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Charlotte is recommended if you want to explore the city and its surroundings or if you’re planning to visit nearby attractions.
The Benefits Of Renting A Car In Charlotte
There are several benefits to renting a car in Charlotte. First and foremost, it provides more flexibility in your schedule. With a car, you can come and go as you please, without worrying about the schedules of public transportation or ride-sharing services.
Renting a car also allows you to explore areas outside of Charlotte, such as the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway or the charming town of Asheville. Additionally, if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage, a rental car can be more comfortable and convenient than public transportation.
Another benefit of renting a car in Charlotte is that it can be cheaper than taking a taxi or ride-sharing service, especially if you’re traveling long distances or visiting multiple destinations.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Charlotte provides flexibility, allows you to explore outside the city, and can be more cost-effective than other transportation options.
The Cons Of Renting A Car In Charlotte
While there are benefits to renting a car in Charlotte, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the biggest disadvantages is the cost. Renting a car in Charlotte can be expensive, especially during peak travel seasons. Additionally, you may have to pay for parking at your hotel or other attractions, which can add to the overall cost.
Another consideration is traffic. Charlotte is known for its traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. If you’re not used to driving in heavy traffic, it can be stressful and time-consuming. Additionally, parking can be a challenge in the city, especially in the downtown area.
Lastly, renting a car in Charlotte may not be the best option for environmentally conscious travelers. The city has a high level of air pollution, and driving a car only contributes to this problem.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Charlotte can be expensive, and traffic and parking can be challenging. Additionally, it may not be the best option for travelers who are environmentally conscious.
Is It Better To Rent A Car At Charlotte Airport?
While there are pros and cons to both options, renting a car at the airport is generally more convenient.
Most of the major rental car companies have a presence at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, making it easy to pick up your rental car as soon as you land. Additionally, if you’re staying outside of the downtown area, renting a car at the airport can save you time and money on transportation to your hotel.
However, renting a car at the airport can also be more expensive than renting at a location in the city, due to higher taxes and fees. If you’re on a tight budget, it may be worth comparing prices between airport and city locations before making your decision.
Bottom line: Renting a car at the airport in Charlotte is generally more convenient, but it can be more expensive than renting at a location in the city.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Rent A Car In Charlotte?
To find the cheapest way to rent a car in Charlotte, it’s important to do your research and compare prices between rental car companies. Here are some tips to help you save money on your rental:
- Book early: Renting a car in advance can often save you money, as last-minute rentals can be more expensive.
- Compare prices: Use websites like Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline to compare prices between rental car companies.
- Consider smaller companies: While larger rental car companies like Hertz and Enterprise may be more well-known, smaller companies like Fox Rent A Car or Payless Car Rental may offer lower prices.
- Look for discounts: Check for discounts through organizations like AAA or AARP, or through credit card rewards programs.
- Avoid renting at the airport: As mentioned earlier, renting a car at the airport can be more expensive due to higher taxes and fees.
Bottom line: To find the cheapest way to rent a car in Charlotte, book early, compare prices between companies, consider smaller companies, look for discounts, and avoid renting at the airport if possible.
Rent A Car In Charlotte
Here are rental car companies to rent a car from in Charlotte:
- Alamo: starts at $59 per day
- Avis: starts at $56 per day
- Budget: starts at $47 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $61 per day
- Hertz: starts at $61 per day
- National: starts at $59 per day
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $45 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.02 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Charlotte is relatively affordable, with prices starting at around $47 per day from Budget. Gas prices are also lower compared to other major cities, making it an even more cost-effective option.
Tips For Driving In Charlotte
If you decide to rent a car in Charlotte, here are some tips to help you navigate the city:
- Be prepared for traffic: As mentioned earlier, traffic in Charlotte can be heavy, especially during rush hour. Plan your routes accordingly and be prepared for delays.
- Use a GPS: Charlotte is a large city, and it can be easy to get lost if you’re not familiar with the area. Use a GPS or map to navigate the city.
- Watch out for pedestrians: Charlotte is a pedestrian-friendly city, and there are many crosswalks and bike lanes. Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists when driving, especially in the downtown area.
- Follow the speed limit: The speed limit in Charlotte is generally 35 mph unless otherwise posted. Make sure to follow the speed limit to avoid getting pulled over and receiving a ticket.
- Don’t drink and drive: This should go without saying, but don’t drink and drive. Charlotte has strict DUI laws, and you can face serious consequences if you’re caught driving under the influence.
- Be aware of toll roads: If you plan on driving on toll roads in Charlotte, make sure you have cash or a transponder to pay the tolls. Some rental car companies offer transponders as an add-on option.
- Be aware of parking restrictions: Some areas in Charlotte have strict parking restrictions, so make sure to read the signs and follow the rules to avoid getting towed or ticketed.
Bottom line: Be prepared for traffic, use a GPS, watch out for pedestrians, follow the speed limit, don’t drink and drive, be aware of toll roads, and be aware of parking restrictions.
Wrapping Up
Renting a car in Charlotte can provide more flexibility and convenience for exploring the city and its surroundings. While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as cost and traffic, renting a car is generally recommended if you want to get the most out of your trip to Charlotte. To save money on your rental, be sure to book early, compare prices, and consider smaller rental car companies.