CLT Airport Rental Car Guide Charlotte Douglas Airport

On-airport Car Rental at Charlotte Airport

One of the top 10 busiest airports in the world, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) welcomes over 50 million passengers annually. Rental cars are a popular mode of transport due to their convenience and availability. The Rental Car Facility is located in the Level 2 lobby of the Hourly Deck building across the crosswalk from the Arrivals Terminal. At the lobby, you'll see a range of reputed car rental agencies including Enterprise, Alamo, Hertz, and Avis.  On arrival, simply walk up to the counter of the agency you have chosen, and their representative will provide assistance. Renting a car at the airport might just be the fastest way to start exploring all that Charlotte and North Carolina have to offer. The city centre is 10 miles from the airport, and it takes around 15 minutes by car.

Car Rental in Downtown Charlotte

Renting a car in Charlotte is perfect for those planning to visit the attractions situated outside the city. To name a few, there's Lake Norman, a popular weekend retreat that's around a 30-minute drive from Charlotte; and the US National White Water Center, a recreation facility located 15 miles west of the city center. Car rental companies are located all over town, so finding a car will never be a problem. Rental prices also typically tend to be lower than in the airport, but the downside is that the different agencies are located far apart from each other.  The most popular car rental type in Charlotte is full-size cars such as the Nissan Altima. If you are traveling with family or a large group of friends, opt for a comfortable SUV with more luggage space.

Driving in Charlotte

Downtown Charlotte gets busy during significant events such as Carolina Panthers games or NASCAR season. You will encounter throngs of pedestrians tailgating on the sidewalks and spilling over into the streets during these events, so do be careful while driving.

On regular days, rush hour starts around 7:30 a.m. and continues till 10 a.m., and similarly in the afternoons from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Interstate 77 gets particularly congested during the rush hour, so you might want to avoid it. There are several street parking spaces and around 20 parking garages available in Uptown, and the cost of parking typically ranges between $8 - $12.

North Carolina traffic laws are quite strict and are not limited to wearing a seat belt or maintaining the speed limit. They also include

● Parking is prohibited on highways.

● Drivers can’t read or write text messages while driving.

● Drivers under 18 should not use mobile phones or technology.

● Motorists should use headlights from sunset to sunrise.

Car Rental Agencies in Charlotte

There are plenty of car rental agencies, both at the airport as well in both Downtown and Uptown Charlotte. Hertz and Avis are known for being the best value providers, while Enterprise and Alamo provide cars at more affordable rates at the airport than their competitors. If you want to level up and rent luxury cars, Budget might be able to get you the best deal. The second best car agency for providing luxury cars would be Hertz. Overall, all the agencies above are safe bets since they are all internationally well-known and have been operating for a long time. 

Top Road Trips in Charlotte

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia features incredible natural landscapes combined with an intriguing history that intertwines with the Civil War. The long Skyline Drive leading to the park's summit is best known for its incredibly scenic views. For any hardcore explorers, the 544-mile Appalachian Trail that winds through the park is sure to test them to their limits. If you're looking to take your adventure to the next level, plan for camping in the jungle along your way. If survivalist-y activities are not your cup of tea, no worries; you can pack a picnic and enjoy birdwatching from one of the vantage points. The park is roughly a 4 hour, 20-minute drive from Charlotte.

Visit Abingdon, a resort town with a mix of culture and adventure, it is most famous for being the largest burley tobacco market in Virginia. Explore the 18th-century buildings, art galleries, cafes and cultural sites. After the charm of the indoors wears out, drive to the Appalachian mountains nearby for serious mountain biking and hiking routes. If you're looking for an even bigger challenge, The Virginia Creeper Trail, which stretches up to 35 miles between Abingdon and the North Carolina state line, offers a formidable 6-hour biking trail. You may also consider horseback riding. It would take about 3 hours for you to reach Abington from Charlotte.

You must have heard of Athens, only this time it’s not Greece but a town in the United States that is full of life, creativity and youth. As home to the University of Georgia, it beams with the kind of hopeful college-town energy that only young 20-somethings seem to be able to conjure. Football matches at the University of Georgia are huge events that attract massive tailgating crowds. Athens also hosts live music performances and is particularly known for its American indie music scene. The evenings are ideal for enjoying delicious food at the restaurants or the breweries scattered around the town. Ride down to Athens from Charlotte if you want a fun-filled weekend.

What other travelers are asking about renting a car in Charlotte:

Q: Cost of renting a car in Charlotte?

A: The average cost per day of renting a car in Charlotte is just $51.79.

Q: What’s the cheapest car rental in Charlotte?

A: Prices for Charlotte car rentals start from just $49.40 when booking in advance with our partners Enjoy Travel.

Q: What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Charlotte?

A: To rent a car in Charlotte you must be at least 21.

Q: Can I have additional drivers on the rental agreement in Charlotte?

A: Additional drivers can be added to your Charlotte car rental agreement upon request.

Q: What’s the best car for getting around Charlotte?

A: Charlotte is quite an easy city to drive in, so you can travel comfortably in an economy-size vehicle such as Chevrolet Spark or similar.