Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Virginia with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Virginia?
You should book your rental car in Virginia around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Virginia?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($30.16/day), Thrifty ($31.93/day), and Dollar ($31.95/day).
What is the most popular rental car in Virginia?
Hires in the SUV category (BMW X3 or similar) are the most popular option in Virginia, costing $132/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $100/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Virginia?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Virginia is February at an average cost of $77/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Virginia when prices are $123/day on average, which tends to be 114% above the yearly average hire price for Virginia.
Virginia car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Virginia by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4WD
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$66 - $112
All Car Types
$102 - $162
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Virginia?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Virginia?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Virginia?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Virginia?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Virginia?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Virginia?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Virginia?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Virginia?
Small car hire in Virginia typically costs around $86 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $66 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 33% cheaper than the average car hire in Virginia, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Virginia typically costs around $118 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $103 per day, which is about 13% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 8% cheaper than the average car hire in Virginia, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Virginia typically cost around $125 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average $103 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 2% cheaper than the average car hire in Virginia, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Virginia typically costs around $117 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $99 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 8% cheaper than the average car hire in Virginia, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Virginia typically costs around $191 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average $109 per day, which is about 43% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 34% more expensive than the average car hire in Virginia but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Virginia typically costs around $111 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $89 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 13% cheaper than the average car hire in Virginia, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Virginia typically costs around $147 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $115 per day, which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 14% more expensive than the average car hire in Virginia but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Virginia typically costs around $166 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average $97 per day, which is about 42% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 24% more expensive than the average car hire in Virginia but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Medium
Top tips for hiring a car in Virginia
It is generally recommended to hire a car that is reliable and capable of handling any weather conditions, as Virginia experiences a mix of weather conditions throughout the year. One car type that is recommended for driving in Virginia is an intermediate SUV. These vehicles offer a higher ground clearance and all-wheel drive, making them particularly useful for driving on the roads and terrain in the area.
There are some potential difficulties you will likely encounter when driving in Virginia. Virginia has rush hour periods during weekdays when traffic can be heavy, particularly in urban areas, such as Richmond and Northern Virginia. Rush hour in Virginia generally occurs between 7:00 am to 9:00 am and between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. In Northern Virginia, traffic on Interstates 66 and 95 and the Capital Beltway (I-495) can be particularly congested during rush hour.
You should be aware that it is considered drink-driving if a person is operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher in Virginia. The BAC threshold is lowered to 0.02% for drivers under the age of 21 and commercial drivers. Additionally, it is illegal to refuse a lawful breath or blood test if pulled over under suspicion of drink-driving in Virginia and refusal of a breath test can result in an automatic one-year licence suspension.
You can use your Virginia car hire to cross borders. However, it's essential to check with the car hire company if they allow border crossings and obtain permission if needed. Different car hire companies have different policies, so it is crucial to clarify this with the company before hiring a car. If permitted, it's possible to take the hired car to different places, including neighbouring states and provinces. Virginia shares borders with Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Medium rental cars in Virginia are around 45% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Virginia
How can I find car hires near me in Virginia?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
Should I hire a car in Virginia?
Yes. Hiring a car in Virginia allows you to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without waiting for public transport or relying on others. In addition, hiring a car often means getting picked up at the airport or having the vehicle delivered to your hotel, which can save time and hassle. Driving can also be more comfortable and spacious than public transport, especially if you have luggage or want to stretch your legs. Moreover, Virginia is a state known for its scenic drives, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park, which are best enjoyed by car.
What is driving like in Virginia?
Driving in Virginia varies depending on where you are in the region. Generally, drivers in Virginia follow the rules of the road and respect traffic regulations. However, in busy cities like Richmond and Virginia Beach, drivers can be more aggressive and impatient, especially during rush hour. In rural areas, the driving style is much more relaxed and laid-back. One unique driving regulation in Virginia is the ban on radar detectors. It is illegal to use a radar detector in any vehicle in Virginia, and violations can result in a heavy fine and even seizure of the radar detector. Virginia is a densely populated state, so you can expect to encounter all types of vehicles on the road, from bicycles and motorcycles to large trucks.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Virginia?
In Virginia, the minimum age to hire a car is 21 years old, and most car hire companies require drivers under 25 to pay an age surcharge fee. Some car hire companies may also have additional restrictions for drivers under 25, such as limited vehicle options or higher insurance deductibles. To hire a car in Virginia State, you must have a valid driving licence issued by your state or country of residence. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will also need to present a valid passport, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and proof of insurance coverage. Some car hire companies may also require a credit card or a cash deposit as a security deposit, which will be refunded when you return the car.
Car rental directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Virginia
77 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in Virginia
25 Locations
Budget car hire locations in Virginia
24 Locations
Avis car hire locations in Virginia
22 Locations
Dollar car hire locations in Virginia
20 Locations
Thrifty car hire locations in Virginia
15 Locations
National car hire locations in Virginia
8 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in Virginia
7 Locations
Alamo car hire locations in Virginia
6 Locations
Easirent car hire locations in Virginia
6 Locations
VIPCars Recommendation car hire locations in Virginia
5 Locations
North Car Rental car hire locations in Virginia
4 Locations
Car rental locations in Virginia
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Virginia
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