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Virginia car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Virginia

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Economy car
Economy
Compact car
Compact
Intermediate car
Intermediate
Standard car
Standard
Full-size car
Full-size
Luxury car
Luxury
Minivan car
Minivan
Passenger van car
Passenger van
Commercial car
Commercial
Pickup Truck car
Pickup Truck

Top tips for renting 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.
  • Book your rental car in Virginia at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Economy rental cars in Virginia are around 50% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Virginia

  • What is the most popular rental car in Virginia?

    Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Virginia.

  • What is the best rental car company in Virginia?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Virginia are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.3, 74 reviews), Budget (7.1, 68 reviews), and Hertz (6.3, 56 reviews).

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Virginia?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars 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 locations in Virginia

Car rental directory

  • enterprise

    Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in Virginia

    47 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car rental locations in Virginia

    13 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car rental locations in Virginia

    10 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car rental locations in Virginia

    9 Locations

  • dollar

    Dollar car rental locations in Virginia

    2 Locations

  • easirent

    Easirent car rental locations in Virginia

    1 Location

  • free2move

    Free2Move car rental locations in Virginia

    1 Location

  • national

    National car rental locations in Virginia

    1 Location

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car rental locations in Virginia

    1 Location

  • thrifty

    Thrifty car rental locations in Virginia

    1 Location

  • vipcarsrec

    VIPCars Recommendation car rental locations in Virginia

    1 Location

Good to know

Most popular car type

Mini

When to book a rental car in Virginia

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches