How to find a cheap car hire deal in Asheville (AVL)
Searching for a cheap Asheville rental car? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging R 1,370 a day, we compare the best deals so you can book easily, save more, and hit the road happy.
Daily rental prices at Asheville start from just R 677.
Staying longer in Asheville and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? R 4,734 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Here's your clue on when to book. One week in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a AVL car hire.
Find your perfect ride with Alamo, Thrifty or Ace Rent a Car, some of the most well-known providers at Asheville.
Whether you go with Alamo or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Asheville car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in AVL.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Asheville with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You also avoid the high fees rental companies charge for refueling.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with prices averaging R 1,141 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,074, this provider is next in line.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly R 2,126 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not sure what kind of ride you need, choose something from the Economy rental category. It's the most widely booked car type at AVL.
Compare car hire types from Asheville (AVL)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Asheville rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are good for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this AVL car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Asheville that can handle the heavy stuff. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your AVL car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Asheville by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may rent vehicles to younger drivers for an extra fee, so carefully review the policies before finalizing your ride.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat laws vary by location, and the right setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Be sure to add the right one to your AVL car rental reservation.
Come prepared to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) and a second photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and excursions. Pay by card where you can, and keep some cash handy for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Drive smarter from the start
Go from zero to adventure once you've grabbed the keys to your AVL car hire. You've got the freedom to go wherever you like, but if you're headed to central Asheville, it'll take you about 20 minutes to drive the 24 kilometres or so north.
The drive from Asheville to the city centre during rush hour can take up to 30 minutes.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
If you're saving the driving for later, consider picking up a car hire in Asheville instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it makes sense for you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Asheville (AVL)
Check out the leading attractions in Asheville before you do anything else. Blue Ridge Parkway and Asheville Botanical Garden will kick off your journey in the best way.
Around 97 kilometres north of AVL, Johnson City belongs on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Hands On! Discovery Centre and George L. Carter Railroad Museum.
Add Greenville to your trip lineup. Around 64 kilometres south of the airport, drive there in your Asheville car hire to see major highlights such as Falls Park on the Reedy and Unity Park.
Want to head even further out? Winston-Salem is another fun destination that's about 225 kilometres east of AVL. Reynolda House Museum of American Art and Museum of Anthropology make perfect pit stops.
