How to find a cheap car hire deal in Charlottesville (CHO)
Just landed? Pick up a cheap Charlottesville rental car and get going for around R 1,719 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
Daily rental prices at Charlottesville start from just R 628.
Planning an extended stay in Charlottesville and want to go beyond the guidebook highlights? R 4,393 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To land the best deal on your CHO car hire, book in advance. Prices generally climb as your travel dates get closer, and any last-minute deals can vanish like a disappearing act.
At Charlottesville, you can grab your ride from leading rental brands such as Dollar, Budget and Alamo.
The coverage Dollar or another supplier offers for your Charlottesville car hire can vary, so remember to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in CHO by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Skip the hidden fees by choosing a car hire in Charlottesville with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Explore without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average R 1,696 a day.
Close behind, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,250.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly R 1,923 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not quite sure which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Large rental category. It's the most widely booked vehicle type at CHO.
Compare car hire types from Charlottesville (CHO)
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a quick trip, this cheap Charlottesville rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this CHO car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Charlottesville handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different CHO car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Charlottesville by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always read your rental company's policy to make sure you meet the requirements.
If the kids are coming with you, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your CHO car rental reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.
Driving in the United States might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and excursions. Pay by card when you can, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't available.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've collected the keys to your CHO car hire, it's time to map out your journey. Central Charlottesville is about 13 kilometres south and a drive of around 15 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
Allow roughly 20 minutes to drive from Charlottesville to the city centre during rush hours.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
Don't need a set of wheels the moment you land? Think about collecting a car hire in Charlottesville instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Charlottesville (CHO)
Before leaving town, sightsee around Charlottesville first. Highlights such as Jefferson School African American Heritage Centre and The Looking Glass Immersive Art Experience set the tone for your whole journey.
Around 105 kilometres southwest of CHO, Lynchburg deserves a spot on your itinerary. Head to can't-miss sights like Legacy Museum of African American History and The Nature Zone.
Up for a bigger adventure? Virginia Beach is a popular road trip destination that's about 257 kilometres southeast of CHO. Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Resort Beach make perfect pit stops.
