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Wilmington Airport car hire

Compare car hire deals at Wilmington Airport from across the web

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Book with flexibility. Look for cars with free cancellation in case your plans change.

Car hire near Wilmington Airport

If it's easier for you, there are lots of car hire pickup locations in Wilmington from R 851.

The most popular car rental companies in Wilmington Airport

Wilmington Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily priceR 2,002
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price foundR 852
Cheapest month to rentJanuary
Providers at Wilmington Airport10
Most popular providerAvis
Best time to book1 week before

All you need to know about Wilmington

First time driving in Wilmington? Here’s a heads-up on local driving laws, Wilmington speed limits and more so you can stay on the right side of the road — and the rules.
Side of the roadRight
CurrencyUS Dollar
LanguageEnglish
Age to rent a car21
The information here is based on our understanding as of July 2025. For the most current and accurate information, check official government sources.

How to get the best car hire deal in Wilmington Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in Wilmington Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

  • Make your move with a cheap Wilmington International Airport rental car. With prices averaging R 2,002 a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From small cars to full-size models, we'll help you find the perfect ride for the right price.

  • Leave high costs in the rearview by reserving your wheels in January. With average daily rates of R 872, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in ILM.

  • Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Two weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with a cheap ILM rental car.

  • At Wilmington International Airport, you can pick from leading rental brands such as Budget, Alamo and Avis.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Wilmington International Airport car hire policy, whether you go with Budget or any other supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.

  • Booking one-way could save you cash on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in ILM.

  • Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in Wilmington International Airport with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.

  • After you've picked up the keys to your ILM car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central Wilmington is about 11 kilometres south and a drive of roughly 15 minutes if that's your first stop.

  • Don't need a set of wheels right after landing? Think about picking up a car hire in Wilmington instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.

Compare car hire types from Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Wilmington International Airport rental car is all about getting you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this ILM car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: If you're looking for a car for rent in Wilmington International Airport big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group travel, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your ILM car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Wilmington International Airport.

Good to know

  • To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may rent vehicles to younger drivers for an extra fee, so always check the terms before securing your wheels.

  • Kids coming with you? Child car seat laws vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Check if you need to add one to your ILM car hire reservation.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

  • Before leaving town, enjoy a bit of sightseeing around Wilmington first. Well-known attractions like Historic Downtown Wilmington and Airlie Gardens make an excellent first impression.

  • Jacksonville has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Paradise Point Park and Riverwalk Park. This city is about 72 kilometres north-east of ILM.

  • Or hop in your Wilmington International Airport car hire and head out to Leland. About 13 kilometres west of the airport, Founders Park and Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation are highlights that make the extra drive worth it.

  • Looking to cover more ground? Durham is another fun destination that's about 209 kilometres north-west of ILM. DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Centre and American Tobacco Campus District make perfect pit stops.

Hiring a car at Wilmington Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from Wilmington Airport is around R 2,002 per day.
No. It's a little higher than United States's average daily car rental price, which is around R 1,326.
There are lots of car hire companies to choose from at Wilmington Airport - including Budget, Baker Automotive Rentals, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Avis, Alamo, Thrifty, and Dollar.
Yes – you can pick up Avis hire cars from Wilmington Airport. Their desk is in the airport terminal.
Yes – you can pick up Budget hire cars from Wilmington Airport. Their desk is in the airport terminal.
Yes – you can pick up Baker Automotive Rentals hire cars from Wilmington Airport. Their desk is in the airport terminal.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at Wilmington Airport we found is R 852. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from R 852. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to Wilmington Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from Wilmington Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.
Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in Wilmington Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Avis, with a 1.0 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Turo.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from Wilmington Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from Wilmington Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals in and around Wilmington. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Wilmington Airport.
When you rent a car near Wilmington Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book car hire at Wilmington Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at Wilmington Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.
Finding the best car hire deal at Wilmington Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.

Plan your trip to Wilmington Airport

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