How to find a cheap car hire deal in Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Whether you need a compact for cruising around town or a bigger ride for the open road, we'll help you find a cheap Raleigh-Durham International Airport rental car. Pick from options averaging R 1,372 a day and travel your way for less.
Drive smart from the start by reserving your ride in August. With average daily rates of R 768, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in RDU.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap RDU rental car. Book about one week before your departure date to score the best price.
Thrifty, Dollar and Hertz are popular providers at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Whether you go with Thrifty or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Raleigh-Durham International Airport car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in RDU.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Raleigh-Durham International Airport with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You also avoid the high fees rental companies charge for refueling.
Want to explore freely without stressing about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra costs.
Once you've collected the keys to your RDU car hire, it's time to write your own itinerary. Central Durham is about 23 kilometres north-west and a drive of roughly 20 minutes if you choose to head that way.
Don't need a set of wheels right after landing? Think about picking up a car hire in Durham instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Compare car hire types from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or just planning a quick trip, this cheap Raleigh-Durham International Airport rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: Long drives fly by in this RDU car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra legroom and comfort make them a popular choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or gliding down stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Raleigh-Durham International Airport that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different RDU car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Raleigh-Durham International Airport by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
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 a higher fee, so carefully review the policies before locking in your reservation.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat laws vary by location, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Make sure you add the right one to your RDU car hire booking.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Before you go anywhere else, enjoy a bit of sightseeing around Durham first. Well-known attractions like DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Centre and American Tobacco Campus District are a perfect start to your adventure.
Around 18 kilometres south-east of RDU, Raleigh should feature on your itinerary. Make a beeline for can't-miss sights like North Carolina Museum of Art and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Alternatively, jump into your Raleigh-Durham International Airport car hire and drive around 10 kilometres south to Cary. Featuring Town of Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources and Fo Guang Shan Temple, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Norfolk, about 241 kilometres north-east of RDU. Kick things off at USS Wisconsin, then head to Martin Luther King Jr Memorial.
