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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Wilmington
Wilmington
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Wilmington
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Wilmington
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Wilmington
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Wilmington?
Wilmington offers a blend of historical charm and modern attractions. While the city has public transport, a rental car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, visit nearby beaches, and experience everything the region has to offer with ease.
Explore Historical Sites: Wilmington is rich in history, and many historical sites are easily accessible by car. Visit places like the Battleship North Carolina or explore the historic downtown area without waiting for public transit.
Access Nearby Beaches: Several beautiful beaches are a short drive from Wilmington. Renting a car allows you to visit multiple beaches in a single day or spend as much time as you like soaking up the sun.
Day Trips Made Easy: With a rental car, you can easily take day trips to nearby attractions and towns. Whether it’s exploring the scenic Cape Fear region or visiting neighbouring cities, the possibilities are endless.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Wilmington
Before renting a car in Wilmington, it's important to understand the terms and conditions. These guidelines ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
54.6 square miles
Population
Approximately 120,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Ideal for
Sightseeing and coastal exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for add-ons like GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Wilmington – How Much Does It Cost?
Understanding car rental costs in Wilmington can help you plan your budget effectively.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $32 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $20 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $45 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £50 / $65 / €60 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $40 / €35 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts and lower rates.
Car rental prices in Wilmington can fluctuate depending on the time of year.
How to Book a Car in Wilmington?
Booking a car in Wilmington is simple if you follow these steps.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs and budget, considering factors like size and fuel efficiency.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure the best rates and availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s license, credit card, and booking confirmation when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Wilmington
Wilmington is a vibrant city with a rich history and beautiful coastal scenery. Navigating the city by car is generally easy, but it’s helpful to be aware of local traffic regulations and parking options.
Wilmington, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and coastal allure, making it a destination best explored with the flexibility of a rental car. While the downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, many of the region's attractions, from pristine beaches to historic plantations, require transportation. A rental car empowers visitors to venture beyond the city centre, discovering the natural beauty and hidden gems that the Cape Fear region has to offer. However, driving within Wilmington necessitates awareness of local traffic patterns and parking regulations to ensure a seamless travel experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Battleship North Carolina
Explore a World War II battleship and learn about its history.
Riverwalk
Stroll along the scenic Riverwalk and enjoy views of the Cape Fear River.
Airlie Gardens
Visit the beautiful Airlie Gardens and admire its stunning landscapes and seasonal blooms.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise city-operated parking garages for secure and convenient parking downtown.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be mindful of time limits.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride services located on the outskirts of the city to avoid downtown congestion.
Gas Stations in Wilmington
Convenient Locations
Numerous gas stations are located throughout Wilmington, including major brands like Exxon, Shell, and BP.
Refuelling Tips
Refuel your rental car before returning it to avoid extra charges. Most gas stations accept credit and debit cards.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Wilmington
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra time for travel during peak hours, especially on weekdays and weekends.
Stay Alert
Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in downtown areas and near the university.
Check Local Events
Be aware of local events and festivals that may affect traffic and parking availability.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise navigation apps for real-time traffic updates and directions to avoid getting lost.
Key Transportation Hubs in Wilmington
Major Bus Stations
Wilmington Station
The primary bus station in Wilmington, located downtown, serves regional and national bus lines.
Railway Stations
No active railway passenger service
Wilmington currently has no active passenger railway service.
Airports
Wilmington International Airport (ILM)
Located just north of the city, Wilmington International Airport offers flights to various destinations within the United States.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Wilmington?
Renting a car in Wilmington requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth and compliant rental process.
A current and valid driver's license is required. If your license is not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies only accept credit cards.
A passport or other form of government-issued photo identification may be required, particularly for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Wilmington as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 20.09.2024
Summer in Wilmington was great! Renting a car definitely helped get around. The beaches were beautiful, but the Battleship North Carolina museum was surprisingly crowded.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 02.12.2024
Going back to Wilmington after all these years was wonderful! Having a car made it so convenient to revisit old favorites and discover new gems. The city's grown so much.
David Lee
Reviewed: 26.12.2024
Wilmington was a delightful surprise! Exploring by car was perfect; so much to see.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 06.02.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Wilmington was charming! Having a car made exploring so easy, and I loved the Riverwalk.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 23.03.2025