Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar hire in Wilmington - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
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 Hire a Car in Wilmington?
Wilmington, Delaware, is a city brimming with historical charm and modern attractions. While public transport is available, hiring a car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, venture into the surrounding Brandywine Valley, and experience the convenience of having your own vehicle.
Explore at Your Own Pace. Wilmington is a gateway to the picturesque Brandywine Valley, filled with gardens, museums, and historic estates. A rental car allows you to easily visit these attractions without being tied to bus schedules or tour groups.
Convenience and Comfort. Travelling with family or luggage? A rental car offers the comfort and convenience of transporting everyone and everything with ease, eliminating the hassle of public transport or ride-sharing services.
Access to Hidden Gems. Beyond the main tourist spots, a rental car lets you discover Wilmington's hidden gems, from charming local restaurants to scenic parks and recreational areas.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Wilmington
Before booking a rental car in Wilmington, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Be sure to check age requirements, licensing rules, insurance options, mileage policies, and potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 17 square miles
Population
Around 70,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Ideal for
Sightseeing and exploring the Brandywine Valley
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during weekday mornings (7 AM - 9 AM) and evenings (4 PM - 6 PM)
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car hire companies in Wilmington require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some companies may charge a young driver fee for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. Non-US residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection, are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter's credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyRental agreements may have unlimited mileage or restrictions. Fuel policies vary—some require returning the car with a full tank, while others offer prepaid fuel options.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS navigation and child safety seats.
Car Hire Prices in Wilmington – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Executive:
from £48 / $60 / €54 per day
7 Seater:
from £56 / $70 / €63 per day
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
SUV:
from £36 / $45 / €41 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Wilmington?
Booking a car in Wilmington is a straightforward process if you follow a few simple steps. Compare offers, choose the right car for your needs, and carefully review the rental terms before finalising your reservation. Booking early can help secure better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various car hire companies in Wilmington.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your travel needs and budget, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Wilmington
Wilmington is a vibrant city offering a mix of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Exploring the city and its surrounding areas is best done with an understanding of local traffic regulations, parking options, and fuel availability.
Wilmington, Delaware, is a mid-sized city with a rich history and a growing contemporary vibe. Known for its scenic riverfront, cultural institutions, and proximity to the Brandywine Valley, it provides a blend of urban and natural attractions. Driving within Wilmington is generally manageable, although it’s essential to be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Hagley Museum and Library
Explore the historic DuPont gunpowder mills and learn about the industrial history of the area.
Delaware Art Museum
View an impressive collection of American art, including works by Howard Pyle and his students.
Longwood Gardens
Visit one of the world's premier horticultural display gardens (located a short drive from Wilmington).
Hagley Museum and Library
Explore the historic DuPont gunpowder mills and learn about the industrial history of the area.
Delaware Art Museum
View an impressive collection of American art, including works by Howard Pyle and his students.
Longwood Gardens
Visit one of the world's premier horticultural display gardens (located a short drive from Wilmington).
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise parking garages in downtown Wilmington for secure and convenient parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking meters and time limits when using on-street parking spaces.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city and take public transport into the downtown area.
Gas Stations in Wilmington
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Exxon, Shell, and Wawa throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are typically located along major roads and highways for easy access.
Check Fuel Prices
Compare fuel prices at different stations to find the best deals.
Useful Tips for Visiting Wilmington
Be Aware of Traffic
Plan for potential traffic delays during peak hours, especially on I-95 and major routes.
Utilise GPS Navigation
Use GPS navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion.
Observe Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits and traffic signals to ensure safe driving.
Carry Small Bills
Keep small bills and coins on hand for parking meters and toll roads.
Key Transportation Hubs in Wilmington
Major Bus Stations
Wilmington Bus Station
Located downtown, it serves as a hub for intercity bus services.
Railway Stations
Wilmington Station
An Amtrak station providing rail connections to major cities along the Northeast Corridor.
Airports
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Located approximately 20 miles northeast of Wilmington, it is the closest major airport.
Wilmington Airport (ILG)
A smaller airport offering limited commercial flights.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Wilmington?
Hiring a car in Wilmington requires a few essential documents and qualifications to ensure a smooth rental experience. Make sure you have these items ready before heading to the rental counter.
A valid driver's licence is required. Non-US residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.
Most car hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some companies may charge a young driver fee for renters under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of government-issued identification may be required for international renters.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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.
Wilmington was wonderful! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy. I spent relaxing days on the beach and charming evenings in town. Highly recommend!
Evelyn Diaz
Reviewed: 26.12.2024
Loved exploring Wilmington! So much to see, and having a car was perfect for getting around.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 03.12.2024
Wilmington was great, exploring the Riverwalk was a highlight. The Battleship was a bit underwhelming, though.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 17.04.2025
Pretty laid-back vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 18.07.2025
Quick Wilmington trip for work, but managed to see so much! Getting around was a breeze thanks to my rental car. Charming city!
David Lee
Reviewed: 20.05.2025
Charming coastal town! Cruising around in my rental was perfect for exploring the beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Amelia Brown
Reviewed: 23.10.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Kevin Wilson
Reviewed: 29.01.2025
Coastal Wilmington was perfect! Getting around was easy, and I truly relaxed.
Thomas Garcia
Reviewed: 03.03.2025
Okay, but kinda pricey
Ashley Davis
Reviewed: 05.12.2024
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 14.07.2025