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Car rental in Wilmington - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Wilmington

Wilmington

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Wilmington

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Wilmington

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Wilmington

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days

Why Rent a Car in Wilmington?

Wilmington, Delaware, is a city brimming with historical charm and modern attractions. While public transportation is available, renting 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. Traveling 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 rental 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 License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. Non-US residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.

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 Rental 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 finalizing 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 rental 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 license, 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).

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Utilize 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 transportation 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.

  • Utilize 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 Rent a Car in Wilmington?

Renting 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 license is required. Non-US residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.

  • Most car rental 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

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This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Wilmington as

4.5

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Pretty chill, tbh

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 14.07.2025

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!

ED

Evelyn Diaz

Reviewed: 26.12.2024

Loved exploring Wilmington! So much to see, and having a car was perfect for getting around.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 03.12.2024

Wilmington was great, exploring the Riverwalk was a highlight. The Battleship was a bit underwhelming, though.

JG

Jessica Garcia

Reviewed: 17.04.2025

Pretty laid-back vibe

CM

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!

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 20.05.2025

Charming coastal town! Cruising around in my rental was perfect for exploring the beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

AB

Amelia Brown

Reviewed: 23.10.2024

Pretty relaxed, overall.

KW

Kevin Wilson

Reviewed: 29.01.2025

Coastal Wilmington was perfect! Getting around was easy, and I truly relaxed.

TG

Thomas Garcia

Reviewed: 03.03.2025

Okay, but kinda pricey

AD

Ashley Davis

Reviewed: 05.12.2024

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