How to find a cheap car hire deal in Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
In search of a cheap Charlotte Douglas International Airport rental car? With an average price of $218 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're after a zippy little number, a large SUV, or anything in between, we compare all the best offers to land you a bargain.
Daily rental prices at Charlotte Douglas International Airport start from just $57.
Staying a little longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $316 and squeeze in a few road trips from Charlotte.
Consider this your cheat code for when to book. One week in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a CLT car hire.
Grab your wheels from Dollar, Easirent or Budget, some of the most reliable providers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Whether you go with Dollar or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Charlotte Douglas International Airport car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Check 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in CLT. Providers often have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Charlotte Douglas 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 clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of $155 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $146, this provider lands in second place.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $162 a day with this provider.
The Intermediate rental category is a reliable option if you're not sure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most at CLT.
Compare car hire types from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Charlotte Douglas International Airport rental car gets you moving without breaking the bank. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are good for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A top choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this CLT car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra space and comfort make them a great choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or gliding down stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Charlotte Douglas International Airport that fits a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group trips, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your CLT car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always read your rental company's policy to be sure you satisfy the requirements.
Add a car seat to your CLT car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Regulations change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest option.
Come prepared to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in the United States.
Keep within the local speed limits. In general that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a few drinks, pass the keys to someone else or find a safe alternative way to get around.
Drive smarter from the start
After you've picked up the keys to your CLT car hire, the next move is up to you. Central Charlotte is about 13 kilometres east and a drive of around 20 minutes if that's where your journey begins.
In rush hour, expect the drive from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to the centre to take as long as 40 minutes.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
You can also book a car hire in Charlotte. If you don't need a set of wheels right after you arrive, wait until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
You'll want to take in some of the top attractions in Charlotte before you do anything else. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and Discovery Place are a great way to kick things off.
Concord should be on your to-do list if you'd like to visit Charlotte Motor Speedway and Zmax Dragway. This city is about 40 kilometres northeast of CLT.
Add Gastonia to your travel plans. About 23 kilometres west of the airport, head there in your Charlotte Douglas International Airport car hire to explore standout attractions like Crowders Mountain State Park and Crowders Mountain.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Durham, around 209 kilometres northeast of CLT. First, visit DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Centre, then take your time exploring American Tobacco Campus District.
