Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Raleigh with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Raleigh?
You should book your rental car in Raleigh around 23 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Raleigh?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car (AED 23.71/day), Hertz (AED 25.77/day) and Dollar (AED 25.98/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car 406 W South St (0.7 km from city centre).
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Raleigh?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Raleigh is January at an average cost of AED 158/day. April is the most expensive month to hire a car in Raleigh when prices are AED 220/day on average, which tends to be 315% above the yearly average hire price for Raleigh.
Which car hire company in Raleigh has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 10 locations in Raleigh, more than any other car hire company.
Raleigh car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Raleigh by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
AED 126 - AED 192
All Car Types
AED 223 - AED 293
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Raleigh?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Raleigh?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Raleigh?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Raleigh?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Raleigh?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Raleigh?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Raleigh?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Raleigh?
Small car hire in Raleigh typically costs around AED 160 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 126 per day, which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 40% cheaper than the average car hire in Raleigh, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Raleigh typically costs around AED 215 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average AED 169 per day, which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 19% cheaper than the average car hire in Raleigh, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Raleigh typically cost around AED 227 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average AED 177 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 15% cheaper than the average car hire in Raleigh, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Raleigh typically costs around AED 247 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 212 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 7% cheaper than the average car hire in Raleigh, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Raleigh typically costs around AED 354 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 247 per day, which is about 31% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 26% more expensive than the average car hire in Raleigh but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Raleigh typically costs around AED 210 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 154 per day, which is about 27% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 21% cheaper than the average car hire in Raleigh, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Raleigh typically costs around AED 360 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average AED 330 per day, which is about 9% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 27% more expensive than the average car hire in Raleigh but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Raleigh typically costs around AED 336 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 242 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 22% more expensive than the average car hire in Raleigh but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Thrifty
Small
AED 114/day
AED 104/day
Raleigh car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Raleigh
You get to the Budget office at Crabtree Valley mall by going through entrance on ground floor labeled H&M. It is just inside the mall door in the left.
Verified travelerSep 2023
Driving is actually really good in Raleigh. No issues
Verified travelerOct 2023
Lots of road construction to get to this location but no overall inconvenience unless it’s traffic hour.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Raleigh is busy so get there ahead of time if possible.
Verified travelerJun 2023
Clean the car and make sure maintenance is up to date.
MaxJul 2023
Make sure to get AC!
Verified travelerMay 2023
Make sure of the address if you’ve never been.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Raleigh
Need to rent a car for your trip to Raleigh? Visitors with flights landing at Raleigh-Durham International Airport can reach the airport’s hire car center via shuttle buses leaving from Zone 5 outside of Terminal 1 and from Zone 18 outside of Terminal 2.
Fog is quite common in Raleigh so drivers should be careful, especially in the early morning hours. Drivers not used to fog should remember that, while headlights should be used to illuminate the road, drivers should only use low beams rather than their high beams. The reason for this is that fog actually reflects light, thus, the brighter the light used, the more it reflects. So if you use your high beams, you may actually reduce road visibility rather than improve it.
Rush hour traffic is no fun no matter what city you are in. However, drivers will be happy to hear that rush hour isn’t too fierce in Raleigh. The morning rush hour tends to pick up around 7:30 a.m. and lasts till 9:00 a.m., while the afternoon and evening rush hour starts around 4:00 p.m. and finishes up around 6:00 p.m. The main areas to avoid during rush hour are the highways leading in and out of the city, in particular I-40.
In many ways, renting a car is imperative if you plan on getting the most out of your time in Raleigh. Like many cities in the U.S., Raleigh is a car town and many of its attractions are most accessible via personal vehicle. For instance, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and North Carolina Museum of Art are just 15 minutes away from each other by car, but are close to 45 minutes away from each other via public transportation.
25% of our users found rental cars in Raleigh for AED 104 or less
FAQs about renting a car in Raleigh
What type of car is recommended for driving in Raleigh?
All sizes of vehicles will have an easy time driving in Raleigh. The streets are fairly wide and streetside parking spaces are large enough for a range of vehicles. However, if you plan on visiting the mountains in North Carolina, it may be worth it to consider a mid-sized vehicle just to make sure you have enough torque for mountainous terrain.
What’s the speed limit in Raleigh?
City roads in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina normally stick to a base speed limit of 35 mph except in cases when signage specifies otherwise. In rural areas the speed limit jumps up to 55 mph and on highways it goes up again to 70 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Raleigh?
Parking is an absolute cinch in Raleigh. Both streetside and garage parking are widely available throughout the city. For the downtown areas, parking can fill up during peak times, but for the most part it shouldn’t be an issue for drivers. At worst, you will have to park a block or two away from your final destination.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Raleigh?
On average a rental car in Raleigh costs AED 114 per day.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Raleigh-Durham airport (RDU)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Raleigh-Durham airport to off-airport locations include Thrifty, and Dollar.
How can I find car hires near me in Raleigh?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Raleigh?
A Small car hire in Raleigh costs AED 91 per day, on average.
I had a terrible experience with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and I strongly advise anyone considering renting from them to think twice! On Thursday, August 22, 2024, I rented a car from their Raleigh, North Carolina branch, with plans to drop it off in New York City the next day. While booking online, I requested a car seat and was informed that if available, I might be charged at pickup. When I arrived to pick up the car, I was charged for the car seat, but they failed to provide one. Yes, I was billed for a service they did not deliver, and I had to go out of my way to buy one myself. This alone is unacceptable. After returning the car in NYC, I contacted their customer care to report this issue. I was told that the Raleigh office would call me within 24 hours to resolve the matter. Well, guess what? 24 hours came and went, and no one called. I waited 72 hours—still nothing. When I called back, I was told to wait 5 business days. After 10 business days, I called again, and I made it very clear that this would be my last attempt to resolve the issue. I even told them that if I didn’t hear back, I would assume they were simply keeping my money and that I would share my story so others wouldn’t fall victim. Well, here I am, 4 weeks later, and no one has called. Enterprise has taken my money and completely ignored my complaint. The customer service is non-existent once they have your money. If the situation were reversed and I owed them, you can bet they would’ve been calling me non-stop. But since it’s their fault, they don’t care. If you’re thinking about renting from Enterprise, save yourself the frustration. They took my money without providing the service, and then completely ghosted me when I asked for help. I will never rent from them again, and I recommend you avoid them as well!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Compact SUV
I bet ones a 6pm pick up. I arrived to learn the location closes at 6pm. Why did it even give the option for pick ups after the location is closed?
2.0 Poor
Soraya, Jun 2024
Standard
Awful. They do it not rent to someone from out-of-state unless a credit card is used. I missed the event for which I needed the rental car.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Intermediate SUV
Great! Everything was quick and efficient. Easiest car rental ever.
I called Hertz multiple times to cancel my reservation, I even have an email confirming it is canceled. I was told I would receive a refund in 10 business days. I have still not recevied it.
2.0 Poor
Courtney, Apr 2026
Compact SUV
They over charged me and there’s nearly no way to fix it. So many hidden charges!
4.0 Mediocre
John, Mar 2026
Intermediate
Liked quick pickup - bus was waiting when walked up - otherwise would have taken Avis Better - only 3 cars available upon pickup - settled for large minivan none of choices were good. Checkout at gate - attendant could not figure it out - very frustrating - had to go back to counter - they added extra charges that I needed to get taken off - still not sure that I was not overcharged. Return in Charleston was frustrating - no clear signs indicating how to get to rental return - navigation couldn't figure it out with the construction - very long walk with bags dragging to get to terminal - Bad Experience I wished I had stuck with Avis
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2025
Compact
Staff was not friendly or accommodating. She really didn’t explain anything including a $200 charge that was placed on my account.
8.0 Very Good
Michael, Dec 2024
Intermediate
the online app to streamline checkout never worked, but the staff were very friendly and helpful, offsetting some of that stress before pick up
I never got to rent from them. Lol. When I got there, they first told me it’ll be a 45 min wait, then started looking a little confused and turns out couldn’t find my reservation. They said they couldn’t refund the $117 in rental insurance and go ask Expedia for that. I spent $40 on Ubers to and from for NOTHING. When I called Expedia several times, they claimed they cannot refund me because they didn’t charge me. Even though it was through their page. Multiple people. Finally someone emailed me to tel me how budget was gracious to cancel my reservation. Lol THEY HAD NO CAR FOR ME OR MY RESERVATION. I would hope they’d cancel it. I’ve had to dispute the rental car insurance charge wirh my bank sine budget and Expedia are being complete scammers. So. Worst ever. I’m going to the BBB with all of my receipts and screenshots next.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, May 2025
Full-size SUV
Pickup was bad, took 2 hours to get to counter. Cars were not clean and not organized to pick from parking spot. Had to do 2cars paperwork and finally got 3rd car and out of location after 2 hours delaying my trip
8.0 Very Good
Laura, Dec 2024
Intermediate
Car exterior was very dirty when I picked it up. Drop off was great
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Compact
Great customer service! Great car! convenient location!
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Compact
Kimmiya gave me great customer service. She gave me a great car for a great price and was easy to work with. She was very knowledgeable about her job.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Full-size
Budget customer service told me that a shuttle would arrive to pick me up from dealership. None arrived. Called multiple times. No way to speak directly to the Raleigh location on Glenwood avenue.. Even customer service could not reach them. Took an Uber, and excuse was they had had no phone for several days. Location also hard to access, inside a crowded mall. Car smelled terrible- tons of sickly sweet “car freshener” trying to mask stale cigarette odor.
I had a confirmation through Kayak but Avis did not have a car for me and wouldn’t have one until evening. They struggled to find me in the system. I rented through Turo instead
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Intermediate
Despite making our reservation for a small sedan nearly a year ago, the only vehicle available was a RAM 1500 truck. The gas mileage was horrible and it hadn’t been washed.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
People carrier
Service was good & we got the car we asked for without a problem.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Intermediate
Car was dirty, had permanent damage in seats and carpet, spelled Luke cigarettes.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2022
We were not told prior to picking up our rental that there would be a large deposit along with the price of the vehicle. This would have not been an issue had we been informed so we could be prepared. They would also not let us split the payment on two cards. Therefore not being able to pick up the rental before they closed. Like I said, it wouldn’t have been an issue had we been informed prior to driving to the rental location.
All was fine up front. In and out quick. Car was filthy but ok. My issue is that I dropped the car off by putting keys in the drop box before the location opened. My rental day was over at 11am so I should have only been charged for one day but they did not retrieve the keys until the end of the day and said I dropped it off at 5pm which cost me another full day. I want a refund for the second day.
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