How to find a cheap car hire deal in Durham
Searching for a cheap rental car in Durham? With prices averaging 49 € a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're after a compact ride, a family sedan, or something else entirely, we compare all the top deals to help you book smart.
Daily rental prices in Durham start from just 26 €.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from 117 € and pack more sights into your itinerary.
We've cracked the code on when to book. One week in advance gives you the best chance at finding the best price on a Durham car hire.
Check out the offers available with Dollar, Budget and Thrifty. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.
Whether you go with Dollar or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Durham car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Durham.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Go wherever the road takes you by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average 48 € a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around 49 €.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly 66 € a day for one of their rentals.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you're unsure what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Durham.
Flying to Durham? Think about an airport pick-up
Kick off your Durham trip quicker by picking up a car hire at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The city centre is about 18 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Durham
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Durham puts you on the road for less. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are great for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Durham car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Durham big enough for a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group trips, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Durham car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Durham by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is typically 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always go over your rental company's terms to make sure you meet the requirements.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat requirements vary depending on where you are, and the right setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Durham car hire reservation.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and another form of photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
English is the language that most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Durham for drivers
Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at Red Roof Inn Durham - Duke University Medical Centre. Offering parking as well as internet access and air conditioning, this hotel is about 5 kilometres from central Durham.
Or make use of the parking at Econo Lodge Research Triangle Park. The city centre is roughly 10 kilometres from this stay, which also features a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk.
Browse through the range of hotels in Durham for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Durham and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Centre, American Tobacco Campus District and Sarah P. Duke Gardens are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Durham
Raleigh should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit North Carolina Museum of Art and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. This city is around 32 kilometres southeast of central Durham.
Hilton Raleigh North Hills and Red Roof PLUS+ Raleigh Downtown - NCSU/Conv Centre are popular accommodation options with parking in Raleigh.
Relax after a big day out in West Raleigh at Hilton Raleigh North Hills or Red Roof PLUS+ Raleigh Downtown - NCSU/Conv Centre. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Want to head even further out? Norfolk is a popular road trip destination that's around 257 kilometres northeast of Durham. Consider making a few pit stops at Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio.
Hit the hay in Norfolk at either Norfolk Waterside Marriott or Hilton Norfolk The Main. They have a room waiting for you and space for your wheels too.
