How to find a cheap car hire deal in Raleigh / Durham (RDU)
Searching for a cheap Raleigh / Durham rental car? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging 70 € a day, we compare all the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
36 € is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental at Raleigh / Durham.
Planning a longer trip to Durham and want to explore beyond the main attractions? 247 € is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To land the cheapest price, book your RDU car hire around one week in advance.
At Raleigh / Durham, you'll have your pick of leading rental brands such as Thrifty, Dollar and Hertz.
The coverage Thrifty or another supplier includes with your Raleigh / Durham car hire can vary, so be sure to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in RDU.
Skip the hidden fees by booking a car hire in Raleigh / Durham with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Pack more into your journey by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with prices averaging 63 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 75 €, this provider is next in line.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly 70 € a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a reliable option if you're not sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most at RDU.
Compare car hire types from Raleigh / Durham (RDU)
Small: These cheap Raleigh / Durham rental cars may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, light on fuel, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this RDU car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Raleigh / Durham effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your RDU car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so give them a quick comparison.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Raleigh / Durham.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always read your rental company's policy to find out what applies to you.
Add a car seat to your RDU car rental booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules can change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest approach.
You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so along highways. Always obey the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases and expenses on your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash to make sure you're always covered.
Drive smarter from the start
Get into the fast lane once you've collected the keys to your RDU car hire. You've got the freedom to go wherever you choose, but if you're headed to central Durham, it'll take you about 20 minutes to cover the 18 kilometres or so northwest.
Allow roughly 30 minutes to travel from Raleigh / Durham to the city centre during rush hours.
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.
Don't need a set of wheels straight away? Consider grabbing a car hire in Durham instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Raleigh / Durham (RDU)
Check out the biggest attractions in Durham before you do anything else. DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Centre and Sarah P. Duke Gardens are a great way to kick things off.
Around 18 kilometres southeast of RDU, Raleigh easily earns a place on your itinerary. Make a beeline for can't-miss sights like North Carolina Museum of Art and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Looking to cover more ground? Norfolk is another fun destination that's about 241 kilometres northeast of RDU. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio are ideal pit stops.
