$42 Car Rental Dover, DE

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Dover

Renting a car in Dover, Delaware, offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at their own pace. Ideal for road trippers, families, and adventurers, a rental car allows for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans. You can visit key attractions such as Delaware State University, which provides unique cultural experiences right in the heart of Dover. A short drive to Woodland Beach, only 12 miles away, offers a delightful beach experience, while the Delaware State Fairgrounds, located 17 miles from Dover, is perfect for outdoor family fun.

Additionally, a rental car makes it convenient to explore nearby cities like Frederica and Smyrna, both just 11 miles away, where you can enjoy attractions like Killens Pond State Park and the Wheel of Fortune. Whether you're seeking romance or outdoor adventures, having your own vehicle ensures you can comfortably reach various destinations and make the most of your trip. With so much to see and explore, a rental car is a practical choice for anyone visiting Dover and its surrounding areas.

Most popular car rentals in Dover

• Midsize: This car type is perfect for couples and families, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for up to 3 large suitcases. Its balanced size makes it ideal for navigating the city while still offering ample room for luggage, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore Dover and its surroundings comfortably.
• Fullsize: Ideal for families and groups, this option also fits 5 travelers, but provides extra flexibility as it can hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This spacious vehicle is perfect for road trips where extra luggage space is needed, allowing you to bring along all your essentials for a fun-filled adventure around Dover.
• Compact SUV: A great choice for solo travelers, couples, or families, the compact SUV fits 5 travelers with room for up to 3 medium suitcases. This type of vehicle combines the comfort of an SUV with the practicality of a smaller footprint, making it easy to explore both city streets and outdoor attractions around Dover, ensuring you have both space and maneuverability.

Top rated car suppliers in Dover

• Budget: Budget has a rental location in the Dover area and is well-regarded for its friendly service. Travelers often appreciate the ease of managing their bookings and the flexibility that renting offers. The most booked cars with Budget are Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, making it a solid choice for those needing space and comfort during their travels.
• Enterprise: Enterprise also boasts a rental location in Dover and is known for its exceptional customer service. Customers frequently highlight the helpful staff and the smooth check-in process. The most popular vehicles available through Enterprise include Midsize and Premium SUVs, catering to travelers looking for a reliable and spacious ride during their stay.
• Hertz: With a rental location situated in the Dover area, Hertz is another popular choice among travelers. Known for its efficiency, Hertz is favored for its wide selection of vehicles. The most booked options are Midsize and Fullsize cars, providing travelers with comfortable and versatile options for their excursions around Dover and beyond.

Where to go in and around Dover

• Frederica: Located 11 miles away from Dover, Frederica is a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Popular attractions include Killens Pond State Park, perfect for outdoor adventures, and the Delaware State Fairgrounds, ideal for family-friendly events. Visitors can also explore Delaware State University for a cultural experience. The best times to visit Frederica are April and from June to July when visitor numbers peak.
• Smyrna: Also 11 miles from Dover, Smyrna offers a mix of outdoor and sports experiences. Key points of interest include Woodland Beach for a relaxing beach day and Delaware State University for a touch of history and culture. The area is particularly lively from June to July and in September, making it an excellent choice for summer travelers seeking recreational activities.
• Little Creek: Situated within the vicinity of Dover, Little Creek is perfect for those looking to enjoy beach activities and family experiences. Notable attractions include Delaware State University for cultural insights and the Delaware State Capitol for a historical perspective. Peak visitor numbers occur in April and from June to July, making these months ideal for a getaway.

10 tips to save on your Dover car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your vehicle well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to secure more competitive rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are usually more affordable to rent and easier to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This rule can also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is typically the most economical. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fuel, which are also acceptable, but ensure you return the vehicle empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, though the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can save you from unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a simple process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Dover

The best value period to rent a car in and around Dover is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. January also offers low demand, making it a quiet time for rentals. As spring approaches, March sees a rise in demand, leading to higher prices. April and May maintain average pricing and demand levels, providing a balanced option. However, the most expensive period hits in July, when demand peaks alongside rental costs, making it a busier time for travelers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	35.1°F (1.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	37.6°F (3.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	43.9°F (6.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
April	54.1°F (12.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	72.0°F (22.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	77.2°F (25.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	75.4°F (24.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	69.6°F (20.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	48.0°F (8.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	41.0°F (5.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Dover

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Dover into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Dover and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Dover

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Dover. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Dover

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $42.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals