$37 Car Rental Hickory, NC

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Hickory

Renting a car in Hickory, North Carolina, offers the freedom to explore this charming city and its surroundings at your own pace. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a family traveler, or a business professional, a rental car allows for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans. You can conveniently visit key attractions such as the Hickory Metro Convention Center, ideal for business experiences, and Lenoir-Rhyne University, which offers rich cultural experiences. For romantic outings or scenic views, Lake Hickory is just 4 miles away, providing a beautiful backdrop for relaxation.

A rental car also opens the door to nearby destinations like Granite Falls, located 6 miles from Hickory, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Hickory. Conover, 7 miles away, features the Hickory Metro Convention Center and Conover City Park, perfect for family fun. Additionally, North Hickory includes attractions like Lenoir-Rhyne University and Lake Hickory, enhancing your travel experience. With a rental car, you can navigate these attractions comfortably, making it an ideal choice for all types of travelers.

Most popular car rentals in Hickory

• Economy: This car type fits 5 travelers comfortably with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. The economy option is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families who want to explore Hickory and its surroundings without the hassle of oversized vehicles. With its compact size, navigating through the city and finding parking is a breeze, making it an ideal choice for those looking for affordability and convenience on their trip.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodating 5 travelers with room for up to 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV is an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. This versatile vehicle offers a balance of comfort and space, allowing you to transport your gear easily while enjoying the scenic views around Hickory. Whether you're planning a day trip to the nearby attractions or need extra room for luggage, this option provides the flexibility and capability necessary for your travel plans.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is designed to fit 5 travelers with ample space for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal vehicle for families or groups who require additional room for luggage and personal belongings. Offering comfort and practicality, the fullsize option allows you to travel with ease while enjoying the freedom to explore Hickory and its beautiful surroundings at your own pace.

Top rated car suppliers in Hickory

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers in Hickory, known for its strong customer service and flexibility. With one rental location in the area, it offers a selection that includes Midsize SUVs and Mini Vans, making it ideal for families and groups. Customers appreciate the well-maintained vehicles and the smooth rental process, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you explore Hickory and its surroundings.
• Budget: Budget provides an excellent option for those looking to rent a car in Hickory, featuring one rental location. Known for competitive pricing, Budget's most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, catering to a variety of travel needs. Travelers often highlight the ease of the rental process and the value it offers, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious visitors.
• Hertz: Hertz stands out in Hickory with its reliable service and one convenient rental location. Travelers favor Midsize and Fullsize vehicles from Hertz, which are perfect for both leisure and business trips. Customers often commend the cleanliness and reliability of the cars, along with the efficient pickup and return process, ensuring a pleasant rental experience as you navigate the attractions in and around Hickory.

Where to go in and around Hickory

• Granite Falls: Located 6 miles away from Hickory, Granite Falls is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking scenic views. The area is known for romantic experiences, particularly at Lake Hickory, which offers a beautiful setting for beach vacations. Visitors can also explore Lenoir-Rhyne University for a touch of culture or delve into history at the Granite Falls History Museum. The best times to visit are April, June, and September, when traveler numbers peak, ensuring a lively atmosphere.
• Conover: Situated 7 miles from Hickory, Conover is a vibrant city that caters to both outdoor and shopping enthusiasts. Popular attractions include the Hickory Metro Convention Center, ideal for business travelers, and Conover City Park, which provides a family-friendly atmosphere for outdoor activities. The peak visiting months are April, July, and September, making these times ideal for experiencing local events and community engagement while enjoying the area's scenic beauty.
• North Hickory: This neighborhood lies around Hickory and offers a blend of recreational opportunities and scenic views. North Hickory is home to Lake Hickory, a popular destination for romantic outings and outdoor adventures. Visitors can also check out Lenoir-Rhyne University for cultural experiences or attend events at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. Peak visitation occurs in March, July, and October, making these months particularly vibrant and enjoyable for travelers.

10 tips to save on your Hickory car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you need an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car to save money, apply 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 advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and greater availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically 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 the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals enforce a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle with an empty tank in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might justify the extra 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 help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Hickory

The best value period to rent a car in and around Hickory is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. March through May offers average pricing with steady demand, making it another good option for rentals. However, August marks the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand. July also sees increased demand and higher rates, making it a busier time for car rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	42.4°F (5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	49.1°F (9.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
April	57.9°F (14.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	74.1°F (23.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	75.6°F (24.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	70.2°F (21.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	48.7°F (9.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	43.0°F (6.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Hickory

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Hickory

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Hickory. 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 Hickory

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $37.

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.

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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