$39 Car Rental Morganton, NC

These Morganton insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: September 9, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Morganton

Renting a car in Morganton, North Carolina, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area's attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can comfortably manage your luggage while visiting stunning sites like Wiseman's View, perfect for outdoor and romantic experiences. Adventure seekers can head to Hawksbill Mountain for breathtaking scenery and hiking opportunities. Additionally, the Silver Creek Plantation Golf Club is a great spot for golf enthusiasts.

Having a car allows you to easily venture to nearby cities like Salem, just a short drive away, where you can enjoy the Rock Pile Farm and Stump Farm Forestry Center. Drexel, located 5 miles from Morganton, features the Old Rock School Railway Museum, while Glen Alpine, also 5 miles away, boasts Lake James and Lake James State Park. This convenience is ideal for families or travelers with specific interests, ensuring you can explore Morganton and its surroundings without the limitations of public transportation. With a rental car, you can make your travel plans as flexible as you need, maximizing your experience in this beautiful region.

Most popular car rentals in Morganton

• Mini Van: Ideal for families or groups, the Mini Van accommodates up to 8 travelers and provides ample space for up to 6 large suitcases. This option is perfect for those who want to travel together comfortably while having enough room for all their luggage. Renting a Mini Van in Morganton allows for a flexible travel experience, making it easy to explore the area’s attractions at your own pace.
• Midsize: The Midsize car is a great choice for couples or small families, accommodating up to 5 travelers and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option strikes a balance between comfort and efficiency, making it suitable for those who want to enjoy a cozy ride while still having room for their belongings. Renting a Midsize car in Morganton ensures you can navigate the area comfortably, whether you're heading out for a day trip or exploring local sights.

Top rated car suppliers in Morganton

• Enterprise: For maximum convenience in Morganton, Enterprise features a local rental location offering a variety of vehicles. Known for customer satisfaction, this supplier is a popular choice among travelers seeking flexibility. The most booked cars from Enterprise are Midsize and Compact SUVs, perfect for exploring the scenic attractions in and around Morganton at your own pace.

Where to stay in and around Morganton

• Glen Alpine: Located 5 miles from Morganton, Glen Alpine is a charming city ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and romantic experiences. Visitors can explore natural attractions like Lake James, perfect for scenic views and beach activities, and Lake James State Park, which offers a variety of outdoor adventures. For golf enthusiasts, the Silver Creek Plantation Golf Club is also nearby, providing a lovely setting for a round of golf.
• Lenoir: Situated 14 miles from Morganton, Lenoir offers a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Travelers can discover attractions such as Fort Defiance, a significant historic site, or enjoy some leisure time at Triangle Park and Hard & Flossie Clark Family Park, both of which are great for family outings. With a focus on adventure and scenery, Lenoir is a wonderful destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
• Salem: Located within the Morganton area, Salem is a quaint village that appeals to adventure seekers and nature lovers. Visitors can explore the Rock Pile Farm And Stump Farm Forestry Center, providing eco-friendly experiences in a natural setting, or enjoy a performance at the COMMA Performing Arts Center. Golf enthusiasts can also enjoy the nearby Silver Creek Plantation Golf Club, making Salem a well-rounded destination for a variety of interests.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Morganton

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for warm weather, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy greater availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental costs and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 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 requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also be acceptable; just be sure to return the vehicle empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provide you with peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek out 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 Morganton

The best time to rent a car in and around Morganton is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderate. This period offers great value, making it an ideal choice for travelers. January and March also provide slightly low prices with moderately low demand. Moving into the spring, April and May see average prices and demand, which can still be reasonable. However, October stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	37.6°F (3.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
April	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	76.3°F (24.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	74.3°F (23.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
September	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	47.7°F (8.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Morganton

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Morganton

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $39.

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