$72 Car Rental New Bern, NC

Reasons to book a car rental in and around New Bern

Renting a car in and around New Bern, North Carolina, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this charming city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Whether you are a historic site enthusiast visiting Tryon Palace—a fascinating history museum—or an adventurer heading to the New Bern Grand Marina for outdoor activities, having a rental vehicle makes it convenient to navigate between these attractions with ease. Families will appreciate the ability to manage luggage comfortably while traveling to sites like the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center, which is ideal for various events.

With a rental car, you can also venture to nearby cities such as Fairfield Harbour, James City, and Bridgeton, each featuring the same key attractions, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of the region. You can take your time enjoying the scenic beauty and romantic experiences that New Bern has to offer, without the constraints of public transportation. Ultimately, a rental car enhances your travel experience, making it easy to create a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests.

Most popular car rentals in New Bern

• Economy: This car type is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families. With the capacity to accommodate up to 5 travelers and 2 medium suitcases, the Economy option allows you to navigate the charming streets of New Bern with ease. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate affordability while still enjoying the freedom to explore historic sites at their own pace.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV comfortably seats up to 5 travelers and offers space for 3 large suitcases. This option provides a great balance of comfort and storage, making it a popular choice for those looking to embark on outdoor adventures or scenic drives in and around New Bern. You can enjoy the flexibility of managing your luggage while exploring the area's natural beauty.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car option is designed for families or groups needing extra space. It accommodates up to 5 travelers and can handle either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it perfect for those planning to visit multiple attractions with plenty of gear. This versatility is especially appealing for those seeking a blend of comfort and practicality during their travels in New Bern.

Top rated car suppliers in New Bern

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travelers in New Bern, known for its friendly service and easy rental process. With 1 rental location in the area, Alamo provides a selection of well-maintained vehicles. The Midsize SUV and Standard are the most booked options, appealing to those seeking comfort and space for their adventures. Customers appreciate the quick pickup and hassle-free returns, making Alamo a reliable option for exploring New Bern at your own pace.
• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in New Bern, Enterprise stands out for its exceptional customer service and flexibility. Travelers frequently praise the friendly staff and the smooth check-in experience, which adds to the convenience of car rental. The Midsize SUV and Fullsize vehicles are the most popular choices among renters, catering to various travel needs. Enterprise's commitment to customer satisfaction makes it an excellent option for families and business travelers alike.
• Avis: Avis offers travelers in New Bern a solid choice with its 1 rental location. Known for its reliable service, Avis provides a selection of vehicles that includes the Midsize SUV and Fullsize, ideal for those looking for comfort and capacity. Customers appreciate the ease of the rental process, making it a great option for those wanting to explore New Bern and the surrounding areas without hassle. Avis combines convenience with quality, ensuring a pleasant rental experience.

Where to go in and around New Bern

• Fairfield Harbour: Located in the vicinity of New Bern, Fairfield Harbour is a village ideal for those seeking outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences. Popular attractions include the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center, perfect for business events, and Tryon Palace, a historical museum rich in culture. The New Bern Grand Marina offers opportunities for beach and outdoor adventures. Best visiting months are from June to August, when traveler arrivals peak.
• James City: Another charming village near New Bern, James City is great for outdoor activities and romantic getaways. Key points of interest include the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center for professional gatherings, Tryon Palace for a cultural experience, and the New Bern Grand Marina for beach and adventure outings. This area sees peak visitor numbers during June to August, providing a vibrant atmosphere during the summer months.
• Bridgeton: Situated close to New Bern, Bridgeton offers a blend of outdoor recreation and family experiences. Visitors can explore the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center for events, the historically significant Tryon Palace, and the New Bern Grand Marina for beach activities and adventures. Similar to the other neighborhoods, Bridgeton experiences a seasonal peak in traveler arrivals from June to August, making it a lively destination in the summer.

10 tips to save on your New Bern car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and desired features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to find lower rates and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size options offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. 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 often the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also be convenient; just remember to return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help prevent unforeseen expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your travels. Adding car rental insurance is simple when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around New Bern

The best time to rent a car in and around New Bern is February, when prices and demand are both slightly low, making it the best value month. January also offers a good deal with similar characteristics. March sees average prices and demand, while April and May shift to slightly high prices with varied demand. The most expensive time for rentals is June, which typically experiences high demand along with elevated prices. July through August remains busy, with average demand but steady pricing.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	44.1°F (6.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	61.9°F (16.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
May	69.6°F (20.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	79.7°F (26.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	73.8°F (23.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
November	54.1°F (12.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	48.7°F (9.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in New Bern

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in New Bern

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $72.

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