$48 Car Rental Southern Shores, NC

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What you need to know for your Southern Shores car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Southern Shores

Renting a car in Southern Shores offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the beautiful surroundings at your own pace. This village is ideally situated for those seeking beach and outdoor experiences, making a rental car a popular choice among tourists. With a vehicle, you can easily visit the nearby Duck Boardwalk and Kitty Hawk Beach, both located just 3 miles away, perfect for family outings or romantic strolls. If fishing is your interest, the Avalon Fishing Pier is a short 7-mile drive, offering a great spot to enjoy the water.

A rental car also allows you to conveniently explore nearby destinations such as Duck, only 2 miles away, where you can find additional attractions like Digger's Dungeon, or visit Tuckahoe, just 1 mile from Southern Shores. Traveling with luggage or kids is more manageable, as you can easily transport your gear without relying on public transport. Overall, having a rental car enhances your travel plans and ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience in and around Southern Shores.

Where to stay around Southern Shores

  • Southern Shores: A tranquil beach community, Southern Shores offers easy access to beautiful family-friendly beaches. Enjoy a relaxing stay with nearby attractions like Kitty Hawk Beach, which is perfect for a beach vacation. Southern Shores provides a calm atmosphere ideal for families looking to unwind and enjoy outdoor activities.
  • Kitty Hawk: Located near Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a vibrant beach experience. With attractions like the Duck Boardwalk and Avalon Fishing Pier, visitors can indulge in outdoor activities or leisurely strolls. Kitty Hawk's diverse food options, including local wineries and sweet treats, enhance the family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Harbinger: Just 5 miles from Southern Shores, Harbinger is a charming destination for those who love outdoor activities, especially golf. Stay here to enjoy the Kilmarlic Golf Club and the nearby nature reserves. The area also boasts beautiful family beaches, making it a great spot for a family vacation.
  • Point Harbor: Also 5 miles away from Southern Shores, Point Harbor is perfect for beach lovers and families. With attractions such as the Duck Boardwalk and Kitty Hawk Beach, it offers plenty of outdoor activities. The local food scene features several wineries and breweries, making it a delightful place to relax after a day spent exploring the beach.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Southern Shores

  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 drives, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your reservation well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size cars 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 surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify age requirements before finalizing your booking.
  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 generally the most favorable option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which is also acceptable—just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at an airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may 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 you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if unforeseen events occur 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, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Southern Shores

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Southern Shores

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $48.

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.

Car Rental Information

 
Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
 
Car suppliers available
 
Our best deal of the day
$48
 
Our second best deal of the day
$56
 
Our third best deal of the day
$61
 
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
 
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cheap car rental companies in Southern Shores?
Dollar Rent A Car offers compact SUVs starting from $14 a day, and Sixt offers fullsize 2 or 4 door cars starting from $17 a day. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find a cheap car rental in Southern Shores that fits your budget. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Southern Shores.
What are the best luxury car companies in Southern Shores?
For luxury car rentals in Southern Shores, you can find premium options through providers on Expedia like Sixt and Enterprise. Sixt offers fullsize elite SUVs starting from $36 a day, while Enterprise provides premium crossover vehicles starting from $37 a day. These luxury rentals offer enhanced comfort and features for a more refined travel experience. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Southern Shores.
Can I rent a car one-way in Southern Shores?
A one-way car rental in Southern Shores is an excellent option for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $17 a day. Providers like Sixt and Alamo Rent A Car may have flexible one-way policies, making it convenient to pick up your vehicle in Southern Shores and drop it off at a different location. These are good options for one-way car rental in Southern Shores. For more options, explore Standard Car Rentals in Southern Shores.
Can I rent a car round-trip in Southern Shores?
Southern Shores is well suited to round-trip rentals, with round-trip rentals starting from $14 a day. Picking up and dropping off at the same location generally avoids one-way drop-off fees, which can make it the most cost-effective option for exploring areas near Southern Shores, such as Outer Banks Beaches, Sandbridge Beach, and Corolla Beach, and returning to the same spot. Providers like Sixt and Alamo Rent A Car also offer wide round-trip availability. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Southern Shores.
What are the best car rentals in Southern Shores?
Car rentals in Southern Shores offer extensive vehicle variety. The most popular car classes available include:
  • Fullsize 2 or 4 door
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door
  • Midsize SUV
  • Standard 2 or 4 door
  • Compact 2 or 4 door
Most come with A/C standard, and automatic transmissions are widely available. Families visiting attractions prefer SUVs or minivans for space; couples and solo travelers do fine with economy or compact cars. Choose based on passenger count, luggage needs, and budget. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Southern Shores.

What are the best car rentals in Southern Shores for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Southern Shores for solo travelers are economy and compact classes—small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring at their own pace:
  • Economy 2 or 4 door, starting from $20 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets and simple to slot into small parking spaces
  • Compact 2 or 4 door, starting from $19 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage while staying fuel-efficient
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. If you're planning longer drives to spots like Outer Banks Beaches, consider sizing up to a compact SUV for extra highway comfort. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Southern Shores.

What are the best car rentals in Southern Shores for couples?
The best car rentals in Southern Shores for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door, starting from $17 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, starting from $14 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for day trips around the region
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For a special trip, consider a convertible for scenic drives around Southern Shores. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Southern Shores.

What are the best car rentals in Southern Shores for families?
The best car rentals in Southern Shores for families are the ones with room for everyone and their gear:
  • Midsize SUV, starting from $18 a day — seats up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases and a car seat
  • Mini passenger van, starting from $25 a day — seats up to 8 people with room for 6 large suitcases, ideal for larger families with strollers and full luggage
SUVs and minivans have room for the whole family plus car seats, strollers, and luggage, making them the most comfortable fit for trips around Southern Shores. Book 4+ weeks ahead, especially for the June-July peak, as family-sized vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods, and consider adding GPS if you're new to the area. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Southern Shores.

Are there any car rental companies that provide electric cars in Southern Shores?
Southern Shores has electric and hybrid vehicle options available. Sixt offers hybrid vehicles starting from $14 a day, and Enterprise also provides hybrid options starting from $14 a day. Dollar Rent A Car and Avis also have hybrid vehicles available from $14 a day. For electric vehicles, Sixt offers options starting from $24 a day. These vehicles are widely available on Expedia. Booking electric or hybrid vehicles 4-6 weeks ahead is advisable as demand can be high.
What is the best time to book a car in Southern Shores?
From January, prices in Southern Shores are typically lower—rentals can start from as little as $14 a day during this period. July tends to be the busiest month, when high demand can lead to higher prices. During major holidays and special events, rates may also fluctuate. Demand climbs as travelers head to popular spots and activities such as:
  • Outer Banks Beaches, North Carolina
  • Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Beach
  • Corolla Beach, North Carolina
  • OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour
Booking 3-4 weeks ahead can help with availability and pricing. Many bookings allow free cancellation 24+ hours before pickup—book early and rebook if rates drop.

What is the weather like for driving in Southern Shores?
Driving in Southern Shores experiences seasonal shifts. Traffic and demand tend to build around July, when routes to spots like Outer Banks Beaches get busiest—plan drives for quieter periods where you can. For varied road conditions, a midsize SUV offers reliable grip and traction. Always check the forecast before longer trips and carry water and an emergency kit for remote routes.
What are the best car companies in Southern Shores?
Car rentals in Southern Shores are available from providers like Sixt, Alamo Rent A Car, and Enterprise, offering vehicles suited to local roads and conditions. Sixt has fullsize 2 or 4 door and midsize 2 or 4 door options that are easy to park and fuel-efficient for city streets, while Alamo Rent A Car offers compact SUVs and midsize 2 or 4 door vehicles with more space and stability for highways and varied terrain. Enterprise rounds out the choices with midsize 2 or 4 door and compact 2 or 4 door vehicles. Choose a higher-clearance or all-wheel-drive class for more challenging conditions, and a compact class for easy maneuvering and better mileage on longer highway stretches. For more options, explore Premium Car Rentals in Southern Shores.
What are good day trip destinations from Southern Shores by rental car?
Top day-trip destinations and events within easy reach from Southern Shores include:
  • Outer Banks Beaches, North Carolina, approximately 72 miles away
  • Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Beach, approximately 55 miles away
  • Corolla Beach, North Carolina, approximately 21 miles away
  • Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, a planned event in September
  • NAS Oceana Air Show, a planned event in September
These distances are manageable for most car types. For longer drives, a midsize or standard car offers comfort, while an SUV provides extra space for beach gear. Booking a car with flexible cancellation policies can be beneficial if your day trip plans are weather-dependent. For more options, explore Convertible Car Rentals in Southern Shores.

Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Southern Shores?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Southern Shores. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Southern Shores?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Southern Shores?
Budget car rental in Southern Shores can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days from $48. To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Southern Shores?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Southern Shores. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Southern Shores car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Southern Shores?
To rent a car in Southern Shores, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Southern Shores car rental?
If you need to cancel your Southern Shores car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.
Why should I rent a car in Southern Shores with Expedia?
Booking your car rental on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of car rentals, you can compare prices, suppliers and deals all in one place, then bundle your car with a hotel which could help you save even more. Join our free One Key™ travel rewards program to instantly unlock additional savings.

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