$56 Car Rental Surf City, NC

These Surf City insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: September 6, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Surf City

Renting a car in Surf City offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Surf City Pier, located right in the village, or enjoy a day at Surf City Beach, which is a convenient 8 miles away. For those interested in history and culture, Sloop Point Plantation is just 3 miles from Surf City, providing an enriching experience.

A rental car also makes it easy to explore nearby destinations. Topsail Beach, only 6 miles away, offers additional beach experiences, while Topsail Island, located 5 miles from Surf City, features beautiful spots like North Topsail Beach and Seaview Pier. For further adventures, North Topsail Beach is 8 miles away, providing more outdoor and beach-related activities. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway, outdoor adventures, or a family trip, having a rental car simplifies luggage management and allows for flexible travel plans, ensuring you can enjoy everything Surf City and its surroundings have to offer.

Where to stay around Surf City

• Topsail Beach: Located 6 miles from Surf City, Topsail Beach offers a charming village atmosphere ideal for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy local attractions like Surf City Beach and Figure Eight Island, both perfect for a beach vacation. The recreational area and boardwalk provide additional activities, while nearby food options include wine tasting and sweet treats. This area is particularly appealing during the warmer months when beach activities thrive.
• North Topsail Beach: Situated 8 miles from Surf City, North Topsail Beach is a delightful village known for its stunning coastal views and outdoor experiences. Key highlights include the beautiful North Topsail Beach and the Seaview Pier, both excellent for a relaxing day by the water. The area also boasts recreational venues and fairground show grounds, making it a great spot for family outings. Visitors will find plenty of sweet treats and local wineries nearby, especially appealing in the summer.
• Topsail Island: Just 5 miles from Surf City, Topsail Island is a picturesque destination renowned for its serene beaches and outdoor recreational opportunities. Notable sites include North Topsail Beach and the popular Surf City Pier, which offer wonderful spots for relaxation and fishing. The island is home to a variety of dining options, including wineries and sweet treat shops. Topsail Island is particularly vibrant in the summer months, making it a perfect escape for beachgoers and nature lovers.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Surf City

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal 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 car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to lock in lower prices and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park 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 premium 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, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can also work. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but 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 help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a car.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Surf City

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Surf City

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $56.

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