$50 Car Rental Wilmington, NC

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Wilmington

Renting a car in Wilmington provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for families or those traveling with luggage, as it allows for easy management of belongings during your adventures. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions like the Battleship North Carolina, Airlie Gardens, and Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens, all located in the area.

Additionally, having a vehicle makes it easy to explore popular neighborhoods such as Downtown Wilmington, where you can see the historic Latimer House and Burgwin-Wright House, or the Riverfront District, featuring the Bellamy Mansion Museum. If you're interested in beach-related experiences, you can drive to Myrtle Grove, which offers access to Wrightsville Beach and the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. The convenience of a rental car ensures that you can create flexible travel plans and fully enjoy all that Wilmington has to offer, from outdoor parks to cultural sites.

Most popular car rentals in Wilmington

• Compact: The Compact car is a top choice for travelers in Wilmington, accommodating up to 5 people and 3 medium suitcases. This car is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or small families looking for an economical option. Its size makes it easy to maneuver through Wilmington's streets while providing enough space for your luggage, making it ideal for those who want to explore the area at their own pace.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is an excellent option for those traveling with family or friends, as it accommodates 5 travelers along with 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle offers a bit more space and comfort, making it ideal for couples, families, or groups looking to enjoy a road trip together. With its versatility, the Standard SUV is well-suited for both city driving and outdoor excursions around Wilmington.
• Midsize: The Midsize car is another popular choice among renters in Wilmington, providing ample space for 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases. This option is particularly appealing for couples or families who require extra room for their belongings. With its balanced size and comfort, the Midsize car ensures a pleasant driving experience, allowing you to explore Wilmington and its surroundings with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Wilmington

• Alamo Rent A Car: With a single rental location in Wilmington, Alamo is recognized for its friendly service. This supplier provides a great selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Fullsize cars being the most booked options. Renting from Alamo allows travelers to enjoy a seamless experience while exploring Wilmington at their own pace.
• Enterprise: Offering the highest number of rental locations in Wilmington, Enterprise boasts five convenient outlets in the area. Known for its exceptional customer service, Enterprise's most popular rentals include Midsize SUVs and Compact cars. This gives travelers a wide range of options to suit their needs while enjoying the flexibility of their travel plans.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty operates one rental location in Wilmington, providing a straightforward car rental experience. Customers appreciate their service, with Midsize and Fullsize vehicles being the top choices among renters. Thrifty is a solid option for those looking for a reliable vehicle to navigate the attractions and scenery around Wilmington.

Where to stay in Wilmington

• Downtown Wilmington: Experience a romantic and outdoor atmosphere in Downtown Wilmington, where you'll find attractions like the historic Latimer House and the military museum Battleship North Carolina. The vibrant boardwalk, theaters, and music concerts create an inviting ambiance. Nearby, you'll have access to family-friendly beaches and numerous dining options, including local wineries and breweries, making it an ideal spot for a diverse getaway.
• New Market Center: New Market Center is perfect for families and culture enthusiasts, offering a blend of educational opportunities and shopping experiences. Visit Wrightsville Beach for a delightful beach day, or explore the beautiful Airlie Gardens. With attractions like the Battleship North Carolina nearby, this neighborhood provides a rich cultural experience along with convenient access to a shopping mall and local dining options, including wineries and breweries.
• North Kerr: North Kerr caters to families and business travelers alike, featuring a mix of educational and shopping venues. Key attractions include the urban oasis of Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens, as well as the historic Battleship North Carolina. The area is also close to beautiful beaches and modern college universities, providing a balanced experience of relaxation and learning, along with access to local food and drink options.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to access lower rates and enjoy better vehicle availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, 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 available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions 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 best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Renting a car from an airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only 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 anything goes wrong during your trip. It’s easy to add rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take 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 Wilmington

The best time to rent a car in and around Wilmington is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. March sees average prices with demand still manageable. April and May maintain those average levels, making them decent options as well. However, June through August can be quite busy, with slightly high prices and demand, especially in July when rental needs peak. Following that, September and October return to average pricing and demand.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Wilmington

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Wilmington

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $50.

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