$39 Car Rental Winston-Salem, NC

These Winston-Salem insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 20, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Winston-Salem

Renting a car in Winston-Salem offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it ideal for families and those seeking outdoor adventures. Key attractions like Old Salem, a historic village perfect for cultural experiences, and the Bowman Gray Stadium, which appeals to sports enthusiasts, are conveniently located in the area. Additionally, the Reynolda House Museum of American Art provides a rich cultural experience just a short drive away. Beyond the city, you can visit nearby destinations like Welcome, situated 14 miles away, where you can also find Old Salem and Bowman Gray Stadium, or Kernersville, located 10 miles away, known for Korner's Folly. A rental car not only simplifies your travel but also allows you to fully enjoy the diverse experiences Winston-Salem has to offer, whether you're interested in history, art, or outdoor activities.

Most popular car rentals in Winston-Salem

• Compact SUV: A popular choice among travelers in Winston-Salem, the Compact SUV comfortably accommodates up to 5 passengers and allows for the storage of up to 3 medium suitcases. This car type is versatile, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families looking to explore the area with ease. Its spacious interior and manageable size provide both comfort and flexibility, perfect for navigating through city streets or venturing out on day trips.
• Economy: The Economy car is another favorite for visitors in Winston-Salem, providing a practical option for up to 5 travelers with room for 2 medium suitcases. This car type is well-suited for solo travelers, couples, or families who prioritize cost-effectiveness without sacrificing comfort. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in urban environments, while still offering enough space for your luggage, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
• Midsize: The Midsize car option is ideal for those needing a bit more space, accommodating 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it perfect for couples or families looking for a comfortable travel experience in Winston-Salem. With a balance of size and efficiency, the Midsize vehicle offers ample room for passengers and their belongings, ensuring a pleasant journey as you explore the local attractions at your leisure.

Top rated car suppliers in Winston-Salem

• Hertz: Known for its clean vehicles, Hertz has 1 rental location in Winston-Salem. Travelers frequently choose Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars from this supplier, making it a popular option for those looking for reliable and well-maintained vehicles. Renting from Hertz allows you to enjoy the flexibility of exploring Winston-Salem and its surroundings at your leisure.
• Enterprise: With 3 rental locations throughout Winston-Salem, Enterprise is a top choice for convenience. This supplier offers a range of vehicles, with Midsize cars and Mini Vans being the most booked options. Enterprise is well-regarded for its customer service, making your car rental experience smooth and hassle-free as you navigate the attractions in the area.
• Budget: Budget features 2 rental locations in Winston-Salem, providing easy access to affordable car rentals. Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars are among the most popular options with this supplier. Known for offering great value, Budget is a fantastic choice for travelers looking to manage their budget while still enjoying the freedom of having a rental car to explore the local attractions.

Where to stay around Winston-Salem

• Welcome: Located 14 miles from Winston-Salem, Welcome is ideal for travelers seeking an entertainment-themed, romantic, or outdoor experience. Explore local attractions like Old Salem for a cultural vacation or enjoy the excitement of Bowman Gray Stadium for sports and adventure. The Truist Sports Park offers a great urban park experience for families. Additionally, visitors can indulge in nearby food options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a well-rounded destination.
• Kernersville: Just 10 miles from Winston-Salem, Kernersville caters to those desiring outdoor, family, and city-themed experiences. Key highlights include Korner's Folly, a historic house perfect for culture enthusiasts, and the urban park settings that offer a lovely retreat. Bowman Gray Stadium is also nearby for motorsport fans. With various shopping venues and dining options, including local wineries, Kernersville serves as a convenient and enjoyable base for travelers.
• Clemmons: Located 9 miles from Winston-Salem, Clemmons is a vibrant city suited for families and outdoor lovers. The urban parks, such as Tanglewood Park and Truist Sports Park, provide ample activities for city and nature enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the historic charm of Old Salem nearby. With shopping centers and a variety of dining options, including breweries and wineries, Clemmons offers a delightful experience for all visitors.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Winston-Salem

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best option 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 lock in lower rates and have better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance of affordability, 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 can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that the car is returned empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There’s often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Winston-Salem

The best value period to rent a car in and around Winston-Salem is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This time offers a quieter experience for renters. Moving into March and April, prices tend to increase, and demand becomes average to high, making these months more expensive. July also sees high demand, which can lead to higher rental costs. Meanwhile, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	42.4°F (5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	49.1°F (9.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
June	75.0°F (23.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	78.8°F (26.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	71.1°F (21.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	48.9°F (9.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	43.0°F (6.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Winston-Salem

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Winston-Salem

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

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