$48 Car Rental Durham, NC

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Durham

Renting a car in Durham offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant city and its surroundings at your own pace. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the convenient access to attractions like Duke University and the Durham Performing Arts Center, both located in the heart of Durham. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting popular destinations such as the Research Triangle Park, situated just 6 miles away. Cultural explorers will appreciate the ability to venture to nearby cities like Chapel Hill, which is only 10 miles from Durham and home to the University of North Carolina and the North Carolina Botanical Garden.

Families will find a rental car particularly beneficial, providing ample space for strollers and gear while keeping everyone together during your travels. Whether you are planning to visit the bustling metropolis of Raleigh, which encompasses both Durham and Research Triangle Park, or simply exploring the local attractions, a rental car ensures that you can create flexible travel plans that suit your needs. Enjoy the convenience of navigating the region seamlessly and make the most of your time in and around Durham.

Most popular car rentals in Durham

• Midsize SUV: This versatile vehicle fits 5 travelers and accommodates up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. Its spacious interior allows for comfortable seating and easy storage, perfect for those looking to explore Durham's attractions at their own pace while enjoying outdoor adventures or cultural experiences.
• Fullsize: Designed to comfortably fit 5 travelers with the ability to hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize car is perfect for families and groups. It provides ample space for luggage and passengers, ensuring everyone can travel together without compromising on comfort or convenience during your journey around Durham.
• Compact: The compact car is a smart choice for solo travelers, couples, or families, fitting 5 travelers with room for up to 3 medium suitcases. Ideal for navigating Durham's city streets, it offers efficiency and ease of parking, allowing you to explore the area without the hassle of larger vehicles. This option balances comfort and practicality, making it a popular pick among renters.

Top rated car suppliers in Durham

• Hertz: Hertz is a top choice for travelers in Durham, offering 3 convenient rental locations throughout the area. With a strong selection of vehicles, the most booked options include Midsize and Fullsize cars, perfect for various travel needs. Customers appreciate Hertz for its reliable service and well-maintained vehicles, making it a go-to option for those looking to explore Durham at their own pace.
• Enterprise: Enterprise is another popular supplier in Durham, featuring 3 rental locations. Known for its exceptional customer service, Enterprise offers Midsize SUVs and Compact cars as the most popular choices among travelers. The flexibility and variety of vehicles make Enterprise a favored option for families and business travelers alike, ensuring a smooth rental experience.
• Budget: Budget provides a solid car rental option with 1 location in the Durham area. Popular among travelers, the Midsize SUV and Economy vehicles are frequently booked. Customers appreciate Budget for its competitive pricing and convenient pickup location, making it a practical choice for those looking to explore the city and surrounding attractions.

Where to go in Durham

• Durham: A vibrant city with a mix of modern and cultural attractions, Durham offers highlights like the renowned Duke University, perfect for educational exploration. The Durham Performing Arts Center showcases a variety of arts, making it ideal for culture enthusiasts. The city is also close to urban parks and recreational areas, providing outdoor experiences. Peak visitor numbers occur in April, July, and October, making these months great for exploring the local scene.
• Gorman: This charming village near Durham is perfect for those seeking outdoor activities and scenic views. Gorman features attractions such as urban parks and lakes, ideal for family outings and nature lovers. The area is also home to Research Triangle Park, a hub for innovation and education. Peak travel times are in April, July, and October, making it a wonderful time to experience the area's natural beauty.
• Chapel Hill: Located 10 miles from Durham, Chapel Hill is known for its cultural and educational offerings, with the University of North Carolina being a key highlight. The vibrant Franklin Street is perfect for shopping and dining, while the North Carolina Botanical Garden caters to families and those looking for romantic outdoor experiences. Visitor numbers peak in March, April, and September, allowing for enjoyable trips during these months.
• Raleigh: As the capital city and metropolis, Raleigh is a short distance from Durham and offers a wealth of attractions. Key points of interest include the Raleigh Convention Center for business travelers and the Research Triangle Park for those interested in innovation. Visitors can enjoy urban parks and entertainment facilities. Peak travel times are in April, July, and October, making it an excellent period for exploration.

10 tips to save on your Durham car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you need an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are 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 types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is typically the best option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the 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 a simple process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs.
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 Durham

The best time to rent a car in and around Durham is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low, offering great value. March and April follow closely, with average prices and slightly increased demand. However, June through August see the highest prices and demand, particularly in June, making it the most expensive month for rentals. Meanwhile, September and October return to moderate pricing and steady demand before November's slightly higher rates kick in.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.1°F (4.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	43.9°F (6.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
April	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	68.4°F (20.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	76.1°F (24.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	79.7°F (26.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	77.9°F (25.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	61.9°F (16.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	44.8°F (7.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Durham

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Durham

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

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.

• 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