$52 Car Rental Portsmouth, VA

These Portsmouth insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 14, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Portsmouth

Renting a car in Portsmouth, Virginia, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions such as the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Portsmouth City Park, both located within the city. If you're interested in art, the Chrysler Museum of Art is just 2 miles away, providing a cultural experience. Families will appreciate the convenience of managing luggage and travel plans, allowing for a comfortable journey to these sites.

Additionally, a rental car makes it easy to explore nearby destinations like Norfolk, which is less than 1 mile from Portsmouth. Here, you can visit the Virginia Port Authority, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and USS Wisconsin BB-64. The Downtown Norfolk neighborhood, also 1 mile away, features attractions like Town Point Park and Nauticus National Maritime Center. For those seeking outdoor or romantic experiences, having a car allows for spontaneous day trips without the constraints of public transportation. Overall, renting a car in Portsmouth enhances your travel experience by providing access to a variety of attractions and the flexibility to enjoy them on your own terms.

Top rated car suppliers in Portsmouth

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice for travelers in Portsmouth, known for its reliable service and well-maintained vehicles. With one rental location in the area, it provides convenience for those looking to explore. The most booked vehicles with Hertz are the Midsize SUV and Fullsize, making it ideal for families or groups seeking comfort and space while enjoying their trip. Customers appreciate the flexibility that Hertz offers, allowing you to manage your travel plans with ease.
• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out for its exceptional customer service, making it a preferred option for many visitors in Portsmouth. With one rental location, Enterprise offers a selection of vehicles that includes Midsize SUVs and Compacts, which are perfect for navigating the city and surrounding attractions. Travelers often highlight the helpful staff and smooth rental process, ensuring a positive experience from pickup to drop-off. Enterprise’s focus on customer satisfaction makes it a reliable choice for your car rental needs.
• U-Save Car Rental: U-Save Car Rental is known for its competitive pricing and a solid selection of vehicles, catering to various travel needs. Located conveniently in Portsmouth, they offer Compact and Fullsize Pickup options, making it a great choice for those needing flexibility and space for luggage or gear. Customers appreciate the straightforward rental process and the helpfulness of the staff, ensuring a pleasant experience during your travels. U-Save is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers who still want quality service.

Where to stay in and around Portsmouth

• Norfolk: Located less than 1 mile away from Portsmouth, Norfolk offers a blend of outdoor, family, and romantic experiences. Travelers can explore the beautiful Norfolk Botanical Garden, perfect for nature lovers, or visit the USS Wisconsin BB-64 for a cultural experience. The city's vibrant boardwalk and shopping centers provide ample dining and entertainment options, making it an excellent choice for your stay.
• Chesapeake: About 5 miles from Portsmouth, Chesapeake is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Chesapeake City Park and Lake Drummond offer picturesque scenery and recreational activities. Visitors can also enjoy the Chesapeake Arboretum for a deeper connection with nature. With numerous shopping centers and restaurants nearby, Chesapeake provides a comfortable and entertaining environment for travelers.
• Churchland: Situated around Portsmouth, Churchland is a neighborhood that caters to families and city-themed experiences. Here, visitors can explore attractions like Town Point Park, which is great for outdoor activities, and the Virginia Port Authority for local civic engagement. With various shopping centers and dining options, Churchland offers a convenient base for your adventures in the area.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, making it wise to reserve your vehicle well before your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to secure lower prices and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Renters under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. 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 car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are 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 airports often comes with 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 of unforeseen incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Portsmouth

The best value period to rent a car in and around Portsmouth is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. January also offers good value, while March and April have average prices and demand. As summer approaches, June through August see higher prices and demand, especially in July, which is typically the busiest month. Following the summer, prices begin to moderate again in September, but November tends to be the most expensive month, with average demand levels.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Portsmouth

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Portsmouth

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $52.

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