$63 Car Rental Salem, VA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Salem

Renting a car in Salem, Virginia, offers you the freedom to explore the area's attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby spots like Dixie Caverns, perfect for outdoor adventures, and cultural sites like the Mill Mountain Star and Center in the Square, both located just 7 miles away. The convenience of a rental car allows for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans, making it ideal for families and adventure seekers alike. You can also venture to surrounding cities such as Hanging Rock, Glenvar, and Mason Cove, each featuring unique attractions like the Virginia Museum of Transportation and McAfee Knob. Whether you're looking to enjoy scenic views or immerse yourself in local culture, having a car will enhance your experience in and around Salem, ensuring you don’t miss out on anything the region has to offer.

Top rated car suppliers in Salem

• Hertz: Hertz operates one rental location in Salem, making it a convenient option for travelers. Known for its reliable service, this supplier is particularly popular for its Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, which are ideal for those looking for comfort and space during their travels. Customers appreciate the ease of pickup and return, allowing for a smooth start to your journey.
• Enterprise: With one location in Salem, Enterprise is favored for its outstanding customer service and flexible rental options. Travelers often choose this supplier for its selection of Compact and Standard vehicles, which are perfect for navigating the city and surrounding areas. The staff is noted for being helpful and accommodating, ensuring a pleasant rental experience for all customers.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has a location in Salem, catering to travelers seeking affordable options. This supplier is well-liked for its Compact and Midsize SUVs, providing great choices for those needing versatility and efficiency on the road. Customers frequently mention the friendly service and straightforward rental process, making it a solid choice for your car rental needs.

Where to stay in and around Salem

• Cave Spring: Located 5 miles away from Salem, Cave Spring offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can enjoy scenic views at local parks and lakes, as well as explore attractions like the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the iconic Mill Mountain Star. Dining options abound with various restaurants and wineries, making it an excellent choice for a well-rounded stay.
• Hanging Rock: Nestled within the Salem area, Hanging Rock is perfect for those seeking adventure and outdoor beauty. The nearby national state park provides opportunities for hiking and skiing, while the stunning views from McAfee Knob are not to be missed. Cultural experiences can be found at the Center in the Square and the Virginia Museum of Transportation, ensuring a fulfilling visit for all types of travelers.
• Glenvar: Glenvar, situated close to Salem, caters to families and business travelers alike. Its proximity to shopping centers and educational institutions makes it a convenient choice for those looking to combine leisure with productivity. Attractions such as Dixie Caverns and the Virginia Museum of Transportation offer engaging experiences, while local parks provide a serene environment for relaxation.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer driving, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars typically come at a lower rental price and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This policy can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before completing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most convenient option. Other rentals may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just remember to return the car empty in that situation.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case something goes wrong during your trip. It’s easy to add insurance coverage when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring 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 Salem

The best value period to rent a car in and around Salem is April, when prices are typically low and demand remains manageable. Following April, February offers a slight dip in demand, making it another affordable option. However, June tends to be the most expensive month for rentals, as demand rises alongside prices. March and August also see slightly increased rates, and October brings higher demand along with moderate pricing, keeping the rental landscape busy during the fall.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	34.2°F (1.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
June	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
July	75.6°F (24.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	73.2°F (22.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
September	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
November	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	39.0°F (3.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Salem

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Salem

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $63.

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