$63 Car Rental Salem, VA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Salem

Renting a car in Salem, Virginia, offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for exploring the area at your own pace. This is especially appealing for outdoor enthusiasts, road trippers, and families, as it allows for easy luggage management and adaptable travel plans. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the Berglund Center and Center in the Square, both located just 7 miles away from Salem. If you're looking to immerse yourself in local culture, Roanoke College is also nearby, enriching your city experience. Beyond Salem, exploring surrounding areas like Cave Spring, only 5 miles away, provides access to additional attractions like the Salem Civic Center and Mill Mountain Star. Hanging Rock and Glenvar, both situated in the region, also feature notable sites such as Hollins University and Dixie Caverns. A rental car transforms your trip into a scenic adventure, making it easy to discover all that Salem and its neighboring cities have to offer, ensuring that every family member and traveler can enjoy their journey without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Salem

• Midsize SUV: This option is ideal for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the scenic attractions in and around Salem, offering the comfort and flexibility needed for a memorable road trip.
• Fullsize: Best suited for families or larger groups, the fullsize car option also fits 5 travelers and can handle up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases comfortably. This makes it a popular choice for those who want to travel together while enjoying the freedom to explore Salem and its surroundings at their own pace.
• Economy: A great option for solo travelers, couples, or small families, the economy car can fit up to 5 travelers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This choice is perfect for those looking to save on rental costs while still enjoying the flexibility of exploring Salem's attractions and beautiful scenery.

Top rated car suppliers in Salem

• Hertz: With 1 rental location in the Salem area, Hertz is a popular choice for travelers seeking flexibility. Known for their reliable service, they offer a great selection of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars being the most booked options. Renting from Hertz allows you to explore Salem and its surroundings comfortably and at your own pace.
• Enterprise: Enterprise also features 1 rental location in Salem, making it a convenient option for visitors. They focus on customer satisfaction and offer a diverse fleet of vehicles, with Compact and Standard cars being the top choices among renters. Enterprise's commitment to service ensures a smooth rental experience, allowing you to enjoy your trip hassle-free.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has 1 location in the Salem area, providing an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. Their fleet includes popular car types such as Compact and Midsize SUVs, catering to various needs and preferences. With Thrifty, you can experience Salem and its attractions while keeping your travel costs manageable.

Where to go in and around Salem

• Cave Spring: Located 5 miles away from Salem, Cave Spring is perfect for outdoor and family experiences. The area boasts a variety of attractions, including the Salem Civic Center, ideal for entertainment, and the Mill Mountain Star, which offers cultural insights. Visitors can enjoy scenic parks and recreational areas, making it a great destination year-round, though peak visitor numbers occur in July to August and October.
• Hanging Rock: Nestled within the Salem area, Hanging Rock is renowned for its outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Key highlights include the Salem Civic Center for family entertainment and Roanoke College for educational pursuits. The area also features urban parks and a national state park, making it an attractive spot for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly popular during the summer and fall months.
• Glenvar: Situated in the vicinity of Salem, Glenvar offers a blend of family-friendly and city experiences. Visitors can explore local attractions such as the Salem Civic Center and Roanoke College, both providing various educational and entertainment options. Glenvar is also home to the Dixie Caverns, an exciting natural site for outdoor adventures. Like its neighboring areas, visitor numbers peak from July to August and October.

10 tips to save on your Salem car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, 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 depending on demand, so it’s wise to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced combination of 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 luxury models—might not be accessible. 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 vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, 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 incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra 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 if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

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 slightly low and demand remains moderately low. February and March also offer good options, with average prices and lower demand. However, June through August can be quite busy and expensive, as demand peaks during the summer months. July is particularly high in demand, making it one of the costliest times to rent a vehicle. Meanwhile, September and October return to average pricing and demand levels.

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	Moderately Low	Average
March	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
April	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
May	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
June	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	75.6°F (24.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	73.2°F (22.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	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	Average	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	Average	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