Car rental in Durham starting from $42

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Durham

• Pick up a cheap rental car in Durham for an average of $168 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, making booking quick and easy.

• The cheapest daily price for a rental in Durham is $42.

• Planning to stay longer? Grab a weekly rental from $291 and explore beyond the usual highlights.

• We've cracked the code on when to book. Around one week in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Durham car hire.

• Check out the offers available with Dollar, Budget and Thrifty. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.

• The coverage Dollar or another company includes with your Durham car hire can vary, so be sure to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.

• Booking one-way could land you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Durham.

• Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.

• Want to explore freely without stressing about how many miles you rack up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra costs.

Best value car hire options right now

• You get the best value with this company, with average prices at $99 a day.

• Taking second place is [this provider](this provider), which offers daily rates of around $97.

• The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $115 a day with this supplier.

• If you're unsure which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Large rental category. It's the most widely booked type of car in Durham.

Flying to Durham? Think about an airport pick-up

• Make an early start on your Durham plans by picking up a car hire at Raleigh / Durham Airport. The city centre is about 18 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Durham

• Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Durham gets you moving without breaking the bank. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for city driving and short trips.

• Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.

• Large: Long drives are effortless in this Durham car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra legroom and comfort make them a top choice for families and groups of friends.

• SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.

• Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Durham that can handle the big jobs. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or the whole travel crew.

Insurance and optional extras

• Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Durham car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

• Make life easier when you rent a car in Durham by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.

Good to know

• You generally have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Being younger doesn't always disqualify you — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.

• Travel plans include the kids? Child car seat laws differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Make sure you add the right one to your Durham car rental booking.

• You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.

• For first-time drivers in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.

• Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.

• A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.

• Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

• You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. As well as your bank cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.

Best hotels in Durham for drivers

• Pull in and enjoy your stay at Residence Inn by Marriott Durham Duke University Medical Centre Area. Offering accessible parking as well as Wi-Fi and express check-out, this hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Durham.

• Hampton Inn & Suites Durham University Medical Centre gets the details right with accessible parking and features such as room service and a 24-hour front desk. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.

• Explore the full lineup of hotels in Durham and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.

• After you've found a car hire deal in Durham and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Centre, Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Museum of Life and Science are some of the city's best experiences.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Durham

• Raleigh should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit North Carolina Museum of Art and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. This city is around 32 kilometres southeast of central Durham.

• They've perfected the guest experience at Hilton Raleigh North Hills and Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Raleigh Downtown – NCSU/Conv Centre, two accommodation options with parking in Raleigh.

• Relax after a day out and about in West Raleigh at Hilton Raleigh North Hills or Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Raleigh Downtown – NCSU/Conv Centre. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.

• Want to head even further out? Norfolk is a top road trip destination that's around 257 kilometres northeast of Durham. Consider making a few pit stops at Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio.

• Get some shut-eye in Norfolk at either Norfolk Waterside Marriott or Hilton Norfolk The Main. They've got a room waiting for you and space for your wheels too.