Virginia Car Hire

Reasons to book a car hire in Virginia

Renting a car in Virginia offers the freedom and flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace, making it an ideal choice for your trip. With a rental car, you can easily visit key destinations such as Virginia Beach, where you can enjoy the scenic Virginia Beach Boardwalk and the tranquil Sandbridge Beach. Adventure seekers will appreciate the close proximity of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, an amusement park perfect for family fun. For those who love the outdoors, Shenandoah National Park provides stunning scenery and adventure opportunities just a short drive away. A car hire allows for convenient travel between popular cities such as Richmond, known for Broad Street and Maymont Park, and Williamsburg, home to the historic Jamestown Settlement. This flexibility means you can manage your luggage easily and tailor your travel plans to suit your interests, whether it be outdoor activities or family experiences. Overall, renting a car in Virginia enhances your sightseeing experience, making it simpler to explore the diverse attractions the state has to offer.

Most popular car hires in Virginia

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers and provides space for up to 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for a comfortable ride while exploring Virginia. Its roomy interior ensures everyone can travel together with their luggage, making it a popular choice for those who value both space and convenience.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV also accommodates 5 travellers but offers space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This makes it a great choice for couples, families, or groups seeking a balance between comfort and manoeuvrability. The standard SUV is versatile enough for various journeys, providing ample room for passengers while remaining easy to drive in both urban and rural settings.
• Fullsize: With room for 5 travellers and space for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize car is ideal for families or larger groups. This option combines generous cargo capacity with comfort, making it suitable for longer trips around Virginia where ample storage and passenger space are essential. It's a reliable choice for those looking to travel together with ease.

Where to stay in Virginia

• Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach is ideal for those seeking outdoor, romantic, or family experiences. Located near the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, this area is perfect for leisurely strolls and offers a variety of dining options, including sweet treats and wineries. Sandbridge Beach is also nearby, providing a serene beach holiday atmosphere. For nature enthusiasts, First Landing State Park offers outdoor activities and beautiful scenery.
• Williamsburg: Williamsburg is known for its family-friendly and adventurous atmosphere. Visitors can explore Busch Gardens Williamsburg, an amusement park that caters to outdoor and family holidays. The historic sites, such as Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne, add a cultural dimension to your stay. This city is also close to various wineries and sweet treat options, making it a delightful destination for all ages.
• Richmond: Richmond serves as a vibrant metropolis, perfect for family, business, and city-themed experiences. Broad Street is a bustling area with shopping centres and restaurants. For sports enthusiasts, the Richmond Raceway provides an exciting venue for motor racing events. Additionally, Maymont Park offers a peaceful retreat with beautifully landscaped gardens, suitable for a leisurely day out.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Virginia

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're seeking an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles tend to be more affordable to rent and are easier to manoeuvre and park in busy locations. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters aged over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others might provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals with unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required when renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in Virginia

The best value period to rent a car in Virginia is October, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. This is closely followed by November, which also offers similar pricing and demand levels. Mid-range value months include January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high pricing and moderately high demand, making it the busiest time for rentals in the state.