EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in Asheville is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands around North Carolina with no booking fees. Pick up your ride right after landing at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) or choose lower off-airport rates downtown, then head for the Blue Ridge Parkway on your own schedule.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) | • Immediate car pickup after flight • Well-stocked from major brands • Staff hours align to flight schedules • No shuttle needed |
• 11% concession fee and facility charges ($4-$6) • Can be busy when multiple flights arrive • Higher pricing due to airport fees |
| Downtown/Off-Airport | • Lower base rates (no airport fee) • Similar vehicle selection • Possibly shorter lines |
• Requires transportation from airport (15-20 min) • Limited hours (many close by 5-6 PM) • May be closed on Sundays |
Airport Rental Companies: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National/Alamo and Dollar/Thrifty
On average, car rentals in Asheville cost around $58 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $34 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown quotes – skipping AVL's 11 % concession fee and $4-$6/day facility charge can more than cover a 15-min rideshare to an off-airport desk.
Time your booking to the season – reserve 4-8 weeks ahead for summer or October foliage, but in winter or early spring watch for cheaper last-minute drops.
Shift your pickup day – starting on a Monday or Tuesday often dodges weekend surcharges and drops the daily rate.
Check weekly pricing – renting 5-7 days as a "weekly" can undercut six separate daily rates.
Downtown Asheville Parking:
Metered street parking: Hourly rate with a 2-hour limit
Enforcement: Monday-Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM
Driving Rules:
Speed Limits:
Local Regulations:
Get a car so you can get to:
Blue Ridge Parkway – Folk Art Center, Craggy Gardens, Mt. Mitchell
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome
Pisgah National Forest – Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Davidson River
Cherokee – Oconaluftee Indian Village, Museum of the Cherokee Indian
What documents do I need to rent a car in Asheville?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you plan to turn down the rental company's insurance, have your own auto-insurance policy info handy. Visitors from other countries need a passport and a valid license from their home country. You also need an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.
Is there a minimum age to rent a car in Asheville?
Most major rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old. They also charge a "young driver" fee of about $25 per day for drivers who are 21 to 24.
Do I need an AWD/4WD vehicle in Asheville?
You probably don't need one for most of the year. A standard car can handle all paved roads just fine. We only recommend AWD/4WD if you visit in the winter or plan to explore unpaved forest roads.
How far in advance should I book a rental car?
You should book at least 1–2 months ahead for summer trips (June–August) and for the fall color season in October. For winter trips (not including holidays), you can often find a car even right before you arrive.
Are there any toll roads around Asheville?
You won't find any toll roads in the Asheville area or in Western North Carolina. Major highways like I-26, I-40 and the Blue Ridge Parkway are all free to use.
What should I do if my rental car breaks down?
You should call the rental company's roadside help number, which you'll find on your rental papers. If you're in a dangerous spot or it's an emergency, call 911. When you're on a North Carolina highway, you can also dial HP (47) to get help from the Highway Patrol.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support