






Find low car rental prices at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no reservation fees. All the big agencies like Hertz, Enterprise and Budget sit right by baggage claim, so you can grab your keys and walk to your car in minutes. Hit I-26 for downtown Asheville, Biltmore Estate or the Blue Ridge Parkway and get on the road fast.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Car rental counters are located inside the terminal, adjacent to baggage claim |
| Vehicle Access | Rental cars are parked just outside the terminal, a very short walk from counters |
| Operating Hours | Counters remain open until the last scheduled flight arrives |
| Rental Companies | Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National/Alamo and Dollar/Thrifty |
| Wait Times | Usually short, though potential delays when multiple flights arrive simultaneously |
Terminal Layout Tips:
On average, car rentals at Asheville Airport cost around $60 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $31 per day.
Compare on-airport vs downtown pickup: downtown Asheville locations skip the 11% airport concession fee; a ~$25 rideshare can be cheaper than paying that surcharge on rentals longer than 3-4 days.
Tweak dates and car class in the search: moving pickup/return by a day or choosing a compact instead of an SUV can shave $10-$30 per day off AVL quotes.
Check weekly rates even for 4-6 day trips: AVL suppliers often discount full‐week rentals, so adding an extra day can cost less than paying the strict daily rate.
Book early only for peak times (summer and leaf season): prices jump fast June-Oct, but in quieter winter months last-minute deals are common.
Fill up on Airport Road before dropping off: local pumps are far cheaper than the rental company's refuel option, and they are only 1-2 miles (2-3 km) from the return lot.
Stack free memberships or coupons: AAA, warehouse clubs and airline mileage codes usually combine with our comparison pricing for extra dollars off.
Airport Vicinity Orientation:
Nearby Services:
Get a car to easily:
Downtown Asheville – music venues, craft breweries
Biltmore Estate – mansion, gardens
Blue Ridge Parkway – overlooks, trailheads
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – hiking, wildlife

Do I need a reservation at AVL or can I walk up?
We strongly recommend you make a reservation, especially during busy times like summer and fall. You can sometimes rent a car without a reservation when it's less busy, but you'll usually pay more.
How early should I arrive for my rental car pickup?
You should head to the rental counter right after you get your bags. During busy seasons like summer and fall, it can take you 15-30 minutes to get your car.
Can I pick up my rental car after my late-night flight arrival?
Yes, the rental companies at AVL keep their counters open until the last flight of the day lands. If your flight is very late, you should call your rental company to make sure they will wait for you.
Is there a grace period for returns at AVL?
Most rental companies give you a 29-minute grace period, but you should check their rules. If you return the car even 30 minutes late, they might charge you for a whole extra day, especially when they're busy.
Are there electric vehicle (EV) rental options at AVL?
You might find a few EV rentals, but the airport doesn't have as many options as larger airports do. The area is getting more charging stations, but they are farther apart in the mountains. You should plan where you'll charge your car before you start driving.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
When you book, give the rental company your flight number so they can track your flight. The major rental companies at AVL watch for flight delays and usually hold cars for customers on delayed flights.