EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rentals from major brands in Charlotte, NC with Road Genius. From small economy cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up your ride at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), or choose Uptown and suburban counters to avoid airport fees, then hop on I-77, I-85 or the I-485 loop to reach Bank of America Stadium, Lake Norman or the NASCAR Speedway in under an hour.
Charlotte offers several convenient rental locations to suit different travel needs:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) |
|
|
| Uptown Charlotte |
|
|
| Suburban Locations |
|
|
On average, car rentals in Charlotte cost around $61 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $17 per day.
Compare pick-up spots – CLT Airport is super handy but adds ≈10 % concession tax plus ~$4-5/day facility fee. A quick rideshare to Uptown or a suburban branch can slash the base rate.
Watch the calendar, not just the clock – prices jump for NASCAR race weeks, summer vacation and Panthers home games. Grab a free-cancellation deal 2-4 weeks ahead, then re-check and re-book if the cost dips.
Shift your rental window – midweek pick-ups and returns in Charlotte usually cost less than a Friday or Sunday start. Even moving your booking by a day can save real money.
Go smaller unless you truly need the space – compacts and midsize sedans rent cheaper, sip less gas and slide into Uptown parking garages without drama.
Refuel near the airport – top off at stations on Little Rock Rd or Wilkinson Blvd (5-10 min from CLT) and dodge the pricey refueling surcharge.
Use parking perks – street meters are free evenings and weekends, and SpotHero/ParkMobile often beat drive-up garage rates.
Uptown Charlotte Parking:
| Parking Type | Rates | Hours | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Garages | Varies | 24/7 in most locations | Lower evening and weekend rates available in some decks |
| Street Meters | Varies | Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm | Free nights and weekends; use ParkMobile app for payment |
| Surface Lots | Varies | Varies by lot | Lower rates than garages; some offer event pricing |
| Hotel Parking | Varies | 24/7 | Many Uptown hotels charge for overnight parking; confirm when booking |
Parking Tips:
Traffic Rules and Regulations:
A rental car lets you easily reach the city's spread-out highlights and nearby escapes.
US National Whitewater Center – recreation facility
Lake Norman
Charlotte Motor Speedway & Concord Mills – racing venue, outlet mall
Carowinds – theme park
SouthPark – shopping district
Davidson, Huntersville – towns
Is it necessary to have a car in Charlotte?
Yes, most visitors will need one. You can walk around Uptown Charlotte and use the light rail, but most attractions, shops and business areas are spread throughout the city and suburbs. This makes a rental car the most practical choice.
How bad is traffic in Charlotte?
During rush hour (7-9 am and 4-6 pm), your drive can take an extra 15-45 minutes, especially on I-77 north of Uptown and I-85 northeast of Center City. Thursday evenings usually have the worst traffic.
Where can I find the cheapest parking in Uptown Charlotte?
You'll find the best deals at surface lots on the edge of Uptown, which cost around $10 a day. For short visits, street meters are a cheap option at $1-1.50 an hour and are free in the evenings and on weekends.
What's the best route from the airport to Uptown?
The most direct way is to take Wilkinson Boulevard to I-277, which takes about 15-20 minutes when there's no traffic. During rush hour, you can take Billy Graham Parkway to I-77 instead.
Do I need to consider toll roads when driving in Charlotte?
The main toll road you'll find is the I-77 Express Lanes. You don't have to use these lanes, as they run next to the regular free lanes. If you want to avoid paying tolls, just stay in the regular lanes.
What should I know about driving to NASCAR events?
Events at the Charlotte Motor Speedway cause a lot of traffic, especially on race days. You should allow at least 1-2 hours of extra travel time. Also, try taking other routes like I-485 instead of I-85 and book parking in advance if you can.
Can I pick up a rental car in Charlotte and drop it off in another city?
Yes, most rental companies let you do one-way rentals. If you drop the car off somewhere else in North Carolina, the fee is usually not too high. For longer trips to cities like Atlanta or Washington, DC, you should expect to pay a higher one-way fee.
Are there any driving restrictions or zones I should be aware of in Charlotte?
Charlotte doesn't have any special zones where you have to pay to drive, like some European cities. However, you will see HOV lanes on some parts of I-77. During posted hours, you need at least two people in your car to use them.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support