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Find lower car rental prices in Charlottesville with Road Genius. Check rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and reserve with no reservation fees. Compare live deals from Hertz, Enterprise, Budget and other brands at Charlottesville Airport CHO, downtown and UVA pickup spots in one quick search. Pick the ride that suits your Blue Ridge itinerary, whether you are heading to Monticello or cruising Skyline Drive.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville Airport (CHO) | • Several major rental agencies on-site • Convenient for air travelers • Simple, small airport for quick processing • Open for all scheduled flights |
• Limited selection of vehicles • Slightly higher rates than in-town locations • Airport surcharges (around 10-15%) • Fewer budget rental options |
| Downtown/UVA Area | • Often lower base rates • No airport fees • Convenient for those already in town • Some offer local pickup service |
• Limited hours (usually 8 AM-6 PM weekdays) • Smaller fleet and selection • No after-hours pickup • Limited Sunday hours or closed |
| Shopping Centers | • Ample parking • Extended hours at some locations • Often located near hotels |
• Transportation needed to reach location • May require advance reservation • Limited weekend staffing |
On average, car rentals in Charlottesville cost around $68 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $27 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickups – in-town counters are typically 10-15 % cheaper because they skip CHO's surcharges. A quick rideshare from the airport can still leave you ahead.
Dodge UVA surge dates – prices jump for graduation (May), move-in (Aug) and home football weekends. Shifting pickup by a day or two can slash the rate.
Play with pickup/drop-off days – weekend rentals (Fri-Mon) sometimes undercut mid-week prices. Run a few date combos in the search box.
Choose the smallest car that fits your crew – everything from Monticello to the wineries is on paved roads. Economy cars are cheaper and easier to park downtown.
Grab a weekly rate for 5-7-day trips – Charlottesville agencies often price a 7-day bundle lower than six separate daily charges.
Fill up on Route 29 before you return – local stations charge normal pump prices and save you the $9-10 per gallon refuel fee at the counter.
| Area | Type | Hours | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Mall | Public garages | 24/7 | Paid (hourly and daily maximum) | Market Street and Water Street garages are the most convenient |
| Downtown Mall | Street parking | Varies | Free but time-limited | 2-hour limits in most areas; enforced Mon-Sat 8 AM–6 PM |
| University of Virginia | Visitor lots/garages | Varies | Paid (hourly) | Central Grounds Garage is the main option |
| Shopping centers | Parking lots | Center hours | Free | Plenty at Barracks Road, Stonefield, Fashion Square |
| Residential areas | Street parking | Varies | Free but restricted | Permit zones in many neighborhoods near UVA |
Key regulations:
A rental car lets you easily reach the historic sites, mountain roads and vineyards spread across central Virginia.
Monticello – Thomas Jefferson estate
Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive entry
Virginia wine country – Albemarle wineries
Blue Ridge Parkway – overlooks
University of Virginia – campus
Richmond – museums restaurants
What documents do I need to rent a car in Charlottesville?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name and proof of insurance if you turn down the rental company's coverage. If you're visiting from another country, you should bring a passport and an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
Is it better to rent at CHO Airport or in Charlottesville?
Renting at CHO airport is convenient if you're flying in, but it can cost a little more. If you arrive by train or bus, renting from a location in town will be easier. Rental places at the airport also stay open longer than the ones in the city.
What's the best vehicle for exploring wineries and mountain roads?
A midsize car works fine for most people on paved roads. If you plan to visit wineries on gravel roads or drive in the mountains in winter, you might want a small SUV. They have better ground clearance and all-wheel drive is a good idea.
Where should I park when visiting the Downtown Mall?
You can find convenient covered parking at the Market Street Garage and the Water Street Garage. They usually give you the first hour for free. After that, they charge about $1 per hour, up to about $12 for the day. You should check the posted rates, since they can change. You can also find some free street parking, but there are 2-hour limits on weekdays and Saturdays.
How do I get to Monticello from Charlottesville?
Monticello is about 5 miles (8 km) from downtown Charlottesville. You can get there by taking VA-20 South (Monticello Avenue) and following the signs to the visitor center. Your admission ticket includes parking. Your GPS might not be accurate, so if you get confused, just follow the brown historical marker signs.
Is it difficult to drive on Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway?
These scenic roads are well-kept two-lane highways that have gentle curves and speed limits of 35-45 mph. You can drive on them in any standard car when the weather is good. Parts of Skyline Drive may close after heavy snow or ice, so you should check road conditions before you go. During the fall color season in October, expect heavy traffic and limited parking at overlooks.
Where can I find parking near the University of Virginia?
The main place for visitors to park is the Central Grounds Garage on Emmet Street. If you're only staying for a short time, you can find some metered spaces on streets near Grounds. Many university lots don't allow visitor parking on weekdays, but they open up to visitors after 5 PM and on weekends.
What should I know about driving to wineries?
You can find Virginia's wine region all around Charlottesville, and you can reach most wineries in less than a 45-minute drive. Some wineries are on unpaved roads that may be rough, but you can usually drive on them in any car. Your cell service may be spotty, so you should download maps or directions before you leave. Always have a designated driver because tasting rooms usually serve 4-6 wine samples per visit.
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