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Compare rental cars from leading brands in Chesapeake, VA with Road Genius. From small economy cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up downtown to dodge airport surcharges or collect your ride at Norfolk International Airport for 24/7 service, then cruise the Chesapeake Expressway toward the Outer Banks or visit the Great Dismal Swamp and Norfolk at your own pace.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
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| Chesapeake City Locations |
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| Norfolk International Airport (ORF) |
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| Portsmouth/Suffolk Locations |
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On average, car rentals in Chesapeake cost around $72 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $28 per day.
Pick up in Chesapeake, not at Norfolk Airport – city branches are usually 10-15 % cheaper because you dodge airport concession fees. A short ride-share from ORF can still come out ahead.
Lock in summer/holiday rentals early if you're hitting the Outer Banks or July 4th week. Prices spike fast for those dates; off-peak months are calmer so you can watch rates and rebook if they drop.
Play with pickup day & length – mid-week start times often cost less than Friday pickups, and a 7-day "weekly" rate can beat paying 5–6 individual days.
Compare toll routes before paying for a transponder add-on. If you'll stay local, you can avoid most tolls via the High Rise Bridge and free parkways and skip the daily gadget fee.
| Location | Rates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake Shopping Centers | Free parking | Greenbrier Mall, Chesapeake Square and other shopping centers |
| City Park | Free parking | Parking available at city parks like Chesapeake City Park |
| Great Bridge Lock Park | Free parking | Waterfront park with boat launch |
| Great Dismal Swamp | Free parking at visitor center | Limited spaces available |
| Downtown Chesapeake | Free parking at municipal center | Limited street parking in small downtown area |
Speed limits:
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge – trails, Lake Drummond
Virginia Beach Oceanfront – boardwalk, beaches
Historic Williamsburg – Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens
Outer Banks, NC – Corolla, Nags Head
Downtown Norfolk – waterfront, museums, dining
Portsmouth Olde Towne – riverside district, galleries
Is a car necessary in Chesapeake?
Yes, you'll definitely need a car. Chesapeake is a large city that's spread out over suburbs and countryside. It has very little public transportation and places are far apart.
What's the best route to the Outer Banks from Chesapeake?
You should take VA-168 South (Chesapeake Expressway), which turns into NC-158 and goes to the Outer Banks. This is a toll road in Virginia. The toll costs between $3 and $8, depending on the season. On summer Saturday mornings, you'll find heavy traffic heading south.
Are there any free alternatives to the toll tunnels between Chesapeake and Portsmouth/Norfolk?
Yes, you can use the High Rise Bridge (I-64) instead of the Downtown/Midtown Tunnels. Another route is the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge, but it also charges a toll. Keep in mind these routes might take you longer, depending on where you're headed.
What's the best time to travel to avoid traffic?
If you're driving to or from the Outer Banks in the summer, try to stay off the Chesapeake Expressway on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. For daily commutes, I-64 and Military Highway get backed up during rush hour, from 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM on weekdays.
Do I need an SUV or special vehicle for driving in Chesapeake?
No, a standard car will work just fine for all normal driving in Chesapeake. The area is flat and the roads are well-kept. The only time you might want a vehicle that sits higher off the ground is if you plan to visit some of the far-off parts of the Great Dismal Swamp.
How do I handle electronic tolls in a rental car?
Most rental companies let you sign up for a toll program that costs a small amount each day. If you don't sign up, the toll cameras will bill the rental company. Then the company will charge you for the toll and an extra service fee. If you plan to use the tunnels a lot, you should ask for a rental car that has an E-ZPass or sign up for the company's toll program.
Where is the best place to get gas before I return my rental car?
If you're returning your car to Norfolk Airport, you can find several gas stations on Military Highway and Norview Avenue nearby. If you're returning it to a place in Chesapeake, you'll find plenty of gas stations on Battlefield Boulevard and Greenbrier Parkway.
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