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Concord offers multiple car rental options, from the local Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) to city locations and the nearby Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) | • On-site rental counters (Avis, Budget, Enterprise) • Small terminal means minimal wait times • Close to Charlotte Motor Speedway • No shuttle needed |
• Limited commercial flights (mainly Allegiant) • Rental counters only staff around flight arrivals • Smaller fleet selection • May need to call ahead for off-schedule arrivals |
| Concord City Locations | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Local Enterprise and Hertz offices along Concord Pkwy • Enterprise offers free pickup service • Better rates for longer rentals |
• Limited business hours (usually 8AM-6PM weekdays) • No after-hours pickup • Smaller vehicle selection • Reservations strongly recommended |
| Charlotte Douglas Int'l Airport (CLT) | • Multiple rental companies • Larger fleet and more vehicle options • Extended hours for late arrivals • Greater availability |
• 25-30 miles (40-48 km) from Concord (30-40 minute drive) • Airport surcharges increase base rates • Can be busy, leading to longer wait times • Additional transportation cost to reach Concord |
On average, car rentals in Concord (NC) cost around $57 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $21 per day.
Compare pickup spots: City locations along Concord Pkwy usually beat airport rates because there's no airport surcharge. Use their free hotel pickup but plan around the 8 AM-6 PM hours.
Race weekends = surge pricing: NASCAR weeks in May and October send prices soaring. Lock something months out with free cancellation, then re-shop closer to the date.
Off-peak wins: January–February is Concord's quiet season. If your schedule is flexible, shifting into these months can shave 30 - 40 % off the daily rate.
Stretch to a weekly rate: Rentals of 5-7 days often undercut 3-4 daily rates. Always run the numbers for both options in the comparison search.
Where You Can Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Traffic Considerations:
Get a car to visit:
Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR races, zMAX Dragway
Concord Mills – outlet shopping, SEA LIFE Aquarium
Downtown Charlotte – museums, Bank of America Stadium, Spectrum Center
Lake Norman – waterfront parks, marinas

When should I book a rental car if visiting during a NASCAR race weekend?
You should book your car as far in advance as possible, ideally 2-3 months before the race. Rental companies sell out of cars quickly and their rates go up a lot as the race gets closer.
Can I pick up a rental car in Concord and return it at Charlotte Douglas Airport?
Yes, most major rental companies will let you rent a car one-way between Concord and Charlotte, but they might charge you a drop fee. Make sure to ask about availability when you book.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Concord?
Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old. They also add an extra charge of about $20-30 per day for drivers under 25.
How do I handle tolls when driving between Concord and Charlotte?
The I-77 Express Lanes south of Concord are toll lanes. Rental companies usually offer toll packages. You can also choose to pay by your license plate, but the rental company might add extra fees for processing it.
Is public transportation an option instead of renting a car in Concord?
Public transportation is limited. Rider Transit provides bus service in Concord and to Kannapolis but does not connect directly to Charlotte. We highly recommend you rent a car to explore areas outside of central Concord.
Are there any scenic drives near Concord worth taking?
Yes. The drive on NC-73 heading west toward Lake Norman has pleasant views. The drive to Gold Hill, a historic mining town, is also scenic. If you like wine, you can take a relaxing drive through the Cabarrus County wine country.