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Greensboro offers several convenient car rental locations to meet various traveler needs:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Piedmont Triad Int'l Airport (GSO) |
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| Downtown Greensboro |
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| Wendover Avenue/Suburban |
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Major Rental Companies: Greensboro hosts all major rental companies. The airport location features Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty. City locations primarily include Enterprise, Hertz and Avis/Budget.
On average, car rentals in Greensboro cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $32 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickup – airport counters add about 10-15 % in fees, yet downtown branches close earlier. Price both and pick the combo of rate plus convenience that wins for your schedule.
Furniture Market or graduation in town? Book early with free cancellation – rates jump fast during those weeks so locking something 2-3 weeks out keeps you covered while letting you re-shop if prices drop.
Shift your rental dates – starting on a Monday or Tuesday often costs less than a Friday pickup, and mid-week traffic is lighter for the 20-minute drive from GSO into town.
Grab a car with unlimited mileage if you plan side trips to Winston-Salem, High Point or the NC Zoo. Paying per mile wipes out any small daily savings.
Fuel up away from the airport – stations on Wendover Avenue (including membership clubs) run the cheapest gas in Greensboro, saving a few bucks on every fill-up.
Use free or discounted parking – downtown garages charge $1 an hour with daily max $8-10 and the Greene Street garage gives the first hour free, so no need to feed pricey hotel valet meters.
Greensboro Parking Options:
| Parking Type | Rates | Hours | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Garages | Hourly and daily rates | 24/7 in most locations | Some city garages offer a free initial period |
| Street Meters | Hourly rates | Mon–Fri, 8 am–6 pm | Free evenings and weekends |
| Surface Lots | Daily rates | Varies by lot | Scattered throughout downtown |
| University Areas | Visitor permits, daily rates | Varies by campus | Strictly enforced during business hours |
| Shopping Centers | Free | Mall/Store hours | Abundant free spaces at commercial areas |
Parking Tips:
Traffic Rules and Regulations:
Toll Roads: Greensboro currently does not have toll roads in the immediate vicinity, which makes driving simpler without transponder concerns.
Rent a car to get to:
Greensboro Coliseum Complex – sports events, concerts
Friendly Shopping Center – retail center
High Point – furniture showrooms
Winston-Salem – Old Salem district, arts venues
North Carolina Zoo – Asheboro
Chapel Hill – university campus, dining

Is it necessary to have a car in Greensboro?
Yes, for most visitors. Downtown is somewhat walkable, but most attractions, shopping centers, universities and business districts are spread out. We highly recommend you rent a car to get around.
How is parking in downtown Greensboro?
You'll find plenty of parking in downtown Greensboro at reasonable prices. Several public garages charge about $1 per hour and have daily maximums of $8–10. Street parking costs $0.50–1.00 per hour and is free on evenings and weekends.
What's the best way to get between Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point?
You can take I-40 to get between Greensboro and Winston-Salem (about 35–45 minutes). To reach High Point from Greensboro, take I-40 West to Business 85 South (about 20–25 minutes). These are the fastest routes between the Triad cities.
Is Greensboro a good base for exploring other parts of North Carolina?
Yes. Greensboro is centrally located, so you can easily get to other places in North Carolina. The Research Triangle (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill) is 1–1.5 hours east, Charlotte is about 1.5 hours southwest and the mountains are 2–3 hours west.
How difficult is driving around Greensboro?
Most people find Greensboro easy to drive in because it has less traffic than larger cities. Downtown has some one-way streets and you'll need to pay attention at the I-40/I-85 split, but overall it's simple to get around using the highways.
Where can I find the most affordable gas prices in Greensboro?
You'll usually find the lowest prices at wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam's Club (both on Wendover Avenue), but you need a membership to buy gas there. Otherwise, gas stations in neighborhoods away from the highways are often cheaper than stations on major roads.
Do I need to worry about toll roads in Greensboro?
No. You won't find any toll roads in Greensboro or the nearby Triad area, so you don't have to worry about paying tolls or needing a transponder.
What should I know about driving during Furniture Market?
The High Point Furniture Market happens every April and October and brings thousands of visitors to the area. You should expect more traffic, higher demand and prices for rental cars and busier restaurants all over the Triad. If you're visiting during Market weeks, make sure you book your rental car far in advance.