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Compare car rental prices from leading providers in Jacksonville, NC with Road Genius. From small economy cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Albert J. Ellis Airport or an in-town branch, tap any available military discount and be on the road to Camp Lejeune, North Topsail Beach or Wilmington in minutes.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 689784

Jacksonville offers both airport and in-town rental options:

Location	Pros	Cons	Additional Information
Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ)	• Six major agencies on-site • Convenient for air travelers • Cars parked just outside terminal	• Higher rates due to airport fees • 13 miles (21 km) from Jacksonville • Limited flight schedule	• Agencies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National • Counters near baggage claim • No shuttle needed to access cars • After-hours return via drop box
Jacksonville City	• Often lower rates than airport • Convenient for base visitors • Local service focus	• Limited weekend hours • Fewer vehicle options • Transportation needed from airport	• Enterprise (primary provider) • Some locations cater to military personnel • Taxi/rideshare from airport costs $25-30 • Business hours operation

Military Note: Many rental companies offer military discounts. Always ask about special rates when booking if you have military ID or are visiting someone on base.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Jacksonville, NC?

On average, car rentals in Jacksonville (NC) cost around $65 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $51 per day.

How to pay less?

Check city pick-ups vs. airport pick-ups. Downtown Jacksonville locations often beat OAJ airport prices by 10-20 percent. Even after a $25 rideshare from the terminal you can still come out ahead.
Leverage military ties. Showing a military ID or visiting a Marine on base? Ask for the military rate—most desks in this town have one, even for family members.
Know the calendar. July beach crowds and base graduation weeks spike prices. Book 3–4 weeks early for those dates, but in quieter winter months you can wait and snag cheaper walk-up deals.
Aim for a true weekly rental. Seven days often costs less than five or six. Extend or shorten your trip by a day if the math works.
Top off before you drop off. Fill up on NC-111 just outside Albert J. Ellis Airport to dodge the pricey refuel charge that hits many travelers.

Parking and Local Driving

Area	Parking Type	Description	Notes
Downtown Jacksonville	Street spots and public lots	Generally free but may have time limits	• Freedom Fountain area has dedicated spaces • Jacksonville Landing riverfront has free spots • Most retail areas have plenty of free spaces
Camp Lejeune Base	Designated visitor and facility areas	Follow posted rules	• Visitor center has spaces available • Different rules for different base areas • Don't use reserved spaces
Beaches & Recreation	Public access lots	Some paid spots during peak season	• Hammocks Beach State Park has free spaces • North Topsail Beach has public access lots • Ospreys Marina has dedicated areas
Western Boulevard	Shopping center lots	Free with no time limits	• Major retail corridor • Plenty of spaces at Jacksonville Mall • Restaurant clusters have dedicated lots

Base Parking: If visiting Camp Lejeune, ask your military contact about specific rules, as they vary by area of the base and can change based on security conditions.

Speed Limits: 35 mph in city areas, 45 mph on major roads, 55 mph on highways outside city limits unless posted otherwise.
Military Areas: Lower speed limits on base (usually 25-30 mph). Stop fully at all base security checkpoints.
Move Over Law: When emergency vehicles or military police are stopped and have flashing lights, move over one lane or slow down significantly.
Base Entry: Valid ID required for all base visitors. Vehicle may be searched. Follow all instructions from military police.
School Buses: Traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus extends its stop arm on two-lane roads.
Military Convoys: Give right of way to military vehicle convoys. Never cut between convoy vehicles.

Why rent a car in Jacksonville, NC

Get a car so you can visit:

Camp Lejeune – visitor center, museum
North Topsail Beach – public access lots
Emerald Isle – Bogue Inlet Pier
Swansboro – Hammocks Beach State Park
Wilmington – Riverwalk, Battleship North Carolina
New Bern – Tryon Palace grounds

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Jacksonville, NC

FAQs

What do I need to show to get on Camp Lejeune in a rental car?

To get on base, every adult in the car must show a valid photo ID issued by the government, like a state driver's license, a REAL ID–compliant license or a passport. You also need your rental agreement, since it works as your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. If you don't have a military ID, you must stop at the Visitor Center to get a temporary pass. The service member you're visiting may have to send your info in advance for a background check. Security rules can change, so you should check the base's current procedures before your trip.

Are there any places I can't take my rental car in the Jacksonville area?

Your rental agreement does not allow off-road driving. This includes driving on the sand at beaches like North Topsail Beach, even when they allow it between October and March. You can drive on all paved public roads and highways and you can enter Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River if you follow their rules. Always follow the terms of your rental contract and local laws.

What's the best way to avoid traffic around Camp Lejeune?

You should stay away from the main gate area during weekday rush hours, which are around 6:30–8:00 a.m. and 3:30–5:30 p.m. When you can, use other roads like NC-210, Piney Green Road or Gum Branch Road instead of NC-24. Traffic also gets very heavy during graduation ceremonies and when large units deploy or return home, so you should plan for extra travel time on those days.

Do I need a special vehicle type to drive in Jacksonville?

A regular sedan will work for almost anywhere you need to go, since the local roads are paved and in good shape. If you plan to bring beach gear or have several passengers, a mid-size SUV or a minivan can give you more comfort and space. But you don't need a special vehicle for everyday driving.

How do I rent a car at Albert J. Ellis Airport?

OAJ is a small and easy-to-use airport. You can find the rental counters inside the terminal near baggage claim. After you finish your paperwork, you just walk outside to the lot next door to pick up your car. You won't need to take a shuttle. The airport is about 13 miles (21 km) from downtown Jacksonville, which is around a 20-minute drive. If your flight is delayed, make sure you give your flight number when you reserve the car. This helps the agency hold the car for you.

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