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| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe Local Offices | • Often lower rates (no airport fees) • Enterprise location on US-74 • Hertz at Monroe Executive Airport (for general aviation) • Enterprise offers free pickup service • Less crowded than airport locations |
• Very limited vehicle selection • Restricted hours (usually 8AM-6PM weekdays, limited weekend hours) • No after-hours pickup • May sell out during busy periods • Prior reservation strongly recommended |
| Charlotte Douglas Int'l Airport (CLT) | • Multiple rental companies • Larger fleet and more vehicle options • Extended hours for late arrivals • Greater availability |
• Approximately 30 miles (48 km) from Monroe (40-50 minute drive) • Airport surcharges increase base rates • Can be busy and have longer wait times • Additional transportation cost to reach Monroe |
On average, car rentals in Monroe (NC) cost around $61 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $17 per day.
Skip the airport fees – quotes from Monroe's in-town counters are usually cheaper than Charlotte Douglas Airport, if you can live with shorter hours and smaller fleets.
Play with pickup/return times – nudging your trip into a full 7-day or weekend window can trigger cheaper weekly or promo rates.
Peak dates (Wingate events, Thanksgiving, Christmas) – lock in a free-cancel reservation 2-3 weeks early, then price-check again a few days out and rebook if rates fall.
Use membership codes – AAA, AARP, Costco and many corporate IDs slash 5-10 % off when you plug them into the comparison search.
Refuel yourself – fill up at the cheaper gas stations on US-74 before dropping the car to dodge pricey prepaid fuel.
Compare one-way vs. round-trip – if you're flying out of CLT, weigh the drop fee against the cost (and time) of back-tracking 30 miles (48 km) to Monroe.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Road:
Rent a car so you can easily:
Downtown Charlotte – sports venues, museums, nightlife
Wingate University – campus, sports events, graduations
Concord Mills Mall – outlet shopping, dining
Union County countryside – farm markets, orchards, country roads

Can I pick up a rental car in Monroe and return it at Charlotte Airport?
Yes, most major rental companies let you rent a car one-way from Monroe to Charlotte, but they might charge an extra drop-off fee. Many visitors flying out of Charlotte find this option useful.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Monroe?
Most rental companies need you to be at least 21 years old. They also charge drivers under 25 an extra fee of about $20 to $30 per day.
How do I handle tolls on the Monroe Expressway in a rental car?
You have three options: 1) Use the rental company's toll program for a daily fee plus tolls, 2) Use your own transponder if it works with NC Quick Pass or 3) Pay by mail. Rental companies usually add extra fees for the pay-by-mail option.
Is public transportation an option instead of renting a car in Monroe?
Monroe has very little public transportation. The CATS Route 74X bus runs to Charlotte on weekdays, but to explore Monroe and the areas around it, we highly recommend you rent a car.
Are there any scenic drives near Monroe worth taking?
Yes, you can find nice drives through the countryside in rural Union County. The route on NC-75 east of Monroe shows you rural scenery and US-601 south toward Pageland, SC is a relaxing drive through farmland.
What should I know about parking in downtown Monroe?
In downtown Monroe, you can find free parking on the street and in public lots, but some spots have time limits during business hours. Once you park, you can easily walk to most downtown businesses and explore the historic district on foot.