Compare Car Rental New Bern, NC

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Compare car rental prices from major suppliers in New Bern, 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 Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) or downtown, then cruise US-70 to the Crystal Coast or explore Tryon Palace and the district.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 539604

New Bern offers both airport and in-town rental options:

Location	Pros	Cons	Additional Information
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN)	• On-site rentals from major brands • Quick pickup process • Aligned with flight schedules	• Potentially higher rates with airport fees • Limited flight schedule • Smaller vehicle selection	• Agencies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National • Rental desks in terminal • Cars in adjacent lots (walking distance) • After-hours return available
New Bern City	• Potentially lower rates • Convenient for downtown stays • Local service options	• Limited hours (standard business hours) • Transportation needed from airport • Fewer vehicle choices	• Enterprise on Hwy 70 • Other local providers may be available • Mostly weekday business hours and limited weekend service

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car at New Bern Airport?

On average, car rentals at New Bern Airport cost around $58 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.

How to pay less?

Check both airport (EWN) and in-town pick-ups. Downtown counters often skip airport surcharges and can be a quick Uber ride away.
Shift your dates out of peak beach season. June–August is prime Crystal Coast time; sliding your rental to early May or late September can drop the rate without sacrificing weather.
Price a full week even if you only need 5-6 days. Weekly tariffs in New Bern regularly beat shorter rentals. Set flexible dates in the search box and see what pops.
Downsize smartly. New Bern's historic core has tight streets and plenty of free parking lots, so a compact car usually does the job and costs less to rent and refuel.
Refuel in town, not at the airport. Stations along US-70 charge local prices; topping off there avoids steep airport pump fees.

Local Parking and Driving

Area	Type	Info	Notes
Downtown New Bern	Street and lots	Mostly free but time-limited	• 2-hour limits on main streets • Free public lots near waterfront • Convention center has extra spaces
Tryon Palace Area	Designated lots	Free museum parking	• Palace has its own lot • Extra street spaces nearby • Convenient for history district
Union Point Park	Park lot	Free city park	• Waterfront park at river confluence • Limited spaces during events • Good starting point for downtown walks
Mall/Shopping Areas	Open lots	Free, no time limits	• New Bern Mall and other retail centers • Plenty of free spaces • No time limits

Downtown Navigation: New Bern's historic district has a grid layout that's easy to navigate. Most attractions are within walking distance once you've parked, so consider leaving your car in one spot to explore downtown on foot.

Speed Limits: 25-35 mph in downtown and residential areas, 45 mph on major arteries, 55 mph on highways outside city limits unless posted otherwise.
Historic District: Narrow streets in the historic district require cautious driving. Watch for pedestrians and horse-drawn carriage tours.
Move Over Law: When emergency vehicles are stopped and flashing lights, move over one lane or slow down significantly.
School Buses: Traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus extends its stop arm on two-lane roads.
River Areas: Watch for reduced speed zones near waterfront areas and bridges.

Why rent a car in New Bern

Get a car to visit:

Atlantic Beach – Crystal Coast beaches
Beaufort – NC Maritime Museum
Oriental – harbor town
Croatan National Forest – trailheads and campgrounds
Ocracoke via Cedar Island ferry – Outer Banks entry
Kinston – Chef & the Farmer restaurant

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from New Bern

FAQs

How does the Cedar Island ferry system work with a rental car?

You can take rental cars on the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry. The ferry costs $15 for a standard car up to 20 feet long (driver included) and the trip takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. We strongly suggest you make a reservation, especially in the summer. In the busy season from June to August, you should book your ferry several weeks in advance. You can check the NCDOT Ferry Division website for current schedules, prices and to make a reservation.

Is New Bern walkable once I've parked my car?

Yes, downtown New Bern is very easy to walk around. The historic district covers about 8 to 10 blocks, and you can walk to nearly all the attractions. Many visitors park their car just once and explore on foot. Major sites like Tryon Palace, the waterfront, shops, restaurants and the Birthplace of Pepsi are all in a small area. You will need a car to explore anything beyond downtown.

What's the best route to the beaches from New Bern?

The main road to the Crystal Coast beaches is US-70 East. The drive from New Bern to Atlantic Beach takes about 45 minutes. To get to Emerald Isle, you'll continue past Morehead City and take NC-58 South across the bridge. Watch out for heavy traffic on summer weekends, especially on Saturday mornings going to the beaches and Sunday afternoons coming back.

Are there any tolls or fees when driving around New Bern?

You won't find any toll roads right around New Bern. The only fees you might pay for travel are for ferries, if you head to the Outer Banks. The Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry, for example, charges about $15 for a standard car. All the bridges and highways around New Bern are free for you to use.

What should I know about navigating New Bern's historic district?

In New Bern's historic district, the streets are narrow and laid out in a grid. Most streets are two-way, but a few are one-way, so you'll need to watch for signs. The speed limit downtown is usually 25 mph. Be sure to look out for horse-drawn carriage tours, especially around Tryon Palace. You can usually find parking on side streets, and the easiest spots to get are around Union Point Park. During events like MumFest (October) or Beary Merry Christmas (December), expect more foot traffic, so you might want to park a little outside of downtown.

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