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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find lower rental car prices in Richmond with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and make reservations with no reservation fees. Compare deals at Richmond International Airport (RIC) and downtown pickup spots, then book with free cancellation and a low price promise. Lock in the right ride early so you can cruise I-95 to Washington DC or drive to Shenandoah without last-minute stress.
Richmond offers multiple car rental locations, each offering distinct advantages depending on your arrival method and travel needs.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond International Airport (RIC) | • Nine major rental agencies on-site • Extended hours (usually 6 AM-midnight) • Larger vehicle selection • Newer vehicles • After-hours return available |
• Airport surcharges (10-30% higher) • Can be busy during peak flight arrivals (5-8 PM weekdays) |
| Downtown/City Locations | • Often lower base rates • No airport fees • Some offer free pickup service for nearby hotels |
• Limited hours (usually 8 AM-6 PM weekdays, shorter on weekends) • Smaller fleet and limited vehicle selection • No after-hours pickup • Car remains your responsibility during after-hours return until checked in |
On average, car rentals in Richmond cost around $68 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $27 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickups: City branches skip RIC's 10-30 % airport fees. A $15 rideshare to a downtown desk can be cheaper than paying those surcharges on a week-long rental.
Shift your dates: Rates often dip Tue-Thu while Fri-Mon pickups surge with beach and theme-park crowds. A one-day tweak can shave serious cash.
Peak season = book, then stalk: Summer and fall-foliage weekends sell out early around Richmond. Grab a free-cancellation deal 2-3 months out, set a price alert, and rebook if prices drop.
Bring your own toll solution: Richmond's Powhite and Downtown Expressway still take cash or your personal E-ZPass. Skip the rental company's $5/day toll package unless you're road-tripping all week.
Refuel smart: Top up at the Shell or Exxon on S. Airport Dr. (1-2 miles from RIC) and avoid the $9-10 per gallon "convenience" refill.
Join the free loyalty clubs: Even entry-level membership can let you bypass the counter and score upgrades, especially at quieter downtown locations.
| Area | Type | Hours | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Richmond | Street meters | Mon-Fri 8 AM-6 PM (varies) | Paid hourly | Some meters accept payment via smartphone app |
| Downtown Richmond | Public garages | 24/7 | Paid daily maximum | City Deck (7th & Marshall) convenient for Capitol |
| Residential areas (Fan, Museum District) | Street parking | Time limits vary | Free but time-limited | Watch for "2 Hour Parking, Permit Required" signs |
| Shopping centers | Lots | Business hours | Free | Plenty of spaces at Short Pump, Chesterfield Towne Center |
| Museums/Attractions | Dedicated lots | Venue hours | Varies | VMFA charges a flat fee; Maymont Park is free |
Speed limits: 25-35 mph city streets, 55 mph highways, 70 mph rural interstates (55-60 mph in urban areas)
Tolls: Several toll roads in the Richmond area:
Key regulations:
Book a rental to drive to:
Williamsburg – Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement
Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive, Appalachian trails
Washington, D.C. – Smithsonian museums, National Mall
Virginia Beach – Beaches, Boardwalk
Charlottesville – Monticello, Wineries
Blue Ridge Parkway – Overlooks, Trailheads
What documents do I need to rent a car in Richmond?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name and proof of insurance if you don't buy the rental company's coverage. If you're visiting from another country, you should also have your passport and an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
Can I pick up in Richmond and drop off in another city?
Yes, most major rental companies let you do one-way rentals, but they charge a fee. The fee is usually $50-300, depending on how far you go. You should book ahead of time because there might not be many cars available for one-way trips.
What are the age requirements for renting in Virginia?
Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old. They also charge an extra fee of about $30 per day for drivers between 21 and 24. For some specialty or luxury cars, you may need to be 25 or older.
How do toll roads work with rental cars?
Richmond has several toll roads. You have a few options for paying them: 1) Pay with cash in the cash lanes, 2) Use your own E-ZPass transponder or 3) Sign up for the rental company's toll program. This program usually costs about $5 for each day you use a toll road, plus the cost of the tolls. If you use an electronic toll lane by mistake without being signed up, the rental company will charge you the toll and a service fee of $15-25.
What should I do if the rental car breaks down?
You should call the rental company's roadside assistance number. You can find it on your rental papers or the car's key tag. If you are on a highway and feel unsafe, you can also call the Virginia State Police at #77. Try to move the car to a safe place before you make a call.
Are there any driving restrictions I should know about?
Your rental contract will probably stop you from driving on unpaved roads, taking the car out of the country or using it for business. However, driving on a gravel road to a known destination is usually okay. Most rentals in Virginia give you unlimited mileage as long as you stay in the continental United States.
What's the best strategy for fuel?
Most rental companies use a "full-to-full" policy. This means they give you the car with a full tank and you must return it with a full tank. You should fill up when you're 5-10 miles from the return location. This way, you avoid the rental company's very high gas prices, which can be $9-10 a gallon. There are gas stations near RIC Airport, like a Shell and an Exxon about 1-2 miles away.
Is it worth upgrading to an SUV for mountain driving?
In the summer, any type of car will be fine for driving on Virginia's mountain roads. If you travel to the Blue Ridge or Shenandoah in the winter, an SUV that has all-wheel drive can give you more confidence, especially if it might snow.
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