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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find competitive rental car prices at Richmond International Airport (RIC) with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and make reservations with no booking fees. All nine on-site rental counters are steps from baggage claim, so you can pick up keys and reach downtown Richmond via I-64 in about 15 minutes. Compare low prices from Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz and other trusted brands and lock in a flexible deal before you land.
| Feature | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Counter Location | Terminal's lower level near the central entrance | 9 rental agencies on-site: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, etc. |
| Operating Hours | From first flight (around 6 AM) to last arrival (around midnight) | Most counters fully staffed during peak flight times |
| Car Pickup Location | Adjacent lots just outside the terminal | Short walk to vehicles - no shuttle required |
| Pickup Process | Complete paperwork at counter, then proceed to lot | Check vehicle carefully before leaving |
| Return Location | Follow "Return to Airport" signs when approaching RIC | Well-marked rental return area |
On average, car rentals at Richmond Airport cost around $68 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $27 per day.
Compare everything – RIC has 9 on-airport agencies plus off-airport branches in Sandston/Mechanicsville. Play with pickup times, car classes and suppliers on our site to spot $10-$20 daily swings.
Watch the calendar – Prices jump for NASCAR weekends, VCU graduation and summer beach traffic. Book early for those dates, but in quiet winter months you can often snag last-minute markdowns.
Dodge airport surcharges – The terminal adds 11 % concession plus $4/day. For rentals of 5+ days, a quick $12 rideshare to a neighborhood branch can wipe those fees.
Shift your pickup – Landing Sunday–Wednesday usually costs less than a Friday start. Even moving the reservation by a few hours can push you into a cheaper rate bucket.
| Type | Location | Rates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | Garage | Hourly rates available; daily maximum applies | Closest to terminal |
| Daily | Garage | Daily rates available | Short walk to terminal |
| Economy | Economy Lots | Lower daily rates | Shuttle service provided |
A rental car from RIC gives you the freedom to explore Virginia's capital and its diverse nearby regions.
Downtown Richmond – museums, James River waterfront
The Fan District & Carytown – restaurants, boutiques
Williamsburg – Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens
Charlottesville – University of Virginia, Monticello, wineries
How early should I arrive to return my rental car before my flight?
You should allow 30-45 minutes to return the rental car. You'll also need at least 60-90 minutes for check-in and security. Security lines at RIC are usually shorter than at larger airports but can get busier during morning travel hours.
Does RIC offer after-hours rental car returns?
Yes, most rental companies have key drop boxes for you to use after hours. You should park in the designated return area and follow the instructions for the key return. It's a good idea to take photos of the car to document your return if no one is there.
Are there any alternative transportation options from RIC if rentals are sold out?
You can take taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft or hotel shuttles. The GRTC Route 7A/7B bus also serves the airport terminal directly, but the bus doesn't run very often and its hours can change.
How do I handle electronic tolls in a rental car?
Most rental companies let you buy a toll program for a daily fee. If you don't buy one, electronic-only tolls like Pocahontas Parkway will bill the rental company. Then, the company will charge you for the toll plus a service fee. You should try to use cash toll lanes whenever you can.
Is a GPS necessary when renting from RIC?
Most travelers find their smartphone's navigation is all they need. Richmond is easy to drive in, except for some one-way streets downtown. If you decide to rent a GPS unit, make sure you check the daily cost, which is about $10-15 per day.
Will I encounter any driving challenges unique to the Richmond area?
You should be aware that Richmond has several toll roads. The downtown area has some one-way streets and changing traffic patterns. When it rains heavily, some underpasses can fill with water, so please drive carefully.
Which car type is best for the Richmond area?
A midsize sedan is a good choice for most trips. You don't need an SUV for the local roads, but one can be more comfortable for longer drives to Virginia Beach or Washington, DC. Most parking garages can easily fit standard-sized cars.
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