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Find lower car rental prices in Roanoke, VA with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) rentals with downtown pick-ups, filter for unlimited mileage and book with free cancellation. Need wheels for the Blue Ridge Parkway or a run to Virginia Tech? We pull prices from Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo and more in one quick search.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
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| Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) |
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| Downtown Roanoke |
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On average, car rentals in Roanoke cost around $75 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare ROA airport vs downtown rates. Airport pickups add concession fees. If you're already in town (Amtrak, hotel), grabbing a car from a downtown office can shave 10-15% off your total.
Skip SUVs unless it's winter. Every must-see drive around Roanoke (Blue Ridge Parkway, I-81, Mill Mountain) is paved. A midsize sedan handles the hills fine and usually rents for $15-25 a day less.
Watch the calendar, not just the clock. Foliage season (October) and Virginia Tech football or graduation weekends spike prices. Shifting your rental by a day or two outside those peak dates often beats "booking early" by $$.
Play with pickup/return times. Midweek pickups and 23-hour or 47-hour bookings can dodge the extra "full day" charge many suppliers add after the 24-hour mark.
Check one-way fees before you lock in. A loop trip back to Roanoke is usually cheaper, but if you must drop in DC or NC, compare both directions—southbound drops in winter are sometimes discounted.
Grab unlimited mileage. Scenic detours on the Parkway add up fast; paying per mile kills the savings you just scored.
| Location | Rates | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Roanoke | Free evenings/weekends; metered weekdays 8 AM-5 PM | Many streets have 2-hour limits |
| City Garages | Paid hourly; daily maximum applies | Tower Garage, Center in the Square Garage, etc. |
| Attractions | Free at Taubman Museum, Transportation Museum, etc. | Most attractions have their own lots |
| Blue Ridge Parkway | Free pull-offs at overlooks | Make sure you fully exit the roadway when stopping |
| Valley View Mall | Free large lots | Convenient meeting point |
A rental car gives you easy reach to mountain drives, small towns and outdoor sites across Virginia's Blue Ridge region.
Blue Ridge Parkway – overlooks, trailheads
Mill Mountain – Roanoke Star, view
Peaks of Otter – Sharp Top, Abbott Lake
Natural Bridge – arch, park
Floyd – music halls, craft shops
Virginia Tech (Blacksburg) – campus, sports events
Is the Blue Ridge Parkway accessible year-round?
The Parkway is usually open all year, but it often closes in the winter when there's snow and ice. The park service might close some parts for a while, especially at higher spots. You can check the National Park Service website to see which parts are closed.
Do I need a special vehicle for mountain driving around Roanoke?
You can drive on most paved roads in any car. A standard sedan works just fine for the Blue Ridge Parkway and most attractions. An SUV with all-wheel drive is a good idea only if you're traveling in winter or plan to go on unpaved forest roads.
How difficult is the Blue Ridge Parkway to drive?
The Parkway is a well-kept, paved road that has some curves and hills. The main challenge is its 45 mph top speed limit and some tight turns. Most drivers find it easy, but you need to adjust to the slower pace.
Are there any toll roads around Roanoke?
No, the Roanoke area doesn't have any toll roads. The Blue Ridge Parkway and all major highways (I-81, I-581, US-220) are free to drive on.
Is parking difficult in downtown Roanoke?
No, it's pretty easy and affordable to park. You can park on the street for free on evenings and weekends. During the week, you can find several garages that charge reasonable prices.
Can I find gas stations easily on mountain roads?
You'll find plenty of services on major highways, but the Blue Ridge Parkway itself has no gas stations or food. You should fill up your tank in a town before getting on the Parkway and plan to take breaks in nearby towns like Floyd or Bedford.
Do rental cars have adequate power for mountain roads?
Most rental cars have enough power. If you can, avoid the smallest economy cars if you plan to do a lot of driving in the mountains. A midsize sedan or larger car will give you more power for the hills.
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