EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a car rental in Wake Forest is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across North Carolina with no booking fees. Check the local Enterprise lot on South Main Street for off-airport rates or browse bigger fleets at RDU Airport 25 miles (40 km) away, all in one search. Book early, change anytime for free and be cruising down US-1 to Raleigh, Durham or Falls Lake in no time.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest Local Offices | • Often lower rates (no airport fees) • Enterprise location on S. Main St. • Less crowded than airport locations • Enterprise offers free pickup service • Convenient for in-town visitors |
• Very limited vehicle selection • Restricted hours (usually 8AM-6PM weekdays, limited weekend hours) • No after-hours pickup • May sell out during busy periods • Reservations strongly recommended |
| RDU Airport | • Multiple rental companies • Larger fleet and more vehicle options • Extended hours for late arrivals • More competitive rates due to competition • No need for separate transportation if flying in |
• Approximately 25 miles (40 km) from Wake Forest (35-45 minutes) • 18% higher rates on average due to airport fees • Additional customer facility charges • Can be busy during peak periods |
| Raleigh City Locations | • Several options throughout Raleigh • Often cheaper than airport rentals • Potentially better weekly rate options • Some locations offer Saturday service |
• 15-20 miles (24-32 km) from Wake Forest • Transportation needed to reach rental offices • Limited business hours • Extra travel time if arriving by air |
On average, car rentals in Wake Forest cost around $77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Compare Wake Forest pickup vs RDU Airport – in-town locations skip airport facility fees and can be 15-20 % cheaper. Check hours because they close earlier than the airport counters.
Reserve early for busy weeks (summer, Thanksgiving, university graduations) – lock in a free-cancellable booking, then price-check again a few days before pickup.
Test different rental lengths – a 7-day rate around the Triangle can undercut a 4- or 5-day booking, so add or drop a day in the search box to see if it drops the total.
Use the free local pickup service from the Main St. office to avoid a $30-$40 rideshare from your hotel or Airbnb.
Refuel on Capital Blvd (Sheetz, Costco, BP) before drop-off; pumps near RDU run about 20-30¢ more per gallon.
Skip I-540 tolls by staying on I-440 or US-1. It adds just a few minutes but saves roughly $4-$6 each way.
Finding a Spot:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Road:
Book a car rental so you can drive to:
Downtown Raleigh – museums, restaurants, State Capitol
Falls Lake Recreation Area – trails, beaches, boat ramps
Durham – Duke University, American Tobacco Campus, Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Chapel Hill – UNC campus, Franklin Street
Can I pick up a rental car in Wake Forest and return it at RDU Airport?
Yes, most major rental companies allow one-way rentals between Wake Forest and RDU, though they may charge a drop fee. Many visitors flying out of Raleigh request this option.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Wake Forest?
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. They also charge drivers under 25 an extra fee of about $20–30 per day.
How do I handle tolls on I-540 in a rental car?
You have three options: 1) Use the rental company's toll program for a daily fee plus the actual tolls, 2) Use your own transponder if it works with NC Quick Pass (E-ZPass and NC Quick Pass work together) or 3) Pay by mail. Rental companies usually add service fees for the mail option.
Is public transportation an option instead of renting a car in Wake Forest?
Public transportation is limited. The Wake Forest Loop provides in-town service and GoTriangle's Wake Forest-Raleigh Express (WRX) connects to downtown Raleigh during weekday commute hours. However, to explore the area, renting a car is your best option.
What should I know about parking in downtown Wake Forest?
You can find free street parking and public lots in downtown Wake Forest, though some spots have time limits during business hours. Once you park, you can walk to most downtown businesses, so it's easy to explore the historic district on foot.
Are there any scenic drives near Wake Forest worth taking?
Yes, the roads around Falls Lake have beautiful views, especially on NC-98 crossing the lake and surrounding roads like Creedmoor Road. For a longer trip, the drive to Rolesville and through the rural eastern Wake County countryside offers pleasant scenery.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support