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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Wilmington, NC. Compare rates and book in one place. We pull real-time prices from airport and downtown suppliers so you can choose the best vehicle for Wrightsville Beach, the Cape Fear ferry loop or any coastal road trip and lock it in before the summer rush.
Both airport and city rental locations offer different advantages depending on your travel needs:
| Location | Pros | Cons | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington International Airport (ILM) | • Rental counters in baggage claim area • Cars within walking distance • Aligned to flight schedules • No shuttle needed |
• Higher rates due to airport fees • 10-15% airport concession fees • Busier during peak flight arrivals |
• Agencies: Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz • Skip-the-counter programs available • After-hours returns through key drop box |
| Downtown Wilmington | • Generally lower rates • No airport fees • Convenient for city stays |
• Limited hours • Need transportation from airport • May have fewer vehicle options |
• Enterprise on Market St. • Hertz off-site • Wave Transit bus or rideshare needed from airport • Some offer local pickup service |
On average, car rentals in Wilmington (NC) cost around $54 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $34 per day.
Compare ILM vs. downtown pickups – airport rentals carry 10-15% concession fees. If you can grab a rideshare or Wave Transit bus, a downtown pickup can slash the base rate.
Shift your travel dates – Wilmington prices dive after Labor Day and stay low through winter. Visiting in October–February can cost 30-50% less than peak beach season.
Book a true weekly rate – in this market 7 days often beats paying for 5 or 6 days separately, even if you drop the car early (just check the fine print).
Aim for off-rush pickup times (8-9 am or 2-3 pm) – shorter lines mean you're more likely to score a free upgrade before popular models disappear.
Join the free loyalty clubs – member rates plus skip-the-counter options save both cash and time, especially at ILM's compact terminal.
Fill up 2-3 miles from the airport – stations on North College Rd or Market St are cheaper than the ones right by ILM, avoiding pricey refuel charges.
| Area | Parking Type | Rate Information | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Wilmington | Metered street parking | Enforced Mon-Sat, 9 am–6:30 pm | • Evenings after 6:30 pm and Sundays free • Park Wilmington app available for payment |
| Downtown Garages | Second Street Garage, Market Street Deck | Hourly rates and evening flat fees | • Electronic signs show space availability • Often cheaper than extended meter parking |
| Wrightsville Beach | Metered parking | Metered rates apply during peak season | • Limited spaces fill by mid-morning in summer • Some residential streets require permits |
| Carolina Beach | Public lots and street parking | Paid during tourist season | • Free during off-season • State parks offer free parking for visitors |
| Shopping Centers | Free parking | Time limits may apply | • Mayfaire Town Center and Independence Mall offer plenty of free parking |
Residential Areas: Be mindful of residential permit zones in the historic district. Clearly marked signs indicate visitor time limits.
Speed Limits: 35 mph in city or town areas, 55 mph on highways outside cities unless posted otherwise.
Red Light Cameras: Wilmington is the last city in North Carolina still using red light cameras. Violations result in a civil fine.
Beach Driving: Not allowed on most area beaches. Off-road driving in a rental vehicle usually violates rental agreements.
Move Over Law: When emergency vehicles are stopped and have 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.
Bridges: Several bridges in the area may have different speed limits and can be affected by high winds during storms.
Get a car rental to visit:
Wrightsville Beach – pier, surf, oceanfront
Carolina Beach & Kure Beach – boardwalk, state park, aquarium
Southport (via Fort Fisher ferry) – waterfront, shops, restaurants
Airlie Gardens – oaks, sculptures, butterfly house
How does the Fort Fisher ferry work with a rental car?
What's the best area to stay with a rental car in Wilmington?
Is it difficult to find parking in downtown Wilmington?
Are there any toll roads around Wilmington?
What should I know about driving during hurricane season?
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