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| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rental counters in baggage claim area |
| Hours | Aligned to match flight arrivals and departures |
| Vehicle Pickup | Cars parked just outside the terminal (walking distance) |
| Available Agencies | Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz |
| After-Hours | Key drop boxes available for returns |
| Reservation Recommended | Yes, especially during summer peak season |
Skip-the-Counter Programs: Many agencies offer loyalty programs that allow you to bypass the counter. Enrolling in Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred or similar programs can save time upon arrival.
On average, car rentals at Wilmington Airport cost around $58 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $34 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pick-ups: Airport rentals carry about a 10-15 % fee. If you're staying in the city, grabbing a $25 rideshare to a downtown branch can still work out cheaper on multi-day rentals.
Play with dates and times in the search box: Sliding your pickup a few hours (avoiding Saturday noon peaks) or shortening by a day can knock serious dollars off the total.
Season matters: For summer or festival weeks lock something in 2-3 months ahead. Off-season (Nov–Mar) bargains pop up last minute, so hold off if your plans are flexible.
Choose the smallest car that fits your crew: Parking is tight in downtown Wilmington and at Wrightsville Beach. An economy or compact not only rents for less but drinks less fuel.
Book a rental car so you can drive to:
Downtown Wilmington – Riverwalk, museums
Wrightsville Beach – piers, restaurants
Carolina Beach – boardwalk, marina
Southport – waterfront, ferry

How long does the rental pickup process take at ILM?
Are there any shuttle services required to reach rental cars at ILM?
What happens if my flight arrives late at night?
Can I return my rental car outside of office hours?
Is it worth paying for a GPS unit with my ILM car rental?