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Finding a car rental in Winston-Salem is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in North Carolina with no booking fees. Pick up a compact downtown, an SUV near Hanes Mall, or a full-size at nearby Piedmont Triad International Airport and hit I-40 or US-52 toward Wake Forest, Old Salem, or the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Winston-Salem offers several rental car options to meet different traveler needs:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Winston-Salem |
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| Hanes Mall Area |
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| Smith Reynolds Airport |
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| Piedmont Triad Int'l Airport (GSO) |
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On average, car rentals in Winston Salem cost around $61 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Skip the airport fees by comparing downtown Winston-Salem or Hanes Mall pickups; they dodge the 10-15 % surcharges added at Piedmont Triad Airport and are only a 15-minute rideshare away.
Time it right: prices spike during High Point Furniture Market (April & October) and Wake Forest graduation weekends. If your dates are flexible, shift a few days to avoid those events and you can save big.
Book 2-3 weeks ahead in peak periods (spring graduations, fall football) but feel free to watch rates and rebook if they drop—most reservations stay cancelable until pickup.
Consider weekday rentals; demand dips after Sunday, so Monday-Thursday pickups often show cheaper daily rates than Friday starts.
Use local discounts: Wake Forest alumni, university visitors, or corporate travelers often get special codes—always plug them into our comparison tool before confirming.
Match the car to the trip: compact sedans handle downtown's one-way streets and $1/hour garages cheaply. Only move up to an SUV if you're hauling the crew to Pilot Mountain or Hanging Rock.
Winston-Salem Parking Options:
| Parking Type | Rates | Hours | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Garages | Low hourly and daily rates | 24/7 in most locations | First hour free in some garages |
| Street Meters | Inexpensive hourly rates | Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm | Free evenings and weekends |
| Surface Lots | Moderate daily rates | Varies by lot | Scattered throughout downtown |
| Wake Forest University | Visitor lots need permits | Varies by lot | Strictly enforced during business hours |
| Hanes Mall Area | Free | Mall hours | Abundant free spaces at commercial areas |
Finding a Spot:
Traffic Rules & Regulations:
Toll Roads: Unlike the Raleigh and Charlotte areas, Winston-Salem currently does not have toll roads in the immediate area. This simplifies driving without transponder concerns.
Rent a car to see:
Old Salem Historic District
Wake Forest University
Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Pilot Mountain State Park
Hanging Rock State Park
Greensboro and High Point
Do I need a car in Winston-Salem?
Yes, most visitors do. While you can walk around downtown, most attractions, shopping areas and business districts are spread out across the city. We highly recommend renting a car to get around.
What's parking like in downtown Winston-Salem?
You'll find plenty of parking options in downtown Winston-Salem at reasonable prices. Several public garages charge about $1/hour and have a $9-10 daily maximum. You can also find street parking for $0.50-1.00/hour, which is free in the evenings and on weekends.
What's the best way to get to Wake Forest University from downtown?
You can take University Parkway or Reynolda Road to get to Wake Forest. Both routes take about 10-15 minutes from downtown. University Parkway is usually the faster option, but Reynolda Road is more scenic.
Is Winston-Salem a good place to stay for exploring the NC mountains?
Yes. From Winston-Salem, you can easily drive to mountain destinations like Pilot Mountain (about 30 minutes), Hanging Rock (around 45 minutes) and the Blue Ridge Parkway (roughly 1.5 hours). A rental car makes these day trips simple and practical.
Is it hard to drive around Winston-Salem?
You'll find Winston-Salem is pretty easy to get around in. The traffic is moderate compared to bigger cities. Downtown has some one-way streets and the city has a few quirky intersections, but driving is mostly straightforward and you have good access to the highways.
Where can I find the cheapest gas in Winston-Salem?
Wholesale clubs like Costco (University Parkway) and Sam's Club (Hanes Mall Blvd) usually have the lowest prices, but you need a membership to buy gas there. Otherwise, you'll find that stations in suburban areas away from highways are often less expensive than those on major routes.
Do I need an SUV to drive in Winston-Salem?
No, a standard sedan is all you need for driving around Winston-Salem and the areas nearby. However, if you plan to visit mountain parks that have unpaved access roads or you're visiting in the winter, an SUV could give you more comfort and security.
Are there enough EV charging stations in Winston-Salem?
Electric vehicle charging is available, but you'll find fewer stations than in bigger cities. Public stations include Level 2 chargers in downtown garages, at Wake Forest University and at several shopping centers. There are also a few DC fast chargers. For example, there is an Electrify America site at the Walmart on Hanes Mall Boulevard. We suggest you plan your charging stops in advance if you rent an EV.
What's the best route between Winston-Salem and Greensboro?
I-40 East is the most direct route to get between Winston-Salem and Greensboro. The drive takes about 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic. During peak hours, you should allow extra time because this stretch of road can get congested, particularly near the I-40/US-421 interchange. Business 40/Salem Parkway is a good alternate route if you run into delays on I-40.
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