Cheap car hire in Richmond
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Richmond
- Get the most out of your time in Richmond by renting a car and exploring the city and surroundings in your own time. If you want to visit the Richmond Raceway for a car race, having a hire car means you are just 13 minutes away. Nature lovers may also want to visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, about 8 miles north of Richmond and only a 12-minute drive away.
- Start your time in Richmond stress-free and pick up a hire car upon landing at Richmond International Airport. This airport features its own car hire center with nine agencies providing vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Located on the lower level at the entrance of the terminal building, finding a car and being on your way to the city will only take a matter of minutes.
- Especially during the Christmas season and the cold months, Richmond has an enchanting vibe because of its snowy winters. For driving, this means to prepare properly and making sure the hire car is equipped accordingly with winter tires and even snow chains. It is also very important to slow down when the streets are covered in snow, and bear in mind that lanes may be narrower due to plows piling up snow on either side.
- Speeding in the state of Virginia is really not a good idea – it should be refrained from in general, but in Richmond you may even be charged with reckless driving. Familiarize yourself with speed regulations beforehand and never go faster than 70 mph, as speeders are fined severely in and around Richmond. Always pace your speed and adhere to the posted speed limit signs.
- Book your car hire in Richmond at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Richmond car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about hiring a car in Richmond
What type of car is recommended for driving in Richmond?
Especially when visiting during winter months, opting for a 4-wheel drive car can be a wise decision as it provides the necessary traction and can handle the harsh conditions better. An SUV or minivan guarantee enough space but are not too bulky when cruising through the city, making a good alternate option.
What’s the speed limit in Richmond?
Reckless driving is taken very seriously in Virginia and categorized as a criminal offense, so adhering to speed limits is crucial. If there is no sign posted, 25 mph is permitted in residential areas, 55 mph is allowed on secondary roads (which are marked with a sign beginning with #600 or above). The highest speed limit on freeways is 70 mph, but it should also be adjusted to weather and road conditions.
Where are the best places to park in Richmond?
There are various parking opportunities in Richmond, including metered on-street parking, garages, and parking lots. Usually time restrictions are enforced on weekdays between 8 am and 6 pm and can be from 15 minutes up to three hours. Garages include the Public Parking, James Center Parking Garage, or the SP + Parking.
What is the best car hire company in Richmond?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Richmond are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8,0, 56 reviews), Budget (6,1, 95 reviews), and Avis (6,0, 51 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in Richmond?
The average price of fuel in Richmond is R67,21 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R806 and R1 075, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Richmond?
Economy (Kia Rio or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Richmond.
How can I find car hires near me in Richmond?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Richmond?
An Economy car hire in Richmond costs R1 027 per day, on average.
Richmond car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8,0
Very Good
129 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
7.6
10 locations in Richmond
Locations in Richmond
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2021
Pros:
Easy drop off and easy pick up. Although I have not received my email receipt yet.Cons:
Found a old/left over pink mask by the passenger side door.10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2020
Pros:
Staff not unfriendly, but not friendly either.Cons:
Seems like I ALWAYS have to wait to pick up my rental - an opportunity for improvement. Another suggestion is for staff to go over basic functions of the vehicle before turning it over to driver (e.g., all audio functions, locations of 12V/USB/Bluetooth ports, gear shift function, adjustment for lights, wipers, mirrors, sun roof/shade, etc . New vehicles have so many new features and moved/redesigned standard features that it is overwhelming for a lot of older drivers.10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
Yes2,0 Poor
Oct 2020
Pros:
NothingCons:
How about actually having the vehicle we reserved available? We had a group and birthday party plans that were completely ruined because the vehicle we reserved was not available.6,0 Okay
Oct 2020
Pros:
The drop off was easy and efficientCons:
I was told that they did not have my car I reserved, then they did have it. It had no gas, so I had to wait for it to be filled up. They didn’t say anything about a $200 deposit, and they kept changing the price I paid while I was there.2,0 Poor
Sep 2020
Pros:
Wasn’t allowed to rent car because I have a NC drivers licenseCons:
between polices and their needs! Due to The environment that we are in with this Virus I’d 2020 I can not get into the DMV to change my drivers license to VA! But If I were traveling and my car broke down and I need a rental ! This would not happen at this location!?Alamo
6,2
Okay
192 reviewsCleanliness
6.7
Comfort
6.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.2
Value for money
6.1
One location in Richmond
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
6,0 Okay
Nov 2023
2,0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Nothing, we got in at midnight and just wanted to go to our hotel but all the staff at the airport had already left and locked us in the parking garage. We were left stranded in a town we didn't know well and had to scramble for a late-night uber (of which there were almost none).Cons:
Someone could've been there to let us out so we could go safely to our hotel2,0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Nothing.Cons:
Alamo cancelled my reservation. I received a voice message on my phone when I was making my connection at O'Hare. When I arrived at Richmond they did nothing to help. I called the Alamo Customer Service number - would be on hold waiting for over 20 minutes each time I called. The only way you could get someone to answer a call was to choose the "Make a Reservation" option. Appears like the only time they would answer the phone is when they think they were going to get money. I had 4 different times when someone said they would call me back with some information. No one ever called me back. The manager at the Richmond Alamo counter provided me with no options. I had to press them to get information about being compensated for my Uber charges. I tried to get a car the next day and they still didn't have any available. With today's technology there is no excuses on why they could not have contingency plans in place to ensure they have enough cars based on the number of reservations they have booked. I will never rent another car from Alamo or Enterprise again. In Richmond they had 15 to 20 SUV's in the garage, when I asked about them then said that they were reserved. If my reservations got cancelled because I booked through Kayak and had a lower rate I will need to rethink about using Kayak. Having no car for the 3 days made it very difficult doing business and also on my client you had to chauffer me around the entire time. Alamo definitely demonstrated to me that they don't care about my business.10,0 Wonderful
Jan 2021
Pros:
Nice to be received with a smile. The line in Richmond was backed up about 12 deep. Team of 2 handled it well.Cons:
All good collaboration during this difficult time was super.4,0 Mediocre
Jan 2021
Cons:
I arrived from my flight at midnight with tired children while waiting out in the cold, first telling me they didn’t have my vehicle, then finally something came up which wasn’t the vehicle class i had picked and to top it off gave it to me with a huge mess and had to wait 30 minutes for them to bring it. Horrible experience. Don’t get how they allow you to make a reservation then not have it when you arrive to another state on vacationBudget
6,1
Okay
190 reviewsCleanliness
6.9
Comfort
7.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
6.5
4 locations in Richmond
Filters
Reviews
4,0 Mediocre
Oct 2023
6,0 Okay
Oct 2022
2,0 Poor
Oct 2022
8,0 Very Good
Aug 2022
2,0 Poor
May 2022
4,0 Mediocre
May 2022
Hertz
6,0
Okay
113 reviewsCleanliness
6.8
Comfort
6.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.9
Value for money
5.9
4 locations in Richmond
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Nov 2022
2,0 Poor
Nov 2022
4,0 Mediocre
Dec 2022
2,0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
I made the reso with 48.00 rate, I released I made a mistake seconds after I made it. I called and switched the location, I was told on the phone I would not be charged a new rate. I have the call transcripts, date, time and person. I get to richmond and yep you charged me the higher rate. I am not happy and I am letting American Express deal with it. I do not have time to be ripped off by companies.Cons:
I made the reso with 48.00 rate, I released I made a mistake seconds after I made it. I called and switched the location, I was told on the phone I would not be charged a new rate. I have the call transcripts, date, time and person. I get to richmond and yep you charged me the higher rate. I am not happy and I am letting American Express deal with it. I do not have time to be ripped off by companies.4,0 Mediocre
Feb 2021
Pros:
That I was still able to get a vehicle.Cons:
The car should have been prepared and ready to go by the time of reservation.8,0 Very Good
Feb 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendly.Cons:
I reserved a large SUV and called two days early to ensure the car would be ready and move the pick-up and return a few hours early. When I arrived they did not have a large SUV and offered a Suburban. I was okay with that but they said there would be an additional charge, and I would need to bring it back a day early or pay a fee. Surprises at pick-up usually aren't good.Dollar
5,9
Fair
119 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
6.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.7
Value for money
6.1
One location in Richmond
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Dollar had no one at their counter. After a scavenger hunt from location to location we ended up at hertz where system was down for 45 minutes as we waitedCons:
Service terrible and price was outrageous. We will let everyone we can know what a bad experience we had2,0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
nothing....Cons:
pickup, one person working on a Saturday.....waited forever. Didn't get the right size SUV10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Drop off was very easy. The Explorer was super comfortable and easy to drive.Cons:
Inside of car was not cleaned very well at all. Fold down seats were full of dog hair. Between the seats was a nasty baby pacifier. So discusting !!!6,0 Okay
Feb 2021
Pros:
The staff made it easy. The car was perfect size.Cons:
It smelled of cigarettes really bad. And then I also smelled like them. I would have swapped but it was the only suv they had 😫2,0 Poor
Feb 2021
Cons:
There was only one person to service dollar, hertz and thrifty. I waited more than an hour outside in the cold to pick up the car. They would not call a supervisor because they said they couldn’t do anything anyway.10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2020
Pros:
Pickup and dropoff were very easy.Cons:
The car could have been cleaned a bit better--there was an old receipt trapped between the front seats, for example.Thrifty
7,9
Good
50 reviewsCleanliness
8.2
Comfort
8.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.4
Value for money
8.2
One location in Richmond
Filters
Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Feb 2020
Pros:
Staff was efficient and friendly, unusual for a car rental desk10,0 Wonderful
Jan 2020
Pros:
VERY friendly and super-helpful !! The lady at the drop off area was the best!4,8 Mediocre
Jan 2020
Pros:
Drop off was easyCons:
Thrifty service agent was unpleasant like she hated every minute of dealing with customers and I could have done without that. Was directed to another car rental place in the rental car area (I can't remember which kiosk, Avis maybe?) but then the envelope they used was Dollar, very confusing. No car was ready even though it didn't seem busy. We stood around for 30 minutes!!! Finally they brought us the car, which I found out was a 7 passenger SUV "recreational style" while I thought I had rented a full size SUV. I was told you can't rent a full size SUV on Thrifty.com. Such a bummer but we made due. There was melted candy below the window in the 3rd row seat on the left. Disgusting. How did they not see it? Never again with Thrifty!!10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2019
Cons:
This experience was great! Thirty is much better than Budget! Will never do business with Budget again! Sweet employees at Thrifty ad very helpful!6,8 Okay
Dec 2019
Cons:
Price8,0 Very Good
Nov 2019
Cons:
Depending on the time of day you land, one person might be managing 2-3 different rental desks (as has twice been my experience). The first vehicle I was given on this particular trip (a Jeep Cherokee) reeked of cigarette smoke and was not in great shape inside or out.Avis
6,0
Okay
87 reviewsCleanliness
6.5
Comfort
6.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.9
Value for money
6.0
4 locations in Richmond
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Jun 2021
Pros:
Dropping off was super easy.Cons:
If the rep at the counter can go more into detail about policies, everything was explained very fast.2,0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
I arrived to pickup my car only to find none were available. The agents onsite were not customer service oriented. DId not offer suggestions or help with finding another rental agency. I did however go to the Avis rental agency at theRichmond Airport and they were very professional and accommodating.7,6 Good
Jul 2020
Cons:
The pick up process. It took a while to get the rental. Then the rental I reserved was not even the rental I got.2,0 Poor
Apr 2020
Cons:
I was charged but rental car place was not open.4,8 Mediocre
Dec 2019
Cons:
They should adopt automatic picking up keys without standing one hour in line.2,0 Poor
Nov 2019
Cons:
Even with a reservation there were no cars availablePayless
5,7
Fair
86 reviewsCleanliness
6.4
Comfort
6.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.9
Value for money
5.3
One location in Richmond
Filters
Reviews
7,9 Good
Jul 2021
6,0 Okay
Feb 2021
Cons:
A car available at the reserved time.10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Pros:
Fun car. Great experience and easy processCons:
Nothing2,0 Poor
Nov 2019
Pros:
They were closed, like out of business.Cons:
Using a company that was in business.10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2019
Pros:
The woman at the car pick up window was very friendly and helpful2,0 Poor
Sep 2019
Cons:
Have a car. Any car. Lost a day of travel trying to find a vehicle from another agency. Will never consider Payless again.National
8,4
Very Good
24 reviewsCleanliness
8.3
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.4
One location in Richmond
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Pros:
Car was nice and comfortable6,0 Okay
Jul 2020
Pros:
Easy drop offCons:
Reservation wasn't available when I picked up the car, I had to wait an hour.2,0 Poor
Dec 2020
Cons:
It needs to be more clear that a person's bank card with Visa logo and chip, will not be accepted to rent a car.10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2019
Pros:
Staff were extremely helpful and courteous.Cons:
No improvement necessary.9,2 Wonderful
Feb 2019
Pros:
Staff was great! I've rented cars in several locations recently and they were the best. Car was nice, but there was some stuff (hair clips, a lighter and a bottle of clear fluid) left in the car.Cons:
The Easy Pass could have stuck to the windscreen better. It feel off while driving several times and left me feeling around for it because I needed it.Routes Car & Truck Rentals
5,3
Fair
6 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
5.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.0
Value for money
5.6
One location in Richmond
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
The staff was amazing! When we learned it was not at the airport we were concerned, however, we should not have been. A quick call (when we landed early) and moments later someone was there to pick us up. The driver was incredibly personable and professional. Arrived at the office and our car was "spiffed" up and ready to go. The staff could not have been better or more efficient. I would definitely use this service in Richmond again!Cons:
We had an excellent experience. When we returned the car, someone drove us to the airport in the same car that was packed up. Super happy!2,0 Poor
Dec 2021
Pros:
NoCons:
Not using them4,0 Mediocre
Oct 2020
Cons:
You could have answered the phone, brought me to rental center, and given me a car. I was never even able to connect with a person or receive a car. I had to uber.10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2020
Pros:
The staff was very friendly and accommodating to me, feel like they are way better than other companies here.Cons:
Nothing!4,0 Mediocre
Sep 2020
Pros:
Will never use this company again. And the fact that you allow them to post on your site is reprehensible. I had nothing but issues to start with they moved during the night (their words) before I picked up and they had not left a forwarding address until I called. It appears they are at the airport but they are not which adds to issues. I blew a tire on the way to my destination and they were no help. I called the car manufacturer to get a tow and paid for the tire replacement myself. There is also large scratch on vehicle which I am sure will be an issue. I have already turned over to my insurance company to handle. Clearly something hit the car and caused tire to blow. ABSOLUTELY NO HELP WHATSOEVER. SHADY COMPANY. DO NOT USE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.Cons:
NO SUPPORT. SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT WITH THIS PLACE. NOT SURE WHAT IT IS BUT IT'S NOT WORTH YOUR MONEY OR TIME. DO NOT RENT FROM THEM. NEVER AGAIN. CAR WAS ACTUALLY NICE AND NISSAN WAS WAY BIGGER HELP WITH TIRE ISSUE THAN ACTUAL RENTAL COMPANY. INEPT AT BEST.2,0 Poor
Jun 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendlyCons:
I ordered and paid for a full size car and received a compact car, staff insisted it was full size. a nissan kick is a compact car. pickup at the airport was a little confusing. When I went to return the car at 8:45 the office was closed and when i called the company number no one answered the phone. after 45 minutes someone finally showed up to take us to the airport to check the car in and give us a ride to the airport.Easirent
4,7
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in Richmond
Eagle Rent A Car
No score available yet
2 locations in Richmond
One location in Richmond
Locations in Richmond
5381 Glen Alden Dr
+1 804 370 4520
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Richmond
Locations in Richmond
8410 West Broad Street
+1 804 308 2624
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Richmond
Locations in Richmond
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Richmond
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
|---|
When to book a car hire in Richmond
Airports serving Richmond
- Car hire Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport, Richmond
- Car hire Baltimore/Washington Airport, Richmond
- Car hire Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Airport, Richmond
- Car hire Richmond Byrd Intl Airport, Richmond
- Car hire Norfolk Airport, Richmond
- Car hire Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, Richmond
- Car hire Newport News Intl Airport, Richmond