Salem car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Useful Info
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car hire in Salem

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Salem car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Salem with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Salem?

You should book your car hire in Salem around 26 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best car hire company in Salem?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Salem are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (4.0, 2 reviews), Hertz (2.0, 1 review), and Easirent (4.6).
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Rated 4.0/10
Easirent
Easirent
Rated 4.6/10
Dollar
Dollar
Rated 0.0/10

What is the most popular car to hire in Salem?

SUV cars (Nissan Pathfinder or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to hire in Salem. SUV cars in Salem cost R1 639/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as R1 116/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Salem?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Salem is December at an average cost of R720/day. June is the most expensive month to hire a car in Salem when prices are R1 278/day on average, which tends to be 2 221% above the yearly average hire price for Salem.

Which car hire company in Salem has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 3 locations in Salem, more than any other car hire company.

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Salem

  • Salem is a city worth exploring, and using Salem car rentals enables you to access tourist attractions and landmarks far from the city. The advantage of renting a car over boarding a public bus is that you have the freedom to drive to places of your choice, unlike these buses that follow fixed schedules. When driving a rental car, places to visit include Virginia Safari Park, about 39 miles northeast of the city, or Martinsville Speedway, around 70 miles south of Salem.
  • Several airports serve Salem, but you'll likely land at Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem Airport (GSO). Though Roanoke Airport (ROA) is the closest, about 7.2 miles way, GSO is better because it's bigger and offers more airport amenities. GSO airport offers several car rental agencies, including Budget, Alamo, National, and Thrifty. Most Salem car rental companies are located near the baggage claim area at the Main Terminal. It's a short distance from the terminal, and no shuttle is required. Despite this, consider researching Salem car rentals requirements and book earlier to avoid long queues.
  • Though jaywalking has been decriminalized in Salem, it's still not legal. However, ignorant pedestrians can cross roads in undesignated areas, posing a danger to themselves and the drivers. Therefore, be careful when driving car rentals in Salem to protect pedestrians. Again, if planning to drive on the toll road, Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike (Route 460), remember you must pay for a ticket. Also, avoid drunk driving because the legal blood alcohol concentration is 0.08.
  • Driving car rentals in Salem can be problematic during rush hours, mainly between 6 am and 9:30 am and 4 pm and 7:30 pm. Navigating the roads as commuters go to and from work is challenging because congestion causes slow traffic. Avoid driving on route 11/460 if you need a convenient trip. If you have to drive on this route, consider starting your journey before or after rush hours. You can also research alternative routes if you have to drive during rush hours.
  • Standard hire cars in Salem are around 60% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Salem

  • How can I find car hires near me in Salem?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Salem?

    A Standard car hire in Salem costs R989 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Salem?

    A Full Size car hire in Salem costs R1 504 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car hire cost in Salem?

    A Compact car hire in Salem costs R1 127 per day, on average.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Salem?

    Salem has several narrow median sections. Therefore, consider driving a medium-sized vehicle to navigate these streets. When renting a car, choose one with enough specie to accommodate luggage and people for the trip. Other crucial things to consider include fuel consumption, off-road capabilities, and safety features if you plan to drive in unfamiliar places. If you need clarification when choosing a car, request help from your car rental agency.

  • What’s the speed limit in Salem?

    The speed limit in Salem is determined by the physical characteristics of the road, the nature of traffic, and lane and shoulder widths. The speed limit when driving in residential zones is 25 mph, and that of most highways is 55 mph. If driving car rentals in Salem on unpaved roads, the maximum speed limit is 35 mph. Most roadways have speed limit signs to guide drivers and prevent accidents caused by speeding. Again, several traffic cameras in various road zones monitor drivers' speeds and help to charge drivers who ignore the traffic rules.

  • Where are the best places to park in Salem?

    Parking in a spacious and secure garage or parking lot gives you peace of mind. The best place to park is downtown because you have lots of parking options. However, consider rates per hour, limited hours, and proximity to the streets before parking. I-81 Exit 140 (Lot #252) and Orange Market (Citgo) Lot #259 offers 2 hours of free parking from Monday to Friday and 24 hours on weekends. Hilton Inn Salem East Electric Road offers 2 hours of free parking strictly to customers. Other parking garages include Market Garage, Subway Promenaded Park, and Elmwood Park Garage. The average parking cost for most parking lots and garages is $15.66 per hour.

Salem car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

4,0

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.0

Value for money

4.0

3 locations in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

1020 West Main Street

+1 540 375 4814

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

4701 Melrose Ave Nw

+1 540 986 0565

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

4721 Melrose Ave Nw

+1 540 986 0565

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.0

Value for money

2.0

One location in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

231 East 4th St

+1 540 387 0539

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Logan, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

In person staff was nice but not informed well

Cons:

I tried calling Hertz 6 times to request a rental extension because of an unexpected family emergency and all six times no one answered. We also were unable to fill the car up with gas as no Gas Stations within 30 miles had a working pump due to the Oil Pipeline hack. This was ruled a State of Emergency yet Hertz still charged up $7 a gallon to fill the tank up.

1 out of 1

Easirent

4,6

Mediocre

One location in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

Roanoke Regional Airport-Woodrum Field

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

No score available yet

2 locations in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

231 East 4th St

+1 540 387 0539

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00

5202 Aviation Drive Northwest

+1 866 434 2226

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Compact SUV

KAYAK
Hard to have to drop car when office was open in Franklin. Would have liked to return the car early and drop keys without checking out. Had to return twice to drop off location.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Standard

KAYAK
Great service

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Clean and well equipped car. The agent was nice and professional

Cons:

Agent not masked. Not informed when reserving that there would be an additional $200 deposit placed on my credit card. When at the counter I was told that it would be released upon return of car. I don’t know if it has been returned yet, but I was on a trip for an interview during the pandemic and placing an additional $200 would have made my rental decision clear Togo with a different company.

1 out of 1

Alamo

No score available yet

One location in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

5202 Aviation Dr Nw

+1 540 563 5050

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2025

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Very accommodating for a late pickup.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Nov 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
Weeks after my reservation, after flying across the country, when I went to pick up my rental, I was then told “you can’t rent without a credit card”. I’ve rented quite a few cars over the past several years and have never owned a credit card of any kind. They offered zero help in trying to come up with a solution, just a hard and fast “you’re screwed have fun being stranded (with a family of 6)” thankfully we had family in the area that were willing and able to let us borrow a vehicle until we could get a rental from a legitimate rental company.

8,0 Very Good

Susan, Apr 2024

Passenger van

KAYAK
I wish I could have rented for a more reasonable price.

10,0 Wonderful

Bob, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

yes

Cons:

The price could have been less expensive

9,6 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

they were able to upgrade me without extra cost

Cons:

Cut down on the age fee please.

9,6 Wonderful

Samuel, Sept 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

On BOTH ends, at EWR and ROA...

Cons:

I'm not sure how fair the dropoff fee was!

1 out of 3

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

5202 Aviation Drive Northwest

+1 540 366 2436

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Economy

KAYAK
They do not give me the car, because I have debit card and I do not have credit car. I was very disappointed.

1 out of 1

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Salem

Locations in Salem

5202 Aviation Drive Northwest

+1 540 265 7328

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2023

Standard SUV

KAYAK
I did not make this reservation; this was made without my knowledge or consent by someone in another state. Kayak and Budget did nothing to help me handle the identity theft.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
They did not have any cars

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was helpful, and pickup and drop off were easy

Cons:

The car reeked of cigarettes. It was quite overpowering and I could smell it on my jacket after getting out of the car. As a family of non smokers, traveling with a young child, it was kind of gross and embarrassing.

10,0 Wonderful

Holly, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Helpful staff and awesome car

Cons:

Allow debit cards for rentals!
2 travellers who hired a car in Salem gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.6

Car hire locations in or near Salem

Salem car hire information

Pick-up locationSalem
Car types
Hire locations3
Airport locations0

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