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Salem car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Salem

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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
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Commercial car
Commercial
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Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
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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.
  • Book your car hire in Salem at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard hire cars in Salem are around 2% more expensive than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Salem

  • How much is the price of fuel in Salem?

    The average price of fuel in Salem is R62,13 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R746 and R994, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Salem?

    Standard (Ford Edge or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type 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 R1 354 per day, on average.

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

    A Full Size car hire in Salem costs R1 069 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Salem?

    An Intermediate car hire in Salem costs R772 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

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2023

Standard

KAYAK
Very courteous

4,0 Mediocre

Jessica, Jul 2022

KAYAK
Nowhere on any of the communication was I told there was an extra $300 hold on top of the ridiculous amount I was already paying to rent a vehicle. Not everyone has an extra $300 they weren't expecting on a credit card the morning of their trip. I was lucky the family member dropping me off had a card with enough credit to use. Also, I was informed when I brought the car back I could switch it back to my card (the only reason the family member agreed to let the charge be held on their card). But, they quickly charged the family member's card at drop off and then told me they couldn't refund the money and put it on my card. Would you like to know how pissed family member was? The car itself was another issue. Even though there was an upgrade (reg SUV to Minivan) because they didn't have what I reserved (why?) and it was a 2022, it didn't have GPS or Sirius radio. I was lucky to have brought a cable to wire my phone in because the car wouldn't connect through Bluetooth. Regardless, I had to use MY phone data for GPS and music the whole time. This is not at all ok considering how expensive the rental was. I rented from Enterprise 2 years ago and felt like I landed in the lap of luxury (same type of reservation but $50 a day cheaper). The vehicle was completely loaded with all the amenities. The vehicle was immaculate. The vehicle I received this time was fairly dirty with crumbs under the seats. I was totally disappointed with the whole experience. The only good thing I have to say about the whole experience was the employee I dealt with initially. He was very friendly and very stuck with policies that made no sense ($300 charge). I used to recommend Enterprise to anyone looking to rent a car. I don't know if I can still do that. What happened?

1 out of 1

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
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

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

Best rated

One location in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

Roanoke Regional Airport-Woodrum Field

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

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

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!

2,0 Poor

Brett, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

I got to the airport and they did not have any vehicles to give me. I ended up having to go to another company to rent a car.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Very easy pickup/dropoff. Representative was very pleasant and thorough.

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.

10,0 Wonderful

Martha, Aug 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Easy pickup. Helpful staff. I appreciated the good price for a one-way rental on short notice. Easy return, although I would have liked to have spoken with the agent about the low tire pressure warnings that began about an hour into my rental.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2023

Economy

KAYAK
I booked a sedan, but was given a pick up truck, which was so tight on the pedals that my legs still hurt after 2 days of driving it.

1 out of 1

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Salem

Show locations

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!

8,8 Very Good

Craig, May 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff very helpful

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Accommodated a larger car onsite to fit car seats. Very speedy check in and check out

1 out of 5

Dollar

No score available yet

One location in Salem

Locations in Salem

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.

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Salem

Locations in Salem

5202 Aviation Rd

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

52 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

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in Salem

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Salem car hire information

Pick-up locationSalem
Car types
Hire locations2
Airport locations0