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Salem car hire

Driver's age: 26-65
Do 2/5
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Salem car hire information

Pick-up locationSalem
Car types
Hire locations2
Airport locations0

Cheap car hire in Salem

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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 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
  • Intermediate car hire in Salem are around 16% cheaper 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 R74,61 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R895 and R1 194, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Salem?

    Intermediate (Nissan Rogue 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 an Intermediate car hire cost in Salem?

    An Intermediate car hire in Salem costs R1 271 per day, on average.

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

    A Mini car hire in Salem costs R1 659 per day, on average.

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

    A Full Size car hire in Salem costs R2 861 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

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

5,6

Best rated

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.0

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

7,2 Good

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

the price is good and the car is nice

Cons:

i made a monthly rental from May 10 to Jun 9, i went back to Enterprise to make another monthly rental on Jun 7, since Jun 9 is Sunday, the operator just closed the contract on Jun 7, which made me 2 days loss, and never noticed me i can come back to Enterprise to make the new contract on June 9.

10,0 Wonderful

Apr 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was wonderful and ease of pick up and drop off

8,0 Very Good

Sep 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Car was nice.

Cons:

The car had expired plates - I didn't notice it until I was 400 miles away.

10,0 Wonderful

Sep 2023

KAYAK
Very courteous

4,0 Mediocre

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 2

Hertz

2,0

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

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.

2,0 Poor

Jun 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

When you make a reservation, maybe they should have a car. Or at least make a phone call or email stating they are out of cars....isn’t that there dial purpose?

2,0 Poor

May 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

I was promised a car for a trip I planed for a month .the same day hertz on east main st in salem va. called and told me they had no cars so I had to cancelled my vacation never have got my money back what do I do thanks

8,8 Very Good

May 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

It was the perfect vehicle for my needs. Pickup/dropoff was quick and location is convienient. Employee was professional and pleasant.

Cons:

the vehicle wasn't clean enough. There was a film on the interior of the windows and some seats had crumbs and crust.

8,0 Very Good

May 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

as far as the car, it was awesome. comfortable, very easy on gas, and roomy.

Cons:

it had a smell as if cigarette smoke was being covered up which was kind of nauseating but at least an attempt was made.

8,0 Very Good

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was helpful

Cons:

I contracted for an SUV and ended up with a sedan. Lost a day stuck in the snow in VT. Not happy to have lost that day.

1 out of 2

Easirent

4,6

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

Roanoke Regional Airport-Woodrum Field

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

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

8,0 Very Good

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly and helpful. Only issue was the address I was given to drop off the vehicle in Tucker, Ga, was not the location. My GPS took be to a totally different building. Needed to make a call to find where I was to go. Return desk acknowledged it has been an issue.

Cons:

Only car I have rented over the last couple of years that did not have active XSM radio or navigation.

9,6 Wonderful

Aug 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Agency staff friendly and helpful.

10,0 Wonderful

May 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Car was clean and full of gas. Staff was very friendly,

Cons:

Would love to have a rental car with navigation features, especially since most people renting are traveling in an unfamiliar place.

10,0 Wonderful

May 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Customer service was excellent.

6,0 Okay

Apr 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Easy pickup

Cons:

Cat was a little tired and bare bones. Stained seats

4,0 Mediocre

Dec 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Ease of coming and going.

Cons:

Class of Car, Cleanliness of Car, comfort of the car, and NO other options on the lot for a normal rate! I will skip Avis next time because of their customer service!

1 out of 5

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

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Dec 2023

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

Oct 2022

KAYAK
They did not have any cars

8,0 Very Good

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

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Helpful staff and awesome car

Cons:

Allow debit cards for rentals!

8,8 Very Good

May 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff very helpful

10,0 Wonderful

Apr 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Ford Taurus was exceptional

Cons:

Took three attempts to get the bill correct but finally got it right

1 out of 6

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

Reviews

8,0 Very Good

Apr 2024

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

10,0 Wonderful

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

yes

Cons:

The price could have been less expensive

9,6 Wonderful

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

they were able to upgrade me without extra cost

Cons:

Cut down on the age fee please.

9,6 Wonderful

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

On BOTH ends, at EWR and ROA...

Cons:

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

2,0 Poor

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

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

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

1 out of 4

Dollar

No score available yet

One location in Salem

Show locations

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

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Apr 2024

KAYAK
Great service

8,0 Very Good

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.

5,2 Fair

Apr 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

I tried extending my rental and was charged an exorbitant amount of money to do so.

6,8 Okay

Oct 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Great price for a full size car and super quick easy pickup at the airport.

Cons:

Even though the price was great for a Hyundai Sonata we just couldn't get over how dirty, old, well used the car was. The car had close to 40,000 miles and looked it. Large deep scratch down the drivers side but the worst part was the filthy upholestry and windows. We had to stop 2 different times to clean all of the interior windows because you just couldn't see through the haze. The towels were black, literally black after wiping them down. The seats could not be cleaned. This was not a quick wipe up of a spill, this was deep down stained over the years dirty. While the price was great and it was indeed a nice large size car the dirty and super well used automobile makes me score a lot lower than usual.

9,2 Wonderful

May 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Great value and smooth pick up and drop off.

Cons:

The car could have been a little cleaner inside.

8,0 Very Good

Apr 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

The steering wheel on my Jetta made it impossible for me to see how fast I was traveling.

Cons:

I needed to return my rental early and received no discount. Way too many fees. I'LL drive next time.

1 out of 3

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Salem

Show locations

Locations in Salem

5202 Aviation Rd

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

123 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

Intermediate

When to book a car hire in Salem

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