KAYAK’s insights & trends for Raleigh-Durham Airport car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Raleigh-Durham Airport with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
You should book your car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport around 49 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular car to hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
Hires in the SUV category (Toyota RAV4 or similar) are the most popular option in Raleigh-Durham Airport, costing R766/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R771/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Raleigh-Durham Airport is January at an average cost of R662/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Raleigh-Durham Airport when prices are R1 092/day on average, which tends to be 1 998% above the yearly average hire price for Raleigh-Durham Airport.
Raleigh-Durham Airport car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
R595 - R951
All Car Types
R889 - R1 226
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
Small car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport typically costs around R761 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R595 per day, which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 31% cheaper than the average car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport typically costs around R964 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average R752 per day, which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 12% cheaper than the average car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport typically cost around R1 012 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average R783 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 8% cheaper than the average car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport typically costs around R1 129 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R988 per day, which is about 13% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 4% more expensive than the average car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport typically costs around R1 535 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 034 per day, which is about 33% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 29% more expensive than the average car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport typically costs around R955 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R628 per day, which is about 35% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 13% cheaper than the average car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport typically costs around R1 336 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average R1 075 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 19% more expensive than the average car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport typically costs around R1 516 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 158 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 28% more expensive than the average car hire in Raleigh-Durham Airport but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Medium
Top tips for hiring a car at Raleigh-Durham Airport
If you get a Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) car rental for road trips or long-distance journeys, it would be helpful to have another driver share the driving with you. Most car rental providers at Raleigh-Durham impose an extra charge to register an additional driver. However, other on-site car rental agencies provide free additional drivers registration for renters' spouses and immediate family members. Nevertheless, additional drivers must meet similar rental requirements as the primary renter, including age and driver's license requirements.
Although public transit is available from the airport, consider getting a car rental at Raleigh-Durham Airport. Traveling on public transportation can be frustrating and inconvenient, considering the rigid schedule and delays. With a Raleigh-Durham car rental, you have the flexibility to explore the region at your convenience and explore hidden gems in the city. It's a great way to avoid the regular tourist traps, enabling you to feel and live like a local and discover locations that pique your interest. The airport features various rental providers offering you diverse options to choose from.
When dropping off your car rental at Raleigh-Durham Airport, plan your route and allow enough time for the journey. It will save you the additional charges you may incur for late returns. If your rental provider operates on a full-to-full fuel policy, fill up your gas tank at gas stations near the airport. Once you park at the drop-off area, take photos of the car, including the fuel indicator, to avoid unexpected additional charges.
Picking up or dropping off your car rental at Raleigh-Durham Airport is not easy during peak time. You will have to deal with heavy traffic congestion during the peak hours, especially on both ends of the I-40, the main highway connecting the airport to Raleigh and Durham city centers. The rush hour on this highway starts in the morning when people are headed to work. Also, there is heavy traffic in the evening when people are commuting home.
Book your car hire at Raleigh-Durham Airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about hiring a car at Raleigh-Durham Airport
What documentation will I need to get a car rental at RDU?
To get a rental at RDU, you must be at least 21 years old. However, standard renters are considered to be as from 25, and surcharges may apply for younger drivers. You will need to present a valid government-issued driver's license, which must stay valid throughout the rental period. If you do not reside in the U.S., a valid driver's license with your name on it from your home country is accepted as long as it is written in the Latin alphabet. Otherwise, you will be required to present an international driver's license along with your driver's license. A passport is also required for identification proof.
Where are the car rental companies located in Raleigh-Durham Airport?
Raleigh-Durham Airport features various reputable car rental agencies on-site, and each car rental provider at RDU provides complimentary shuttle service to their offices. You can catch your courtesy bus shuttle to the car rental facility, which operates every 15min, at the green Rental Car shuttle stations located outside luggage claim at Zone 4 in Terminal 1 and Zone 5 in Terminal 2. If you wish to book a reservation upon arrival, you can do so at the Reservation and Accommodations Board in the luggage claim area in Terminals 1 and 2.
What payment options are allowed in Raleigh-Durham Airport car rental agencies?
Clients at Raleigh-Durham Airport car rental agencies have various payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, cash, and pre-payment. However, most on-site rental locations prefer credit card payments since it guarantees their security. The credit card must bear the renter's name, and you should indicate the available credit. Typically, major credit cards, including American Express, MasterCard, and VISA, are accepted. Also, if you plan to use a debit card, you may be required to present your return ticket, among other additional requirements.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Raleigh-Durham Airport?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Raleigh-Durham Airport to off-airport locations include Advantage, Alamo, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Europcar, E-Z Rent-A-Car, Hertz, National, and Payless.
Raleigh-Durham Airport car rental reviews and directory
I ordered an intermediate SUV and got a Dodge Hornet. I should have known better about what I was receiving ...my bad. The agent did offer an upgrade but I was in a hurry to leave, next time I will be more informed.
6,0 Okay
Home, May 2026
Economy
Long line to check in. Reserved economy and got SUV
8,0 Very Good
Michael, May 2026
Intermediate
I was charged to gas when I returned it full. I contacted customer service and they will fix it. However, it was a 20 minute effort. Everything else was great.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2026
People carrier
First van we were assigned had not been cleaned. An employee immediately got us a different clean van.
6,0 Okay
aaron, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
The car pick up process was RIDICULOUS. I stood in line for an HOUR to get my car. They know how many reservations they have....STAFF PROPERLY!!!
They didn’t have a car available. They took a reservation without having to vehicle, which seems to be a normal practice. That’s unacceptable.
10,0 Wonderful
Rennie Cuthbert, Sept 2025
Intermediate
I have no comment
2,0 Poor
Clever, May 2025
Compact SUV
You offered a price and at drop off I ended up paying way more for absolutely no reason.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2025
Economy
Smooth and everyone was very nice. Tyler at pick up was great and I didn’t catch the name of the women when I dropped off, but they were both professional and helpful.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2024
Compact SUV
The staff at the counter and parking lot could not have been more pleasant and helpful - really positive experience
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Intermediate
Very smooth and easy process. Will definitely use Alamo again.
They did not have the reserved car ready for pickup. had to get a more expensive car with much more expensive insurance.
10,0 Wonderful
Steve, Apr 2025
Compact SUV
very good . a lot better than most.
2,0 Poor
Marie, Jul 2024
Full-size SUV
The line was almost 2 hours long to pick up the car. They gave us the wrong SUV 3 different times and had to load and unload the car with 3 children. Finally we have a suitable SUV and it smells like smoke. Horrible experience. Go Turo!
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2024
Standard SUV
We were upgraded from an Infinity MX 60 to a Chevrolet Suburban which as it turns out was really what we needed. Thank you very much.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Intermediate SUV
The pickup experience was great. Desk staff at RDU was very friendly and helpful. I was having trouble finding my car and door staff walked me over to my car. Really nice people.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Intermediate SUV
I didn’t like the fact that I prepaid for everything on the rental. When I got to the counter to pick up the keys I was charged an extra $200.00 for insurance when I told the representative that I have insurance and the credit card covers the insurance as well. The rep told me no I had to get their insurance. Also I was also hit with a $500.00 hold for using my debit card because there wasn’t enough funds on the card. I was charged a total of $1,050.00 including the rental, insurance, and hold amount. My prepaid total in July when I made the reservation was no more than $500.00 . I will not use this app again because it didn’t disclose everything. Thank goodness I had extra money to cover this mess or I would have been stranded.
I was charged $45 to recharge this electric vehicle that I drove only 63 miles. As that is about half what I pay for the electricity for my entire house in a month, it amounts to highway robbery. This charge was not clearly spelled out by the Thrifty employee when I picked up the car. I will therefore not be using Thrifty or Kayak to rent cars in the future, or recommending that anyone else do so.
4,0 Mediocre
Taran, Sept 2025
Open-air all-terrain
Being charged for gas after I filled it up 2miles away and they still added 1gal at $11 is ridiculous.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2024
Intermediate SUV
On line key in car no line
6,0 Okay
Steve, Nov 2024
Standard SUV
I had my own insurance however rep pushed additional insurance
4,0 Mediocre
Hillary, Oct 2023
Intermediate
Thrifty itself is fine and the staff were very friendly. The problem is with the booking company Qeeq. At the time of booking there was no indication that I had reserved an electric vehicle. I had to “upgrade” to a petrol car. For $55 extra per day.
7,9 Good
Paula, Jun 2021
I wish they would have notified us that they had consolidated with Hertz and Dollar rental cars. The line to pick up the car was rather long.
I called Hertz multiple times to cancel my reservation, I even have an email confirming it is canceled. I was told I would receive a refund in 10 business days. I have still not recevied it.
2,0 Poor
Courtney, Apr 2026
Compact SUV
They over charged me and there’s nearly no way to fix it. So many hidden charges!
4,0 Mediocre
John, Mar 2026
Intermediate
Liked quick pickup - bus was waiting when walked up - otherwise would have taken Avis Better - only 3 cars available upon pickup - settled for large minivan none of choices were good. Checkout at gate - attendant could not figure it out - very frustrating - had to go back to counter - they added extra charges that I needed to get taken off - still not sure that I was not overcharged. Return in Charleston was frustrating - no clear signs indicating how to get to rental return - navigation couldn't figure it out with the construction - very long walk with bags dragging to get to terminal - Bad Experience I wished I had stuck with Avis
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Sept 2025
Compact
Staff was not friendly or accommodating. She really didn’t explain anything including a $200 charge that was placed on my account.
8,0 Very Good
Michael, Dec 2024
Intermediate
the online app to streamline checkout never worked, but the staff were very friendly and helpful, offsetting some of that stress before pick up
I had a terrible experience with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and I strongly advise anyone considering renting from them to think twice! On Thursday, August 22, 2024, I rented a car from their Raleigh, North Carolina branch, with plans to drop it off in New York City the next day. While booking online, I requested a car seat and was informed that if available, I might be charged at pickup. When I arrived to pick up the car, I was charged for the car seat, but they failed to provide one. Yes, I was billed for a service they did not deliver, and I had to go out of my way to buy one myself. This alone is unacceptable. After returning the car in NYC, I contacted their customer care to report this issue. I was told that the Raleigh office would call me within 24 hours to resolve the matter. Well, guess what? 24 hours came and went, and no one called. I waited 72 hours—still nothing. When I called back, I was told to wait 5 business days. After 10 business days, I called again, and I made it very clear that this would be my last attempt to resolve the issue. I even told them that if I didn’t hear back, I would assume they were simply keeping my money and that I would share my story so others wouldn’t fall victim. Well, here I am, 4 weeks later, and no one has called. Enterprise has taken my money and completely ignored my complaint. The customer service is non-existent once they have your money. If the situation were reversed and I owed them, you can bet they would’ve been calling me non-stop. But since it’s their fault, they don’t care. If you’re thinking about renting from Enterprise, save yourself the frustration. They took my money without providing the service, and then completely ghosted me when I asked for help. I will never rent from them again, and I recommend you avoid them as well!
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Intermediate SUV
Great! Everything was quick and efficient. Easiest car rental ever.
Process was quick and easy. Staff was incredibly polite. Car was clean and drop off was super easy.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Sept 2024
Full-size
They did not have the class of car that I reserved and prepaid for. Instead of being given a car one class up, they tried to give me a car smaller than I paid for. Then, because they didn’t have my car class, I was upsold a different vehicle that more than doubled my total charge.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Sept 2024
Full-size
Picked up and dropped off quickly from the airport to the car. Staff were great. Gave me a car that had a strong smell of weed. No bueno.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Luxury SUV
Sixt was great. We hadn’t heard of them before and they were wonderful. They were cheaper than other places, very kind, and we even upgraded easily for a low price.
10,0 Wonderful
Alfredo, May 2024
Full-size
Cleanness of the car and No restroom for customers available
2,0 Poor
Lee, Apr 2024
Full-size
Bait and switch. Rude attendant. Prepaid for car. Tried adding $175 in new charges at check out. Added services I turned down. Added a bunch of fees no other rental company has ever charged. First time renter…now last time renter.
Huge line at the check in counter. Staff was frantic and yelling at people.
8,0 Very Good
Kahlia, Feb 2024
Intermediate SUV
Pick up and drop off was simple and quick. Customer service was fantastic. Only bad part was the vehicle. The special offer was for a small SUV. What I received was an Buick with 80k miles that looked and felt very used. The brakes were going bad as well.
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