Car rental Charlottesville, VA
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Rental cars in Charlottesville, VA
Rent a car in Charlottesville on Turo
Car rental in Charlottesville lets you explore the heart of Virginia your way. Find the perfect car for your itinerary, whether you're adventuring in Shenandoah National Park, visiting the sites of the founding fathers, or just soaking up the historic atmosphere of this vibrant city. From Charlottesville Airport car rental to picking up your car in town, you can skip the stress of the airport rental counter and get your trip on the road sooner by booking on Turo..
Renting a car on Turo gives you a chance to experience Virginia like a local, with a wide range of car models available for any length of time. Whether you want to hike the trails around the Rivanna River or relax with a glass of wine in one of many vineyards, Charlottesville has something for every traveler to discover.
Charlottesville, VA car rental: How it works
On Turo, renting a car in Charlottesville is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Charlottesville, Virginia and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.
1. Find the perfect car
Enter a date and location in Charlottesville, VA (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.
2. Select a pickup location
Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.
3. Hit the road
Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Charlottesville, VA! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.
Recent reviews
This is the second time that I've rented from Robert and it's been a great experience each time. He's very quick and helpful if you have any questions and very easy to work with.
It is a joy to drive, I love the regen braking and the way the car opens when touch her.
Great experience. Also appreciated the communication and flexibility when my flight was delayed by 4hrs.
Rent a car and explore Charlottesville, VA
Things to do and places to see in Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville provides an enchanting experience no matter the season. Paddle around local lakes or the lush Rivanna River in summer, or savor the season in winter and sip a glass of wine by a warm fireplace. With access to dozens of trails for hiking and cycling around the city, this is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. If you're looking to learn about Charlottesville's past, you can explore the world-renowned history at the University of Virginia and the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center.
Rent the perfect carThe Paramount Theater
After opening in 1931 on Thanksgiving Eve, the Paramount became a landmark. This theater made movie-going an iconic experience and remained Charlottesville's gem until 1974 when it was closed. In 1992, the building was purchased and restored over the years to become once again a place for the community of Charlottesville to be inspired and intrigued. You can tour the theater, watch a movie on the big screen, or catch some live music to truly appreciate the crown jewel of Charlottesville.
Shenandoah National Park
If you're looking to explore the scenic vistas and connect with nature in Shenandoah National Park, Charlottesville is an excellent base for your exploration. Just a half an hour's drive through a breathtaking forest road, the beauty of this National Park is right on Charlottesville's back door. This is where a rental car comes in handy, letting you see the beauty of Charlottesville and its surroundings on your own schedule.
Michie Tavern
If you want a taste of Southern culture and hospitality, Michie Tavern is an 18th-century landmark where you can step back in time. This tavern has been accommodating travelers for more than 200 years, which makes it a slice of Charlottesville's history. Explore the grounds with a full stomach and take in all the culture and culinary delights this Tavern has to offer.
Why rent a car on Turo?
Cheap Charlottesville, VA car rental
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Charlottesville, VA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Convenient Charlottesville, VA car rental pick up options
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Charlottesville, VA, like airports, train stations, and hotels.
Relax with support & damage protection
24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.
Charlottesville car rentals for any occasion
Vacation car rental
If you're a history buff wanting to soak up the rich culture of Charlottesville, or a keen hiker ready to hit the outdoors, a vacation rental car is the way to go. Whether you're after a luxury car rental to cruise around in style, or a zippy SUV to fit all of your gear - the vehicles on Turo are anything but average. Having a great car makes your exploration of Monticello, or even the Paramount Theater, one to remember.
Moving day car rental
A van or a truck rental on Turo makes moving in or around Charlottesville seamless and convenient. Whether you're moving into a dorm, moving house, or even picking up a new couch, having a pickup truck or a spacious vehicle saves you the hassle. Lots of Turo hosts offer cargo vans or SUVs with foldable seats, which gives you the flexibility to move anything, anywhere.
Special event car rental
If you have a special event coming up that you want to ride in style for, Turo has many more swishy options than your normal car. Whether you're after a sleek Tesla to impress at your business event or a Polaris Slingshot to show up at prom in style, there are so many classic and prestige car rentals to choose from that will make your event even more special.
Turo vs. Traditional car rental
Turo
App-based experience
No waiting in line
Get the exact car you choose
Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations
Contactless pickup and dropoff available
Traditional car rental
Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Get one type of car “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
Requires in-person handoff
Rental car pickup locations throughout Charlottesville
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Charlottesville, VA, including Charlottesville, VA airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Charlottesville, VA pickup locations include:
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, located on Bowen Loop, serves as a convenient and easy starting point for your Virginia adventure. But there's no need to line up at the busy Charlottesville airport rental counter. Breeze right from the baggage claim area and head to a handy car rental pickup location near the airport. Using the Turo app, you can book the ideal rental car for your Charlottesville trip and collect your vehicle from a handy location just outside the airport.
Charlottesville Historic District
If you want to dive into the history of the city of Charlottesville straight away, you can arrange to pick up your vehicle from the Charlottesville Historic District on West Main Street. There are so many historic landmarks to immerse yourself in, from the Historic Downtown Mall to the McGuffey Art Center - just choose what works for you and arrange to meet your Turo host nearby to kick-start your Charlottesville adventure.
University of Virginia
Whether you're a student on campus or visiting for graduation, arranging to pick up your rental car from University Avenue at the University of Virginia means you can collect your vehicle without any hassle. Pre-arrange to meet your host where and when it suits you, and work to your own schedule. Turo makes it easy to find the vehicle you need to make college life easier.
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Top tips for renting a car in Charlottesville
Charlottesville has a rich, complicated history that shaped the state of Virginia, and you'll notice the Southern charm oozing out of the tree-lined streets and historic landmarks as you cruise around. If you're exploring Charlottesville and its surroundings, it's handy to keep these top car rental tips in mind to ensure your trip smooth and stress-free.
What are the road rules and driving conditions in Charlottesville?
Driving in Charlottesville is generally stress-free. There isn't much traffic, but it's helpful to remember the roads in this city originated a couple of hundred years ago as wagon trails, so it can sometimes take a few detours to get to where you want to go. Charlottesville is also a college town, so there are many drivers here who might be unfamiliar with Virginia road rules. It's best to stay vigilant and remember to allow extra time to explore.
The speed limit for most areas in Charlottesville is 25 mph and 55 mph for most highways surrounding the town. To make your drive seamless, always adhere to Virginia road rules like only operating your phone on hands-free mode, and if you're approaching an intersection at the same time as another vehicle, whoever is on the left side of the road should give way to the vehicle on the right.
Virginia has a stable climate, which is typically humid in summer, with winter only being moderately cold. There can be extreme weather in summer, like the occasional hurricane and tropical storm, so make sure to check weather conditions before starting your exploration.
What is parking like in Charlottesville?
Finding a park in Charlottesville is easy, whether you're driving a luxury car or a pickup truck. There are two public parking garages next to the Downtown Mall, as well as plenty of free parking on the streets surrounding. You can park your rental car in these spots for two hours before you'll need to find another park. There are also lots of metered parking options along 14th and Main Street, so it's easy to find a park to start your Charlottesville exploration, no matter what your car size.
Are there toll roads in Charlottesville?
While Virginia does have some toll roads, Charlottesville has none, so whether you're sticking around the city and exploring its history or heading out to Shenandoah National Park, you won't have to worry about encountering any toll roads.
Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Charlottesville?
Being a college town and a gateway to the great outdoors, Charlottesville has a range of convenient options for you to fuel up and keep your adventure going. There are a few gas stations on Richmond Road, like The Market at Pantops and Shell, that make it seamless to fuel up and reach airport locations easily. Otherwise, there are Shell and Exxon stations on Seminole Trail, if you're heading out for a hike or a paddle on the Rivanna River.
If you've booked an electric vehicle from Turo, there are a few EV charging stations to choose from, located both on Barracks Road and in Downtown Charlottesville. It's easy to charge up and keep exploring what this historical town has to offer.
Do I need to rent a car in Charlottesville?
We absolutely recommend renting a car for your Charlottesville adventure. Although the historic charm and well-preserved landmarks are what make Charlottesville special, this means the city is not really designed for walking between attractions easily. Having a rental car like a Volkswagen Jetta or similar SUV means you can see everything on your list and not have to settle for any less. You can find your ideal rental car, whether a luxury car or a pickup truck, on Turo.
Frequently asked questions about Charlottesville car rentals
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.
In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.
When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!
What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?
What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?
Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver’s licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn’t accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner’s permit/instruction permits are not accepted.
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.
How does car rental insurance work on Turo?
How does car rental insurance work on Turo?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.
In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*
In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.
Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?
Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?
You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo.
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals.
Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.
Learn how the loyalty bonus worksIs there long term car rental on Turo?
Is there long term car rental on Turo?
Yes there is - whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsIs there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?
Is there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
Can other people drive the car that I rented?
Can other people drive the car that I rented?
Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers with no fees or additional charges. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
What rental car types are there in Charlottesville?
What rental car types are there in Charlottesville?
Whether you're looking for luxury rental cars like a Ford Mustang or a Lincoln MKZ, you can find plenty of car rental types on Turo. If you're planning to hit the beautiful scenic trails of Virginia while you're visiting, an SUV is perfect to fit all of your gear without compromising. Check the availability of the vehicle types you're after with Turo and make your Charlottesville adventure one to remember.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Charlottesville?
How much does it cost to rent a car in Charlottesville?
The cost of car rental in Charlottesville can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Charlottesville, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.