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Car rental at Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

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Extraordinary selection

From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget

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Liability insurance included

Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans

Free cancellation

Easy airport pickup

You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada

Rental cars in Wilmington International Airport

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Wilmington International Airport, EN

Car rental at Wilmington International Airport

Wilmington International Airport serves as your gateway to North Carolina's charming coastal region, where historic downtown districts meet pristine beaches and scenic waterways. This area offers a perfect blend of Southern hospitality, Civil War history, and natural beauty along the Cape Fear River. Renting a car enhances your exploration of this diverse landscape, giving you the freedom to discover hidden gems from the historic Riverwalk to the stunning beaches of Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach at your own pace.

Why choose Turo?

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Enjoy a streamlined airport experience

100+ airports across the US and Canada let Turo hosts bring cars to airport parking lots and garages. Some smaller airports even allow curbside pickup at the terminal.*

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Get personalized service from a local host

Turo hosts are everyday entrepreneurs who share cars in their communities.

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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.

Recent reviews

Tahlia
Toyota Camry Hybrid 2025

The host & the car are absolutely PERFECT! Especially with the gas prices being so outrages! The host was very responsive & we will rent again for our next road trip! Thank you August! This was also our first time using Turo. Hoping all cars & hosts are as great. 😉

Tahlia
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Dodge Charger 2023

Car was fantastic! A phenomenal machine for a great price! Pickup and drop off was flawless, great communication, next time I’m in the area I will certainly be renting again! This was my first Turo experience and I will most certainly never be renting from another source! If I could give more than 5 stars I would!

McKay
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BMW 4 Series 2024

Great car, would rent again, what I expected and more. Easy pickup and drop off, comfortable ride for my trip.

Nichole
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Julianne
Hyundai Elantra 2018

“Great experience overall! The car ran really well, was clean, and was great on gas. The whole rental process was smooth from start to finish and I had no complaints at all. I would definitely rent again!”

Julianne
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Toyota Corolla 2023

The car was great!!! Clean and drove so good!! Would rent again for sure!!!

Lindsey
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Ford Fiesta 2015

Great car! Great pickup & drop off👏🏽👏🏽& Great people to work with on renting a car for inconvenient times like I faced that week 🥳🥰I can't wait to rent again!

Dani
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Alyssa
Nissan Sentra 2024

Car was clean and drove very well! Easy to find as well. Great on gas. Would definitely rent again!

Alyssa
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Chevrolet Sonic 2019

The car was excellent for what I needed for a short, 4-day trip. Cruise control, CarPlay, excellent gas mileage. The hosts are extremely friendly and very accommodating.

Austin
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Holden
Mazda Mazda3 2016

Host was excellent! Couldn’t have asked for better communication, or a better car! 10/10 would use this host for rental needs in Wilmington!

Holden
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Kia Rio 2016

Really enjoyed the rio it is great on gas and was clean and well equipped for my trip pickup was easy and Jessica was a delight she met me at the driveway with the keys and has a great personality return was super easy when returning the car

Mary
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Rinieh
Chevrolet Corvette 2026

Vince was a fantastic host! The car exceeded all of our expectations! Hoping we get a chance to rent again from him soon!

Rinieh
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Tara
Hyundai Elantra 2018

Absolutely love these guys and this car! This is my 3rd trip w/them. Highly recommend!

Tara
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Trevor
Kia Rio 2016

Great trip. Can’t complain the owners did well. Happy to say I’d rent from them again. Vehicle was clean and they were friendly and responsive.

Trevor
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Ford Focus 2016

Great people always great car, only “downside” was the right headlight went out

Gunner
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Gilbert
Chevrolet Corvette 2026

Lance was great and the car was even better! If you are thinking about renting it, dont hesitate!

Gilbert
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Brent
Tesla Model 3 2022

Car is in great condition and worked excellent. Frank was very helpful, even including a portable charger so I could charge it at the house. Highly recommend and will use him again next time in Wilmington.

Brent
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Chevrolet Sonic 2014

Car smelled like someone had smoked in it in the past, but other than that was good

Kolby
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Gretchen
Kia Rio 2016

Perfect no frills commuter while my car was in the shop

Gretchen
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Discover Wilmington's attractions and coastal treasures from Wilmington International Airport

From Wilmington International Airport, you'll have easy access to an incredible variety of attractions that showcase North Carolina's coastal charm. The historic downtown Riverwalk offers stunning waterfront views, while nearby beaches provide endless recreational opportunities. Film enthusiasts can explore movie locations throughout the city, and nature lovers will appreciate the botanical gardens and state parks. Having a rental car allows you to seamlessly navigate between these diverse destinations, from the bustling downtown area to serene coastal retreats, making the most of your Delaware and greater Wilmington experience.


Historic downtown Wilmington and the scenic Riverwalk

Downtown Wilmington's historic district captivates visitors with its antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and the famous Riverwalk stretching along the Cape Fear River. This area features numerous restaurants, galleries, and shops housed in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. Parking is readily available in several downtown garages and street-side spots, making it convenient to explore on foot once you arrive. The scenic drive from the airport takes you through charming neighborhoods, and having a rental car ensures you can easily return to your accommodation after enjoying the vibrant nightlife and waterfront dining options.


Wrightsville Beach and its pristine Atlantic coastline

Wrightsville Beach stands out as one of North Carolina's premier beach destinations, offering crystal-clear waters and wide sandy shores perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach provides ample parking areas, though arriving early during peak season ensures the best spots. The coastal drive features beautiful marsh views and glimpses of the Intracoastal Waterway, creating a scenic journey that's as enjoyable as the destination itself.


Battleship North Carolina and its fascinating maritime history

The USS North Carolina, permanently moored across from downtown Wilmington, offers visitors an immersive World War II experience aboard this legendary battleship. This floating museum showcases authentic naval history through self-guided tours of the ship's decks, gun turrets, and living quarters. Convenient parking is available on-site, and the short drive from downtown provides excellent views of the Cape Fear River. Having a rental car makes it easy to combine this historical attraction with other Wilmington destinations, allowing you to create a comprehensive itinerary that includes both cultural and recreational activities throughout your visit.


Airlie Gardens and its spectacular seasonal blooms

Airlie Gardens presents 67 acres of stunning landscapes featuring ancient live oaks, seasonal azaleas, and diverse plant collections that change dramatically throughout the year. The gardens offer peaceful walking trails, a butterfly house, and the famous Airlie Oak, estimated to be over 400 years old. Ample parking makes visiting convenient, and the location provides easy access to other nearby attractions in the greater Wilmington area.


Carolina Beach State Park and its diverse ecosystems

Carolina Beach State Park encompasses unique coastal ecosystems including maritime forests, tidal marshes, and the rare Venus flytrap in its natural habitat. The park offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and educational programs that highlight the region's distinctive flora and fauna. Well-maintained parking areas serve various trail heads and facilities, making it easy to explore different sections of the park. The drive through coastal communities and over the scenic bridge provides beautiful views of the Cape Fear River and surrounding wetlands, creating a memorable journey that showcases North Carolina's natural beauty before you even reach the park entrance.

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

Car rental locations near Wilmington International Airport

Frequently asked questions in Wilmington International Airport

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.

What driving rules should I know before leaving the airport?

North Carolina requires all passengers to wear seatbelts, and drivers must come to complete stops at red lights before turning right. Speed limits are strictly enforced throughout the Wilmington area, with school zones requiring extra caution during weekday hours. Keep your driver's license and vehicle registration easily accessible while exploring North Carolina's coastal region.

What documents and paperwork do I 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!

How do I drive from Wilmington International Airport to downtown?

From Wilmington International Airport (ILM), take Airport Boulevard east toward US-17 South for a direct route to downtown Wilmington. The journey follows well-marked roads through residential areas before reaching the historic downtown district. Your rental car provides convenient access to explore both the airport vicinity and greater Wilmington's attractions.

Are there toll roads near Wilmington International Airport?

The Wilmington airport area features primarily toll-free highways and local roads for convenient travel throughout southeastern North Carolina. Most routes connecting ILM to popular destinations like downtown Wilmington, nearby beaches, and neighboring counties remain free of tolls. Having your own rental car allows flexible exploration of the Cape Fear region without additional road fees.

Should I rent a car from Wilmington International Airport?

A rental car from ILM opens access to North Carolina's stunning coastline, historic downtown Wilmington, and scenic Cape Fear River attractions. Public transportation options remain limited in this region, making personal vehicle access essential for reaching beaches, restaurants, and cultural sites. The airport's location provides an ideal starting point for exploring both urban Wilmington and the surrounding coastal communities.

Where can I find gas stations and EV chargers near the airport?

Multiple gas stations operate along Airport Boulevard and US-17, providing convenient fuel options before departing Wilmington International Airport. Electric vehicle charging stations are available at various shopping centers and hotels throughout the greater Wilmington metropolitan area. Your rental car choice determines which fuel infrastructure you'll need during your North Carolina travels.

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 kilometers 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.

What are the most popular road trip routes from Wilmington International Airport?

The coastal route south leads to beautiful Carolina beaches and charming seaside communities perfect for day trips from your Wilmington airport base. Inland routes connect to historic sites, state parks, and the scenic Cape Fear River valley region. Your airport car rental enables spontaneous exploration of both the immediate airport area and extended adventures throughout southeastern North Carolina's diverse landscapes.

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.

What steps should I follow to collect my Turo vehicle at Wilmington International Airport?

To collect your car at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), open the Turo app to view the vehicle pickup location information from your host on the “Details” page of your trip or as a message in your Turo Inbox. The permitted pickup location is a Turo-dedicated parking space in Lot A. Please complete the in-person pickup from your host quickly, ensuring not to leave the vehicle unattended.

What is the cost advantage of renting a car on Turo for multiple days compared to a single day?

Look out for savings on longer bookings. Rates can vary depending on the length of your trip, so try adjusting your trip dates to find the best rates for your schedule.

Is it possible to return a Turo car on a Sunday at Wilmington International Airport?

Yes, you can return a car booked on Turo on a Sunday at Wilmington International Airport (ILM). Many hosts offer flexible pickup and drop-off hours, including after-hours returns. Be sure to confirm the specific return procedures with your host when booking your vehicle.

How do I get to the rental car area from Wilmington International Airport?

Your host will share the exact pickup location at Wilmington International Airport in your trip details. Follow your host’s instructions, which may include meeting at the designated Turo pickup area outside the terminal. Check your Turo app for specific directions after booking.

  1. * Est. daily price. Search for up to date price information.