Turo
Hero background image

Car rental in Smithfield, NC

Discover the Turo car rental marketplace

Where
From
Until
Insurance icon

Extraordinary selection

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

Insurance icon

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 Smithfield, NC

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Smithfield, EN

Car rental Smithfield North Carolina guide

Smithfield combines small-town charm with rich history in the heart of Johnston County, North Carolina. You'll discover antebellum architecture, scenic farmland, and proximity to both Raleigh's urban attractions and eastern Carolina's natural beauty. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore historic downtown at your own pace, venture to nearby state parks, and experience authentic Southern hospitality. The flexibility of your own vehicle lets you discover hidden gems throughout Johnston County and beyond.

Things to do and places to see in Smithfield

Smithfield offers visitors a blend of historic attractions, outdoor recreation, and cultural experiences perfect for exploring by car. You can stroll through the Historic Downtown District with its preserved 19th-century buildings, visit the Ava Gardner Museum celebrating the hometown Hollywood legend, or explore Clements Park for family-friendly activities. Your rental car provides easy access to these diverse attractions while allowing spontaneous stops at local antique shops, farmers markets, and scenic countryside drives through Johnston County's rolling hills.


Ava Gardner Museum showcases Hollywood glamour

The Ava Gardner Museum celebrates Smithfield's most famous daughter with an extensive collection of photographs, costumes, and personal memorabilia from her legendary film career. You'll find convenient street parking near the museum in downtown Smithfield, making it easily accessible during your visit. The museum sits within walking distance of other historic sites, allowing you to park once and explore multiple attractions on foot.


Historic Downtown District preserves Southern heritage

Smithfield's Historic Downtown District features beautifully preserved antebellum and Victorian architecture along tree-lined streets perfect for leisurely exploration. You can park along the main streets and discover unique boutiques, local restaurants, and historic markers that tell the story of this charming North Carolina town. The compact downtown area makes it ideal for parking your rental car and exploring the various shops and eateries at a relaxed pace.


Clements Park offers family recreation opportunities

Clements Park provides extensive recreational facilities including walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields spread across spacious grounds. You'll appreciate the ample parking available at this popular family destination, making it convenient to unload picnic supplies or sports equipment from your rental car. The park's location offers easy access from major roads while providing a peaceful retreat from urban activities.


How to get to Smithfield

You can reach Smithfield through several transportation options:
• By car: Located along US Highway 70, approximately 30 miles southeast of Raleigh via Interstate 40 and Highway 70
• By plane: Raleigh-Durham International Airport serves the region with car rental services available
• By train: Amtrak provides service to nearby Selma station with ground transportation to Smithfield


Top tips for renting a car in Smithfield

Book your rental car early on Turo to secure the best vehicle options for exploring Smithfield and surrounding areas. Consider choosing a car with features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for easy navigation through Johnston County's rural roads, and keyless entry for convenience during frequent stops at local attractions. Pet-friendly vehicles work well if you're traveling with furry companions to explore the area's parks and outdoor spaces, while backup cameras help with parking in downtown Smithfield's historic district.

Frequently asked questions in Smithfield, NC

Why rent a car in Smithfield?

Smithfield offers excellent access to North Carolina's scenic countryside and historic attractions that are best explored with your own vehicle. A rental car provides the freedom to visit nearby tobacco farms, antique shops, and local dining establishments at your own pace. Having a car in Smithfield also makes it convenient to explore the greater Johnston County area and venture into the Triangle region when desired.

Where can I find gas stations in Smithfield?

Gas stations are readily available throughout Smithfield, particularly along major routes like Highway 70 and Highway 210. You'll find several fuel options near the downtown area and along Bright Leaf Boulevard for convenient refueling during your car rental period. Most gas stations in Smithfield offer both regular and premium fuel options to accommodate different car types.

What car types work best for North Carolina roads?

SUVs and sedans like the Chevrolet Malibu perform excellently on North Carolina's mix of highways and rural roads. The Nissan Rogue provides good ground clearance for country roads while maintaining fuel efficiency for longer drives. Compact cars work well for city driving in Smithfield, while larger vehicles offer more comfort for exploring the broader North Carolina region.

Which scenic routes offer great driving experiences near Smithfield?

The rural roads around Smithfield showcase beautiful farmland and historic tobacco barns that define North Carolina's agricultural heritage. Highway 210 south leads through charming small communities with antebellum architecture and peaceful countryside views. The backroads connecting Smithfield to nearby towns offer glimpses of traditional Southern landscapes and provide excellent opportunities for leisurely rental car exploration.

How should I prepare for long-distance drives from Smithfield?

Plan your route in advance and ensure your rental car has sufficient fuel before departing Smithfield for longer journeys. North Carolina weather can change quickly, so check forecasts and pack accordingly for your drive. Keep your driver's license, car rental documentation, and a physical map as backup navigation when exploring rural areas around Smithfield.

What driving tips help navigate unfamiliar North Carolina areas safely?

Familiarize yourself with North Carolina traffic laws and speed limits, which can vary between rural and urban areas near Smithfield. Rural roads around Smithfield may have limited lighting, so plan daytime drives when possible for better visibility. Always maintain a safe following distance and be alert for farm equipment on country roads, especially during harvest seasons in the Smithfield area.

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!

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.

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.

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 can I do to prevent unexpected fees when renting a car on Turo?

To prevent unexpected fees when you rent a car on Turo, be sure to return the vehicle on time. All applicable fees are clearly displayed in the Turo app.

Is it possible to return a rented car on a Sunday in Smithfield?

Yes, you can return a car on a Sunday, and many hosts on Turo offer flexible return options. Be sure to verify the specific return procedures with your host when you pick up the vehicle.

Is it possible to pick up a car in Smithfield and return it in another city?

Some hosts offer one-way trips as an Extra. When you search on Turo, you can filter for one-way trips to see what’s available in your area.

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