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Car rental Wilmington, NC

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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, NC

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Lucid Air car rental in Wilmington on Turo

Rent a car in Wilmington on Turo

With its vibrant urban atmosphere and proximity to several North Carolina beaches, Wilmington is the ideal destination for those searching for peace and tranquility in a city that offers something for everyone. You can dip your toes in the sandy water at Wrightsville Beach or take a stroll along the Riverwalk when you want to get away from it all.

Booking on Turo is a breeze compared to traditional car rental companies. Skip the counter and get on the road faster by picking up your Wilmington rental car directly from a local host. Whether you need a sturdy pickup for moving or a premium SUV for your trip, you’ll find the right vehicle to enhance your daily drive.

Wilmington, NC car rental: How it works

On Turo, renting a car in Wilmington is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Wilmington, North Carolina and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.

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1. Find the perfect car

Enter a date and location in Wilmington, NC (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.

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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.

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3. Hit the road

Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Wilmington, NC! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.

Recent Wilmington, NC car rental reviews

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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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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Toyota Corolla 2023

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

Lindsey
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Cassandra
Ford Fiesta 2015

Great trip! Will definitely rent with them again! Very helpful and understanding! Love these guys!

Cassandra
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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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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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Alexander
Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2020

Great car, Great customer service and to top it all off they left me a happy Birthday Bag with goodies in it for our trip. You guys Rock! Highly recommended

Alexander
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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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Hillary
Hyundai Elantra 2013

Will always rent from these guys. Always had reliable cars and easy drop off and pick up. Good communication with extending trips. Will always recommend them!

Hillary
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Toyota Camry 2020

Car was amazing. Great on gas. Team was great eith getting me car and turning in. Would definitely rent again

Joshua
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Kia Forte 2017

I used their Kia Forte for a round-trip rental. It handles like a dream the whole way to where I was going and back. Their customer service was very prompt and accommodating. Will definitely use again soon.

Austin
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Andreana
Toyota Corolla 2020

Quality of car Awesome! Very clean and reliable also good on gas. Check in was pretty easy and for what I did not know the help team was right on time with assistance. I definitely recommend August's!

Andreana
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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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Marlon
Nissan Sentra 2024

Clean car Smelled clean Smooth ride 1-2-3 pick up

Marlon
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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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Brittany
Chevrolet Cruze 2014

Car quality, pickup location and ease of pick up and drop off, and host was all great! This is my second time booking with them! Will again.

Brittany
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Mary
Kia Rio 2016

The car was very nice and person I got the car from was extremely nice even gave me some helpful tips why I was in town very good couple to recommend

Mary
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Gretchen
Kia Rio 2016

Perfect no frills commuter while my car was in the shop

Gretchen
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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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Rent a car and explore Wilmington, NC

Things to do and places to see in Wilmington, NC

Nestled between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington is an urban port city in North Carolina that's brimming with fun and adventurous things to do. Visitors to the city gain easy access to peaceful Cape Fear Coast beaches like Carolina and Wrightsville. Known for its designation as a WWII heritage city as well as its eclectic downtown district, this coastal city is a delight whether you're visiting for business or pleasure. Here are some of the top attractions in the area.

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Wilmington Riverwalk

Battleship North Carolina

If you love learning about history, you won't want to miss the Battleship North Carolina, a large naval museum that offers nine levels to explore. This battleship was the first of its kind built for the U.S. Navy and was part of every naval offensive that occurred in the Pacific theater of operations. It's an authentic historic landmark that your entire family will enjoy. As you tour the ship, you'll get a glimpse of WWII-era electronics and some of the earliest computers. You'll be able to climb inside gun turrets and see where sailors ate and slept while they were at sea.

Wilmington Riverwalk

The Wilmington Riverwalk is a scenic path along the historic Cape Fear River that takes you close to over 200 attractions, boutique shops, and restaurants. When you reach the north end of the walkway, you'll gain access to the Marina Grill and the Live Oak Bank Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue. This destination is just a short walk or drive away from the Historic District and the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science.

Cameron Art Museum

Once you pick up your rental car, stop by the Cameron Art Museum to view pieces and exhibitions that span every form and style of art. The exhibitions at Cameron Art Museum are displayed in rotating thematic exhibitions that celebrate emerging and established artists. The museum's main collection contains over 4,400 works by artists like Minnie Evans and Jacob Marling. During your visit, consider taking a stroll along one of the nature trails or picking up lunch at the CAM Café.

Why Rent a car on Turo?

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Cheap Wilmington, NC car rental

Find deals on all kinds of drives in Wilmington, NC and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.

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Convenient Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington, NC, like airports, train stations, and hotels.

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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.

Wilmington car rentals for any occasion

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Formal car rental

Traveling to Wilmington for a wedding or graduation? Make a statement with a formal car rental like a Toyota Prius or Audi R8. If a pickup truck is more your style, opt for a GMC Sierra or Toyota Tacoma. Wilmington offers scenic river and ocean views that make it the ideal destination for any formal event. With a convertible or SUV rental, you determine when you arrive at the event in question.

Road trip car rental

Getting ready for a road trip across the U.S. or East Coast? Smell the salty sea air as you drive through Downtown Wilmington or visit nearby Kure Beach with a convertible rental. Keep the top down while you cruise along Interstate 40 with a Porsche 718 Boxster or a Chevrolet Corvette. No matter the route you take, the right rental vehicle ensures a unique and memorable road trip.

Long-term car rental

Staying at your beach house for the summer? Navigate the streets of Wilmington and its beaches with ease by reserving a luxury vehicle for the length of your stay in the area. If you choose a weekly or monthly car rental on Turo, look out for car rental discounts and deals. When you're behind the wheel of your dream rental car, you can drive to places like Holden Beach and The Pearl Golf Links without hesitation.

Turo vs. traditional car rental

Turo

  • App-based experience

  • No waiting in line

  • 1,600+ unique makes & models

  • Get the exact car you choose

  • Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations

  • Cars rented out by local small businesses

  • Vehicles and hosts rated by guests

Traditional car rental

  • Standard rental counter experience

  • Waiting in line

  • Limited car selection

  • Get one type of car “or similar”

  • Pickup at retail locations

  • Cars owned by large corporations

  • No vehicle ratings

Rental car pickup locations throughout Wilmington

Get your vehicle delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Wilmington, NC, including Wilmington, NC airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Wilmington, NC pickup locations include:

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Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

Flying into the Wilmington International Airport from across the country or overseas? When you arrive, avoid the hassle of the airport car rental counter by picking up your rental vehicle directly. The Turo app will tell you where your vehicle is: Lot A, B, C, D, E, or F. You can pick up your luxury rental car and drive to Downtown Wilmington or Airlie Gardens without delay!

Wrightsville Beach

With easy access to the Carolina and Kure Beaches, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect pickup location for travelers and adventurers who want to make the most of their vacations. The beach is just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Wilmington and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington campus. Home to the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, it's a great destination to begin your journey.

Downtown Wilmington

While Wilmington has a relaxing beach vibe, the downtown area blends this atmosphere with rich culture and exciting attractions. Picking this location for your rental car ensures that you can hop in your vehicle and reach the Wilmington Riverwalk or Alcove Beer Garden in minutes. You'll be in the vicinity of the best the city has to offer.

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Airport pickup made easy

Next time you fly, don’t wait in line and fill out forms — pick your car up at hundreds of popular airports.

Convenient pickup & return

Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.

No lines, no paperwork

Skip the rental car counter at hundreds of popular airports without waiting in line or filling out paperwork. Find and pick up the car with the app and hit the road in no time.

Free cancellation

Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.

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Pickup near or at Airports

Top tips for renting a car in Wilmington


Whether you're driving down U.S. Route 421 to reach the Carolina Beach State Park or navigating streets like Park Avenue as you make your way through the downtown area, booking a rental car in Wilmington gives you the freedom to go wherever the wind takes you. Here are some car and minivan rental tips to get you started.


What are the road rules and driving conditions in Wilmington?


Driving is rarely hectic in Wilmington, even when you're in the downtown area. However, you must follow the rules of the road and stick to the posted speed limits, which can vary depending on where you are in Wilmington. In residential areas, the speed limit can be as low as 25 mph. Speed limits in Downtown Wilmington range from 35-45 mph. If you're driving on Market Street or other major roads, the speed limit is around 55 mph.

Wilmington doesn't get a lot of snow during the winter. However, the roads are often icy from December to February. If road conditions worsen during your trip, take it slow when driving your rental car. Consider a full-size SUV or pickup truck to maximize traction on snow, ice, and rain.


What is parking like in Wilmington?


Wilmington offers ample parking opportunities, including metered and free street parking. The entire downtown area uses metered parking, which costs $2 per hour. The nearly 1,000 metered spaces in Wilmington are enforced from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. If you'd prefer to keep your rental vehicle in the parking garage, consider spots like the Hanover Parking Deck or the River Place Parking Deck. Keep in mind that free parking is typically available on 4th Street, which is just outside the downtown area.


Are there toll roads in Wilmington?


While there aren't any toll roads that run directly through Wilmington, there are three highways that require tolls in North Carolina. Two are located near Charlotte. The closest to the Wilmington area is the Triangle Expressway, which runs for 19 miles and is designed to lessen travel time for drivers between Durham and Wake counties. If you intend to drive your rental in this area, you can quickly navigate the toll road with a NC Quick Pass.


Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Wilmington?


Whether you select a standard cargo van or a hybrid sedan, gas stations and EV chargers are plentiful in Wilmington. The main gas stations in the downtown area include Shell, Exxon, and Speedway locations. If you have a VIC membership with Harris Teeter, look for the HT Fuel Center on Parker Farm Dr.

Wilmington is also home to 170 EV charging stations. Along with 19 free locations, you'll have access to 20 DC fast charging stations in the city. If you're near the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, look for the ChargePoint station on College Road.


Do I need to rent a car in Wilmington?


Some areas in Downtown Wilmington and the historic district are walkable. However, the rest of the city doesn't offer great pedestrian access. If you want to travel from Wrightsville Beach to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, the best way to do so is with a car or van rental. It will help you save time and avoid lengthy waits for public transportation.

Frequently asked questions about Wilmington car rentals

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?

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?

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?

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?

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 works

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 & discounts

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?

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.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Wilmington? 

The cost of car rental in Wilmington can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Wilmington, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.

What types of cars can I rent on Turo in Wilmington?

Take a drive to Wrightsville Beach in the sporty Toyota Camry Hybrid or spacious Hyundai Santa Fe. Whether you're visiting Wilmington for a business trip or spending time along the North Carolina coast for the summer, you'll have a wide range of car rentals to choose from. The Wilmington rental car types available to you include everything from a premium SUV or full-size sedan to a durable pickup truck. You can also book sports cars, vans, and compact cars.