There are travel restrictions to Durham.Learn more
Durham car hire
Search hundreds of hire car sites at once for hire car deals in Durham
Durham, NC, United States
5 Aug — 12 Aug
Same drop-off
Durham, NC, United States
Thu 5/8
Noon
Thu 12/8
Noon
Driver's age:
Stay informed and receive email updates for when travel restrictions ease for Durham.
Durham car hire information
| Pick-up location | Durham |
|---|---|
| Hire locations | 7 |
Durham car hire reviews and directory
Budget![agency]()
Best rated
7 Good (42 reviews)
2 locations in Durham
Budget
Locations in Durham
1720 Guess Road Suite 60+1 919 383 8240
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 13:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 13:00 |
233 S Elliott Road+1 919 951 7548
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
10.0 Excellent7 Oct 2020
Pros: The Chapel Hill desk employee was very courteous and friendly. He was careful about checking the car over before I left. The car's electronics included Android Auto, which allowed my phone's functions, including navigation, to be displayed on the car's entertainment screen. Great!!
2.0 Mediocre8 Nov 2019
Cons: They called and CANCELLED my reservation. Said he had ABSOLUTELY NO VEHICLES to rent to me. I went immediately back on kayak (and other websites) and saw NUMEROUS listings for vehicles at this EXACT LOCATION
9.2 Excellent28 Aug 2019
Pros: Super friendly staff at both locations
10.0 Excellent15 May 2019
Pros: Staff at pick up and delivery were awesome. It was very quick on both ends too. The car was great and the perfect size. Loved the Jeep Compass. Drove very smoothly and gas mileage was great. I highly recommend Budget!Cons: I wouldn't change a thing about this rental!
3.2 Mediocre7 Oct 2018
Pros: The woman at the front desk was kind but very new and clearly overwhelmed - there were no cars at all. I did receive a car but it took forever
2.0 Mediocre13 Jun 2018
Cons: We got there and were informed they couldn’t confirm same day rentals and there was no car for us. We had to book a different car using a different platform from a different location. It was a waste of our time and energy.
2.0 Mediocre27 Dec 2017
RUDE All Around! No customer servicePros: Nothing except I decided never to attempt securing a rental car there again.Cons: The was no customer service at all and they only offered me a different location at twice the rate I was originally confirmed for.
10.0 Excellent8 Dec 2017
Pros: Professionalism
7.6 Good2 Dec 2017
Pros: The man at the counter was friendly.Cons: Difficult to actually find. It is located in the Sheraton. Would have been much easier if that was denoted on the address. The car was in great condition and easy to drive but it was dirty and had a bad smell. Had to drive 12 hours with the window cracked for fresh air.
2.0 Mediocre26 Nov 2017
Pros: N/ACons: Reserved car 2 weeks in advance. Get a call 4 hours before pickup time to tell me there are no cars. Had to scramble to find a car at another company.
Hertz![agency]()
6.6 Good (34 reviews)
1 location in Durham
Hertz
Locations in Durham
3601 Hillsborough Road+1 919 309 0577
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 13:00 |
6.0 Good15 Jun 2021
Pros: The staff was kind, efficient, and apologetic. The customer service reps were excellent.Cons: I reserved a minivan and didn’t get a minivan. This made our beach weekend drive horrendous with two car seats and three adults. They gave us a Yukon, so they meant well, but if you have two car seats, you know what I mean. It was unbearably uncomfortable.
6.0 Good27 May 2021
Pros: OkayCons: Registered for a medium size car but got a small size car
2.0 Mediocre15 May 2021
Pros: Nothing. No rental happened.Cons: I came to get my rental and they had given my car (the last car on the lot) away! I was within the hour. There was NO notice that the timing would be any issue (they waited 30m and i was there 40m after the hour). I could not get my rental in a time I needed. I am extremely angry and disappointed at their behavior and the fact that none of that information was shared. Unacceptable on multiple fronts. This place should not be allowed to give out reservations that they cannot back up.
8.0 Excellent19 Mar 2021
Pros: Car controls, seat heating, steering wheel heating, and CarPlayCons: Sanitizing, washing the car from the outside
10.0 Excellent15 Mar 2021
Pros: YesCons: It was fine.
2.0 Mediocre1 Mar 2021
Pros: N/aCons: Horrendous customer service
10.0 Excellent20 Oct 2020
Pros: The staff was so kind, patient, fast, and helpful. I was ao stressed today and my brain felt like it was moving so much slower than usual, but the staff member who helped me really changed my day for the better.
2.0 Mediocre16 Aug 2020
Pros: When I got to the rental office I was the only costumer there. Two staff were on their computers either helping someone online or playing games. I could not tell because there was no communication. Ten minutes went by and finally one asked if he could help me. Come to find out he couldn't. I had reserved and paid in advance for a full-size pick-up. What I was offered was a mid-size pick-up. This would not work as I was moving across State and needed to pack and move my things in one trip (280 miles each way). I called costumer service who also offered no resolution, only read from a scrip, and repeated how sorry they were that they left me without a vehicle which I reserved and paid for in advance. The "off-shore" as she called herself also informed me that it would take 7 business days to get a refund. Both for the pre-paid rental and the $200 security deposit which they had just ran. I was forced to use my own car as no other rental trucks were available according to the off-shore service rep. This meant I had to leave valuable things behind when I moved. I will not rent from Hertz again and have serious reservations about using web-sites such as yours who promote/allow this type behavior from your vendors. Matthew Ketchum Durham, NCCons: Tell Hertz to live up to their rental agreement and ensure Kayak puts pressure on them or boot them from your web-site. This lack of commitment affects peoples lives and well-being.
8.8 Excellent13 Jul 2020
Cons: The commercial van I rented wasn't really clean inside. Especially during the pandemic, you would think they'd at least try to make it look like it had been conscientiously wiped down. But at least the vehicle was actually there as promised, which has been a problem lately at multiple places.
10.0 Excellent8 Jul 2020
Pros: The staff were okay picking up the vehicle was faster than I thought it would be. Drop off was simple. I would recommend!
Avis![agency]()
7.9 Good (24 reviews)
2 locations in Durham
Avis
Locations in Durham
1720 Guess Road - Suite 60+1 919 286 0173
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 13:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 13:00 |
233 South Elliott Road+1 919 951 7546
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 13:00 |
8.0 Excellent8 Apr 2021
Pros: It was easy.Cons: Being able to get Satellite Radio.
10.0 Excellent1 Jan 2021
Pros: Easy pick up and drop offCons: Nothing
7.6 Good8 Jun 2020
Pros: Staff was friendly.Cons: Staff should have considered the delays I incurred in returning the car because of multiple protests in Virginia and NYC, as well as a curfew, all of which were out of my control.
9.2 Excellent12 Sep 2019
Pros: The staff were excellent and did a fine job. Avis was wonderful. The Nissan Versa I rented ran great. The only issue was that the seat was uncomfortable (6-hour drive).Cons: The vehicle (Nissan Versa) was scratched in several places with minor dents apparent. It didn't bother me and was well documented. I am very pleased with Avis and plan on using them again.
10.0 Excellent25 Feb 2018
Pros: Personnel was very friendly
7.6 Good14 Sep 2017
Pros: Everything about the car was great.Cons: Customer service was rude. When they saw we had kids they said, "Be sure you clean the car before you return the car.".
5.6 Okay11 Sep 2017
Pros: Great rental price- comfortable vehicle.Cons: I made reservation online for a SUV that was accepted and available but when I got to the location the manager stated that they didn't have any SUV available on site, yet when I check the parking lot their were several. I was truly upset and told him that it was poor business practice and very deceptive. I also stated that I had called the reservation office before I came to verify and they said one was available. He stated to come back in later and he would have one. (mind you my meeting had to be delayed because of this/and I was out of town) after coming back he did have one but the day was (that I had paid for was half way over (after 3:00) before one was given. I paid for 2 days and really only enjoyed 1 day of usage. He didn't apologize or offer a discount of any sort (Poor Management INDEED)!!!! This location /staff needs "customer service" training.
6.8 Good3 May 2017
SUVPros: Heated seats and comfortable driveCons: Car wasnt clean and had sand everywhere
4.8 Okay13 Oct 2016
Time to use a better companyCons: This was also the second and at a different location that the employee was taking a personal call and made customers wait 30 min. It is time to use a different company.
Enterprise![agency]()
7.2 Good (16 reviews)
5 locations in Durham
Enterprise
Locations in Durham
1606 Page Road Ext+1 919 682 8720
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
1705 Legion Rd+1 919 240 5141
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
3143 Hillsborough Rd+1 919 309 1030
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 13:00 |
3648 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd+1 919 490 6057
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 13:00 |
4504 N Roxboro St Ste A+1 919 309 1030
| Monday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Tuesday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Wednesday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Thursday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Friday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Saturday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
2.0 Mediocre15 May 2021
Cons: They didn't have cars available. I was on a wait list but was never contacted either way after that.
2.0 Mediocre28 Jul 2020
Pros: Nothing - I showed up to pick up the truck and none was available. Enterprise did not attempt to contact me to let me know there were no vehicles available and did nothing to remedy the situation. I had to cancel me plans and reschedule for the following weekend with Alamo. I will never rent from Enterprise again from your site or any other site.Cons: Live up to their obligations and communicate and not leave their customers hanging.
2.8 Mediocre6 Jul 2020
Cons: The car was filthy and smelled of smoke even though it was a nine smoking car. The seats were super uncomfortable and there was a terrible squeak. The car needed to be retired as a rental.
10.0 Excellent8 Mar 2017
I enjoyed the opportunity to use enterprise they wPros: Convenient , reliable and most of all comfortable. Easy to pay, friendly calls the day of and before to make sure I was still interested in using them. They wanted to make sure what I needed and to have it available for me. The cost was so much more my size than any of the other place I had tried. The price was cheap and much more for someone's pocket that is on a fixed income.Cons: That the person checking up to see if I needed the vehicle did not tell me about having to bring 2 forms to prove of my ability to pay, and live. This was an inconvenience for me, but the person at the desk helped me and my husband out.
2.0 Mediocre28 Feb 2017
The car that wasn't therePros: NothingCons: I got no car after reserving it. The branch claimed they had no cars at all that morning.
8.8 Excellent10 Feb 2017
Pretty GoodPros: The size and type of car was good, the price was good.Cons: The car smelled a bit like someone had been smoking in the car and the seats needed to be shampooed. I also didn't like the way the car drove: it was an automatic but the gears shifted hard.
2.0 Mediocre29 Dec 2016
This particular Enterprise has poor customer serviPros: Nothing. Poor customer service and I had to cancel the reservation.Cons: Customer service was poor at this particular location. Had to cancel reservation. Incorrect vehicle.
8.0 Excellent27 Aug 2016
Durham enterprisePros: Relatively easy to work with, able to drop off car overnight.Cons: Had to take a pickup truck due to no compact cars in stock
116 travellers who hired a car in Durham gave the car agency they used an average rating of 7.1
Car hire locations in or near Durham
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
|---|
When to book a car hire in Durham
Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches
Top tips for renting a car in Durham
- There’s plenty to explore in Durham, from the Museum of Life and Science in the north to the exciting city center, and it is all best reached by car. Rent a car for your time in Durham to gain an ultimate sense of freedom and to not be tied to public transport. Renting a car will also give you the chance to leave the city limits and discover the beauty of the adjoining Duke Forest or Lake Falls, which is about half an hour away by car.
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport is about 14 miles south of Durham center and hire cars can be picked up from various onsite agencies. There are courtesy shuttle buses between the terminals and the hire car center at Zone 5 (T1) and Zone 18 (T2) and driving to Durham will take about twenty minutes via the I-40 W and NC-147 N.
- The weather can be contribute to somewhat treacherous conditions in Durham, with regular thunderstorms in the summer and sleet in the winter. Drivers who are surprised by heavy rain showers or face icy roads due to the freezing rain should definitely adjust their speed and probably even stop where it is safe to do so and wait until the worst has passed.
- Traffic increases in Durham during weekday rush hours. Morning peaks usually occur between 7 and 9 am, when inbound traffic on the I-40 can cause heavy congestions. Outbound traffic can be particularly severe between 5 and 7 pm, also mainly affecting the I-40. Try to avoid driving around during these peak times or take smaller country roads to avoid getting stuck in the interstate traffic.
- Book your car hire in Durham at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Compact car hires in Durham are around 19% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about car rentals in Durham
The average price of fuel in Durham is £2.54 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £30 and £41, depending on the car size.
Economy (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Durham.
Car hire companies onsite at Raleigh-Durham airport include Hertz, Enterprise, Advance Car And Truck Rental and Europcar.
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Raleigh-Durham airport to off-airport locations include Thrifty, Alamo, Hertz, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise and Europcar.
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
A Economy car hire in Durham costs £24 per day, on average.
A Compact car hire in Durham costs £22 per day, on average.
A 4-wheel-drive car is a wise choice for your stay in Durham, especially when winter conditions prevail. When exploring the countryside, a 4-wheel-drive car will provide some much-needed traction and offer a smooth and safe driving experience. For a pleasant city driving experience, a compact car is also a good decision to make parking and maneuvering around easier.
Within the downtown area, 20 mph is usually the maximum, but always check for posted signs. Within the municipal limits, a maximum of 30 mph is permitted, while 55 mph is allowed on two-lane divided rural roads. Freeways have speed limits of between 55 and 60 mph. It is very important to adjust your speed to prevailing weather conditions as well.
For a refill, drivers will have to pay around $2.40, but look for stations like Sam’s Club or Costco to get petrol for less. When leaving the city limits of Durham to explore the natural surroundings, make sure to fill up beforehand to avoid running out of petrol when there is no petrol station close by.
Drivers may park their hire cars on the street, but be aware that meters are in place and must be paid for. Most meters apply Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm, and one hour costs around $1.50. Alternatively, there are parking lots and garages in and around downtown where cars can also be parked over a longer period of time, like the Durham Center Parking Deck, which has a daily fee of around $14.