Car Rental - Roanoke

 

Rent a car in Roanoke, Virginia for an adventure through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nature lovers and city dwellers alike will enjoy the city’s bustling Downtown, picturesque parks and valley trails.

Challenge yourself with a hike up Mill Mountain to visit the iconic Roanoke Star, shining above the city, then reward yourself with some Southern cuisine at the city market. Check out the interactive exhibits at Center in the Square or discover local artists at the Taubman Museum of Art.

Choose one of our car rental pick-up locations in Roanoke or Salem. Feel like traveling further afield? Take a scenic drive along Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy a road trip in your Roanoke rental car to Virginia’s capital, Richmond, or travel into nearby North Carolina.

Whether you prefer a luxury sedan or spacious SUV, reserve your car rental in Roanoke with Hertz today to experience the green spaces, neon lights and vibrant spirit of the Star City.

Roanoke Locations

A Quick Guide to Roanoke

Mill Mountain Park

Mill Mountain Park

Mill Mountain Spur, VA, 24014

Whether you want a family adventure or a romantic day out, Mill Mountain has something for everyone. Park up your rental car and hike the three-mile trail up to the iconic Roanoke Star and watch the sun set over the valley. Visit the red pandas, snow leopard and tortoises at Mill Mountain Zoo. You can even hop aboard the miniature train for a ride around the park too.

Taubman Museum of Art

Taubman Museum of Art

110 Salem Avenue SE, VA, 24011

With its 77-foot glass peak and rippling rooftop, this contemporary gallery, designed by Randall Stout, is a striking sight along Roanoke’s skyline. Venture inside to discover 11 galleries, hosting more than 2,000 artworks, from ancient Egyptian ceramics to compositions from emerging Roanoke artists. 

Center in the Square

Center in the Square

1 Market Square, VA, 24011

Standing tall in the heart of downtown Roanoke, this seven-story cultural center is home to aquariums, museums and art venues. Learn and create at the interactive Science Museum of Western Virginia or watch 250 colorful fish in the coral reef aquarium. Don’t forget to catch a performance at the Mill Mountain Theatre afterwards.

Springhill Suites Roanoke

301 Reserve Avenue SW, VA, 24016

Stylish interiors and high-tech facilities make for a comfortable stay in Roanoke. Large windows fill your room with natural light and offer views across Downtown and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy 24-hour access to the onsite Market, plus an indoor pool and gym.

The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center

110 Shenandoah Avenue NE, VA, 24016

Experience a piece of Roanoke’s history in this restored Tudor-style hotel, dating back to 1882. Admire the antique furniture, sparkling chandeliers and lavish décor, alongside plenty of modern amenities. Fine dining awaits at the hotel’s Four Diamond-rated Regency Room, serving French-inspired dishes with a Southern influence.

Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke Downtown

27 Church Avenue SE, VA, 24011

Conveniently located in the heart of Downtown, you’ll find Elmwood Park and Roanoke City Market on your doorstep. Spacious studios and suites have everything you need for your trip, including refrigerators, microwaves and coffee making facilities – a complimentary hot breakfast is available too.

The River and Rail Restaurant

2201 Crystal Spring Avenue SW, VA, 24014

Relax under low lighting and enjoy the rustic charm of The River and Rail. Cozy up with a cheese sharing board for two, then sample regional flavors. Popular choices include the North Carolina crab cakes, drizzled in creamy hollandaise sauce, and a Berkshire rib eye, with grits and braised collards.

Local Roots

1314 Grandin Road SW, VA, 24015

Farm-to-table dining is at the heart of Local Roots. Using local ingredients and fresh produce, this creative menu captures the spirit of Southwest Virginia. Tuck into seasonal soups, Virginia striped bass and spicy Appalachian carnitas.

Cedars Lebanese Restaurant

120 Campbell Avenue SE, VA, 24011

Indulge in authentic Lebanese cuisine at Cedars. Enjoy fresh hummus, spicy falafel and traditional baba ghanouj to kick off your meal, followed by tender beef kebabs and grilled lamb shawarma. For dessert, nothing beats a buttery baklawa to finish off your experience at this family-run restaurant.

Driving In and Around Roanoke

  • Church Avenue Garage (24011) is open 24/7 in Downtown Roanoke. With around 850 spaces available for your Roanoke rental car, you can enjoy easy access to local shops and restaurants and Center in the Square.
  • Tower Garage (24011) has more than 650 spaces and is located close to the History Museum of Western Virginia and the Taubman Museum of Art.
  • On-street parking is available throughout Downtown with more than 1,300 metred spots for your Roanoke rental car. Be sure to check meters for time restrictions and parking costs.

 

  • Interstate 81 (I-81) runs northeast to southwest across Virginia. It’s the main route for visiting Charlottesville, Richmond and Washington D.C.
  • Interstate 581 (I-581) is a small highway off I-81, connecting Downtown to Roanoke Regional Airport and Mill Mountain Park.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic route that connects the city to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Head north to Peaks of Otter or south to Mabry Mill.

 

How to Get From Roanoke to Salem

It takes less than 20 minutes to drive the seven and a half miles from Roanoke to nearby Salem, VA in your rental car.

  1. Leave Downtown via Gainsboro Road Northwest.
  2. Turn right onto Orange Avenue Northwest.
  3. Continue onto Salem Turnpike NW, then turn right onto Melrose Avenue NW.
  4. Stay on this route onto East Main Street.
  5. Remain on this road for around two miles to arrive into Downtown Salem.

 

How to Get From Roanoke to Richmond

The journey from Roanoke to Richmond takes just under three hours to drive in your rental car. Just follow I-581 N out of the city to join I-81 N. Head north for around 80 miles, before taking Exit 221 onto I-64 East. Continue along I-64 for just less than 100 miles, until you reach Richmond.

 

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