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Car rental Wilmington
At a glance
Locations: Find convenient Hertz rental car pick-up locations across Wilmington, NC, including at Wilmington International Airport (ILM).
Fleet: Browse the complete range of Wilmington NC rental cars available and find the right one for your trip.
Things to do: Discover the best things to do in Wilmington and how a rental car gets you there, including a tour of the Battleship North Carolina.
FAQs: Find guidance on airport pick-up, local driving, and one-way rentals. Compare your options and reserve your Hertz car in Wilmington today.
Renting a car at Wilmington
Explore Wilmington, NC, and the scenic Cape Fear Coast at your own pace with a convenient rental car from Hertz. Pick up your vehicle at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), located around 10 minutes from downtown, and begin your adventure on North Carolina's southeastern coast from the moment you land.
Stroll along Wilmington’s historic Riverwalk and charming streets, then set off for the city’s beautiful island beaches. With a Wilmington rental car, you’ll find Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach are all within easy reach. The wider Cape Fear Coast is home to a host of relaxed seaside towns and oceanfront views.
Hertz also offers a convenient downtown pick-up location on Market Street, giving you flexibility if you are already in the city. Choose from a versatile collection of SUVs, stylish convertibles, practical trucks and more to suit your trip.
Wilmington rental locations
Wilmington rental car options
Popular vehicles to rent in Wilmington
Things to do in Wilmington
Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Road Northeast, Wilmington, NC 28401
For a memorable day of history and exploration, visit the Battleship North Carolina, moored on the Cape Fear River across from downtown Wilmington. This celebrated World War II battleship earned 15 battle stars and now welcomes visitors for self-guided tours. Step aboard and discover the ship’s working world, from its long decks and powerful gun turrets to its crew quarters and operational spaces. The attraction is conveniently located opposite Wilmington’s Riverwalk, on-site parking is available at the battleship.
The George on the Riverwalk
128 South Water Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Set on South Water Street beside the Cape Fear River, this refined restaurant offers a relaxed waterfront setting with a menu centered on elevated Southern dishes and fresh seafood. The location is ideal for combining dinner with a stroll along the Riverwalk or an afternoon discovering Wilmington’s historic downtown. Inside, the stylish surroundings create a comfortable backdrop for a casual meal to a special dinner evening, while the riverside setting adds a distinctly coastal character to the experience.
Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
301 North Water Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Set along the Cape Fear River, Hotel Ballast Wilmington combines waterfront views with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The hotel’s interiors feature cool blues and sandy neutrals, creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere for your stay. Enjoy premium facilities such as an inviting swimming pool overlooking the river, while a nearby fire pit provides the perfect place to unwind as the sun sets behind the Battleship North Carolina. The changing evening light and waterfront scenery make this a memorable spot to relax after exploring downtown.
Long term car rental
Reserve a long term rental car in Wilmington, NC, if you're staying beyond a short trip. Suitable for a semester at UNCW or if you’re covering the gap while a new car is delivered. Enjoy straightforward booking with no ownership costs.
One-way car rental
Wilmington does not have to be your final stop. With a Hertz one-way rental car, you can begin your trip on the Cape Fear Coast and finish in neighboring states such as South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee or Virginia. Enjoy the convenience of a flexible itinerary without needing to drive back to Wilmington before your journey ends.
Business rental
Make business travel in Wilmington simpler with a Hertz rental car. Whether you are working in the city’s film-production sector or travelling between the airport and town, having your own vehicle helps you stay flexible and on schedule. Gold + members can also bypass the counter and head directly to their car.
Popular road trips from Wilmington
Wilmington to Myrtle Beach
74 miles & one hour and 45 minutes
Drive across the Cape Fear River on BUS-17 and follow the Ocean Highway south into South Carolina. Your destination is Myrtle Beach, home to the vibrant Boardwalk, the iconic SkyWheel, and an expansive stretch of Grand Strand coastline. Along the route, a rental car gives you the flexibility to pause at charming coastal communities and discover more of the region.
Wilmington to Raleigh
129 miles & under two hours
Leave Wilmington behind and follow I-40 northwest toward Raleigh, around 129 miles away. In under two hours, you can swap the coast for North Carolina’s energetic capital. Discover the impressive State Capitol, then explore downtown restaurants, cafés, and bars. A rental car makes Raleigh an easy and rewarding day out.
Wilmington to Charleston
169 miles & three hours and 30 minutes
Take US-17 south and follow the coastline from Wilmington to Charleston. After roughly three hours and 30 minutes on the road, you’ll arrive in a city filled with Southern charm and living history. Admire colorful historic homes, explore cobblestone streets, ride through town by horse-drawn carriage, and explore the iconic waterfront Battery.
FAQs when renting a car in Wilmington
How much does it cost to rent a car in Wilmington?
The cost of a rental car in Wilmington depends on things like vehicle type, rental length and time of year. To see live pricing for your dates, simply start booking a reservation today.
Where can I pick up a Hertz rental car near Wilmington?
Hertz operates a rental car Wilmington, NC desk at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), conveniently situated at the airport's rental car lot. Once you land, you can head to the rental offices by simply following the signage from baggage claim.
Do you need a rental car in Wilmington?
For most visitors, yes. Wave Transit's bus network covers downtown and Carolina Beach reasonably well, but it doesn't reach every beach or coastal town, or the wider Cape Fear region. A rental car in Wilmington makes traveling far more practical than relying on the bus alone.
What types of cars can I rent in Wilmington?
Hertz offers everything from economy cars to SUVs and convertibles in Wilmington, suited to beach driving and day trips along the Cape Fear coast. You can also explore business rentals if you’re in town for work purposes.
Can you rent a car one-way from Wilmington?
Yes. Given Wilmington's coastal position and access to Charleston, one-way rentals are a practical option for road trip travelers looking to head beyond the state and explore surrounding cities and regions.
