Car Rental - Gastonia

 

Rent a car in Gastonia, and you’ll find yourself in a destination that combines big-city attractions, such as art museums and unforgettable restaurants, with epic state parks for exploring. Gastonia is also just 30-minutes by rental car from Charlotte, North Carolina’s most populous state.

You’ll find our Gastonia car rental pick-up location on Wilkinson Boulevard, conveniently positioned on US-74 and easily accessible from I-85. Once you’ve picked up your vehicle, you can explore nearby must-sees such as Hickory Grove Haunted Trail and Belmont Abbey. Or you might choose to hit the road and discover destinations further afield, like Lake Norman and Charlotte.

At our Gastonia car rental lot, we offer a range of vehicles to suit every vacation requirement, from all-American cabriolets for honeymoons to spacious SUVs for those family trips.

Rent a car in Gastonia, and you’re all set to enjoy your North Carolina adventure to the maximum.

Gastonia Locations

A Quick Guide to Gastonia

The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

1500 East Garrison Boulevard, NC 28054

Created to inspire wonder for the natural world, this museum comprises a number of indoor and outdoor exhibits, from the Hall of North American Wildlife to the Stone Age Heritage Site. The Planetarium, the second largest in North Carolina, is must-see.

Crowders Mountain State Park

Crowders Mountain State Park

522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

When it’s time to stretch your legs, head to this 5,217-acre state park. With two peaks to summit (Crowders Mountain and the Pinnacle), it also offers a range of hiking trails for all abilities. Bring your camera, the scenery is epic.

Kings Mountain State Park

Kings Mountain State Park

1277 Park Road, Blacksburg, SC 29702

Just outside of Gastonia, you’ll find Kings Mountain State Park, which includes the Living History Farm. Here, you can find out all about how a 19th-century Piedmont farm was run. Afterward, take a peaceful stroll around Lake York.

Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Gastonia

1856 Remount Road, NC 28054

This modern hotel scores top points for location: it’s easily accessible from both I-85 and I-485 if you’re driving to Gastonia by rental car. Start every day with a hearty breakfast at The Bistro and pick up snacks from the on-site shop. Rooms are spacious and airy, ideal for relaxing in after a day of exploring. You can find complimentary on-site parking too.

The Esquire Hotel

168 West Main Avenue, NC 28052

Highlights are plentiful at this striking hotel: think a rooftop bar with views across Gastonia, and an oh-so stylish restaurant serving up farm-to-table delights. When it comes to the rooms, expect sumptuous pillow-top mattresses and flat-screen TVs. If you’re exploring Gastonia in a rental car, you’ll find on-site parking at the Esquire.

Hilton Garden Inn Gastonia

444 Cox Road, NC 28054

Contemporary and sleek, this hotel offers plenty of amenities for both business and leisure travelers. Little things make all the difference, such as free parking if you’re exploring Gastonia by rental car, and the option to have a hamper of snacks ready and waiting in your room. 

Webb Custom Kitchen

182 South South Street, NC 28052

Everything about this modern eatery oozes style, from the industrial-chic decor to the menu brimming with international favorites. Let shrimp and lobster tortellachi or BBQ-glazed pork chop tempt your taste buds.

Portofino’s Italian Kitchen

3736 East Franklin Boulevard, NC 28056

For authentic Italian dishes in Gastonia, look no further than this traditional trattoria. Treat yourself to comfort food done right, from calzone oozing with molten cheese to crispy fried calamari.

Shrimp Boat

120 South Broad Street, NC 28054

Shrimp Boat is a beloved local hot spot for a reason. For over 40 years, they’ve been delighting customers with their straightforward and delicious take on seafood and chicken coated in a secret blend of spices.

Driving In and Around Gastonia

  • Lineberger Greenway Parking (28054) offers free parking close to the center of Gastonia, and next to the idyllic Lineberger Park.
  • Dixie Village Shopping Center (28052) offers plenty of spaces near to supermarkets and bargain stores, it’s a great place to park your rental car for some shopping in Gastonia.
  • Gastonia City Hall (28052) is open between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday and offers free parking for your rental car if you want to explore downtown Gastonia.

 

  • Interstate 85 (I-85) is a highway cutting through the north of Gastonia, connecting it to Atlanta in the west and Charlotte in the east.
  • US Route 321 (US-321) is a spur of US-21 and runs north to south through Gastonia. Drive south in your rental car on US-321 from Gastonia to reach the cities of Clover and York.
  •  US Route 74 (US-74) connects Gastonia to Charlotte in the east, and merges with 1-85 near the North Carolina and South Carolina border.

 

How to Get From Gastonia to Charlotte by Rental Car

It takes 25 minutes to drive the 23 miles from Gastonia to Charlotte by rental car.

  1. Join I-85 driving north.
  2. Follow I-85 to NC-16.
  3. Take exit 36 from I-85.
  4. Join I-277 driving south.
  5. Take exit 3B to enter Charlotte.

 

How to Get From Gastonia to Greensboro by Rental Car

Greensboro is just one hour 40 minutes’ drive from Gastonia in your rental car. Simply drive north on I-85 and take exit 35B to merge onto US220 N and head towards Greensboro.

 

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