Car Rental - Raleigh

 

Rent a car in Raleigh to delve into North Carolina’s stunning capital and the surrounding natural beauty of national forests, parks and nature reserves.

With your Raleigh car rental, you can explore the City of Oaks at your own pace. Discover the city’s plethora of museums, independent galleries, and world-class eateries. It’s also ideally located for you to venture into North Carolina’s Wake County to see untouched beauty or visit lively Charlotte.

We’ve got rental cars to suit whatever Raleigh adventure you’re looking for. From practical four-wheel-drives for explore the sprawling countryside to stylish convertibles perfect for nipping around downtown Raleigh. Book online and choose where you pick up your vehicle, with pickup locations across the state, including Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Explore Raleigh’s top sights and amazing attractions, then get out on the open North Carolina road with car rental in Raleigh from Hertz.

Raleigh Locations

A Quick Guide to Raleigh

North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)

North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)

Just outside of Raleigh’s main hub, the North Carolina Museum of Art features multiple exhibitions on its 164-acre park. View artwork spanning 5,000 years, from Renaissance masterpieces such as The Triumph of Venice to contemporary geniuses like Frank Stella. There are Egyptian and Bronze Age artifacts to marvel at too. If you’re renting a car in Raleigh, don’t worry – the NCMA offers free parking for all visitors.

North Carolina State Capitol

North Carolina State Capitol

A striking symbol of the city’s democratic past, North Carolina State Capitol’s neoclassical architecture shines bright against Raleigh’s modern cityscape. The building once housed the state’s government and library but can now be toured, so you can learn more about North Carolina’s history.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Learn something new, even on vacation, at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Wander through time and space and spot everything from prehistoric relics to exotic species and native fauna and flora. Meet real-life scientists, immerse yourself in interactive exhibits, and even get to know some live animals. Exploring Raleigh by rental car? You can find visitor parking available at 100 East Jones Street – which means you can visit the museum on your terms.

Aloft Raleigh

Part of the Marriott group, Aloft Raleigh is a modern space in downtown Raleigh that celebrates local art and innovative style. Park your Raleigh car rental in the overnight lot and head to the hip XYZ bar, which draws in locals and tourists alike.

Comfort Inn Raleigh Midtown

Just off the I-440, Comfort Inn is exactly that, a comfortable and modern hotel in a convenient location. Plus, there’s free outdoor parking for all hotel guests – perfect if you’re renting a car in Raleigh.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa

This five-star retreat is set in the gorgeous Wake County countryside. Admire the views of the surrounding 12-acre woodlands before hopping into your rental car for a day of exploration in and around Raleigh.

Winston's Grille

For an all-American affair, Winston’s Grille is the place to be. Here, diners can order one of the daily specials or tuck into hearty grub such as BBQ ribs, tender steaks and rotisserie chicken.

Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant

For some classic southern fare, look no further than Big Ed’s. Tuck into favorites such as salty country ham with red eye gravy or fried catfish.

Fiction Kitchen

Grab a delicious vegan or vegetarian meal while exploring downtown Raleigh at Fiction Kitchen. Feed the soul as well as the stomach with curry bowls, soups and waffles.

Pullen Park

Pullen Park is a pioneer in North Carolina, standing as the first ever public park in the state. Take a relaxing stroll around the lake or rent a pedal boat to get out on the water. To get your pulse raising, check out the amusement center or challenge your loved ones on the tennis court. If you want to park up your rental car in Raleigh before visiting the park, you can find a lot at the park entrance on Ashe Avenue.

William B. Umstead State Park

To see North Carolina more wild and rugged, William B. Umstead State Park has over 5,000 acres of forestry to explore. Take a hike, saddle up a horse, or cycle through nature and swap Raleigh’s busy streets for a mellow retreat. 

Lake Johnson Park

Nestled in southwest Raleigh, Lake Johnson Park is both a recreational spot and nature reserve. Rent a boat of your choice – from canoes to sailboats – to meander the 150-acre lake. Spend an afternoon trying to get a bite at the fishing hole. Or, take a picnic for a leisurely day among nature.

Driving In and Around Raleigh

There are more than 40 parking garages and lots in Raleigh’s center:

  • Alexander Square Parking Deck is open 24/7 and situated opposite North Carolina State Capitol in the heart of Raleigh – perfect for parking your rental car.
  • The Dillon Parking Deck is in the Warehouse district, close to Union Station and has hourly or daily rates. Park up your rental car and explore this famous Raleigh neighbourhood on foot.
  • Pullen Parkhas its own parking towards the entrance. More parking can also be found at NCSU parking deck.
  • Interstate 40 (I-40) – This is the main route in and out of Raleigh. It runs across the state, looping around Raleigh’s south-east towards Wilmington.
  • Interstate 440 (I-440) – This connects with the I-40 to do a full loop of Raleigh’s center – a road you’re sure to visit if exploring Raleigh by car rental.
  • Capital Boulevard (US 401) – This route cuts through the city from the south and heads towards the NC border with Virginia.

If you’re exploring Raleigh by rental car, it’s worth knowing the traffic. Like all state capitals, Raleigh can get congested during rush hour. Try to avoid using the I-40 during the morning rush, between 7:30am to 9am, and 4:30pm to 6pm on an evening.

How to Get From Raleigh-Durham International Airport to North Carolina State Capitol

 To get from our Hertz car rental lot at Raleigh Airport to the North Carolina State Capitol:

  1. Leave the Hertz Raleigh Airport rental car parking lot onto Airport Boulevard.
  2. Turn left and merge onto the I-40 East.
  3. Take exit 289 to join Wade Avenue and Capital Boulevard.
  4. Turn onto North Dawson Street and make a left onto West Morgan Street.
  5. Alexander Square Parking Deck is on the right, opposite the State Capitol Building.

 

How to Get From Raleigh to Charlotte

Raleigh may be the capital of North Carolina, but Charlotte is the state’s largest city. Take a day trip from Raleigh in your rental car to this trendy hub via the I-40 and I-85 – it’ll take around two-and-a-half hours.