Car Rental - Wilmington

 

Rent a car in Wilmington to discover North Carolina’s stunning eastern coast. Situated along Cape Fear River, this vibrant city is brimming with picturesque gardens, 18th-century mansions and lively riverfront attractions.

Hop aboard the Battleship North Carolina to learn about Wilmington’s military history or admire Neoclassical architecture at Bellamy Mansion and the Burgin-Wright Museum. Head to one of the city’s three island beaches – Wrightsville, Kure or Carolina – for watersports, fishing and ocean-to-table dining.

Raleigh is less than two hours away in your Wilmington rental car if you fancy exploring the state capital, while a scenic drive along the coast takes you to the South Carolina border in about an hour.

With Hertz locations across the city, you can pick up your Wilmington car rental from Market Street or Wilmington International Airport. Enjoy the extra room of a family-size SUV or treat yourself to a luxury getaway in a premium sedan.

Reserve your Hertz rental car today to start your Wilmington adventure.

Wilmington Locations

A Quick Guide to Wilmington

Battleship North Carolina

Battleship North Carolina

1 Battleship Road Northeast, NC, 28401

Experience life on the Battleship North Carolina – a World War Two battleship moored on the Cape Fear River. Take a tour of the deck and climb ladders to different levels. Plus, learn about the crew from stories, photographs and mementos of their time onboard. You can park your Wilmington car rental for free while you explore.

Airlie Gardens

Airlie Gardens

300 Airlie Road, NC, 28403

Explore the 67-acre Airlie Gardens, which date back to 1884. Admire tulips in the spring and the mighty Airlie Oak in the fall, then surround yourself with turtles, hummingbirds and native butterflies in the dedicated garden exhibits. Your ticket price includes guest parking for your car rental from Wilmington.

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

5320 Oleander Drive, NC, 28403

Get ready for an action-packed day in Wilmington, filled with slides and rides for all ages. Brave the 30-feet climbing wall, race around in go karts and play classic arcade games. In the summer, make a splash down the water park racers and float along the lazy river. There is a parking lot on-site for you to leave your Wilmington rental car.

Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown

229 North 2nd Street, NC, 28401

Based in the heart of Downtown, this chic hotel offers a warm welcome to Wilmington. Stylish rooms combine comfort and convenience with luxury bedding and complimentary toiletries. Enjoy a filling breakfast or casual evening meal at the hotel Bistro and spend your downtime lounging by the outdoor pool. Choose from valet parking on-site for your Wilmington rental car for a daily fee or leave your car at the garage on 2nd Street if you prefer to self-park.

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

301 North Water Street, NC, 28401

Trendy rooms are decorated in cool blues and sandy neutrals to showcase the city’s nautical charm, while the hotel’s waterfront restaurant serves Southern fare and seafood. Take a swim in the outdoor pool overlooking Cape Fear River and cozy up by the firepit to watch the sun set over the Battleship North Carolina. Secured self-parking spots and valet parking are available for your Wilmington rental car for a daily fee.

The Verandas

202 Nun Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

For charming, elegant luxury in Wilmington, look no further than The Verandas. This storied bed and breakfast offers the ultimate in decadent tranquillity, with award-winning guest rooms situated in the heart of the historic district. Public spaces include a piano room, butler’s pantry and terrace. You’ll also find free parking for your Wilmington rental car.

PinPoint Restaurant

114 Market Street, NC, 28401

With its seasonal menu and locally sourced ingredients, PinPoint Restaurant showcases the best of Wilmington’s farmers and fishermen. The airy dining area creates a casual setting for you to enjoy creative Southern dishes, such as fried chicken with smoked cauliflower and local seafood tagliatelle.

Cape Fear Seafood Company

5226 South College Road, NC, 28412

On your way back from Carolina Beach, stop by the Cape Fear Seafood Company. Start with a few small plates like crab dip, buffalo shrimp and crispy calamari. Enjoy the catch of the day – grilled, blackened or broiled – or the signature Cape Fear shrimp and grits.

Caprice Bistro

10 Market Street, NC, 28401

Sample French dishes and delicacies in this cozy bistro, moments from the Wilmington Riverwalk. Try traditional escargot in garlic and mussels mariniere with frites. For dessert, the macarons with chocolate mousse will transport you to a Parisian tearoom.

Driving In and Around Wilmington

  • 15 Market Street (28401) has more than 550 spaces for your Wilmington rental car in the heart of the historic district. Enjoy a short walk to Burgin-Wright Museum and
  • Gardens or make the most of 24/7 parking to check out Downtown’s local eateries.
  • RiverPlace Deck (28401) is located on the corner of Grace Street and Walter Street, offering easy access to the Wilmington Riverwalk.
  • On-street parking is available throughout Downtown Wilmington. There are around 800 metered spaces, which can be used for short-term parking. Make sure you check the signs for any time restrictions before leaving your Wilmington rental car parked on the street.

 

  • US Route 74 (US-74) runs from Tennessee to North Carolina, connecting Asheville, Charlotte and Wilmington. It’s also the main route to Wilmington International Airport and Wrightsville Beach.
  • US Route 17 (US-17) is the Ocean Highway that links Wilmington to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. Business Route 17 (BUS-17) is a spur which passes through the heart of Downtown.
  • US Route 421 (US-421) starts at Kure Beach and heads north to Carolina Beach and Wilmington, before continuing on to Greensboro.

 

How to Get From Car Rental at Wilmington International Airport to Downtown

It takes around ten minutes to drive from car rental at Wilmington International Airport to Wilmington’s historic district.

  1. Leave the Wilmington International Airport rental car lot via Airport Boulevard.
  2. Turn left on to North 23rd Street and then right on to the slip road.
  3. Merge onto Martin Luther King Jr Parkway (US-74).
  4. Continue to North 3rd Street and follow into Downtown.

 

How to Get From Car Rental in Wilmington to Myrtle Beach

South Carolina’s coastal city is around a one-and-a-half-hour drive away when you rent a car from Wilmington. Just follow BUS-17 across Cape Fear River, then head west along Ocean Highway for 40 miles.