Car Rental - New Bern

 

Rent a car in New Bern and you’re ready to discover one of North Carolina’s most historic cities, first settled in over 300 years ago. Sat on the Heuse River, New Bern is also close to the coast, countless fascinating sights and is the birthplace of Pepsi.

We have car rental branches both in New Bern and at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, giving you the freedom to start and end your journey where you want to. Make the most of your time here by reserving your choice of vehicle in advance – we have roomy SUVs, cabriolets, sedans and more.

If you want to explore more of this fabulous state beyond New Bern, there are great links to seaside Wilmington further down the coast, or you can head inland to Raleigh, the capital.

Reserve your New Bern rental car with Hertz today and investigate what makes this city so special.

New Bern Locations

A Quick Guide to New Bern

Tryon Palace

Tryon Palace

529 S Front St, NC, 28562

This 20th-century recreation of the former Governor’s Palace is a great spot for exploring the rich local history. The Palace was where the British Governors of North Carolina were based, and it was seized during the revolutionary war in 1775. Inside you’ll find a grand staircase, artifacts and art, and the stables building which is the only one that survived the fire that razed the palace in the late 18th century.

North Carolina History Center

North Carolina History Center

529 S Front St, NC, 28562

Based at the Tryon Palace, this $65m complex does a brilliant job of illuminating North Carolina and New Bern’s long history. From boating to the environment, colonial wrangles to rotating exhibitions, it’s a great addition to the Palace. It’s also on the waterfront, with fine places to eat and relax.

Birthplace of Pepsi Cola

Birthplace of Pepsi Cola

256 Middle St, NC, 28560

While there’s a Pepsi Family Center at Tryon Palace, this location on Middle Street is where Coke’s main rival was truly born. This former drug store was where ‘Brad’s Drink’ was created in the late 19th century, renamed as Pepsi Cola in 1898. Park up your New Bern rental car, take a tour of the museum, pick up some souvenirs and, whatever you do, don’t ask for Coca Cola.

Courtyard by Marriott New Bern

218 East Front Street, NC, 28560

Located in the historic district, this is the perfect base in New Bern with Neuse River views. Business travelers will appreciate the lobby with its flexible workspaces, while rooms come with queen or king beds, and some with balconies.

The Jarvis at 220

220 Pollock St, NC, 28560

Inside a lovely 1903 Downtown building, four suites provide a wonderful welcome. There are large beds to sink into, lavish en-suite bathrooms and nice decorative touches – plus free artisan fudge. The romance packages are ideal for couples, with in-room spa treatments.

Benjamin Ellis House

215 Pollock St, NC, 28560

On the same stretch as The Jarvis, this is another gorgeous vintage building from 1853. This B&B is close to the Riverfront Convention Center and Tryon Palace, while some suites boast four-poster beds. Breakfasts are a joy, whether you choose cheese grits souffle or stuffed crepes.

Captain Ratty’s Seafood & Steakhouse

202 Middle Street, NC, 28560

Sizzling seafood with sensational views is always on the menu at Captain Ratty’s. Bag yourself a rooftop table in the sunshine and feast on sautéed mussels, fresh oysters, clam chowder, sirloin steak and bounteous burgers. For a taste of the south, go for the ‘Low Country Boil’, a mélange of sausage, shrimp, clams, potatoes and corn.

Morgan’s Tavern & Grill

235 Craven St, NC, 28560

This converted garage in Downtown charms with its rough-hewn brick walls and exposed wood, then tops it off with a menu that tempts from beginning to end. Salmon comes surrounded in a ginger teriyaki crust, while plump scallops are wrapped in bacon and served with tempura asparagus. The burgers are deliciously juicy– try the ‘Slap Florence’ with its Cajun seasoning and gochujang mayo.

The Chelsea

335 Middle St, NC, 28560

The Chelsea dishes up superior bistro food in its handsome Downtown base, with a vibe that makes it equally perfect for a quick lunch or leisurely, romantic dinner. Beef tenderloin filet arrives oozing its gorgonzola stuffing, while a Carolina mud pie is the pick of some glorious desserts.

Driving In and Around New Bern

  • Downtown New Bern has free on-street parking from 8AM-4PM. There’s a two-hour limit.
  • Black Bear Public Parking Lot (28560) is on the corner of New and Hancock Street and offers free all-day parking for your New Bern rental car.
  • Overnight parking is allowed here.
  • Red Bear Public Parking Lot (28560) is also free to use all day and is close to the convention center. There’s no overnight parking from Sunday through Thursday.

 

  • US Route 70 (US 70) starts on the east coast at Atlantic before winding round the coast and then coming north to New Bern. It then continues west to the outskirts of Raleigh.
  • US Route 17 (US 17) is known as the Coastal Highway. It runs south from New Bern to Jacksonville and north to Chesapeake.
  • North Carolina Highway 55 (SH 55) runs for over 190 miles and connects New Bern with Raleigh and Durham. East of the city, it takes you to the lagoons and estuaries of Pamlico Sound.

 

How to Get From New Bern to Wilmington

It’s a scenic drive southwest to Wilmington and should take approximately two hours from New Bern in your rental car.

  1. Follow signs for US 17 S / US 70 W towards Kinston.
  2. Merge on to US 17 S / US 70 W.
  3. Take Exit 410A for US 17 S / Jacksonville.
  4. Stay on US 17 S until Exit 20 B-A and merge on I-40 E for Wilmington.
  5. Continue to the US 117 S.

 

How to Get From New Bern to Coastal Carolina Regional Airport

It’s around four miles from downtown New Bern out to the airport, which should take around 10 minutes in your rental car dependent on traffic. From E Front St follow signs for US 70 E then turn right on to Airport Rd.

 

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