Norfolk Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Norfolk

Renting a car in Norfolk, Virginia, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans tailored to your interests. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures with family, a romantic getaway, or cultural experiences, having your own vehicle enhances your visit. Key attractions like the Norfolk Botanical Garden, perfect for family and romantic outings, and the USS Wisconsin BB-64 for cultural insights are conveniently accessible. Additionally, you can venture to nearby Portsmouth, just 2 km away, where you can visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and enjoy the local parks. Exploring Downtown Norfolk, with attractions such as Town Point Park and Nauticus National Maritime Center, is also simplified by having a rental car. For those looking to unwind, East Ocean View offers beautiful spots like Ocean View Beach. Overall, a rental car provides a convenient way to experience the diverse offerings of Norfolk and its surrounding areas, making it an ideal choice for any traveller.

Most popular car rentals in Norfolk

• Midsize SUV: This car option is a popular choice for those travelling in groups of up to 5 people. With enough space to accommodate up to 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV is perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore Norfolk comfortably. Its spacious interior allows for ease of movement and makes luggage management a breeze, providing a flexible travel experience while visiting the area.
• Standard SUV: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV comfortably seats 5 travellers and can hold up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type strikes a great balance between space and fuel efficiency, making it a practical option for those wanting to navigate both urban and rural areas around Norfolk. With its versatility, the standard SUV is well-suited for various travel needs.
• Fullsize: Accommodating up to 5 travellers, the fullsize car offers ample space for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families or larger groups. This option provides the freedom to travel without worrying about luggage constraints, allowing you to explore Norfolk and its surroundings with ease. The fullsize vehicle combines comfort with practicality, ensuring a pleasant driving experience throughout your journey.

Top rated car suppliers in Norfolk

• Budget: With 2 rental locations in the Norfolk area, Budget provides excellent options for travellers seeking flexibility. Known for their value, the most popular vehicles include Standard SUVs and Midsize SUVs, making it easy to find a car that suits your needs for exploring the attractions around Norfolk at your own pace.
• Dollar Rent A Car: Operating 1 rental location in Norfolk, Dollar Rent A Car is a great choice for those looking to rent a vehicle with convenience. Their most booked cars are Midsize and Standard SUVs, perfect for comfortable travel while managing your luggage easily during your visit.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo also has 1 rental location in the Norfolk area, offering a reliable option for your car rental needs. Their most popular choices are Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, ideal for those who appreciate a spacious ride while exploring the local sights and adjusting their itinerary as needed.

Where to stay in and around Norfolk

• Chesapeake: Located 9 km from Norfolk, Chesapeake is ideal for family, outdoor, and romantic experiences. Visitors can explore the scenic beauty of Lake Drummond, enjoy a stroll at Chesapeake City Park, or visit the Chesapeake Arboretum. The city also offers a variety of dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a delightful spot for food enthusiasts.
• Portsmouth: Just 2 km away from Norfolk, Portsmouth is a charming city perfect for families and outdoor lovers. Key attractions include the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum for cultural insights and Portsmouth City Park for leisurely outings. The city boasts nearby wineries and breweries, enhancing the local culinary scene. A visit here allows for a mix of education and relaxation.
• Downtown Norfolk: Situated in the heart of Norfolk, Downtown Norfolk is bustling with activities for families and couples alike. Key landmarks such as the USS Wisconsin BB-64 and the Nauticus National Maritime Center provide rich cultural experiences. Town Point Park is an excellent place for outdoor enjoyment, with various nearby options for wine and brewery enthusiasts. This vibrant area is perfect for exploring local attractions.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Norfolk

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other agreements may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at the airport, but the convenience can make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Rental car insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. It's simple to add rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Norfolk

The best time to rent a car in and around Norfolk is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. March and April are also reasonable months, featuring average prices and demand. However, June tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand. May also sees increased demand, making it a busier time for rentals, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	41.0°F (5.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	49.3°F (9.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
June	75.2°F (24.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	79.7°F (26.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	78.4°F (25.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	73.6°F (23.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
October	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average