Car Rental in Norfolk, Virginia

For tourists, military families, business travelers, and cruise guests arriving throughout the Hampton Roads region, car rental in Norfolk offers a range of travel options. Different companies, including National, Enterprise, and Thrifty, provide these rentals. Compact Cars, SUVs, and Hybrid Cars are available for rent with these companies. 

Renting a car makes it simpler to take your time exploring the waterfront areas of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Williamsburg, and Norfolk. Early reservations on ZadCars frequently result in lower prices and improved car availability, particularly during summer vacations and naval activities. 

Average Car Rental Prices in Norfolk, VA (Updated Weekly)

The average cost of renting a car in Norfolk varies depending on the season, demand, military events, car type, and tourist activity around Virginia Beach. Considering these, here are some costs: 

Note: Compare live Norfolk car rental prices on ZadCars.

Best Car Rental Companies in Norfolk

In Norfolk, there are a number of companies that operate car rental services. Some of these are highlighted here:

Car Types Available in Norfolk  

Based on the convenience and budget, renters can choose from the following car rental types available in Norfolk:

• Intermediate Cars: For those who frequently traverse the Hampton Roads bridge-tunnel corridors daily, intermediate rentals strike a mix between highway comfort and economy.

• Superior Sedans: For passengers who routinely fly between Norfolk, Richmond, and Washington during lengthy business trips, premium cars provide quieter cabins.

• Sports Cars: Weekend visitors who want to explore Virginia Beach's waterfront roads and the picturesque shorelines of the Chesapeake Bay are drawn to sports car rentals.

• Seven-Seater Automobiles: For cruise passengers traveling together between Norfolk hotels, terminals, and neighboring beach locations, seven-seat rentals make transportation easier. 

Best Car Rental Locations in Norfolk 

Convenient car rental locations in the United States, including Norfolk, can be located close to major interstate routes, military bases, cruise terminals, the airport, and the downtown waterfront. 

• Chesapeake Cedar Rd. 

• Hampton Armistead & Mercury 

• Norfolk Rick Hendrick Chevrolet 

• Virginia Beach Lynnhaven Pkwy

• Portsmouth Airline Rd. 

• Downtown Norfolk 

• Chesapeake Churchland 

Hidden Fees Charged by Car Rental Companies in Norfolk 

Before renting a car in Norfolk, it is important to check the hidden costs applied by car rental companies. Some of these costs charged are mentioned here: 

• In Virginia, additional driving costs are severely enforced, even for couples.

• During periods of high naval base traffic, late return penalties are severe.

• Fuel refill costs are generally higher in the vicinity of Naval Station Norfolk.

• Travelers may still prefer GPS navigation for dependable routing in tunnels, coastal regions, and during data outages, despite Norfolk's typically robust mobile network coverage. 

• After beach excursions close to Ocean View Beach, cleaning costs are often assessed.

• Even if local personal auto insurance is already legitimate, car rental insurance upsells are prevalent.

• High one-way drop-off costs while traveling outside of the Hampton Roads area

What to Know Before Renting a Car in Norfolk?

Tourists are required to check the following information before opting to make reservations for rental cars in Norfolk: 

• Traffic Patterns in Tunnels and Bridges: Anticipate delays around the Midtown and Downtown Tunnels, and keep an eye out for odd reversible-lane traffic signals every day.

• Congestion Awareness at Naval Bases: Avoid traveling in the early morning and late afternoon when there is an increase in traffic at Naval Station Norfolk during shift changes.

• Parking Restrictions and Availability: Parking in downtown Norfolk fills up rapidly, and parking tickets without correct payment are risky due to strong enforcement around the Waterside District.

• Use of EZ-Pass and Toll Roads: When crossing Hampton Roads tunnels regularly, think about renting an EZ-Pass to minimize billing delays and surcharges. Many routes demand toll payments.

• Weather and Streets Risking Flooding: Low-lying streets close to the Ghent District may flood due to heavy rain; check the forecast and steer clear of standing water. 

Norfolk Car Rental Requirements

Multiple Norfolk car rental requirements should be abided by beforehand. Some of these are explained here: 

• Rules on Minimum Age: In Norfolk, the majority of agencies allow renting a car at 21. Military personnel who travel close to Naval Station Norfolk may get a discount on the young-driver surcharge.

• Requirements for Valid Driver's Licenses: Out-of-state licenses are accepted for rentals in Virginia, but foreign visitors should bring passports because downtown offices may ask for additional documentation.

• Deposit and Credit Card Guidelines: For car rental deposits, credit cards are necessary. 

• Expectations in Insurance: Because Hampton Roads tunnel traffic raises the likelihood of accidents during peak commuting and severe weather, Norfolk agencies regularly check car rental liability coverage. 

How to Get the Best Car Rental Deals in Norfolk?

Visitors should take into account the following considerations to get the best car rental deals in Norfolk: 

• Choose Midweek Rentals Rather than Weekends: Due to the dominance of military families and cruise travelers on weekends, rates near Norfolk International Airport often decline from Tuesday through Thursday.

• Reserve Early: Travelers in Norfolk should make reservations several weeks in advance because large naval events and military graduations quickly decrease the availability of vehicles.

• Make Good Use of Membership Discounts: Memberships in the military, AAA, and AARP frequently unlock secret Norfolk rental bargains that aren't accessible through ordinary online vacation booking comparison sites.

• Select Low-Cost Vehicles: Oversized SUVs find it difficult to park in older downtown parking structures and garages, whereas compact cars make parking in Norfolk's waterfront districts easier. 

One of the simplest ways to effectively and pleasantly see coastal Virginia is to rent a car in Norfolk. Renters can simply arrange business excursions, beach vacations, or military visits while taking advantage of increased convenience, mobility, and schedule flexibility around Hampton Roads. This is because of a variety of car options, multiple pickup locations, and flexible rental durations.