Essential Information for Renting a Car in Norfolk

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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. 

Why Consider Renting a Car in Norfolk?

Norfolk is spread across several cities connected by bridges and tunnels. Therefore, most people consider hiring a rental can in Norfolk for the following reasons:

  • A rental car makes it easy to visit nearby destinations such as Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg at a comfortable pace. 

  • Visitors can conveniently drive to attractions such as the Norfolk Botanical Garden, Nauticus, the USS Wisconsin, Chrysler Museum of Art, Waterside District, and Ocean View Beach. 

  • Hiring a rental car makes it easier to explore shopping areas like MacArthur Center, Norfolk Premium Outlets, and local waterfront restaurants without transportation limitations.  

  • A rental car at Norfolk International Airport offers reliable transportation to offices, conference venues, naval facilities, and nearby cities throughout the Hampton Roads area. 

  • A rental vehicle allows complete flexibility to plan sightseeing, business meetings, or leisure activities without relying on fixed transit schedules. 


Note: Travelers exploring Norfolk can also choose a rental car in Virginia Beach to visit attractions across the Hampton Roads region conveniently. 

Weekly Updated Car Rental Prices in Norfolk 

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: 

Type of Car

Average Cost 

When to Book/Cheapest Months 

Economy/Compact Cars

USD 35 to USD 55

January and February 

SUVs (from cheap to luxury) 

USD 55 to USD 220

January, February, September, November, and December

Minivans 

USD 75 to USD 140 

January, February, and September 

Sports Cars 

USD 130 to USD 250 

January, March, and November 

Seven-Seater Cars

USD 85 to USD 160 

February and September 

Norfolk's Best Car Rental Providers 

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

Car Rental Companies 

Best for 

Ratings 

National 

Quick transportation and business passengers use loyalty points. 

4.8/5

Sixt 

High-end SUVs and luxury rentals.

4.5/5

Enterprise 

Long-term rentals and flexible reservation options for the military.

4.7/5

Hertz 

Regular tourists who require prompt vehicle availability. 

4.4/5

Available Rental Vehicle Categories 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. 

Norfolk Car Rental Locations to Consider 

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 

Extra Car Rental Charges to Watch Out for 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

Car Rental Advice for Travelers Visiting 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 Guidelines and 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 Rent a Car in Norfolk at the Best Price?

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.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance can I rent a car in Norfolk?

Many companies accept bookings many months in advance. However, the best car availability and prices are typically found when reservations are made two to six weeks in advance.

Do car rental companies require a security deposit?

Yes, a refundable security deposit of between USD 250 and USD 400 is placed on a major credit card at the time of pickup.

Can drivers under 25 rent a car in Norfolk?

Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 are permitted to rent cars. However, most companies charge a daily fee for young drivers and prohibit renting luxury or larger SUVs.

Can visitors use debit cards for car rental payments?

Major debit cards are accepted by many car rental firms, but most of them limit premium car rentals and demand higher security deposits and additional documentation.

What is the cost of a daily rental car?

USD 40 to USD 65 per day can be charged to rent a car.

How much is a weekly car rental in Norfolk?

The cost of economy and mid-size rental cars is around USD 320 to USD 520 per week.

What is the price of a monthly rental car?

Travelers are required to pay USD 1200 to USD 2100 to rent a car for a month.

Are tolls included in rental cars?

No, tolls are billed separately according to use and are not included in Norfolk rental cars.

Available Cars in Norfolk

Real prices · Updated regularly

Premium Budget
Ford  Mustang Mach-E AWD

Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD

or similar SUV

5 4 Auto
7.3 Very good

From $263.96

View Offers
Premium Avis
Ford  Mustang Mach-E AWD

Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD

or similar SUV

5 4 Auto
7.8 Very good

From $301.96

View Offers
Compact Avis
Kia Soul

Kia Soul

or similar medium car

5 4 Auto
7.6 Very good

From $237.73

View Offers
Intermediate Hertz
Nissan Rogue

Nissan Rogue

or similar SUV

5 4 Auto
9.3 Superb

From $300.71

View Offers
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