Car Hire Charlotte

Parking information

• Daily Decks at Charlotte Douglas International Airport are useful for airport parking, with the east and west parking decks accommodating nearly 6,000 spaces.
• NASCAR Hall of Fame Parking Garage works well for the Convention Center, Uptown events, and nearby attractions, with more than 1,000 spaces.
• The Westin Charlotte parking is handy for Convention Center and Uptown visits, with more than 1,300 spaces.

Key roads in Charlotte

• Interstate 77: Useful for Uptown Charlotte, Lake Norman, Huntersville, and north-south travel through the metro area.
• Interstate 85: A major route for airport-area access, University City, Concord, Gastonia, and longer regional drives.
• Interstate 485: Charlotte’s outer loop, useful for moving around the city without crossing Uptown.

Electric car hire

Want a lower-emission way to explore Charlotte and nearby lake routes? Hertz electric car hire in Charlotte can suit airport pick-ups, Uptown stays, neighbourhood drives, and planned day trips when charging is checked in advance.

Charging points

The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area has around 1,583 public charging stations, including 210 DC fast chargers, giving EV drivers useful coverage across the wider metro area.

Congestion charges

Charlotte does not have a congestion charge. However, the main costs to plan for are parking, express lanes, toll roads, and rental toll-payment settings.

Travel routes

Getting from Charlotte to Lake Norman

From central Charlotte:

• Head north toward I-77.
• Continue on I-77 toward Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, or Mooresville.
• For Lake Norman State Park, continue toward Troutman.
• The park sits about 40 miles north of Charlotte.

Getting from Charlotte to the Whitewater Center

From Uptown Charlotte:

• Head west toward I-277 or I-85.
• Connect toward Little Rock Road or Moores Chapel Road.
• Follow signs for Whitewater Center Parkway.
• Continue to the main entrance at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway.

Best Hotels in Charlotte

The Ivey’s Hotel

127 North Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

A boutique Uptown stay with elegant interiors and strong access to theatres, dining, and city stops.

The Dunhill Hotel

237 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

A historic Uptown hotel close to arts venues, restaurants, and central nightlife.

Grand Bohemian Charlotte

201 W. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

A design-led Uptown hotel with bold interiors, dining, and a central business-district location.

Popular Restaurants in Charlotte

Good Food on Montford

1701 Montford Drive, Charlotte, NC 28209

A Montford Drive restaurant known for globally inspired small plates and a polished neighbourhood feel.

The Goodyear House

3032 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

A NoDa restaurant in a restored mill home with Southern ingredients and relaxed outdoor energy.

Haberdish

3106 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28205

A NoDa spot for Southern cooking, beverages, and a former-textile-district atmosphere.

Best Places to Visit in Charlotte

Mint Museum Uptown

500 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

A central art museum with craft, design, American, modern, and contemporary collections.

Camp North End

300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206

A large creative district with food, art, events, and adaptive-reuse spaces.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214

An outdoor recreation stop for whitewater, trails, climbing, events, and active day trips.

FAQs

1. What do I need to bring for a car rental in Charlotte?

For pickup in Charlotte, keep your driving licence, passport or accepted photo ID, and payment card ready. The card should be in the main renter’s name to avoid delays at the counter. In case your licence is not in English, make sure to bring an International Driver's Permit.

2. What are the age rules for car hire in Charlotte?

Younger drivers can usually rent with Hertz, but those under 25 may have an added fee or fewer vehicle categories to choose from. Check the rate terms before confirming your booking.

3. What payment types are accepted?

A credit card is usually the easiest option for collection. Debit cards may be accepted, but the rules can depend on the branch, reservation type, and any required rental checks.

4. Does the rental come with a full tank of fuel?

Your rental agreement will show the fuel option linked to your booking. Return the car with the required fuel level to avoid extra refuelling charges.

5. What is Hertz’s cancellation policy in Charlotte?

Cancellation terms depend on the rate you selected. Pay-at-location bookings are usually more flexible, while prepaid reservations may have separate cancellation or no-show conditions.