Car Rental Raleigh

Parking information

• The Dillon is convenient for Warehouse District stops, restaurants, and nearby shopping, with around 950 parking spaces.
• City Center Deck works well for Downtown Raleigh and performing arts visits, with over 2,300 parking spots.
• Performing Arts Parking Deck is useful for Red Hat Amphitheater and convention-area plans, with about 1,085 spaces.

Key roads in Raleigh

• Interstate 440: Raleigh’s inner beltline, helpful for moving around central neighbourhoods without crossing Downtown.
• Interstate 540: A wider loop route for airport, North Raleigh, Cary, and suburban journeys.
• US Route 70: Handy for airport-area travel, Durham access, and routes through the north-west side of Raleigh.

Electric car hire

For a quieter, lower-emission way to explore Raleigh, Hertz electric car hire can be a practical choice. EV rentals work well for airport pick-ups, city journeys, business trips, and planned drives around the Research Triangle.

With charging access continuing to improve across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and key travel routes, hiring an electric car gives you flexibility with a cleaner local drive.

Charging points

Raleigh has around 1,142 public charging stations, including 108 DC fast chargers, giving EV drivers useful coverage for city routes and shorter Triangle-area drives.

Congestion charges

Raleigh does not have a London-style congestion charge. The main costs to plan for are parking, toll roads, and rental toll-payment settings. The Triangle Expressway includes Toll N.C. 885 and Toll N.C. 540, covering a 36.81-mile tolled highway in the Raleigh area.

Travel routes

Getting from Raleigh to Durham

From central Raleigh:

• Head west toward I-40.
• Continue on I-40 West toward Durham.
• Take Exit 279B toward NC-147 North.
• Follow NC-147 toward Downtown Durham.

Getting from Raleigh to Chapel Hill

From central Raleigh:

• Head west toward I-40.
• Continue on I-40 West.
• Take Exit 273 for NC-54 West toward Chapel Hill.
• Follow NC-54 toward the UNC campus area.

Best hotels in Raleigh

The Longleaf Hotel

300 N Dawson St, Raleigh, NC 27603

A mid-century-style hotel, located in Downtown Raleigh, known for its relaxed local feel.

Heights House Hotel

308 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

A restored Italianate mansion with a quiet boutique atmosphere.

The Casso, Raleigh

603 West Morgan Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

A modern central hotel close to Warehouse District and Downtown stops.

Popular restaurants in Raleigh

Crawford and Son

618 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604

A historic Oakwood restaurant known for modern comfort plates.

Sitti

137 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

A warm downtown Lebanese restaurant serving mezze, grilled dishes, fresh breads, and Mediterranean plates

Poole’s Diner

428 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601

A modern diner known for reimagined comfort food that can be enjoyed on a date or a family gathering, both.

Best places to visit in Raleigh

North Carolina Museum of Art

2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

A major art stop with galleries, trails, and a 164-acre Museum Park.

JC Raulston Arboretum

4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606

A calm garden visit with plant collections and easy west Raleigh access.

Pullen Park

520 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27606

A classic city park suited to families, lake walks, and relaxed outdoor time.

FAQs

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

Keep your physical driving licence, passport or accepted photo ID, and payment card ready at pickup. The card should match the main renter’s name. 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 Raleigh?

Hertz drivers under 25 may face a young renter charge, and some vehicle groups may be restricted. Check the age terms before choosing your car.

3. What payment types are accepted?

A credit card is usually the smoothest option at the counter. Debit cards may be accepted, but extra checks, holds, or location rules can apply.

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

Your rental agreement will confirm the fuel option. Return the car at the required level, prepay for fuel, or allow Hertz to refuel it after drop-off.

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

Cancellation depends on your booking type. Pay-at-location rates are usually more flexible, while prepaid bookings may include cancellation or no-show fees.