When planning a road trip to North Carolina, the most important thing to consider is how you’ll get there. You’re spending hours driving, listening to your favorite music, stopping for snacks at gas stations, and perhaps taking a few unplanned detours that end up creating the most memorable experiences. But if you don’t have the best cars for road trips, none of that feels quite right.
It saves your own car hundreds of miles and allows you to choose a vehicle that fits your trip. That’s why so many tourists use car rentals for road trips. And if you need more room for your hiking equipment, consider renting an SUV. If your plan includes going to the sea, a sedan or even a convertible can help you make the most out of your trip.
Why Is a Road Trip Rental Car a Great Choice?
You can bring your own car, but lengthy road trips put wear and tear on your vehicle. In most cases, people end up paying even more for repairs than renting the best cars for road trips.
Renting a car offers you dependability, peace of mind, and a better fit for your preferred mode of transportation. Consider SUVs for families traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains or fuel-efficient sedans for those on a tight budget.
When you rent a car for a road trip, you can also fit the car to your schedule. A crossover or SUV is ideal for taking a comfortable drive along a winding mountain road. However, a sedan or hybrid car can be your travel partner for road trips from Raleigh, NC, to the Outer Banks.
How Much Does Car Rental for a Road Trip Cost in North Carolina?
The type of car, location, and season all influence your rental prices. In general, you can expect:
- Economy cars: Ideal for couples or single people, economy cars can cost between $40 and $60 per day.
- SUVs and crossovers: Best for families or groups, their daily rates range from $70 to $100.
- Convertibles and luxury cars: $120+ per day (great if you want to drive in style).
You can save money by making reservations in advance, particularly during busy times like the summer. Additionally, comparing prices from different providers for some North Carolina cities, such as Raleigh and Charlotte, might offer more affordable prices than smaller towns.
Best Cars for Road Trips in North Carolina
The vehicle you select should align with the needs and preferences of your trip. Travelers in North Carolina love these fantastic road trip vehicles.
SUVs (Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee) are ideal for family vacations and mountain roads.
Sedans, such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. They are comfortable vehicles for road trips if you value comfort and fuel economy. Honda Odysseys and Chrysler Pacifica minivans are the best for large groups of people carrying a lot of luggage. Mustang and Camaro convertibles are perfect for beautiful drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway.
With the right road trip car, you can make sure your trip is filled with comfort, dependability, and efficiency.
Road Trips from Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is the ideal starting point for weekend getaways, so if you’re starting there, you’re in luck. From Raleigh, North Carolina, popular road trips include:
- About three hours west is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains.
- Beach lovers will love the Outer Banks, which is 3.5–4 hours east.
- The historic and picturesque city of Charleston, South Carolina, is a 4.5-hour drive to the south.
The ideal vehicle for these road trips from Raleigh will be an SUV or a fuel-efficient sedan.
Road Trips from Charlotte, NC
Another excellent place to start your Southeast exploration is Charlotte. From Charlotte, North Carolina, some well-liked road trips include:
- The Great Smoky Mountains are ideal for a family SUV excursion, which is less than three hours away.
- Two hours to the northwest, Asheville is a memorable destination for its breweries, art, and mountain drives.
- Cobblestone streets and Southern charm can be found in Savannah, Georgia, which is about four hours south.
Many tourists choose to rent cars for these road trips, such as minivans or crossovers, for the comfort of the group.
With RDU Black Car, you get premium cars, clear pricing, and comfort designed for long drives. Road trip rentals are made simple, affordable, and hassle-free, no matter if you’re planning a short weekend trip or a week-long expedition.
How to Save Money on Your Car Rent?
If you believe car rentals are always expensive, you might be wrong. However, you can consider these money-saving suggestions for your next road trip.
The best practice is to plan because prices mostly increase as the trip dates approach. Verify the pickup locations, as some airports might charge more than local rental locations. If possible, bring your car GPS to save yourself from additional charges. Before booking your ride, look at mileage policies. For a longer ride, unlimited mileage is ideal.
You can enjoy the freedom of the road without going over budget on your road trip rental car if you plan ahead.
Final Words
From the mountains to the beaches and all the points in between, North Carolina is a prime destination for road trips. When you rent a suitable vehicle for your road trip, you’ll have the convenience, adaptability, and dependability to make the trip just as memorable as the final destination.
The best cars for road trips aren’t just about price. They’re more about comfort, efficiency, and matching your adventure style. Keep this in mind whether you’re planning road trips from Raleigh or getting ready for adventures beginning in Charlotte.
Pack your bags, grab your playlist, and get ready to roll with RDU Black Car. The open road in North Carolina is waiting for you.
FAQs
How much does it cost to rent a car for a road trip in North Carolina?
Costs vary by car type and time of the year. Economy cars average $40–$60 a day, SUVs range from $70 to $100, and luxury cars start at $120+. Booking early with RDU Black Car can help you save.
What are the best cars for road trips in North Carolina?
It depends on your journey. SUVs and crossovers are great for mountain drives, sedans work well for beach trips, and convertibles make scenic highways unforgettable.
Is it better to rent a car or use my own for a long road trip?
Renting is often the smarter choice. It saves your car the extra miles and gives you flexibility to choose a vehicle that suits your trip’s needs.
Where can I start road trips from in North Carolina?
Raleigh and Charlotte are two popular starting points. From Raleigh, you can hit the Outer Banks or Blue Ridge Parkway. From Charlotte, explore Asheville, the Smokies, or even Savannah, GA.
Why choose RDU Black Car for my road trip rental?
With RDU Black Car, you get dependable vehicles, transparent pricing, and comfort designed for long drives. Whether it’s a weekend trip or a family vacation, we make renting stress-free.
