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Hertz car hire in Raleigh
Raleigh is the kind of city where a quick outing can easily turn into a full afternoon. One moment you're walking through a museum, and the next you’re hopping between parks, trails, and neighbourhoods that all deserve more time than you planned.
But these experiences are spread out across the city, and without a car, getting from one to the next can take longer than the visit itself.
That’s where Hertz comes in. With Hertz car hire in Raleigh, you’re not tied to bus timings, rideshare delays, or fixed routes. You choose when to head out, how long to linger at each stop, and where to detour next.
A Hertz car rental in Raleigh gives you back the one thing every traveller needs in Raleigh: flexibility. Instead of planning your day around transport, you get to plan it entirely around you.
Pickup locations in Raleigh
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport
- Raleigh - John Deere FBO (Private Flights Only)
- Raleigh - Capital Blvd HLE
- Raleigh - Signature Flight Support (Private Flights Only)
Benefits from day one.
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- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Driving Guide: Car Rental in Raleigh
Parking Information
- 15 E. Hargett is a small surface lot with about 6 spaces. It’s roughly a 4-minute walk to central downtown spots. Parking fees apply in evenings, weekends, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. However, weekday daytime parking is free.
- 121 E. Hargett St has about 22 spaces and no height restrictions. It’s also about 4 minutes on foot from core destinations. Fees apply evenings, weekends, and all day Saturday and Sunday, with a maximum daily rate for longer stays.
- 127 W. Hargett St offers around 16 spaces with no height limits, roughly a 10-minute walk to central Raleigh sites. Parking is available for your car rentals in the evenings, weekends, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Key Roads in Raleigh
- I-540 / NC-540 (Raleigh Outer Loop): This big beltway almost circles Raleigh and lets you skip the busier inner streets when you’re moving around town or heading out toward the suburbs. If you’re driving from the airport area toward North Raleigh, Wake Forest, or the shopping districts near Triangle Town Center, I-540 keeps you rolling without forcing you through crowded local roads.
- Capital Boulevard (US-1): This wide north–south road links downtown Raleigh with the neighborhoods and towns north of the city. It’s often the quickest way to get from central Raleigh to places like Wake Forest or back into the city after exploring parks, museums, and local spots.
- Aviation Parkway: If your plans take you to Raleigh-Durham International Airport or the areas around it, this is one of the main connecting routes. It runs from the airport area to major highways like I-40 and helps bridge long drives with local city streets.
Electric Car Hire
If you’re seeking a greener alternative to explore Raleigh, the city is actively preparing for that shift. Raleigh recently earned a national recognition for EV readiness. This is a sign that planners are serious about adding chargers, supporting electric adoption, and building cleaner mobility into everyday life.
The city’s climate plan includes expanding public chargers and solar-powered stations in parks and community spots, so you have more places to plug in as you explore.
Hertz makes going electric simple with a range of electric cars you can hire for local trips or longer drives. With a Hertz EV, you can charge up while you grab a coffee, visit a park, or walk around a museum, then continue your day without worrying about gas stops.
As Raleigh’s charging network grows and becomes easier to use, Hertz electric car hire also grows with this change. At Hertz, you travel sustainably and without worry.
Charging Points
Raleigh’s EV charging network continues to grow, with about 436 public charging station ports (Level 2 and Level 3) available within roughly 15 km of the city centre.
With Hertz electric car hire, you can pick an EV that suits your travel plans and charge directly at one of Raleigh’s local stations as part of your day. That means you can enjoy cleaner, low-emission travel and keep moving without needing to make a separate stop just for fuel.
Congestion Charges
Raleigh doesn’t charge a congestion fee just for city driving.
Around the region, however, there are toll expressways such as the Triangle Expressway and the Monroe Expressway, which you pay to use as you travel the full stretch of those routes.
Tolls are collected electronically, and drivers can save by using an NC Quick Pass account.
Getting from Raleigh to Wilmington
For a nice escape to a beach, you can rent a car from Raleigh and drive down to Wilmington in under 2 hours. Here’s how you can navigate this route with your car rental in Raleigh:
- Get onto I-40 E from N Blount Street and Hammond Road.
- Follow I-40 E for the main part of the drive toward Wilmington.
- Continue to US-117 S / N College Road in Kings Grant.
- Stay on US-117 S / N College Road and follow local signs to your destination in Wilmington.
The route is straightforward and keeps the drive stress-free, so you can start exploring the trails and picnic areas right away.
Getting from Raleigh to Richmond
You can also go for a long drive from Raleigh to Richmond. It takes around two and a half hours by car. Here’s how you can navigate this route with your car rental in Raleigh:
- Start from Raleigh and take US-1 N toward US-1 Bypass N in Vance County.
- Follow I-85 N and I-95 N toward Richmond.
- Take exit 74A from I-95 N for E Canal Street in Richmond.
- Continue via S 9th Street to E Grace Street for your final approach.
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A Quick Guide to Raleigh
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary, NC 27513
A luxury resort set by a quiet lake with stylish rooms and top‑tier service. The spa and fine dining make it a destination in itself, and it’s just a short drive from Raleigh’s center if you want a calm base outside the downtown buzz. Guests often praise the tranquil setting and thoughtful amenities for a restful stay.
Heights House Hotel
308 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
A boutique hotel in a walkable part of Raleigh with comfortable rooms and a welcoming vibe. You can stroll to nearby cafés and restaurants, then hop in your car for quick drives to parks and museums. Its blend of classic charm and modern design makes it a popular pick for couples and city explorers alike.
Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel
4100 Main at North Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609
Located in the bustling North Hills district with plenty of shops and eateries close by. The hotel features spacious rooms and easy access to local nightlife and dining districts, yet sits just a short drive from downtown attractions. It’s ideal when you want a mix of walkable activity and broader Raleigh exploration.
Bida Manda Restaurant and Bar
222 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
A highly regarded spot for Southeast Asian cuisine with rich, layered flavors. Locals and visitors enjoy dishes like pho lao and unique Vietnamese‑Thai blends, and the vibrant interior makes each meal feel like a special outing. Reservations are recommended during dinner hours.
The Mill Raleigh
3201 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
The Mill is one of Raleigh’s most beloved dining spots, known for its Southern-inspired farm-to-table cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu celebrates local ingredients with dishes like house-made pastas, seasonal vegetable plates, wood-grilled proteins, and creative takes on Southern classics.
Poole’s Diner
428 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601
A local institution known for elevated comfort food and creative Southern‑inspired plates that change with the seasons. Its warm, casual atmosphere feels like dining with friends, and dishes like macaroni topped with a perfectly cooked egg make it memorable for visitors and residents alike.
Pullen Park
520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606
One of the oldest parks in North Carolina, offering picnic areas, a historic carousel, pedal boats, and walking paths. It’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a relaxed outdoor stop that blends recreation with scenic ease.
North Carolina Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
A major cultural destination featuring more than 40 galleries and a sprawling outdoor park with trails and large art installations. Admission to the permanent collection is free, and the combination of indoor galleries and scenic grounds makes it worth a substantial portion of your day.
Dorothea Dix Park
1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603
One of the largest urban parks in the region, Dix Park stretches over 300 acres of rolling fields, shaded paths, and wide‑open spaces perfect for picnics, sunset views, or a long walk. The park blends natural scenery with skyline views and hosts community events, playful art installations, and seasonal gardens that invite easy exploration. It’s a relaxed outdoor stop that pairs well with other nearby museums and city sights when you’re out and about in Raleigh.
FAQs
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Raleigh?
Yes. Booking a Hertz rental car ahead of time a good idea, especially on weekends, holidays, and during busy travel periods. Reserving your car early increases the chances of getting the vehicle you want and means less waiting when you arrive at the pickup location.
Do I need a driving permit to get a car hire in Raleigh?
You need a valid driver’s licence to hire a car in Raleigh. If your licence is not in English or in the Roman alphabet, you should also bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your original licence so the clerk can clearly read and accept it at pickup.
Can I pick up a car rental in Raleigh and return it to a different city in the USA?
Yes, one‑way rentals are possible with Hertz. You can choose a different drop‑off city when you book a car rental with Hertz, and any one‑way fee that applies will be shown during the reservation process.
What is the best time to book a car rental in Raleigh?
It’s recommended to book a Hertz rental car early if you want more vehicle options and competitive pricing. Booking a rental car sooner rather than later helps secure extras like child seats and avoids limited choice during peak seasons or special local events.
Are there any restrictions on taking a rental car outside Raleigh?
In most cases, you can drive your Hertz rental throughout North Carolina and into other U.S. states. Before you go out of state, just check your rental terms because some special deals or rate types may include limits on travel distance or regions.
Will I be penalized for a late return on a car hire in Raleigh?
Returning the car after your agreed time can lead to extra charges or being charged for an additional day. If your plans change, contact Hertz as soon as possible so they can adjust your return time and help reduce unexpected costs.
What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Raleigh?
Most Hertz locations in Raleigh allow drivers from about 20 or 21 years old to rent, but drivers aged 20 to 24 may pay a young driver fee. Some vehicle types (like premium or speciality cars) may have stricter age rules or higher fees.
Can I pick up my Hertz rental in Raleigh and drop it off elsewhere?
Yes. One‑way returns are available with Hertz car hire. When you make your reservation, you can choose a different drop‑off location in or outside Raleigh, and any related fee will be shown before you complete the booking.
What additional insurance options does Hertz offer in Raleigh?
Hertz offers optional protection products with its rental car that you can add when booking or at pickup, including damage waivers and liability coverage. These options vary by location and vehicle type, so review them before you confirm your reservation.
Does Hertz provide child seats for rentals in Raleigh?
Yes. Hertz typically offers child seats, booster seats, and infant seats as optional extras. You can request them at booking or at the counter, and there’s usually a daily fee for each seat. Availability is higher when you ask in advance.
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