Reserve direct for our Best Rate Guarantee*
Found the same Hertz car for less? We’ll match it plus 10% off.
Terms & conditions apply. *Applies to bookings made directly through Hertz websites. Click here for full terms of Best Rate Guarantee.
Easily modify or cancel reservations*
Plans change. Cancel for free up to 2 days before pick-up.
Terms & conditions apply. *You can make no more than 2 changes to your reservation. Administration charges and cancellation fees may apply if booking is cancelled less than 48 hours before pick up time. Rental Terms, Qualifications and Requirements apply.
Members save up to 10%*
Join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards^® for free. Save on vehicle hire.
Terms & conditions apply. *Up to 10% off the Hertz base rate applies to rentals in UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards^® FAQs.
Go electric
Choose from one of the EV rental fleets and go fuel-free.

Hertz Car Hire in Virginia

A place that combines rugged beauty and tumultuous history like no other state can, Virginia is a fantastic place to visit in the US. It is, after all, the origin of modern America, the place where the settlers from England first put down roots at the start of the 17^th century. Its nickname of ‘Old Dominion’ speaks to that history, and to the role it played during the Revolutionary War.

In many ways it’s a bridge between the south and liberal north, sitting above North Carolina but south of Maryland, with its own chunk of coastline. To make exploring the state as simple as possible, we have pick-up locations all across it, so you can choose exactly where you want to pick-up and drop-off your hire car.

Book online now and you’re sure of a smooth arrival – we’ll have you in your choice from our car collection and on your way as soon as possible.

Driving in and around Virginia

Take to the road in Virginia and you’ll discover a fascinating state with endless places for you to park up and explore. There are incredible national parks, inviting bays and beaches, and verdant hills inland. There’s also plenty of history to delve into to, wherever you stop.

Driving rules are similar all across the US, with a couple of local peculiarities to be aware of. Whether in Virginia or elsewhere you’ll be driving on the right and overtaking on the left. Mobile phone use while driving is illegal, seatbelts must be worn and you’re able to make a right turn on a red light at junctions in the US, where the road is clear.

Speed limits vary by road and area, with residential areas having a top speed of 25mph. Some interstate highways – US motorways – have a limit of 70mph, but some do have lower limits, often at 65mph – as always, follow the limits posted on signs. Be aware that there are several toll roads and bridges in Virginia.

Richmond is the state capital and a number of major roads span out from here, like spokes on a wheel. The I-95 cuts through it, coming up through North Carolina and continuing on to Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York.

The I-64 is another major route you’ll find useful – it leads you east to Williamsburg and the sea, or west to Charlottesville and on into West Virginia. They’re the quickest way to get from A to B, but there are also numerous scenic routes you can take as well.

A quick guide to Virginia

There are many great aspects to exploring Virginia by hire car, but chief among them might be the contrasts you’ll find as you head from county to county. From wild coastline to the quiet of beaches, from mountainous peaks to forest rich with the scent of pine. You’ll also find history galore, as well as towns and cities that are embracing the future too.

Stunning Shenandoah

Over in the west of the state, Shenandoah has been wowing visitors since the 1930s, a national park that seemingly contains every possible aspect of beauty. With the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, here you’ll find sensational colours all year round, with the trees turning endless shade of red.

Watch out for wild turkeys and deer as you navigate the streams, hundreds of miles of trails, walking past wildflowers. There are numerous camping and picnic areas, whether you’re planning a short or long stay.

Life in the colonies

They aren’t phoning it in at Colonial Williamsburg. What was the capital of England’s first US colony is now a museum that truly brings the era of the New World to life. Many of the buildings here are original, lovingly preserved and restored, while you’re invited to participate in 18^th century life by the many costumed staff.

Close by, on the James River, is Jamestown, the very first settlement dating back to 1607. You can discover the true story of Pocahontas here, and see where they’re excavating the remains of the settlement, which was only found in the late 20^th century.

A taste of the south

Two different cities will give you a flavour of Virginia – and the way it straddles both north and south. The capital, Richmond looks and feels like a southern city, but is slowly gentrifying and opening up. Visit the capitol building, built to a plan drawn up by Thomas Jefferson, and then wander the world-class Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. There is plenty of notable stuff on display here – furniture by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, art from Edward Hopper and Whistler and a collection of Faberge Eggs.

To the north-west of the capital you’ll find Charlottesville, a good-looking town with a high quality of life and a relaxed feel. C-Ville, as its known, has a number of outstanding places to eat. Head for C&O on Water Street for a warm welcome and tempting entrees such as applewood smoked pork loin and scallops with raisin-caper butter sauce.

With car hire in Virginia you can discover everything there is to see in this storied state, from the tales of the first settlers to the beauty of the great outdoors.