Where to rent a car in Richmond and what each option costs

Richmond has rental desks at Richmond International Airport (RIC) on the ground level of the terminal, plus off-airport locations throughout the city. The major chains—Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National—operate at the airport, and many also have branches in downtown Richmond, near the Convention Center, and in suburban areas like Short Pump and Regency. Airport locations are open during all flight hours; off-airport branches typically operate 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and have shorter weekend hours.

Daily rates vary widely depending on the car type, season, and how far ahead you book. Economy cars typically range from $35 to $70 per day at off-airport locations, while airport rentals cost 10 to 20 percent more because of facility fees. Luxury or specialty vehicles cost significantly more. Weekend rates are often higher than weekday rates, and summer months (May through August) see peak pricing. Booking at least a week in advance usually gives you better rates than walking in or booking the day before.

Off-airport rentals are almost always cheaper than airport pickups because you avoid the airport concession fee, which can add $5 to $15 per day. However, you lose the convenience of picking up when ready after landing. Some travelers rent from an off-airport location and take a rideshare to get there, which can still cost less than the airport fee if you're renting for several days.

Key Takeaways

  • Richmond International Airport has six rental companies on the ground level, but off-airport branches in downtown and Short Pump are typically 10 to 20 percent cheaper because they don't charge facility fees.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance—either your own policy or the rental company's coverage—before you can pick up a car.
  • Damage waivers and liability coverage are optional add-ons that cost $15 to $30 per day and protect you if the car is damaged or you cause an accident, but your own insurance may already cover rentals.
  • Booking online in advance almost always costs less than calling or walking in, and comparing rates across companies takes 10 minutes and can save $100 or more on a week-long rental.
  • Returning the car with a full tank of gas costs less than letting the rental company refill it, which charges $6 to $8 per gallon plus a service fee.

What documents and information you need to bring

Bring your valid driver's license—a passport alone is not enough, even for international visitors. You also need a credit card in your own name; debit cards are usually not accepted, and some companies require the card to have a certain credit limit. The rental company will place a hold on your card (typically $200 to $500) to cover potential damage, so make sure your card has available credit beyond the rental cost itself.

Proof of insurance is required. This can be your own auto insurance policy, a screenshot of your policy from your insurer's app, or a printed declaration page showing your name, policy number, and coverage dates. If you don't have your own insurance, you can buy the rental company's damage waiver and liability coverage at the counter, though this costs extra. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage if you charge the rental to that card—check your card's benefits before you rent, because you may not need to buy the company's insurance.

Have your reservation confirmation number ready, even if you booked online. Bring the email or print it out. If you're under 25, expect to pay a young driver surcharge ($15 to $30 per day) and have your ID checked carefully. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; others require 25 or older for certain vehicle types.

Understanding damage waivers and insurance coverage

A damage waiver (also called a loss damage waiver or collision damage waiver) means the rental company won't charge you if the car is damaged while you're renting it. Without it, you pay for repairs out of pocket. The waiver typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers damage from accidents, theft, vandalism, and weather—but not damage from misuse, like driving off-road or towing something you weren't supposed to tow.

You may already be covered by your own auto insurance policy. Check your policy documents or call your insurer and ask whether rental cars are covered under your collision and comprehensive coverage. If they are, you don't need to buy the rental company's waiver. Some credit cards also cover rental damage if you charge the full rental to that card—American Express and some premium Visa and Mastercard products offer this, but basic cards usually don't.

Liability coverage protects you if you damage someone else's property or injure another person while driving the rental. Virginia's minimum liability requirement is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Your own auto insurance likely covers you while driving a rental, but confirm this with your insurer. If you don't have your own insurance, buy the rental company's liability coverage—it typically costs $10 to $15 per day and is worth the cost to protect yourself from a lawsuit.

How to compare rental companies and book the best rate

Use comparison websites like Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline to search all companies at once and see rates side by side. Enter your pickup location (airport or specific address), pickup and return dates, and time. The site will show you rates from Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and sometimes smaller local companies. Prices change constantly, so check a few days before you need the car and again the day before pickup—sometimes rates drop, sometimes they rise.

Book directly with the rental company's website if you find a better rate there than on comparison sites. Some companies offer loyalty discounts or corporate codes that don't show up on third-party sites. Read the fine print: check whether the quoted price includes taxes and fees, what the cancellation policy is, and whether there are any restrictions on mileage (most Richmond rentals are unlimited mileage, but confirm this).

Call the rental company directly if you have questions about the rate or need to make special requests—for example, if you need a car seat for a child, a GPS unit, or a specific vehicle type. Booking by phone doesn't usually save money, but it lets you ask questions before you commit. If you find a lower rate elsewhere after you've booked, many companies will match it if you call and ask.

What happens at pickup and what to inspect

Arrive at least 15 minutes early, especially at the airport, where lines can be long during peak travel times. Bring all your documents: driver's license, credit card, proof of insurance, and reservation confirmation. The agent will ask for your driver's license and run it through a system to check for violations or unpaid tickets—this takes a few minutes.

Before you drive away, walk around the car with the agent and inspect it together. Point out any existing damage—dents, scratches, stains, broken lights—and make sure the agent notes it on the contract or takes photos. Take your own photos or video of the car's condition with your phone, including the odometer reading and fuel level. This protects you because if you return the car with damage that was already there, you have proof you didn't cause it.

Check that the car has a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench in the trunk. Test the lights, wipers, and air conditioning. Make sure you know where the fuel door release is and what type of fuel the car takes (usually regular unleaded). Ask the agent where the nearest gas station is so you can refill before returning the car.

Returning the car and avoiding extra charges

Return the car on time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate, sometimes doubled, so if you're running late, call the rental company and ask to extend your reservation—this usually costs less than a late fee. Return the car with a full tank of gas. If you don't, the rental company will refill it and charge you $6 to $8 per gallon plus a service fee, which typically totals $40 to $80 for a full tank.

Return the car to the same location where you picked it up, unless you booked a one-way rental. One-way rentals (picking up in Richmond and returning in a different city) cost more because the company has to move the car back, but they're available if you need them. Check your reservation to confirm the return location and hours.

At return, the agent will inspect the car for damage, check the mileage and fuel level, and compare them to the pickup inspection. If there's new damage, the company will charge you for repairs unless you bought a damage waiver. Keep your receipt, which shows the final charges and mileage. If you see a charge you don't recognize, ask the agent to explain it before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in Richmond if I have an international driver's license?

Most rental companies require a valid driver's license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you get from your country's automobile association before you travel. Bring both documents. Some companies also ask for a passport. Call the rental company before you arrive to confirm what they need.

What if I get into an accident while driving a rental car?

Call the rental company when ready and report the accident, even if it's minor. Do not leave the scene. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver's insurance information and contact details, and call the police if anyone is injured or if there's significant damage. The rental company will file a claim with their insurance or charge you for repairs if you don't have coverage. This is why having damage and liability coverage matters.

Are there age restrictions for renting a car in Richmond?

Most companies rent to drivers 21 and older, but some require 25 or older for certain vehicle types. Drivers under 25 pay a young driver surcharge of $15 to $30 per day. Check the rental company's age policy when you book, because it varies by company and vehicle class.

Can I rent a car with a debit card instead of a credit card?

Most rental companies require a credit card because they place a hold on it for potential damage. Debit cards are rarely accepted because the hold ties up your actual cash. If you don't have a credit card, call the rental company and ask whether they make exceptions—some do, but you may need to pay a deposit in cash or provide additional documentation.

Is it cheaper to rent from the airport or downtown Richmond?

Off-airport locations are almost always cheaper because they don't charge the airport concession fee, which adds $5 to $15 per day. However, you need to factor in the cost of getting to the off-airport location—a rideshare from the airport might cost $15 to $25. For a multi-day rental, the savings from an off-airport location usually outweigh the rideshare cost.