Car rental Raleigh

Raleigh sits on the route of several interstates, including I-40, which runs through the south of the city and continues south towards Wilmington on the coast, giving drivers plenty of options for navigating the state’s busy roads.

You can also follow I-40 north towards Durham - if you’re arriving by air, Raleigh-Durham International Airport is conveniently placed between the two cities, just off the interstate.

I-440, sometimes known as the Raleigh Beltline, runs through the centre of town, and provides connections to key routes, including Capital Boulevard (US 401), which joins US 1 leading all the way north to Henderson and the Virginia state line. I-440 also provides access to I-87, a route that currently connects Raleigh with other destinations in Wake County, as far east as the town of Wendell. I-540 and North Carolina Highway 540 are part of the city’s partially completed outer beltway, which runs from the suburb of Knightdale towards Apex on the other side of the city.

With car hire in Raleigh it’s easy to reach neighbouring Greensboro and Charlotte via I-40 and I-85, while Fayetteville is just over 100km south via I-40 and I-95.

Raleigh’s simple grid pattern layout makes navigating your way around the city a stress-free experience. The speed limit on some stretches of rural freeways and interstates around North Carolina is 70mph (112kph) but in urban areas this usually falls to 60mph (96kph). Minimum speed limits apply only when you see them signposted.

As you would expect from a larger city, the roads in Raleigh can get busy during peak times, so it’s worth planning your routes in advance and leaving plenty of time for travel.

One of the US’ top business destinations, Raleigh also boasts some outstanding museums, galleries and restaurants. Rent a car in Raleigh and explore all the attractions in this vibrant city, however long your stay may be.

Capital District

Downtown Raleigh is a great place to start your trip. Head to the Capital District around East Edenton Street and you’ll find one of the city’s most important landmarks, the State Capitol building.

This National Historic Landmark completed construction in 1840, after a fire destroyed the original building. Its Greek Revival-style architecture makes it an impressive sight from the outside, but inside there’s plenty on offer too. You can see the legislative chambers and state library, plus plaques and ornate sculptures honouring key figures in North Carolina history.

Step back in time

Raleigh’s Capital District is also home to two of the city’s most beloved museums. The North Carolina Museum of History houses 150,000 artefacts spanning several centuries, chronicling epoch-defining events like the American Civil War and the Civil Rights movement, letting you take an in-depth walk through America’s past.

Just steps away, you’ll find the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, boasting four floors of exhilarating exhibits, including a Living Conservatory, Arthropod Zoo and the world’s most complete Acrocanthosaurus skeleton. Don’t miss the North Carolina Coastal Hall, where you can see colossal whale skeletons hanging overhead. 

Only a short journey from Downtown, you’ll find another of Raleigh’s best museums, the North Carolina Museum of Art. Its collection chronicles the evolution of art through history, touching on everything from the Renaissance to contemporary American artwork and photography, while outside you’ll find a park with enormous public art installations, all inspired by the beauty of nature.

Warehouse District

Back in Downtown Raleigh, you’ll find the Warehouse District, home to trendy galleries, a buzzing nightlife and many of the city’s cutting-edge creatives. This is a perfect place to head for dinner – rafts of restaurants are cooking up everything from traditional Carolina-style barbecue to delicious vegetarian and vegan menus.

At Morgan Street Food Hall and Market you’ll find dozens of stalls run by local eateries, with everything from wood-fired pizzas and tapas to seafood, burgers and delicious ice cream. The Food Hall is open seven days a week, with late-night opening on Friday and Saturday.

Further afield

With Raleigh car rental, take a break from the busy city and head out to explore the North Carolina countryside. Just a short drive along I-40 and US 70 you’ll find William B Umstead State Park, a site of more than 5,000 acres of forest and trails surrounding three man-made lakes.

At the state park you’ll find trails suitable for cycling, horseback riding and hiking, including part of the East Coast Greenway that runs all the way from Maine to Florida. On the largest lake, you’ll find canoe and rowboat rentals available, and there are even camping facilities available if you want to plan an overnight stay.

With car rental in Raleigh, all this and much more is within easy reach during your visit.