National Car Hire
Greensboro

After collecting your luggage at baggage claim, simply look for the overhead signs directing you to "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation." The National Car Rental desk is conveniently located within the main terminal building, just a short walk from baggage claim. Once you complete your paperwork at the desk, you will be directed to the adjacent car park where the vehicles are located.

Airport rental car desks, including National at GSO, typically set their hours to align with the final flight arrivals of the day. If you include your flight number in your reservation, the staff will be aware of any delays and will usually remain available to assist you. The process of finding the desk and your vehicle remains the same, though the airport will be much quieter, often making for a quicker and more streamlined experience.

For a Monday-morning flight, it's wise to build in extra time for your car return. Plan to arrive at the rental car return area at least 30 minutes before you would typically want to be at the terminal. This buffer accounts for the vehicle check-in process, gathering your luggage, and the short walk back to the airline check-in desks. Factoring in this extra time helps ensure a stress-free start to your travel day during a busy period.

Missing the rental car return entrance is a common occurrence at busy airports, so there's no need to worry. Do not stop or make an abrupt turn; instead, continue to follow the main airport road loop. The airport's traffic pattern is designed to circle back around, giving you another opportunity to see the signs for "Rental Car Return." Simply follow the loop and pay close attention to the signage on your second approach.

The rental car return area at GSO is located in the car park directly opposite the main terminal building. After you've dropped off your vehicle and collected your belongings, you can simply walk across the covered walkway into the terminal. Once inside, you'll find clear signage directing you to the airline check-in desks or you can proceed directly to the security checkpoint if you're already checked in.

To ensure a smooth and efficient rental process, it's always good practice for all involved parties to be present at the desk. When the primary driver is different from the person whose name is on the reservation, having both individuals available can help the rental agent sort out the details quickly. The desk staff are experienced in handling these situations and will guide you through the standard procedures to get you on your way.

The most effective way to handle a flight delay is to include your airline and flight number when you make your reservation. This allows the National team at GSO to track your flight's status and hold your vehicle for you, even if you arrive much later than planned. By providing this information, you can deplane and proceed to the rental desk at a comfortable pace, knowing your car will be ready when you get there.

In poor visibility conditions, it's sensible to perform a thorough check before you drive away. Use your phone's torch to do a quick walk-round of the vehicle's exterior, noting any pre-existing scratches or dents. Before pulling out of the parking space, take a moment to test the headlights, indicators and windscreen wipers to ensure they're functioning correctly. This quick inspection provides peace of mind for a safe start to your journey.

Greensboro's airport is known for its relatively straightforward layout, making it easy for first-time visitors to navigate. As you leave the rental car area, the main road, Bryan Boulevard, provides clear, well-marked signs for major destinations like Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem. Simply get into the correct lane early and follow the signs for your intended route, such as the I-40 or I-73, to avoid any last-minute confusion.

The most direct path to downtown Greensboro is to take Bryan Boulevard east from the airport. This main thoroughfare will lead you directly towards the city centre. Follow the signs for downtown, which will guide you to exits for key roads like Freeman Mill Road or Eugene Street. This route avoids unnecessary loops and provides a clear and simple drive into the heart of the city.

Under normal traffic conditions, the drive from GSO to High Point takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes via the I-73 South. However, during the High Point Furniture Market, you should anticipate significant traffic increases and potential delays. It is advisable to allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes to account for congestion on the motorway and local roads near the convention areas.

For an easy and direct drive to Winston-Salem, take the I-73 North from the airport area for a short distance until it merges with the I-40 West. This major motorway will take you directly into Winston-Salem without any complex interchanges. The exits for the city centre, Wake Forest University and other key destinations are clearly signposted, making it a stress-free route for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

The Greensboro Coliseum Complex is easily accessible from GSO by taking Bryan Boulevard to Freeman Mill Road South, then following the prominent signs. For major concerts or sporting events, arriving early is crucial. The complex is surrounded by extensive surface car parks, and event staff will typically direct traffic to available spaces, so your best strategy is to follow their guidance rather than trying to find a specific lot.

The areas around the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Greensboro College can be quite congested, with a mix of one-way streets and limited on-street parking. For a campus tour, the best approach is to identify the designated visitor parking deck online before you arrive and navigate directly to it. During busy periods like move-in weekend, allow extra time for slow traffic and be prepared for directed parking by campus staff.

To get to North Carolina A&T State University, take Bryan Boulevard east towards the city and then follow signs for the US-29 North. The key exit is for East Market Street, which runs directly through the campus. On major event days, expect heavy traffic on Market Street and the surrounding roads, so plan to depart much earlier than usual and follow signs for special event parking.

Guilford College is located very close to the airport. To avoid potential rush-hour backups on major thoroughfares like West Market Street, you can use West Friendly Avenue as a less congested alternative. This local road runs parallel to Market Street and often has a smoother traffic flow during peak times, offering a more relaxed drive to the campus.

For travellers with a rental car, hotels located along the I-40 corridor near the Greensboro Coliseum or in the commercial area around the Friendly Center shopping mall are excellent choices. These suburban-style locations almost always offer ample, complimentary surface parking lots right outside the hotel. This provides much easier and more convenient parking than you might find in the downtown core.

When a major event is scheduled at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, you should expect significant traffic congestion on nearby arteries like the I-40, Freeman Mill Road and High Point Road. Local law enforcement often directs traffic flow before and after events, sometimes closing certain turns to improve movement. It's sensible to allow at least 30–45 minutes of extra travel time and to follow the directed patterns patiently.

The downtown grid, particularly around Elm Street, Greene Street and Market Street, can be challenging for first-time visitors due to its network of one-way streets. The area near the First National Bank Field baseball stadium can also require some quick decisions. Using a satnav is highly recommended, and it's helpful to review your route before you start driving to anticipate turns.

Driving to the Greensboro Science Center is straightforward, as it's located on Lawndale Drive, a major local road. However, on weekends, especially on pleasant days, the main car park can fill up quickly, often by late morning. To secure a convenient parking space, it's best to plan your visit for earlier in the day, ideally arriving within the first hour of opening.

You should plan for a drive of approximately one hour from Greensboro to Hanging Rock State Park. The journey starts on major highways and transitions to well-maintained, two-lane country roads as you get closer. The roads leading into and within the park are paved but can be winding and hilly, so it's important to drive with care and enjoy the scenic landscape.

Absolutely, a day trip to Pilot Mountain is very manageable and popular for visitors to Greensboro. The drive typically takes just under an hour each way via the US-52 North. This leaves you with plenty of time to drive to the summit, take in the iconic views, enjoy a picnic, and explore several of the park's well-marked walking trails before heading back to the city.

The drive to the North Carolina Zoo is very simple, taking about 45 minutes south from Greensboro on the I-73/US-220. The zoo is well signed from the motorway, making it straightforward to find. On arrival, you'll find vast, free car parks with clear signage directing you to the entrances for either the North America or Africa sections of the park.

Wet ’n Wild is conveniently located right off the Holden Road exit of the I-85 Business, making it easy to reach. On hot summer weekends, you should expect traffic to slow considerably at the exit ramp leading to the water park. The car park is very large, but arriving early in the day will help you secure a spot closer to the main entrance and avoid the peak arrival rush.

The drive to Burlington and Elon University is a straight shot east on the I-40/I-85, typically taking around 30 minutes. During term time, traffic can be heavier around the university exits, particularly in the late afternoon. To ensure a smooth trip, try to plan your drive outside of the typical 8am and 5pm commute times.

For a standard campus visit, allow about 60 to 75 minutes to drive from Greensboro to Chapel Hill via the I-40 East. However, if you are attending a UNC basketball game, you must plan for significantly more time. Game-day traffic can be intense, so it's wise to leave at least two to three hours before tip-off to allow for congestion and parking.

The drive to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is very direct. Simply take the I-40 East for the entire journey, which typically takes about 1 hour 15 minutes in light traffic. The airport is located right off the motorway, and the signage for terminals, departures and arrivals is large and easy to follow, making for a hassle-free drop-off.

The 90-minute drive to Charlotte on the I-85 South offers several convenient rest stops. The towns of Salisbury and Concord are roughly at the halfway and three-quarters points, respectively. Both have exits with numerous petrol stations, fast-food restaurants and coffee shops located just off the motorway, allowing for a quick and easy break without a major detour.

One popular route is to take the US-421 West from Greensboro towards Boone, which takes about two hours and offers direct access to the parkway. Another good option is to drive north towards Virginia via the US-220 and I-77. This route provides access to the parkway near Fancy Gap and the scenic Mabry Mill area, offering a different but equally beautiful experience.

Winter weather, especially ice, can make driving in the Piedmont Triad hazardous. While major motorways like the I-40 and I-85 are prioritised for clearing and treatment, bridges and overpasses can freeze quickly and remain slick. During winter advisories, it is crucial to drive slowly, significantly increase your following distance, and avoid sudden braking to maintain control of your vehicle.

The region can experience dense morning fog and heavy downpours, which severely limit visibility. When driving in these conditions, it is essential to use your dipped headlights so other road users can see you. Always reduce your speed, increase the distance between you and the car ahead, and allow for extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

To refuel before your return, it's best to use one of the many petrol stations located on main roads just outside the immediate airport area. Both West Market Street and Friendly Avenue are a few minutes' drive from the airport entrance and have numerous fuelling options. Using these stations allows you to top up the tank and then proceed directly to the rental car return without navigating extra airport loops.

For one or two travellers with golf bags, a full-size saloon usually provides adequate boot space. However, if you are travelling in a group of three or four, or have bulky travel bags for your clubs, hiring an SUV is a much better choice. An SUV ensures you'll have plenty of room for all your equipment and luggage without having to compromise passenger comfort.

An efficient strategy is to have one person head directly to the National rental desk while the rest of the family proceeds to baggage claim. After the driver has secured the vehicle, they can drive it around to the passenger pickup curb outside the baggage claim area. This approach minimises the amount of time the entire family has to manage luggage and gets you on your way faster.

Having a rental car provides great flexibility for a wedding weekend. For venues with limited parking, consider using your rental to drop off guests at the entrance before the designated driver finds a spot in a nearby public car park. For evenings out in downtown Greensboro, parking in a central deck and walking between restaurants and bars is often much easier than trying to find street parking at each stop.

First-time visitors to High Point University should be prepared for the series of roundabouts at the main entrance on Montlieu Avenue. It's important to slow down, give way to traffic already in the circle, and read the signs carefully to exit towards the visitor centre. Navigating these correctly is the key to a smooth arrival on the well-kept campus.

During large conventions, such as the High Point Furniture Market which draws visitors to Greensboro hotels, traffic becomes very heavy, particularly along High Point Road and the I-40 corridor. Expect slower travel times and full hotel car parks. If you are attending a show, staying at a hotel within walking distance of the venue can save a lot of time and eliminate parking-related stress.

The fastest way to get your car is to be a member of National's Emerald Club loyalty programme. With your profile set up, you can often bypass the rental desk entirely and proceed directly from the plane to the Emerald Aisle in the rental garage. There, you can choose any available vehicle and simply show your credentials at the exit gate, saving valuable time.

For travellers new to the area, the exits for High Point Road and Gate City Boulevard (formerly Lee Street) from the I-40 are very user-friendly. These exits lead onto wide, multi-lane roads that are lined with hotels and restaurants. The signage is clear and the slip roads are long, giving you plenty of time to slow down and merge safely into local traffic.

The most frequent mistake is not getting into the correct lane early enough when approaching the airport on Bryan Boulevard. Drivers should be on the lookout for the "Rental Car Return" signs and move into the designated lane well in advance. Accidentally following the signs for "Departures" or "Arrivals" will cause you to miss the turn and require you to circle the entire airport loop again.