Payless Car Hire
Greensboro

After collecting your luggage from the baggage reclaim on the lower level of the terminal, the route is quite straightforward. Look for the overhead signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Cars. Those signs will direct you across the arrivals roadway to the main car park, which is directly attached to the terminal building. The rental car desks, including Payless, are conveniently grouped in that area, so you can walk there without needing a shuttle.

The rental cars at Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) are located on-airport, so you will not need a shuttle. After you visit the rental desk, you will be directed to the adjacent multi-storey car park where the vehicles are kept. This integrated arrangement is designed for traveller convenience, allowing you to get from the desk to your car in just a few minutes. The whole process from baggage reclaim to driving away is contained within the main airport complex.

On exiting the secure area and heading towards baggage reclaim, start looking for the universal airport symbols and signage for Rental Cars. These signs are prominently displayed throughout the terminal and will guide you towards the rental car facility. All rental agencies at GSO are consolidated in one location within the car park connected to the terminal. By following the official airport signage for rental cars you’ll be directed straight to the correct area without confusion.

For a morning flight, it’s sensible to build in a comfortable time cushion. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport rental car return area at least two hours before your flight’s departure time. This typically allows around 20–30 minutes for the vehicle return process, collecting your luggage and walking to the terminal. The remaining time should be sufficient for airline check-in and navigating potentially busy morning security screening queues without feeling rushed.

For a straightforward drive into downtown Greensboro, the most direct route is to take Bryan Boulevard east from the airport. This primary road leads you directly towards the city centre with minimal complexity. You will stay on Bryan Boulevard for several miles until it merges and becomes Benjamin Parkway, which then takes you into the heart of downtown. This path helps you avoid the major I-40 and I-85 interchanges immediately after getting accustomed to your hire car.

The most direct route from the airport to the Friendly Center area is to take Bryan Boulevard east. Exit onto Friendly Avenue and head east a short distance to the shopping centre. Alternatively, take Bryan Boulevard to Wendover Avenue East, a larger thoroughfare that runs alongside the centre. During peak morning and evening rush hours, typically from 07:30–09:00 and 16:30–18:00, expect heavier traffic and potential delays along Wendover Avenue.

The drive from GSO to High Point University is typically about 20 to 25 minutes in normal traffic. The most common route is via I-73 South to I-40 West and then onto local roads into High Point. On major event days, such as graduation or family weekend, on-campus parking becomes extremely limited and fills up early. It’s advisable to arrive well ahead of your event time and be prepared to use designated satellite lots with shuttle services if offered.

The Greensboro Coliseum Complex is easily accessible from major roads like I-40, but traffic can be significant for large events. Plan to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before the event start time to navigate entrance traffic and find parking without stress. The complex has extensive parking lots, but they do fill up. After the event, expect considerable exit congestion; it can sometimes take 30 minutes or more just to leave the car park, so patience is key.

The Greensboro Science Center has its own large, dedicated car park right in front of the main entrance. Parking is typically ample and straightforward, so you won’t have to search for a space. On popular weekends or holidays, especially in good weather, it’s a good idea to arrive within the first hour of opening to enjoy the exhibits before the biggest crowds build up. This also ensures you get a prime parking space close to the entrance.

To visit the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, drive from the airport towards downtown Greensboro. The least stressful parking strategy is to avoid looking for limited on-street parking and head straight for a public car park. The Greene Street Parking Deck is a popular and convenient option, located just a short walk from the museum. Using a satnav to navigate directly to this deck will save you time and the frustration of circling the downtown one-way streets.

When driving in Greensboro’s historic neighbourhoods like College Hill or Fisher Park, be prepared for narrower streets than in newer suburban areas. On-street parking is common and can further reduce the driving space, so proceed with extra caution. Pay close attention to posted parking signs, as some areas may have resident-only permit restrictions or time limits. It’s a good idea to confirm the specific parking situation with your Airbnb host before you arrive.

Rush hour in Greensboro, typically from 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00, significantly impacts travel on I-40 and I-85. During these times you can expect slowdowns and congestion, especially around major interchanges and the urban loop. For first-time drivers, this can make navigating lane changes and exits more challenging. If your schedule is flexible, planning short cross-town trips outside these peak windows will result in a much smoother and less stressful driving experience.

The section where I-40 and I-85 run together and then split can be confusing for visitors. The key is to know your ultimate destination well in advance — whether you’re heading east toward Raleigh/Durham (I-40) or south toward Charlotte (I-85). The most common mistake is being in the wrong lane as the split approaches, as multiple lanes diverge. Pay close attention to the large overhead signs that begin appearing a few miles before the interchange to ensure you are positioned correctly.

The most straightforward and common route for a day trip to Winston‑Salem is to take I-40 West from Greensboro. This motorway provides a direct connection between the two cities. As you approach Winston‑Salem, follow signs for the Salem Parkway (formerly Business 40), which takes you directly into the city centre and near popular attractions like Old Salem. This route is well signed and generally the easiest for visitors to navigate.

For a visit to Duke University, the most direct route is to take I-40 East from Greensboro towards Durham. To avoid downtown Durham traffic, take the NC-147 N (Durham Freeway) exit. From there, follow signs for exits that lead directly to the university campus, such as Fulton Street or Duke University Road. This approach keeps you on major highways and expressways, providing a clear path to the campus visitor car parks.

The drive from Greensboro to Chapel Hill typically takes about an hour via I-40 East. For a campus visit, the most reliable place for visitors to park is the Rams Head Deck, which is centrally located. It’s best to time your drive to arrive in Chapel Hill outside peak morning commute times to ensure a smoother journey. Allow plenty of time, as finding the parking deck and walking to your starting point on the historic campus can take a few extra minutes.

A day trip to Raleigh is very feasible, with the drive typically taking around 1 hour 30 minutes via I-40 East. Once you arrive in downtown Raleigh, the best strategy for exploring on foot is to park in one of the many public car parks. These decks offer hourly rates and are strategically located near museums, the State Capitol and restaurants. This approach is much more convenient than hunting for limited on-street metered parking.

The most direct route for a day trip to Charlotte is to take I-85 South, a drive that usually takes about 90 minutes without heavy traffic. The motorway is straightforward, but be aware that congestion increases significantly as you approach the Charlotte city limits. On the return trip to Greensboro, traffic on I-85 North leaving Charlotte is typically heaviest between 16:00 and 18:30 on weekdays. To avoid the worst of it, consider leaving Charlotte either before 15:30 or after 18:30.

The drive to Asheville is primarily on I-40 West and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Good stopping points include the towns of Hickory or Statesville, roughly halfway. West of Statesville the terrain changes and the route features more long, steady gradients and bends. Be prepared for this shift by maintaining a consistent speed, being mindful of lorries in the right lanes, and enjoying the scenic transition into the mountains.

To enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway with fewer crowds, an early start from Greensboro is essential, especially on weekends in the autumn. Plan to be on the parkway by 09:00 at the latest to get ahead of the main wave of visitors. A popular access point from Greensboro is near Blowing Rock via the US-421 N and US-221 N. This strategy allows you to enjoy the most popular overlooks and trails in the morning before they become congested by midday.

During heavy rain, visibility can be significantly reduced on motorways like I-40 and the Urban Loop. It’s crucial to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use your headlights. Be particularly cautious on slip-roads and in the right-hand lanes where water can pool, creating a risk of aquaplaning. Merging onto the motorway requires extra attention, as spray from other vehicles can momentarily obscure your view.

During winter weather events in the Greensboro area, bridges, overpasses and elevated ramps are the first surfaces to freeze and become slick, even if other roads just appear wet. The most important driving adjustment is to significantly reduce your speed and avoid any sudden braking or sharp turns, especially on these elevated structures. Main highways are typically treated first, but secondary roads can remain hazardous for longer, so allowing extra travel time is essential for safety.

While enforcement can occur anywhere, visitors should be particularly mindful of their speed on major thoroughfares like Wendover Avenue, Bryan Boulevard and Battleground Avenue. Law enforcement also frequently patrols sections of I-40, I-85 and the I-73 Urban Loop that pass through the city. The most effective strategy is not to look for specific spots but to remain attentive and consistently adhere to the posted speed limits throughout your journey.

A common satnav issue near GSO is directing drivers to entrances for air cargo, maintenance facilities or private aviation rather than the main passenger terminal. To avoid this, make sure your destination is set specifically to Piedmont Triad International Airport Terminal or the rental car return address. As you get within a mile of the airport, it’s best to rely on the large, clear overhead road signs which will accurately guide you to the correct lanes for passenger departures and rental car returns.

The most considerate and least stressful way to load a lot of gear is to first collect your vehicle from its assigned spot in the rental garage. Then find an empty, out-of-the-way parking space within the same garage to load your luggage, golf clubs or other bulky items. This allows you to take your time and organise the vehicle without the pressure of blocking the main pickup lanes or holding up other travellers. Once you’re fully loaded and ready, you can exit the garage at your leisure.

The rental car parking garage at GSO is the ideal place to install car seats. After you’ve completed the paperwork at the desk and located your vehicle, simply stay in the assigned parking spot to do the installation. This provides a safe, covered environment away from active traffic lanes. It allows you to take all the time you need to ensure the seats are secured correctly and your children are comfortable before you even start the engine.

During peak travel times like holiday weekends, the most time-consuming part of the rental process is usually the wait at the rental desk. Queues can be longer as many travellers arrive on popular flights. To help speed things up, have your driving licence, reservation confirmation and any other necessary items ready when you get to the front of the queue. The subsequent steps of finding your car in the on-site garage are typically much quicker.

A simple way to handle a grocery stop is to use a map app on your phone right after you pick up your car. Search for a major grocery store chain like Harris Teeter, Food Lion or Publix along your route from the airport to your hotel. Main roads leading from the airport, such as Bryan Boulevard and Wendover Avenue, have several convenient options just a minute or two off the main path, making it an easy and efficient errand.

When driving to a rural venue where mobile signal might be unreliable, the best preparation is to download offline maps of the region to your smartphone before you leave the airport. Use an app like Google Maps or Waze to save the entire route area for offline access. It’s also wise to have a printed copy of the directions from the venue’s website as a reliable backup. This ensures you can navigate confidently even if you lose your data connection.

The drive to Hanging Rock State Park from Greensboro takes about an hour and transitions from motorways to scenic two-lane country roads. It’s a pleasant journey, but the park is extremely popular. On fine weekends, especially in the autumn, the main car parks can reach full capacity and close to new entries as early as 10:00 or 11:00. To guarantee entry, it’s highly recommended to arrive before 10:00.

Pilot Mountain is about a 45-minute drive from Greensboro, primarily on the US-52 North. To avoid the busiest crowds, especially at weekends, plan to arrive either early in the morning before 10:00 or later in the afternoon after 15:00. The midday period from 11:00 to 14:00 is when the summit car park is most likely to be full, leading to potential waits. An early or late arrival allows for a more peaceful hiking experience.

For evening explorations in downtown Greensboro, the most convenient and reliable parking options are the council-operated car parks. The Greene Street, Davie Street and Church Street decks are all centrally located, well lit and within easy walking distance of numerous breweries, restaurants and shops. While some on-street parking is available, using a deck removes the need to search for a spot and worry about time limits, making for a more relaxed evening.

Downtown Greensboro’s street grid includes numerous one-way streets, which can be tricky for first-time visitors. It’s important to rely on your satnav and pay close attention to street signs as you navigate. When approaching your destination, try to be in the correct lane early, as last-minute lane changes can be difficult in city traffic. If you miss a turn, it’s often easiest to simply circle the block rather than attempting a complicated manoeuvre.

To avoid the immediate post-event gridlock, you have two smart options. The first is to leave the event 10–15 minutes before it officially concludes, beating the mass exodus. The second, more relaxed option is to linger for a while after it ends; perhaps grab a coffee or snack at a nearby café or simply wait in your car for about 20–30 minutes. This allows the worst of the traffic to clear out, providing a much smoother departure from the venue’s car park.

For easy and scenic day trips, consider driving to the historic Moravian settlement of Old Salem in Winston‑Salem, which is less than an hour away. Another great option is the town of Seagrove, the handmade pottery capital of the U.S., also about an hour’s drive. For a taste of nature, a drive to Hanging Rock State Park offers beautiful scenery and is just over an hour from the city. These destinations provide a great experience with straightforward, manageable drives.

The drive from Greensboro to the North Carolina Zoo takes approximately 45 minutes south on the I-73/US-220. On arrival, you’ll find plentiful free parking in several large lots, so finding a space is not usually a concern. Be prepared for a significant amount of walking once inside, as the zoo is one of the largest in the country. Comfortable shoes are essential to enjoy the expansive habitats and trails.

When planning a drive from Greensboro to another major airport like Raleigh‑Durham (RDU) or Charlotte (CLT), the main factor to consider is traffic. Both drives are typically around 90 minutes, but this can easily increase during weekday morning or evening rush hours. It’s crucial to build at least an extra 30–45 minutes of buffer time into your travel schedule to account for potential delays and ensure you arrive at the departure airport without stress.

To ensure a smooth return to GSO, particularly in challenging conditions, follow the large, well lit airport signs for Rental Car Return as you approach the airport property. Those signs will direct you to a specific entrance separate from the main departures and arrivals loops. For added confidence you can also use a satnav and set the destination specifically to the rental car return address for your company, which will guide you directly to the correct car park entrance.

The most reliable plan for a late arrival is to ensure your flight information is included in your car hire reservation. Most airport rental desks will track flight delays and remain open to accommodate arriving passengers. On arrival, head straight to the rental desk as you normally would. Leaving the airport late at night is typically very easy, as road traffic will be minimal, allowing for a calm and straightforward drive to your hotel.