Hertz Car Hire
North Carolina

The hire car facility at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is conveniently located directly opposite the main terminal, so there is no need for a shuttle. After you collect your luggage from baggage reclaim on the lower level, simply follow the signs for rental car return/pickup. You will walk across the arrivals roadway to the short‑stay car park, where all hire car counters are consolidated in the lobby on Level 2. This streamlined process allows you to get to your vehicle and start your journey quickly.

Finding the hire car area at CLT late at night is straightforward thanks to clear, prominent signage. From the baggage carousels, look for the overhead signs directing you to rental car return/pickup. These will lead you out the doors and directly across the road to the main short‑stay car park. The hire car counters are located inside the Level 2 lobby, which is well lit and easy to access, ensuring a safe and simple process even after a late arrival.

To ensure a smooth return to CLT from either the I‑85 or I‑77, take the Billy Graham Parkway exit and follow the signs for the airport. As you approach on Josh Birmingham Parkway, move into the lanes designated for 'Rental Car Return'. These dedicated lanes will guide you directly into the correct level of the short‑stay car park. Paying attention to the large overhead signs as you get closer is the key to avoiding last‑minute lane changes and a stress‑free drop‑off.

A practical meeting place at CLT is the main baggage reclaim area on the lower level. It’s spacious with seating, making it comfortable to wait while everyone collects their luggage. Another good option is the hire car lobby on Level 2 of the short‑stay deck. You can complete rental paperwork while you wait, and once everyone is ready you can all walk to the vehicle together from one central location.

To minimise stress when driving from CLT to Uptown during rush hour, use a real‑time traffic app. The most direct route is often Billy Graham Parkway to the I‑77 North, but this motorway can become very congested. An alternative is Wilkinson Boulevard (US‑74 E) straight into the city, which can sometimes be less hectic than the interstate. Your navigation app will help you choose the route with the fewest delays at the moment you depart.

For first‑time visitors, driving in Uptown Charlotte can be a little challenging, mainly due to the number of one‑way streets. Major thoroughfares like Tryon Street and College Street run in opposite directions, which can be disorientating if you don’t expect it. The city grid is also crossed by light rail tracks, so always be alert for crossing trams. Using a sat‑nav and reviewing your route beforehand can help you navigate these quirks more confidently.

A good 'park once' strategy for exploring Uptown is to use a centrally located car park, such as the one connected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame or near the Levine Centre for the Arts. By parking in one of these spots you are within easy walking distance of the Hall of Fame, the Mint Museum and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. This saves time and parking fees and lets you enjoy the pedestrian‑friendly city centre.

Driving in Charlotte’s popular South End neighbourhood requires awareness of a few points. Street parking is limited and highly competitive, especially evenings and weekends, so plan to use a paid lot or car park. The LYNX Blue Line light rail runs through the area, so be vigilant at crossings. Expect frequent stops by ride‑share vehicles near the many breweries and restaurants, which can create temporary congestion on the main roads.

The most efficient route to the NoDa (North Davidson) arts district from CLT is to use the motorway. Take the airport exit to the I‑85 North and continue for several miles until you reach the Sugar Creek Road exit. Head south on Sugar Creek Road and you’ll come straight into the heart of NoDa. This mostly motorway route helps you avoid traffic lights and the congestion of cutting through the city centre.

For the easiest drive to Carowinds, aim to arrive about 30 minutes before the park officially opens to beat the main rush. The main backup forms on Carowinds Boulevard as cars queue for the parking toll booths. On departure, the heaviest traffic occurs at closing time. To avoid this, leave about an hour before the park closes or stay later and have dinner so the initial wave of traffic clears, giving a smoother exit onto the I‑77.

On game or concert nights it’s wise to arrive in Uptown at least 90 minutes to two hours before the event starts. The car parks and multi‑storey car parks closest to Bank of America Stadium and Spectrum Center fill up quickly. Many attendees find it easier to park in a car park a 10–15 minute walk away, which can also make leaving after the event quicker. Pre‑booking a parking space online is another good way to reduce arrival stress.

The best post‑event plan is to park strategically on the side of Uptown that points toward your final destination. For example, if you need to get on the I‑77 South afterwards, choose a car park on the southern or western edge of the I‑277 loop. This lets you access the motorway quickly without navigating the most congested streets immediately surrounding the stadium. A short walk to your car can save you a lot of time in traffic.

The most notorious pinch points on the I‑77 are between Huntersville (Exit 25) and Mooresville (Exit 36), especially during weekday morning and evening commutes. To avoid the worst congestion, try to schedule your drive north of Charlotte before 3:00pm or after 6:30pm on weekdays. Summer weekends can also be very busy with recreational traffic, so an early morning start is often the best way to ensure a smooth drive to the Lake Norman area.

For a more manageable day trip from Charlotte, Boone and Blowing Rock are the more realistic choice. The drive is roughly two hours each way, leaving you a solid block of time to explore attractions like Grandfather Mountain or enjoy scenic sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville is closer to a three‑hour drive each way, which makes for a very long day with less time for activities before you need to return.

When driving from Charlotte to the Blue Ridge Parkway, be prepared for changing conditions as you gain elevation. The roads into the mountains become significantly more winding and narrow, requiring slower speeds and focused driving. Weather can be unpredictable; a clear day in the city can be foggy or rainy at higher altitudes. Always check the mountain forecast before you go and be aware that scenic overlooks and slower traffic can create delays along the Parkway itself.

Before you begin the ascent towards Grandfather Mountain or Linville Gorge, it’s wise to stock up on supplies. Towns such as Morganton, Lenoir and Marion, located on the main highways at the foot of the mountains, are good places to stop. They have larger grocery stores, petrol stations and pharmacies where you can get fuel, snacks, water and other necessities. Services become much more limited once you’re on the smaller mountain roads.

A day trip from Charlotte to the Great Smoky Mountains is ambitious but doable if you start very early. The drive is about 3.5 to 4 hours each way, so leaving Charlotte before sunrise is essential to maximise your daylight in the park. The best strategy is to focus on one area, such as the Oconaluftee Visitor Centre near Cherokee. Plan to begin the return to Charlotte by mid‑afternoon to ensure you’re off unfamiliar mountain roads before dark.

For a more relaxed drive to Asheville, consider taking the I‑85 South to Gastonia, then joining the US‑74 West. This route runs parallel to the more common I‑40 path but often has less heavy lorry traffic and fewer complex interchanges. While it might add a small amount of time to your trip, many visitors find the scenery pleasant and the driving experience less demanding. It’s a good option if you’re not in a rush and prefer a calmer journey.

Drive times from Charlotte to Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC are quite similar, typically around 3.5 to 4 hours. The route to Wilmington via the US‑74 is a relatively straightforward highway drive. Routes to Myrtle Beach often involve more state roads and can experience significant bottlenecks, particularly on summer weekends as you approach the Grand Strand. Generally, the drive to Wilmington feels more consistent and less prone to major backups.

A practical two‑day plan for the roughly six‑hour drive to the Outer Banks is to split the journey with an overnight stop. Driving to the Raleigh area on the first day covers about half the distance on main interstates like the I‑85 and I‑40. The next day you’ll have a shorter, more manageable drive along the US‑64 to the coast. This approach lets you arrive feeling refreshed and with plenty of daylight to check into your accommodation.

The route to Wilmington along the US‑74 East has several convenient towns with easy‑off junctions perfect for quick breaks. Look out for stops in towns like Monroe, Wadesboro and Laurinburg. These junctions typically feature multiple petrol stations with clean restrooms and a variety of fast‑food options. They’re right off the highway, allowing you to refuel and refresh without adding significant time to your journey.

For newcomers, the most unpredictable highways during Charlotte’s commute are the I‑485 (the outer belt) and the I‑77. Traffic on the I‑485 can slow dramatically and unpredictably, especially near major suburban hubs like Ballantyne or University City. I‑77, both north and south of Uptown, is well known for heavy congestion that can significantly alter travel times. It’s best to check a real‑time traffic app before heading out on these routes during peak hours.

Charlotte has I‑77 Express Lanes north of the city where tolls are collected electronically to manage traffic flow. These lanes are clearly marked with overhead signs indicating they’re tolled. If you do not wish to use them, simply stay in the adjacent general‑purpose lanes, which remain free to all drivers. Pay attention to the signage to ensure you don’t enter the express lanes by mistake and incur a toll.

Speed limits are actively enforced throughout the Charlotte area on all road types. State and local police regularly patrol major interstates like the I‑77, I‑85 and I‑485. Enforcement is particularly strict in designated work zones, where fines are often substantially increased to protect road crews. For a safe and uneventful trip, it’s always best to adhere to the posted speed limits wherever you are driving.

While GPS is generally reliable in Charlotte, it can be tricky in older neighbourhoods with unusual layouts, like Dilworth or Plaza Midwood. In these areas a sat‑nav might suggest a turn onto a very narrow street or a difficult left turn across a busy road. Also, in rapidly developing suburbs maps may not be fully up to date with new construction. Use your GPS as a guide but also pay attention to local road signs.

When arriving at an Uptown hotel, the most efficient way to handle luggage is to use the hotel’s designated passenger loading zone, even if only for a few minutes. Pull up to the main entrance and the hotel’s valet or porter can assist with your bags. After your luggage is safely inside, you can park your car in the hotel garage or a recommended nearby facility. This avoids the stress of managing bags from a distant parking spot.

The easiest approach for families is to use Discovery Place Science’s dedicated parking deck. This provides convenient and direct access to the museum. Once parked you can walk to other family‑friendly destinations like ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center and First Ward Park. The 'park once' approach is far less stressful than moving the car and searching for new parking at each stop.

Before leaving the hire car garage at CLT, take a few minutes to get organised. It’s the perfect time to load your luggage into the boot, adjust your mirrors and programme your destination into the sat‑nav. If you have a stroller, decide if you’ll need it immediately and place it accordingly for easy access. Taking five minutes to set everything up in the calm of the garage will make your first drive into the city much smoother and less distracting.

The most direct route to the U.S. National Whitewater Center is via the I‑85, taking the Sam Wilson Road exit (Exit 29). From there, large, clear signs will guide you the rest of the way. On busy summer weekends, especially late morning, expect traffic to slow on the final approach road to the entrance and car parks. Arriving earlier in the day, closer to opening, can help you avoid the longest waits.

The drive to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden involves a pleasant mix of road types. You will likely use a major motorway like the I‑85 or I‑485 for part of the trip. The final miles, however, are on well‑maintained two‑lane country roads that wind through the town of Belmont. This part of the drive is quite scenic and generally has light traffic, offering a relaxing transition from the city to the garden’s tranquil setting.

A great plan is to focus on one brewery‑dense neighbourhood at a time, such as South End or NoDa. Drive to the neighbourhood, park once in a central paid lot or car park for the day, and then explore the nearby breweries on foot. Many of the city’s best taprooms are clustered within easy walking distance in these areas. This strategy is safer and eliminates the frustration of constantly searching for parking at each popular spot.

To avoid the heaviest commuter traffic on the I‑85 for a day trip to the Triad, plan to leave Charlotte after 9:30am. This allows the morning rush to dissipate. For your return, aim to be back on the road heading south before 4:00pm. This timing helps you get ahead of the evening commute that builds up around Concord, Kannapolis and Charlotte. Driving within this mid‑day window typically ensures a much smoother journey.

When planning a day trip to the Raleigh‑Durham area, time your drive to avoid arriving during peak morning rush hour. The best strategy is to plan your arrival in the Triangle for between 10:00am and 11:00am. This helps you miss the worst of the commuter traffic on the I‑40 and I‑85. For your return, leaving the Raleigh area by 3:30pm is ideal for getting a head start on the heavy afternoon traffic heading west.

During holidays and major events, roadways at CLT can become extremely congested. The arrivals and departures loops, as well as the entrances to the car parks and hire car facility, often experience significant backups. It’s important to allow plenty of extra time for both picking up and returning your vehicle during these peak travel periods. Follow the airport’s electronic signage for traffic patterns and lane guidance to navigate the area.

For a seamless early morning return, the best sequence is to first drive to the upper‑level departures curb. Here you can drop off passengers and any checked luggage with a skycap, allowing them to head straight to security. Once they’re on their way, you can circle back and follow the signs for 'Rental Car Return'. This method is usually easier than everyone managing their bags on the walk from the hire facility back to the terminal.

If you are returning your hire car from Uptown during weekday morning rush hour, it’s wise to add at least 20–30 minutes of extra travel time to your plan. A drive that might take 15 minutes in light traffic can easily take 30–45 minutes with commuter congestion on the I‑277 and Billy Graham Parkway. This buffer will help account for unexpected delays and ensure you have ample time to complete the return process without feeling stressed.

The key to navigating the roads at CLT is to pay close attention to the large overhead signs and get into your desired lane early. As you approach the terminal on Josh Birmingham Parkway, the lanes for arrivals, departures and rental car returns diverge quickly. Look specifically for the 'Rental Car Return' signs and merge into that lane well in advance. This proactive approach is the best way to avoid last‑second manoeuvres and potential wrong turns.

A smart strategy for a multi‑city road trip is to choose an overnight stop on the far side of a major metropolitan area. For example, when driving from Charlotte toward the coast, staying in a hotel just east of Raleigh positions you well for the next day. This allows you to bypass the next city’s morning rush hour. You can start the day with a clear road ahead, making the next leg more relaxed and efficient.

While heavy snow is infrequent in Charlotte, winter driving can still pose challenges. The most common hazards are morning fog, which can severely reduce visibility, and ice, especially on bridges and overpasses that freeze before other road surfaces. It’s important to check the local forecast before you travel. If freezing temperatures are predicted overnight, be extra cautious on your morning drive or consider delaying your start until temperatures rise above freezing.

During major events like a NASCAR race or a large Uptown festival, expect significant traffic disruptions in specific areas. For race weekends, roads around the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord will be heavily congested with frequent detours. For festivals such as Speed Street or Pride, many streets in the heart of Uptown will be closed to vehicle traffic. Always check the event’s official website and local news for detailed traffic plans and recommended alternate routes.