Avis Car Rental

- 100 Bowen Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22911

As a gateway to Central Virginia, including the historic sites, vineyards, and the prestigious University of Virginia, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) is a common arrival point for visitors and a crucial hub for local travelers. The Avis Car Rental branch, conveniently located at this airport, serves as a primary source for reliable ground transportation, offering a diverse fleet of cars and vans to meet a wide array of needs—from solo trips exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains to group tours of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.

This Avis location functions as both a full-service car rental agency and a van rental agency, ensuring travelers departing or arriving in Charlottesville have access to everything from economical compact cars to spacious 12-passenger vans. The overall experience is designed for convenience, especially for those using the airport's infrastructure. Features such as the Avis Preferred loyalty program are specifically intended to expedite the rental process, allowing customers to bypass the counter and head directly to their vehicle, a significant benefit after a flight.

However, potential renters in Virginia should note that customer feedback for this location presents a mixed picture. While some highly praise the overall "good customer service" and the quality of specific vehicles—like one reviewer's enjoyment of a 2020 Dodge Ram Rebel—others express frustration over vehicle quality control and staff demeanor. Complaints include receiving vehicles that were dirty or damaged (e.g., chipped windshields) and interactions with agents described as "rude." While Avis's social media team affirmed that pre-existing damages would not be billed, the lack of a quick, on-site resolution or apology was "very, very disheartening" for some customers. This highlights the importance of carefully inspecting any rental vehicle before leaving the lot and being prepared to escalate concerns to corporate customer service if local resolution proves difficult.

The Avis Car Rental branch is perfectly situated at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO), making it the optimal choice for flight travelers and those requiring quick access to major routes like US 29 (Seminole Trail).

The precise address is 100 Bowen Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22911, USA. This address is within the airport terminal area, allowing for a seamless transition from plane to rental car. The strategic placement ensures minimum travel time to and from your flight, an essential factor for busy travelers in Virginia.

The facility has implemented measures to ensure the service is inclusive and accessible to all customers:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The rental counter and pick-up area benefit from the airport’s infrastructure, offering an accessible entrance to accommodate individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Dedicated, accessible parking spaces are available to ensure comfort and ease for customers upon arrival and departure.
• Onsite Services: Being an airport location, the agency provides dedicated onsite services, meaning the rental counter, paperwork processing, and vehicle pick-up are all consolidated within or immediately adjacent to the terminal building, streamlining the rental experience.

Avis at CHO offers a wide spectrum of rental options and supplementary services, catering to personal, professional, and group travel needs throughout the region. The commitment to a modern fleet, with vehicles averaging under six months old, ensures renters receive high-quality, reliable transportation.

• Extensive Vehicle Fleet: The local fleet is sourced from the full Avis Car Guide, providing numerous classes, including:
  • Economy, Compact, and Standard Sedans (e.g., Kia Rio, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Camry or similar) for daily commutes and fuel efficiency.
  • SUVs of all sizes (Intermediate to Full-Size, like the Toyota Rav4 and Chevrolet Suburban or similar) suitable for family travel or heading into mountainous areas.
  • Specialty Vehicles, including luxury models, convertibles, and occasional pickup trucks, for specialized needs or enhanced travel comfort.
• Van Rental Options: For larger parties or cargo needs, the agency offers a range of vans, including minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica or similar) and large 12-passenger vans (e.g., Ford Transit or similar), ideal for university groups, wedding parties, or large family vacations.
• Flexible Rental Durations: Customers can book daily, weekly, or long-term monthly car rentals, offering significant savings for those staying in Central Virginia for extended periods (up to 11 months).
• Payment Flexibility: Major Credit Cards and Debit Cards are accepted for payment and authorization holds, providing diverse options for Virginia residents. Note that hold amounts may vary based on the duration and type of card used (e.g., pre-paid rentals may have a larger hold).
• Optional Extras: Renters can customize their experience with optional products like GPS navigation, Extended Roadside Assistance, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and toll payment solutions (e-toll service).

Beyond the standard rental service, this Avis location features several key programs and policies that distinguish it for local and visiting Virginia customers.

• Active Military Discounts: A significant highlight is the program offering up to 35% off PAY NOW base rates for active duty military, veterans, National Guard, Reservists, and their immediate families who enroll in the WeSalute+ program. This is a substantial benefit, particularly valuable for the large military population across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Avis Preferred Expedited Service: Membership in the free Avis Preferred loyalty program allows customers to save their preferences, earn points redeemable for free rentals and accessories, and, most importantly, skip the rental counter and go directly to their reserved vehicle at most locations, including CHO.
• One-Way Rental Capability: Being an airport hub, the Charlottesville Avis location routinely facilitates one-way rentals, allowing travelers flexibility to pick up here and drop off at another participating location elsewhere in Virginia or across the U.S.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Avis permits renters to bring pets in their vehicles, a key feature for those traveling with animal companions, provided the vehicle is returned clean to avoid additional fees.
• Smoke-Free Guarantee: All vehicles in the fleet adhere to a strict non-smoking policy, guaranteeing a fresh and pleasant interior environment for every renter.

For all reservation needs, inquiries about vehicle availability, or questions regarding the military discount program, customers should reach out to the Charlottesville Airport branch directly.

Address: 100 Bowen Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22911, USA

Phone: (434) 973-6000

Mobile Phone: +1 434-973-6000

Typical hours of operation are generally structured around flight schedules: Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM (midnight), Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM. However, due to the nature of airport services, it is always recommended to confirm holiday and late-night hours.

For Virginia residents and visitors flying into Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, this Avis location offers the significant advantage of on-site convenience. Its placement at 100 Bowen Loop means no shuttles are required, offering a swift transition to your rental car. The availability of Active Military Discounts up to 35% off makes it a compelling choice for military families and veterans in the state who are looking for maximum savings. Furthermore, enrolling in the Avis Preferred program is highly recommended for any customer planning to use this location, as the ability to bypass the counter is the surest way to guarantee an efficient and pleasant experience, circumventing potential issues related to agent demeanor or queue times mentioned in customer feedback.

To ensure a positive rental experience, especially considering reports of vehicle cleanliness and initial damage, customers should be proactive. Always take a moment to inspect the vehicle and document its condition before driving away, and if an issue arises, clearly communicate the pre-existing damage to the local team for documentation, or contact corporate customer service channels if an unsatisfactory resolution is received on site. By leveraging the fast-track options and verifying all vehicle details, the Avis CHO location provides a comprehensive and high-value transportation solution for exploring the beautiful Central Virginia region.

Avis Car Rental

100 Bowen Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22911, USA