National Car Rental Introduce
For residents and visitors traveling into the heart of North Carolina, securing reliable and efficient transportation is key to a successful trip, whether for business or pleasure. National Car Rental, with a significant presence at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) area, is a well-established provider of vehicle rentals known for catering especially to frequent airport travelers and business clients. This particular agency not only offers a broad fleet of vehicles but also provides time-saving services designed for speed and convenience, a hallmark of the National brand.
As a company that identifies as women-owned, National Car Rental contributes to the diversity of local business while upholding a professional standard of service. Their offerings are geared towards making the rental process as smooth as possible, from the moment you step off the plane to when you drop off the keys. They understand that time is valuable, especially in a busy travel hub like the Raleigh area, and their loyalty programs reflect this focus on efficiency.
However, as with any major service provider, customer experiences can vary. While many customers praise National Car Rental for being "quick, fast, and efficient" and for features like their convenient 'pay when you check out' option, others have occasionally reported disappointing experiences regarding vehicle condition, citing issues like visible stains and even pest infestations. This highlights the importance of customers performing a quick, thorough check of their assigned vehicle before driving off the lot to ensure it meets their safety and comfort expectations. The company's size and reputation mean that they generally offer a robust system of services, but a diligent approach from the user’s side is always recommended.
The range of vehicles available typically covers everything from compact and economy cars, suitable for quick city navigation or budget-conscious travelers, to full-size sedans, SUVs, and even larger vans for groups or families exploring the expansive beauty of North Carolina, from the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their standard fleet is continuously updated, offering modern, well-maintained options for various travel needs.
National Car Rental’s main location serving the Triangle area of North Carolina is highly accessible, situated right within the proximity of the major regional airport. This placement is ideal for incoming travelers who need a vehicle immediately upon arrival.
The local agency address is:
- 1001 Rental Car Dr, Raleigh, NC 27623, USA
This address places the facility on the campus of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). For customers arriving by air, the process typically involves proceeding to the designated shuttle bus pick-up area outside of baggage claim. The National bus then transports renters directly to the car rental counter and lot, streamlining the transition from flight to road. The location’s strategic placement allows for quick access to major interstate highways, making it easy for renters to head toward downtown Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or any other destination within the region.
The company has made clear efforts toward general accessibility at this location, including:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
These provisions demonstrate a commitment to serving all members of the North Carolina traveling community, ensuring that the car rental experience is manageable for everyone.
National Car Rental offers a suite of services aimed at efficiency and convenience, particularly for the frequent traveler:
- On-site services and assistance for rentals and returns.
- Multiple payment options, including major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay).
- On-site parking for customers conducting transactions.
- A variety of vehicle classes, including Compact, Midsize, Full Size, various SUVs, Trucks, and specialty vehicles.
- Options for additional coverages like Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP), and Roadside Assistance Plus (RSP).
- Flexible refueling service options, allowing customers to pre-pay for fuel, have the company refill at market rate, or refill the tank themselves.
- Policies allowing a renter's spouse or domestic partner to be an authorized additional driver at no extra charge (subject to age/license requirements).
- The prominent loyalty program, the Emerald Club, designed to speed up the rental process significantly.
Several key highlights distinguish National Car Rental’s offering in the Raleigh-Durham market:
- Emerald Club Loyalty Program: This free-to-join program offers major benefits like the ability to bypass the counter (at participating locations), choose any car on the Emerald Aisle (Midsize and above) and only pay the Midsize rate, and earn credits toward free rental days.
- Active Military Discounts: Acknowledging service members, the agency provides discounts specifically for active military personnel, a valuable feature for those serving in and around North Carolina's military installations.
- Drop & Go℠: A fast return option for Emerald Club members where, if the vehicle is undamaged, customers can simply drop off the car and receive an emailed receipt.
- Executive & Executive Elite Status: Higher tiers of the Emerald Club offer even faster free rental days, guaranteed upgrades, and access to the Executive Area with a broader selection of full-size and above vehicles at the midsize rate.
- Women-Owned Business: The local business identifies as women-owned, providing a distinction within the larger corporate framework.
To make a reservation or inquire about services at the Raleigh area location, you can use the following information:
- Address: 1001 Rental Car Dr, Raleigh, NC 27623, USA
- Phone: (844) 370-1075
- Mobile Phone: +1 844-370-1075
It is always advisable to contact the agency directly for the most current information on vehicle availability, specific policies, and operating hours, particularly around major holidays or peak travel times at RDU.
For travelers frequently flying into or around North Carolina, particularly those on business, National Car Rental presents a compelling package. The main reason many loyal customers choose National is the exceptional value and time savings offered by the Emerald Club program. The ability to reserve a midsize vehicle and then select a larger, more desirable model from the 'Aisle' or 'Executive Area' at the same price point offers a significant, consistent upgrade experience without the typical hassle of counter check-ins. This service model is designed for speed and convenience, a major factor for busy professionals in the Research Triangle Park area.
Furthermore, the reported experience of quick processing and the option to 'pay when you check out' appeals to those who value efficiency and financial flexibility during their trip. The recognition of active military personnel through dedicated discounts is also a noteworthy commitment to the community. While the occasional negative customer feedback, such as the reported issue with vehicle cleanliness and service recovery, serves as a reminder to conduct an inspection upon pickup, the overall system is built to minimize friction. If you are a traveler who values a streamlined, reliable, and expedited rental process, especially if you anticipate frequent rentals, enrolling in the Emerald Club at National Car Rental in Raleigh, NC, is likely to be a worthwhile choice for your North Carolina travels.
National Car Rental Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Onsite services
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- On-site parking
National Car Rental Photos










National Car Rental Location
National Car Rental
1001 Rental Car Dr, Raleigh, NC 27623, USA
National Car Rental Reviews
emerald clubaisleexecutivecheckshuttlegatebus driversbusiness tripbottle of waterants
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I've been using National Car Rental for the past five years — amazing experience overall. Just wanted to give a quick shout-out to the Nashville team, Nai and Daud. They did a wonderful job making sure I was taken care of. In my opinion, National is quick, fast, and efficient. They don’t require much, and the ability to pay when you check out is amazing. I’d recommend them to anyone.
October 13 · Arnold TarpleyI had a very disappointing experience with National Car Rental. The vehicle I was given had visible stains and, to make matters worse, an ant infestation inside. When I called to address the issue, I was told I would need to bring the car back myself rather than having the vehicle swapped at my location. Considering the condition of the car, I did not feel safe or comfortable driving it, and I expected better customer service to resolve the situation. For a company of this size and reputation, the lack of care and accountability was extremely frustrating.
October 01 · Sandra OrzolRecently switched from Avis Preferred to National Emerald and still haven't been disappointed. I rented a full size truck, when they said there was one, I asked if it was a Dodge Ram Classic (rental companies need to ditch these, seriously), they checked and said it was. I asked if I could get anything else, preferably an F-150 and the team was happy to help. Waited less than 5 minutes for my truck to be pulled around and it was brand new, 1700 miles with a 5.0L V8. Fantastic truck to drive.
June 29 · Red_P51As always, when i rent a car from the Raleigh-Durham Airport National Car Rental team, the experience is seamless and easy. The people are friendly, and helpful. From the drivers that pick you up, the lady's and gentlemen that check you out when you leave, to the folks that check you back in when you return. The vehicles are clean and well maintained, that's a major plus for me, i wouldn't hesitate to go elsewhere if they weren't. I know what it takes to make a rental car experience as easy as it is, so I know the folks behind the scenes are working hard. See you all next time !!
August 30 · Mark HunterWe are emerald club members and it makes renting a car so easy. After a day of travel, it's so nice to just go pick a car and spend about 3 minutes at the checkout booth. The staff is always so friendly and helpful, the airport shuttle comes often and the driver is always very nice, and the cars are always clean and in good condition. Have regretted trying other rental companies because none are so seamless and easy.
September 09 · Gillian Candiloro
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