Virginia Beach is practically made for drop-top driving. Miles of oceanfront roads, scenic byways leading to Cape Henry, and that unmistakable coastal vibe all beg for a convertible experience. Whether you’re rolling in for a quick weekend escape or planning a longer coastal adventure, getting behind the wheel of a ragtop transforms your trip from ordinary to genuinely memorable.
But here’s the thing – finding the right convertible at the right price isn’t always straightforward. Rates fluctuate wildly depending on when you book, where you pick up the car, and which company you choose. Some travelers end up overpaying simply because they didn’t know where to look or what questions to ask. Others miss out entirely because convertibles get snapped up fast during peak season. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the practical details you actually need.
Quick Snapshot: Best Places to Rent + Typical Costs
- Typical price range: Based on data from the car rental aggregator Bookingauto.net, expect to pay around $78 per day on average for a convertible in Virginia Beach – though this swings considerably by season and model.
- Seasonality matters: February tends to be gentler on your wallet (roughly $75/day), while April prices can spike to approximately $145/day as spring travelers flood the area.
- Where to pick up: You can grab your car directly in Virginia Beach or opt for the nearby Norfolk International Airport (ORF), which typically offers a broader selection of rental companies.
- Booking window: Reserving 2-4 weeks ahead during shoulder season often yields better rates; peak summer requires even earlier planning.
- Popular models: Ford Mustang Convertible dominates the listings, with occasional Volkswagen Beetle convertibles appearing in some inventories.
Where to Rent a Convertible in Virginia Beach (Top Companies)
Finding the perfect convertible starts with knowing your options. Virginia Beach itself has a handful of rental locations, but the real treasure trove of choices sits about 20 miles northwest at Norfolk International Airport. Most visitors flying in will naturally pick up there anyway, but even if you’re driving in from elsewhere it might be worth the short trip to ORF for better selection and sometimes lower prices.
Big Rental Brands (Airport + City Locations)
The major players all have a presence in this market, each with their own quirks and advantages:
- Enterprise – Known for neighborhood locations beyond just the airport. Their “We’ll Pick You Up” service can be handy if you’re staying somewhere in Virginia Beach without easy airport access. Convertible inventory varies by location.
- Hertz – Solid reputation and usually decent availability of Mustang convertibles. Airport counter at ORF plus a few city spots. Hertz Gold members sometimes get complimentary upgrades when stars align.
- Avis – Another reliable choice with both airport and city presence. Their preferred program can speed up pickup considerably. Watch for additional driver fees that can add up.
- Budget – Often slightly cheaper than its sister company Avis, though selection might be more limited. Worth checking if you’re price-conscious and flexible on exact model.
Several other brands operate primarily through the ORF airport location:
- Alamo – Popular with leisure travelers; their “choose your own car” option at select locations lets you walk the lot and pick your favorite from available vehicles.
- National – Caters more to business travelers but absolutely available for vacation rentals. Their Emerald Club can unlock faster service.
- Dollar and Thrifty – Budget-friendly alternatives under the Hertz umbrella. Don’t expect the newest fleet, but prices can be attractive.
- Sixt – European brand with a growing US presence. Sometimes offers unique European convertible models you won’t find elsewhere though availability fluctuates.
Norfolk International Airport publishes information about which rental companies operate on-site and where exactly their counters and car pickup areas are located. Most major brands have counters in the terminal with shuttles or walking paths to the car lots. Checking the airport’s official resources before your trip can save confusion upon arrival.
What Convertible Models to Expect
Let’s be realistic about what you’ll find when browsing convertible rentals in this area. The selection isn’t as vast as, say, Los Angeles or Miami, but there’s enough variety to satisfy most tastes.
The Classic “Muscle” Convertible: The Ford Mustang Convertible reigns supreme here. It’s the car you’ll see listed most frequently, sometimes described as “Mustang or similar” which gives rental companies wiggle room to substitute comparable vehicles. The Mustang delivers that quintessential American convertible experience – decent power, recognizable styling, and enough cabin space for two adults plus a couple of beach bags. If you’ve never driven a Mustang with the top down along a coastal highway , this is your chance.
Compact “Fun” Convertible: Volkswagen Beetle convertibles pop up in some rental inventories around the Norfolk area. These are smaller, more fuel-efficient, and offer a different kind of charm. Perfect for couples or solo travelers who don’t need much cargo space and appreciate the retro aesthetic. They’re typically cheaper to rent than the muscle car options too.
When choosing between available models, consider these factors:
- Luggage capacity: Convertibles sacrifice trunk space for their folding roofs. If you’re traveling heavy, measure twice. The Mustang handles weekend bags reasonably well; the Beetle demands more creative packing.
- Passenger count: Most convertible rentals seat four on paper, but rear seats are often cramped. Plan accordingly if you’re traveling with more than two people.
- Fuel consumption: Muscle cars drink more than compacts. For extended road trips, that difference adds up at the pump.
- Highway comfort: Larger convertibles generally handle freeway speeds with less buffeting and noise. Smaller ones can feel a bit busy at 70 mph.
- Soft top vs hard top: Most rental convertibles feature soft fabric tops. They’re fine for fair weather but offer less insulation from heat and road noise compared to retractable hardtops (which are rare in rental fleets).
Price Guide: Examples for Popular Convertible Classes
Convertible rental prices bounce around more than you might expect. Understanding what drives these fluctuations helps you spot a genuine deal versus an inflated quote.
Why prices jump: Several factors conspire to create wide price swings. Season tops the list – summer and spring break command premium rates while winter visitors enjoy relative bargains. Your rental duration matters too; one-day rentals often cost more per day than weekly bookings. Pickup location plays a role, with airport locations sometimes adding surcharges (though they may also have more competition keeping prices in check). Fuel policies, insurance packages optional extras like GPS or child seats, and even the renter’s age can all inflate the final bill.
Here’s what current pricing looks like based on recent searches:
- Virginia Beach (convertible class average): Approximately $78/day, with seasonal variation pushing this down to around $75/day in February and up to roughly $145/day in April when demand surges.
- Norfolk/ORF area – Volkswagen Beetle (or similar) Convertible: Around $42/day has appeared in recent searches – a solid option if you prioritize savings over muscle.
- Norfolk/ORF area – Ford Mustang Convertible: Approximately $61/day in favorable conditions, though peak season and last-minute bookings can push this substantially higher.
How to Get the Best Deal (and Avoid Extra Charges)
Nobody wants to feel like they overpaid or got hit with surprise fees at checkout. A little advance preparation goes a long way toward keeping your convertible rental affordable and hassle-free.
Book ahead of time. This sounds obvious but deserves emphasis. Convertibles represent a small slice of any rental fleet, and they disappear fast during popular travel windows. Booking 3-4 weeks out typically unlocks better rates and ensures you actually get the car you want rather than settling for whatever’s left.
Compare city versus airport pickup. Conventional wisdom says airport rentals cost more due to various facility fees and taxes. That’s sometimes true – but not always. Airport locations face stiff competition that can drive prices down, and they usually maintain larger inventories. Run the numbers both ways before deciding.
Read the fuel policy carefully. Some companies require you to return the car with a full tank (fair enough). Others offer “prepaid fuel” options that may or may not save money depending on how far you drive. A few still charge inflated rates to refuel cars returned empty. Know what you’re agreeing to.
Understand mileage limits. Most rentals in this region include unlimited mileage, but verify this before booking. Getting charged per mile after exceeding a hidden cap stings.
Watch the deposit hold. Rental companies typically place a hold on your credit card that exceeds the quoted rental cost. This hold can tie up hundreds of dollars for days after you return the vehicle. Not a problem if you have ample credit available, but worth knowing about.
Additional driver fees: Planning to share driving duties? Most major companies charge extra for each additional driver – Avis, for example, lists rates around $13/day for an extra driver on many reservations, sometimes with a maximum cap per rental period. These fees add up quickly on longer trips. Some loyalty programs or credit card benefits waive this charge so check your existing memberships.
Age requirements and young driver surcharges: Virginia generally allows rentals at age 21, but convertibles and specialty vehicles often face stricter requirements. Drivers under 25 frequently encounter “young renter” fees that can add $20-30 daily to the bill. Some companies restrict certain vehicle classes to renters 25 and older entirely. Always confirm age policies when booking convertibles specifically.
Recommended: Compare Offers with a Car Rental Aggregator
Checking individual rental company websites one by one gets tedious fast. This is where aggregator sites prove their worth. They pull rates from multiple providers into a single search, letting you compare prices, policies, and availability without bouncing between a dozen browser tabs.
Bookingauto.net functions as a helpful aggregator for the Virginia Beach market. You can filter specifically for convertibles, see which companies have them available for your dates, and compare factors like free cancellation policies and pickup locations side by side. It streamlines a process that would otherwise eat up hours of your planning time.
Using an aggregator doesn’t commit you to anything – you can still book directly with your preferred rental company if you find a better deal or prefer their loyalty program. Think of it as reconnaissance before you decide where to rent.
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