New Castle Airport (ILG) Car Rental Deals, Save Big on Your Delaware Adventure

Introduction: Welcome to Wilmington, New Castle Airport (ILG), the gateway to northern Delaware! As a traveler arriving at this cozy airport just south of Wilmington, you’re only minutes away from hitting the road to discover the First State. Renting a car at ILG gives you the freedom to explore Delaware’s attractions on your own schedule, from downtown Wilmington’s Riverfront to scenic drives in the Brandywine Valley, and even day trips to Philadelphia or Baltimore. This page is your all-in-one guide to securing an affordable New Castle Airport car rental with ease. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best ILG deals with local tips on navigating the airport and Delaware’s roads, so you can land, pick up your car, and start your adventure without a hitch. Whether you’re a visitor flying in on a regional flight or a local starting a road trip from home base, booking through AirportVanRental ensures you get the lowest rates and most reliable service. Let’s get you from the runway to the highway in no time, with more money in your pocket for the fun stuff!

Why Rent at ILG? Wilmington/New Castle Airport is a small regional airport, which means less hassle, no big crowds, and super quick car pickup. Unlike larger airports where you might shuttle to a distant rental center, at ILG the rental car counters (for agencies like Avis and Budget) are right in the terminal or immediately adjacent, and cars are usually parked just a short walk from the terminal exit. This means you can step off your plane and be in your rental car often within 15 minutes or less, truly a breeze. Plus, ILG’s location next to major highways (like I-95 and US-13) puts you on the fast track to wherever you’re headed. In short, renting at New Castle Airport is ultra-convenient: you’ll skip the big-city airport chaos and get on the road faster. AirportVanRental then adds the benefit of ensuring you get a great price and a well-maintained vehicle, every time.

Why book with AirportVanRental at ILG? Because we make it fast, easy, and affordable from start to finish:

• No Pre-Payment Needed: Reserve your car now, pay when you pick it up. You won’t be charged upfront, giving you flexibility if your itinerary isn’t 100% set. (Most ILG rentals follow this policy, we’ll clearly note any exceptions.)
• Free Cancellation: Plans changed or flight canceled? No worries, you can cancel most bookings without any fee as long as you do so up to 48 hours before pickup. This means you can snag a great ILG deal early and still have a safety net if something comes up.
• Instant Confirmation: Our booking process takes just a few clicks. Once you’ve found the perfect vehicle and complete the reservation, you’ll get an instant confirmation email with all the details (including which rental counter to go to at ILG and any shuttle info, if applicable, though at ILG it’s usually walk-up). Peace of mind, confirmed!
• Transparent Pricing: The rate you see includes all mandatory taxes and fees. Delaware’s rental costs are pretty straightforward (no high airport surcharges like big hubs, just a small state rental fee and standard taxes), and we itemize everything so there are no surprises at the counter. You won’t get hit with hidden charges or “facility fees” out of nowhere, we hate that, and we know you do too.
• Local Customer Support: Need help? Our support team is available if you have any questions during your rental. Whether it’s clarifying after-hours drop-off at ILG or getting directions to the nearest gas station for refueling, we’re just a phone call away. Consider us your backup travel buddy, we’ll even assist in the rare event of any issue (like a flight delay causing a late pickup, we can coordinate with the rental office to make sure your car is held for you). Booking with AirportVanRental isn’t just a transaction, it’s a full-service experience aimed at making your trip smooth.

Our New Castle Airport Car Rental Advantages

When you rent through AirportVanRental at ILG, you’re tapping into a network that puts value and convenience first. Here’s what sets us apart for Wilmington Airport car rentals:

• Best Rates at ILG, We Do the Comparison for You: Wilmington Airport is served by a handful of rental companies, and we compile all their rates in one place for easy comparison. While ILG is a smaller airport, we often have exclusive deals thanks to our partnerships, you might find a weekend special or upgrade offer that you wouldn’t get by walking up to the counter. And if you’re considering picking up at ILG versus another location (like downtown or even Philadelphia Airport), we’ll help identify the cheapest option. Our goal is simple: get you the most bang for your buck on your Wilmington Airport rental. If that means suggesting an off-airport pick-up to save money, we’ll show you. But usually, we can secure fantastic rates right at ILG, saving you both cash and time.
• Quick & Easy Pick-Up/Drop-Off: One advantage of ILG is speed, and we enhance that. With your AirportVanRental reservation, all your info is already in the system at the rental desk, so paperwork is minimal. No long queues here! You’ll be greeted by friendly staff at the combined rental counter (ILG’s terminal is small, so all agencies are in one area). Show your license, credit card, sign, and you’ll get keys pronto. The parking lot is adjacent to the terminal, meaning you can walk to your car, no shuttle bus needed. When returning, simply follow the signs to the rental car return lot at the airport (literally a minute from the entrance). Hand over the keys and you’re right at the terminal for departure. Compare that to large airports where drop-off can be a 20-minute process, at ILG, it’s a breeze. We also provide clear return instructions in your confirmation (including after-hours drop box info if you have a very early flight). In short, we make a quick experience even quicker!
• Wide Vehicle Selection (More Than Meets the Eye): You might think a smaller airport means fewer car choices, not with AirportVanRental. We list all vehicle categories offered at ILG: from compact cars to full-size sedans, SUVs, and minivans. And because we specialize in vans, if you need a 12-passenger van or cargo van, we often can arrange that at ILG too (even if the casual traveler didn’t know it was possible!). We ensure that even specialty vehicles are an option when available. So whether you’re a business traveler wanting a comfortable midsize car, a family needing an SUV or minivan with room for luggage, or a group looking for a passenger van, you won’t have to compromise. Tip: Wilmington Airport’s rental lots are on-site but not huge, so popular vehicles (like minivans in summer) can go fast, booking ahead is wise to guarantee your first choice.
• Flexible Booking & No Hidden Penalties: Flying into a smaller airport sometimes comes with uncertainty (flight schedules, etc.). We’ve got you covered with flexible booking terms. As mentioned, most reservations don’t require prepayment and can be canceled penalty-free if done a day or two in advance. If your flight into ILG is delayed or changed, rental companies usually hold your reservation (especially if you include your flight number, they’ll know). And unlike some sites, we never charge our own fees for modifications. Need to extend your rental by a day because you’re having a blast at the beach? Give us or the rental company a quick call, in most cases, it’s easily arranged with the same daily rate. We also are transparent about any after-hours pick-up arrangements (ILG’s rental desks typically align with flight schedules, but if you’re arriving very late, we’ll make sure you know what to do). No worrying about your plans shifting, we believe travel should have some wiggle room.
• Local Knowledge & Travel Tips: Because we focus on Delaware rentals, we sprinkle helpful local info into everything. On this page below, you’ll find tips specifically for driving out of ILG, including the best routes to get to Wilmington (it’s a short hop) or how to head south toward the beaches. We’ll remind you of Delaware’s unique road rules (did you know about the headlights-and-wipers law? We’ve got that covered) and give pointers like where the nearest gas station is to the airport for refueling (there’s a Royal Farms and a Wawa gas station within a few miles on DuPont Hwy, easy access on your way back). It’s these little touches that make renting with us feel like you’ve got a local friend guiding you. And if you need any help along the way, our support line will connect you to someone who knows the area and the rental process inside-out.

Top Car Deals at Wilmington/New Castle Airport (ILG)

Travelers through ILG will find rental prices pleasantly affordable. Here are some popular vehicle categories available at New Castle Airport and their typical starting rates:

• Compact Car, from $29/day.Example: Ford Focus or Hyundai Accent. Perfect for solo travelers or couples zipping around Wilmington or making quick trips to Philly. These cars are easy to maneuver and squeeze into tight parking spots downtown. Since ILG isn’t a major airport, economy and compact cars are often plentiful and competitively priced, you might find last-minute deals on these if flights are light. Bonus: great gas mileage for those outlet mall shopping sprees!
• Full-Size Sedan, from $40/day.Example: Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry. If you’d like a bit more room for passengers or plan on longer highway drives (say ILG to Washington D.C.), a full-size car offers a smooth ride and ample trunk space. At around $40 a day off-peak, it’s a great value for the comfort. Business travelers also appreciate the extra space to stretch out after a flight. These sedans are popular at ILG, so book ahead to snag the best price.
• SUV, from $50/day.Example: Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape (5-passenger). An SUV gives you versatility, higher seating position (nice for scenic drives along the Brandywine Creek to spot the fall foliage) and lots of cargo room for luggage or golf clubs. At ILG, SUVs are in demand with families and those heading to outdoor spots like Lums Pond or beyond. ~$50/day is typical in non-summer months; in summer it might be a bit higher with beachgoers, so secure your reservation early. Most come with all-wheel drive, which is a plus if you catch a winter snow flurry or plan to venture on dirt roads at a campground.
• Minivan, from $60/day.Example: Dodge Grand Caravan or Toyota Sienna (7-passenger). Flying into Wilmington with the family or a group? Minivans are ideal, you can collect everyone at ILG and head out together in one vehicle. From the airport, you’re just 2 hours from the Outer Banks (if you’re up for a longer road trip) or under 3 hours to Virginia Beach, for instance, popular multi-gen family destinations. A minivan ensures a comfy ride with space for all the beach gear or picnic coolers. $60/day is a ballpark rate; these do get booked up during holidays and summer, so it pays to reserve in advance.
• Premium/Luxury, from $70/day.Example: Chrysler 300, or luxury SUV like a BMW X3. If you’re treating yourself or traveling for business and want to make an impression, ILG occasionally has premium options available (often through Enterprise’s fleet). For around $70–$80 a day, you could be cruising Wilmington in a leather-clad sedan or upscale SUV. These rates tend to be far lower here than renting luxury at a big airport. It’s a nice way to upgrade your trip, imagine driving clients to a meeting in a classy ride or rolling up to Wilmington’s Hotel du Pont in style. Just note, luxury models are limited in quantity at smaller airports, so if this is your aim, definitely book ahead.

Note: Rates mentioned above are approximate “starting from” prices we’ve seen recently for rentals at ILG. Prices fluctuate based on season, demand, and availability. Delaware’s summer season (late June through August) and holiday periods can see higher rates, especially for larger vehicles. Conversely, winter and early spring often have fantastic deals at ILG since it’s a quieter travel period. Always search with your specific dates to get the most accurate quote, and remember, the earlier you reserve, generally the better the price you’ll lock in. With AirportVanRental’s price transparency, you’ll see the total (taxes included) upfront, making it easy to budget for your Wilmington trip.

Driving from Wilmington Airport: Tips for a Smooth Ride

One of the perks of flying into ILG is how quickly you can get on the road. Here’s what to expect and a few tips for driving away from New Castle Airport and around Delaware:

• Getting Your Bearings (Leaving ILG): Wilmington-New Castle Airport is adjacent to major routes. Once you pick up your car, exiting the airport is straightforward, you’ll likely be on DE-141 or US-13 (Dupont Highway) within a minute. If you’re heading into Wilmington downtown, follow the signs for I-95 North or just take US-13 North; either route gets you there in about 10–15 minutes. For those bound south toward Middletown, Dover, or the beaches, you can hop on DE-1 South from DE-13 in a few miles. Road signage is clear around the airport, but a quick check of your GPS or map as you depart can’t hurt, to ensure you’re in the correct lane. There’s relatively little traffic immediately around ILG, so you won’t feel rushed leaving the premises.
• Nearest Gas Stations: If you need to fuel up soon after hitting the road (or for when you return the car), there are a couple of convenient options. About 2 miles north of the airport on Route 13, you’ll find a Wawa gas station (a popular Mid-Atlantic convenience store), it’s on your right side if heading toward Wilmington. There’s also a Royal Farms gas station a bit south on Route 13. Both are large, easy access and open 24/7, good for grabbing coffee or a quick bite too. It’s a good idea to note these locations; when returning your car, filling up at one of these will likely be the simplest last stop before dropping off.
• Traffic & Travel Times: As mentioned earlier, rush hour traffic in this region mainly affects I-95. If you’re driving from the airport into Wilmington or toward Philly during the peak morning (7–9 AM) or evening (4:30–6:30 PM) rush, plan for a bit of extra time. The ramp from DE-141 onto I-95 can get a backup in rush hour due to merging traffic. Likewise, I-95 north approaching Wilmington often slows briefly where it joins I-495. But compared to larger metropolitan areas, delays are usually minor (think a 15-minute slowdown, not hours). If you prefer to avoid highways, you can take US-13 all the way into Wilmington as an alternative, it’s a local route with traffic lights, but it parallels I-95 and is useful if there’s an accident on the interstate. Outside rush hours, getting around is a breeze. To give you perspective: ILG to downtown Wilmington is ~6 miles (10 min no traffic, maybe 20 in heavy traffic). ILG to Newark (home of University of Delaware) is about 12 miles and typically 20 minutes via I-95 south. ILG to the Delaware Memorial Bridge (toward NJ) is 5 miles, roughly 8–10 minutes drive.
• Tolls & E-ZPass Tips: If you plan to use the major highways: leaving ILG heading north on I-95, you’ll encounter the Newark Toll Plaza (about 5 miles from the airport). If you have E-ZPass, use the left high-speed lanes; if paying cash, get in the right lanes for the booths ($4 car toll). Similarly, if going east into New Jersey, you’ll pay a $5 toll on the twin-span Delaware Memorial Bridge. For heading south on DE-1 (toward Dover/beaches), there’s a toll plaza past Dover (around $2). Our advice from earlier stands, consider the rental’s toll program if you’ll hit multiple tolls, or just pay as you go for a one-off. Delaware’s toll plazas usually have at least one lane attended 24/7, so you won’t get stuck if you need change (but it’s good to carry a few dollars in cash just in case).
• Road Rules Reminder: Driving in Delaware will feel familiar if you drive in any other U.S. state, but always good to remember: wear your seat belt, obey speed limits (they do enforce them, especially on Route 1 and I-95 via occasional state trooper patrols). Handheld cell phone use is not allowed while driving, if you need to make a call, use speakerphone or a bluetooth device. Watch for the headlights on with wipers law, if rain starts, turn on those lights even in daytime. Delaware also has a “move over” law: if you see an emergency vehicle stopped on the shoulder, you should safely move over a lane or slow down significantly if you can’t. And a special note if you’re driving in Newark or around the University of Delaware: there are many pedestrian crossings and students biking, yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, even if they jaywalk, as college towns often have people crossing unexpectedly.
• Weather & Road Conditions: Delaware doesn’t have extreme weather typically, but if you’re visiting in winter (Dec–Feb), be aware of the possibility of snow or ice. ILG and major roads like I-95 and DE-1 will be plowed promptly during snow events (the state is well-prepared). If a major snowstorm is forecast, the airport may even close briefly, and driving is not advised during the height of a blizzard. But those are rare. In summer, the main weather concern is heavy rain or thunderstorms. Roads can get slick, so slow down when it’s raining hard, especially on I-95 where water can pool in ruts. Delaware is flat, so no mountain driving issues; just keep an eye out for farm tractors on two-lane roads in rural areas during summer/fall. And one charming local quirk: in some Delaware towns, you may see “fog line” small lights along the road edges on very foggy nights (Delaware Bay area can get fog). Use low beams in fog and those guide lights will help you stay in lane.

Overall, driving out of Wilmington Airport is easy-peasy. With minimal congestion, well-marked roads, and short distances to key destinations, you’ll find it a refreshing start to your trip compared to big-city airports. Buckle up, set your GPS, and enjoy the open road, Delaware and the mid-Atlantic are yours to explore!

Road Trip Ideas from Wilmington Airport (ILG)

One of the great things about landing at ILG is how centrally located you are for various road trips. Here are three awesome road trip ideas kicking off from Wilmington Airport that showcase the diversity of experiences within a few hours’ drive:

• Brandywine Valley & Philadelphia Day Trip, Route: ILG ➔ Brandywine Valley (Route 141/100) ➔ Philadelphia, PA ➔return via I-95, ~100 miles round-trip.
  Highlights: Start your day heading north from the airport into the picturesque Brandywine Valley (just 20 minutes away). First stop: Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, the former du Pont estate turned museum, boasting 1,000 acres of gardens (especially stunning in spring bloom) and an impressive collection of American decorative arts. A few miles away is Longwood Gardens (if you have time for a second du Pont gem) known for its elaborate botanical gardens and fountains, truly a must-see for plant and flower lovers. After soaking in the Brandywine’s natural beauty, continue 30 miles north to Philadelphia for an afternoon in the city. You can drive straight into Center City via I-95 (about a 45-minute drive from Winterthur). Park once you arrive, perhaps near the historic district, and explore highlights like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, or grab a bite at the bustling Reading Terminal Market (try a famous Philly cheesesteak or Pennsylvania Dutch pretzel!). If art is your thing, the Philadelphia Museum of Art (and the Rocky steps) or the smaller Barnes Foundation are world-class and just a short drive/uber from the historic quarter. As evening approaches, consider an early dinner in Philly’s Chinatown or Italian Market, then head back to Delaware. The drive back to ILG is just about 30–40 minutes via I-95 south. You’ll likely return with some goodies (hello, tax-free shopping on any Philly purchases if you wait to buy them in Delaware!).
  Pro Tip: When driving into Philly, tune your radio to AM 1060 for KYW Newsradio, they give traffic reports “on the 2’s” (every 10 minutes) which can alert you to any jams on I-95 or the best city exit to take. In the Brandywine Valley, roads like Route 100 are scenic but can be winding; follow the brown attraction signs for Winterthur/Longwood. Also, reserve tickets online for Longwood Gardens during peak times, it can get busy on weekends. This day trip balances country charm with city energy and is comfortably done in a day since everything is fairly close by.
• Cape May & Jersey Shore Circuit, Route: ILG ➔ Cape May-Lewes Ferry (via DE-9) ➔ Cape May, NJ ➔ Wildwood, NJ ➔return via Delaware Memorial Bridge, ~170 miles round-trip (including ferry).
  Highlights: Ready for some seaside fun? From ILG, drive an hour south to Lewes, Delaware, specifically to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. Hop on the Cape May–Lewes Ferry with your car (the ferry ride is about 85 minutes across the Delaware Bay). It’s a scenic mini-cruise where you might spot dolphins or watch seagulls trailing the boat. Arrive in Cape May, New Jersey, a town famous for its beautifully preserved Victorian homes and charming, walkable streets. Tour a few blocks to admire the gingerbread architecture, climb the Cape May Lighthouse for an Atlantic panorama, or relax on the pristine beach. Lunch at an outdoor cafe in Cape May’s historic district makes for a pleasant break. Next, drive 30 minutes north to Wildwood, known for its retro 1950s motels and a lively boardwalk with amusement piers and waterparks. Wildwood’s wide beaches are free and great if you want to take a quick dip or just enjoy the ocean breeze. As the afternoon wanes, head west toward home. Instead of taking the ferry back (which you could, but let’s make a loop), drive from the Jersey Shore to the Delaware Memorial Bridge, it’s roughly 2 hours from Wildwood to Wilmington Airport via Route 47 north then I-295 south. Crossing the twin suspension bridges at sunset is a treat, with the Delaware River beneath you and a view of the shipyards. Soon you’ll be back in Delaware, just a few miles from ILG.
  Pro Tip: Book the ferry in advance for your desired crossing times, especially in summer, vehicle spots can sell out. It’s a fun part of the journey, and they have a snack bar and even bar on board. If you’re traveling in summer, consider timing your Cape May departure to catch an evening ferry back for a gorgeous sunset over the bay (and skip the Jersey traffic). However, if seasickness is an issue or schedules don’t align, the driving route via the bridge is always there. While in New Jersey, try some local goodies: salt water taffy in Cape May, and maybe a bucket of famous Thrasher’s Fries or curly fries on Wildwood’s boardwalk. This loop gives you a taste of two states’ beaches plus a unique ferry ride, a tri-state adventure all in one day!
• Washington, D.C. Patriot Path, Route: ILG ➔ Baltimore, MD (I-95) ➔ Washington, D.C. ➔return via I-95/I-495, ~250 miles round-trip.
  Highlights: From Wilmington Airport, set out early and head southwest on I-95 for a journey to the nation’s capital. It’s about 70 miles to Baltimore, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. If you’re making good time (or if you’re a fan of aquariums or baseball), consider a quick detour into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Even a brief stop to stretch your legs at the harbor promenade, see the historic ships, or grab a coffee at a waterside cafe can be nice. If time permits, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the best in the country (plan 2 hours to enjoy it). Back on the road, D.C. is another 40 miles (about an hour) south. Once you reach Washington, D.C., park your car once, somewhere near the National Mall is ideal (there are public parking garages near 10th St NW or by L’Enfant Plaza). Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic sights: the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the war memorials lining the Mall. Many of the Smithsonian Museums are clustered here too, you could pop into the Air & Space Museum or the Museum of American History (admission is free!). If it’s your first time in D.C., don’t miss the White House, you can view it from the north or south lawn fences at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. As evening comes, the monuments light up beautifully, a stroll at dusk around the reflecting pool between Lincoln Memorial and the WWII Memorial is magical. Grab dinner in the city (perhaps in Georgetown or Penn Quarter) to let the traffic die down, then head back to Wilmington. The return drive is about 2 hours 15 minutes if traffic is light. You’ll likely take I-95 north all the way, keep in mind there’s usually a toll at the Fort McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore ($4) on the way back and the Susquehanna River bridge ($8 northbound into DE) as mentioned earlier.
  Pro Tip: Traffic alert: D.C. and Baltimore both have notorious rush hours. It’s best to arrive in D.C. after 9:30 AM and plan to leave after 7 PM to avoid the worst congestion on I-95/I-495 (D.C. Beltway). Alternatively, some travelers opt to park at a Metrorail station in the Maryland suburbs (like New Carrollton on the Orange Line, right off I-95/I-495) and take the Metro into downtown D.C. to skip city driving. But if you stick to driving, use a navigation app with live traffic to route you around any Beltway incidents. When in D.C., wear comfy shoes, the walk between the Capitol and Lincoln Memorial is about 2 miles end-to-end (and totally worth it). Carry a water bottle, especially in summer, as D.C. can get hot and humid. This trip is a long day (consider making it an overnighter if you want to see a lot), but even as a day trip it’s feasible to get a satisfying taste of the capital’s highlights and be back in Delaware to sleep.

From charming small towns and beaches to big-city excitement in Philly or D.C., Wilmington Airport puts you within easy reach of it all. These road trips are just a sample of what you can do with a set of keys and a sense of adventure. Whether you crave sandy shores, historic landmarks, or a mix of both, feel free to create your own itinerary. The beauty of having a rental car is that you control the journey, stop when you want, go where you want. So go ahead: pick a direction and explore! And if you ever need more ideas, just ask, we at AirportVanRental love sharing our favorite routes and hidden gems. Happy travels and drive safe!