How to find a cheap car hire deal in Seattle / Tacoma International (SEA)
Whether you need a compact for cruising the city streets or a bigger ride for the open road, we'll help you find a cheap Seattle / Tacoma International rental car. Pick from options averaging $205 a day and travel your way for less.
$32 is the cheapest daily price for a rental at Seattle / Tacoma International.
Staying on in Seattle for a while? Book a weekly rental from $224 and organise some day trips or detours.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap SEA car hire. Book around one week before your departure date to score the best price.
At Seattle / Tacoma International, you can choose from top-rated providers such as Thrifty, Europcar and Budget.
Whether you go with Thrifty or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Seattle / Tacoma International car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in SEA. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can bag some excellent one-way prices.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in Seattle / Tacoma International that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices coming in at $91 a day.
Taking second place is this provider, offering daily rates of around $91.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $80 a day.
Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Large rental category is the number one choice for travellers at SEA.
Compare car hire types from Seattle / Tacoma International (SEA)
Small: These cheap Seattle / Tacoma International rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, great on mileage, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this SEA car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Seattle / Tacoma International that can handle a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group trips, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your SEA car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you book.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Seattle / Tacoma International by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may offer homes to younger drivers for an additional fee, so always check the policies before finalizing your ride.
Add a car seat to your SEA car rental booking if you're travelling with small kids. Guidelines vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to travel.
Bring the right documents and save time at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's license (no copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your home. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stay on the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
With a SEA car hire, you're in charge when it comes to where you go. If central Seattle is the first place you're exploring, it's around 23 kilometres north of the airport and a trip of about 25 minutes.
Allow roughly 50 minutes to travel from Seattle / Tacoma International to the city centre during peak hours.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
If you're saving the driving for later, consider picking up a car hire in Seattle instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and avoid paying for unused rental days.
Widen your search by exploring what's available at other Seattle airports. Check out the range of car hire options at Paine Field or car rentals from Seattle Boeing Fld.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Seattle / Tacoma International (SEA)
Before you move on, sightsee around Seattle first. Major highlights like Space Needle and Pike Place Market are a great opening act for your trip.
Shift gears and take off to Tacoma. Around 24 kilometres southwest of SEA, it's home to well-known sights like LeMay - America's Car Museum and Chihuly Bridge of Glass.
Or grab the wheel of your Seattle / Tacoma International car hire and drive over to Kent. Around 10 kilometres southeast of the airport, Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum and Tahoma National Cemetery are highlights that make the drive totally worth it.
Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Gresham, roughly 225 kilometres south of SEA. Make your first stop Lower Oneonta Falls, then follow it up with Gresham Japanese Garden.
