How to find a cheap car hire deal in Washington DC
Get into the driver's seat with a cheap rental car in Washington DC. With prices averaging $82 a day, you get freedom without the high price tag. From city cars to family movers, we'll help you find the perfect ride for the right price.
The cheapest daily home price in Washington DC is $60.
Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $416 is the lowest rate for a weekly home.
Here's your clue on when to book. Around two weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Washington DC car hire.
Sixt, Thrifty and Dollar are some of the top-ranked providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Whether you book with Sixt or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Washington DC car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your home. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Washington DC.
Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging $123 a day.
Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around $130.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Ride away in one of their homes for roughly $139 a day.
The Compact home category is a dependable pick if you can't decide which ride is right for you. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Washington DC.
Flying to Washington DC? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by picking up a car hire at Washington Ronald Reagan Airport. If you're flying to Washington DC through this hub, simply pick up your ride after landing and go. The drive to the city centre is about 6 kilometres and takes around 10 minutes.
Or fasten your belt and make a speedy getaway with a car hire from Washington Dulles Airport. It'll take roughly 45 minutes to drive the 40 kilometres or so to the centre.
Also browse the rental car options at Baltimore Washington International Airport. Central Washington DC is around 48 kilometres away, which is a driving time of about 40 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Washington DC
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Washington DC gets you moving without breaking the bank. These zippy, fuel-efficient cars are good for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the home that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Washington DC car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Washington DC big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group outings, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Washington DC car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary between home providers, so compare before you commit.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Washington DC by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
Typically, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Being younger doesn't always disqualify you — just be prepared for extra fees or rules. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat regulations vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Be sure to add the right one to your Washington DC car hire reservation.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's license (no electronic copies) plus another photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Get familiar with your home. Fix your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get used to its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, pass the keys to someone else or take another form of transport.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Washington DC for drivers
Offering parking, Hotel AKA Washington Circle makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Washington DC and also comes with a 24-hour front desk and a fitness centre.
Hotel Hive is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features parking, plus luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more places to choose from? Browse the lineup of hotels in Washington DC. You can narrow things down using the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Washington DC and the right hotel, all that's left to do is decide where to explore first. Get things started with top attractions like Lincoln Memorial, The White House and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Washington DC
Buckle up and make tracks to Baltimore. Around 56 kilometres northeast of central Washington DC, you'll find must-do sights like National Aquarium and Baltimore Aquarium.
Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown by IHG and Baltimore Downtown are recommended accommodation options with parking in Baltimore.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Washington DC and travel around 40 kilometres northeast to Columbia. Featuring Verrazano Bridge and DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum, its highlights live up to the hype.
Columbia has some comfortable accommodation options such as Red Roof Inn Washington DC - Columbia/Fort Meade and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.
Looking to cover more ground? Norfolk is a popular road trip destination that's about 241 kilometres south of Washington DC. Make a few pit stops at Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio.
The only thing calling your name now is a bed. Norfolk Waterside Marriott and Hilton Norfolk The Main have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Norfolk.
