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Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in USA Washington DC
USA Washington DC
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
USA Washington DC
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
USA Washington DC
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
USA Washington DC
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in the USA Washington DC?
USA Washington DC is a city brimming with history, culture, and iconic landmarks, making it a captivating destination for travellers. While the city offers various transportation options, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore the nation's capital and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Here's why booking a car is the best way to experience USA Washington DC.
Unmatched Flexibility and Freedom. Public transportation, while efficient, can limit your exploration to specific routes and schedules. A rental car allows you to venture beyond the typical tourist spots and discover hidden gems at your own convenience.
Access to Historical Sites and Beyond. Many historical sites and attractions are located outside the immediate downtown area. With a rental car, you can easily visit places like Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, and even venture into the scenic landscapes of Virginia and Maryland.
Comfort and Convenience for Families. Travelling with family often involves carrying luggage and navigating unfamiliar streets. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient solution, especially for families with children.
Cost-Effective for Group Travel. If you're travelling with a group, renting a car can be more economical than relying on taxis or ride-sharing services. Splitting the rental cost and fuel expenses can result in significant savings.
Driving in the USA Washington DC: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
25 mph
Languages
English
Average petrol price
$3.50 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
55-70 mph
Currency
US Dollar
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Score
8/10
Dialling Code
+1
Driving in USA Washington DC requires familiarising yourself with local traffic laws and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned driver, understanding these rules is essential for navigating the city's streets.
1. General Speed Limits Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 25 mph in residential areas, 30 mph in business districts, and 50-70 mph on highways. Always pay attention to posted speed limits.
- Speed Limits
2. Seat Belt Laws All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts. This is strictly enforced, and failure to comply can result in fines.
- Seat Belts
3. Traffic Signals and Signs Familiarise yourself with traffic signals and signs. Red lights require a complete stop before the crosswalk or stop line. Right turns on red are permitted unless otherwise indicated.
- Traffic Signals
4. Parking Regulations Pay close attention to parking signs. Many areas have time limits, restrictions during certain hours, or require permits. Illegally parked vehicles may be towed.
- Parking
5. Toll Roads Some highways and bridges have tolls. Payment methods vary, including cash, E-ZPass, and video tolling. Plan your route accordingly to avoid unexpected toll charges.
- Toll Roads
Top drives in the USA Washington DC:
Many tourists and travellers say that cars in the USA Washington DC are the most convinient form of transport.
Many tourists prefer travelling by car, and car hire is the perfect solution when your vacation is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice. That is why car rental is well developed in Washington DC, and you can hire any vehicle on the island, from a compact car to a luxury convertible. Since the area is not too large, one or two weeks of vacation with a car can be enough to explore it all.
Car Rental Prices in USA Washington DC – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Hire Price
Average price for hiring a car per day in the USA Washington DC
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Prices start at approximately £50 / $63 / €61 per day*
Low season (November to February): Discounts available from around £30/ $38 / €37 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in USA Washington DC
Renting a car in USA Washington DC offers the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace, but it's essential to manage costs effectively. Here are some valuable tips to help you save money on your car rental while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Rental prices tend to increase as the pick-up date approaches. Booking your rental car well in advance can secure lower rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices from Multiple Rental Companies.: Use online comparison sites to compare prices from various rental companies. This allows you to identify the most competitive offers and potential discounts.
3. Choose the Right Car Size for Your Needs.: Opt for a smaller, fuel-efficient vehicle if you don't need a large car. Compact and economy cars typically have lower rental rates and consume less fuel.
4. Decline Optional Insurance Coverage if Already Covered.: Review your existing car insurance policy or credit card benefits to determine if you're already covered for rental car insurance. Avoid purchasing redundant coverage from the rental company.
5. Refuel Before Returning the Car.: Rental companies often charge exorbitant rates for refuelling. Fill up the gas tank at a local gas station before returning the car to avoid these extra charges.
6. Avoid Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations if Possible.: Rental car locations at airports often have higher fees and taxes. Consider renting from an off-airport location to save money.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in the USA Washington DC?
Renting a car in USA Washington DC requires meeting certain essential requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. Here's what you'll typically need:
Valid Driver's Licence: You'll need a valid driver's licence from your country of residence. If your licence is not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Minimum Age Requirement: Most rental car companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some companies may charge additional fees for drivers under 25.
Credit or Debit Card: A valid credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit and rental payment. Some companies may only accept credit cards for deposits.
Proof of Identity: You'll need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a passport or government-issued ID card.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as USA Washington DC as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, overall.
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 31.08.2024
Washington DC was fantastic! A quick weekend trip, made easy by having a car. So much to see.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 18.02.2025
Wonderful weekend in DC! Having a car made exploring so convenient. Highly recommend.
David Lee
Reviewed: 09.07.2025
Solid, pretty chill.
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 03.12.2024
Efficient business trip! Getting around DC was a breeze with a car. Highly recommend.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
Such a productive trip! Navigating DC with a car was surprisingly easy, and I saw so much between meetings. Highly recommend.
Thomas Evans
Reviewed: 29.08.2024
Pretty good, actually.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 01.11.2024
DC was amazing! Easy to get around, and the coastal relaxation afterward was perfect.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 10.07.2025