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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Washington DC
Washington DC
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Washington DC
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Washington DC
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
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 Washington DC?
Washington DC is a city brimming with historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and vibrant neighbourhoods. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the National Mall. While the National Mall is easily walkable, many of DC's hidden gems and surrounding attractions, like Georgetown or Alexandria, are best accessed by car.
Visit Nearby States. Easily plan day trips to neighbouring states such as Maryland or Virginia, expanding your travel experience without relying on public transport schedules.
Convenience for Families. If you're travelling with children, a rental car provides comfort and convenience, allowing you to easily transport luggage, prams, and other essentials.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Washington DC
Before booking a rental car in Washington DC, familiarise yourself with the rental terms and conditions, including age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other important policies.
Area
68.3 square miles
Population
Approximately 700,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Ideal for
Sightseeing, day trips, and business travel
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 9:30 AM and 4 PM to 6:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ; many require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for add-ons such as GPS navigation systems, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Washington DC – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £37 / $46.50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £18 / $22.50 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11.50 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £28 / $35 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £32 / $40 / €39 per day
Automatic:
from £18 / $22.50 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £10 / $12.50 / €12 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (March to May & September to November): Demand is higher, prices increase by 20-30%
Low season (December to February): Discounts are often available during these months
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Washington DC?
Booking a rental car in Washington DC is straightforward. Comparing prices and choosing the right car is important, as is reviewing the terms.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals based on your dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Washington DC
Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is a city rich in history, culture, and political significance.
As the nation's capital, Washington DC offers many attractions and landmarks. It is best explored with an understanding of local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability. Driving in DC requires awareness, especially with frequent traffic congestion.
Top Attractions to Discover
The White House
The official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States.
The National Mall
A large park in downtown DC, home to iconic monuments and museums.
The Smithsonian Museums
A collection of free museums covering a wide range of topics, from art and history to science and culture.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like SpotHero or Parking Panda to find and reserve parking spots in advance.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities outside the city centre and taking public transportation to your destination.
Gas Stations in Washington DC
Major Brands Available
Find petrol stations from major brands like Exxon, Shell, and BP throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Plan Ahead
Fuel stations are generally accessible, but it's wise to plan your refuelling stops, especially when venturing outside the city centre.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby petrol stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Washington DC
Use SmarTrip Card
Pay for buses and the Metro with a SmarTrip card for convenience.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in tourist areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours when roads are heavily congested.
Check for Events
Be aware of any events or protests that may impact traffic and parking.
Key Transportation Hubs in Washington DC
Major Bus Stations
Union Station Bus Terminal
A major transportation hub for bus services in Washington DC.
Railway Stations
Union Station
The primary train station in Washington DC, serving Amtrak and other rail services.
Airports
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Located approximately 26 miles west of downtown Washington DC.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Located just across the Potomac River from downtown Washington DC.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Located about 32 miles northeast of Washington DC.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Washington DC?
Renting a car in the United States is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from the US, your standard licence is sufficient. International visitors can use their home-country licence for a certain period, but may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as 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.
Having heard so much about DC, I finally went! Exploring with my rental car was incredibly convenient and fun. Highly recommend!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 18.08.2025
DC was even better than I remembered! Getting around was a breeze, and it made revisiting after all these years so much easier.
David Lee
Reviewed: 26.07.2025
Spur-of-the-moment DC trip! So glad I rented a car; exploring was effortless. Loved it!
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 10.08.2025
Pretty chill, good eats
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 03.02.2025
Wonderful DC road trip! Easy car rental, seamless sightseeing.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 24.06.2025
Busy trip, but DC exceeded expectations! Getting around was so convenient. Highly recommend!
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 05.07.2025
Meh. Kinda overpriced.
Oliver Harris
Reviewed: 22.04.2025
Pretty decent, I guess.
Thomas Evans
Reviewed: 30.07.2025
Quick business trip, but DC was amazing! So easy to get around, and I saw so much. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 24.03.2025