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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Washington
Washington
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Washington
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Washington
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Washington
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Washington?
Washington, D.C., offers a wealth of historical monuments, vibrant neighborhoods, and cultural attractions. While the city has a decent public transportation system, renting a car provides the freedom to explore beyond the National Mall and visit nearby areas at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Center. A rental car allows you to easily visit attractions like Mount Vernon, Great Falls Park, or the wineries in Northern Virginia.
Flexibility and Convenience. Public transport can be time-consuming and restrictive. With a car, you can create your own itinerary and travel comfortably, especially with family or large groups.
Access to Hidden Gems. Discover local eateries, parks, and cultural sites that are often off the beaten path and difficult to reach by public transportation.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Washington
Before renting a car in Washington, D.C., ensure you meet the minimum age (usually 21+), have a valid driver's license, and understand the rental agreement. Key aspects include insurance coverage, deposit requirements, mileage restrictions, and fuel policies.
Area
68.3 square miles
Population
Approximately 700,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Ideal for
Exploring the surrounding area
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9:30 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s License and DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance and DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage and Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary; many require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Washington – 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 / $11.30 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £28 / $35.20 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £32 / $40.20 / €39 per day
Automatic:
from £18 / $22.50 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £10 / $12.58 / €12 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (April to June): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
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?
To book a car in Washington, compare prices, choose the right vehicle, and review rental terms. Book early for the best rates, especially during peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Washington
Washington, D.C., is a vibrant city rich in history and culture. Exploring the city and its surrounding areas requires understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and access to fuel stations. Renting a car allows you to experience the region beyond the main attractions.
As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C., offers a unique blend of historical landmarks, political institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. While the city has a comprehensive public transportation system, renting a car provides added flexibility for exploring destinations outside the city center, such as the Shenandoah Valley or the Chesapeake Bay. However, driving in D.C. requires awareness of local traffic laws, rush hour congestion, and parking limitations. Before setting off, it's important to familiarize yourself with these factors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
The White House
The official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States.
The National Mall
Home to numerous iconic monuments, memorials, and museums.
The Smithsonian Museums
A collection of world-renowned museums covering art, history, science, and culture.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like SpotHero or Parking Panda to find and reserve parking in secure garages.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but often limited, especially in popular areas. Pay attention to posted time limits and regulations.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located outside the city center and take public transportation into downtown D.C.
Gas Stations in Washington
Availability
Gas stations are available throughout the city and surrounding areas, but can be less frequent in the downtown core.
Major Brands
Look for major brands like Exxon, Shell, and Sunoco.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Washington
Use Contactless Payment
Utilize contactless payment options for public transportation and parking meters.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in downtown areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM) when roads are heavily congested.
Key Transportation Hubs in Washington
Major Bus Stations
Union Station Bus Terminal
Serves as a hub for long-distance bus services.
Railway Stations
Union Station
The primary train station, providing Amtrak services to various destinations.
Airports
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Located approximately 26 miles west of Washington, D.C.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Situated just across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Located about 32 miles northeast of Washington, D.C.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Washington?
Renting a car in the United States is generally straightforward, 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 United States, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some 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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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Washington as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, overall
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 23.12.2024
Busy trip, but Washington D.C. was efficient. The museums were a bit crowded.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Family vacation in Washington was fantastic! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze; we saw so much.
Emily Garcia
Reviewed: 27.01.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
Pretty good, really
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Washington was amazing! Family fun, easy driving.
Amelia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Pretty decent, really
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 10.08.2025
So glad I returned to Washington after all this time! Renting a car was a breeze; it made exploring much simpler. The Smithsonian museums felt a bit overwhelming.
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 03.11.2024
Wonderful trip back to Washington after all these years! Having a car made exploring so easy.
David Lee
Reviewed: 11.12.2024