This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Bellingham with a pick-up date of 9/23 and drop-off date of 10/7. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car rentals in Bellingham
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
Booking Insights
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Dollar
Standard
$71/day
$59/day
KAYAK’s insights & trends for Bellingham car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Bellingham with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Bellingham?
You should book your rental car in Bellingham around 81 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Bellingham?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($31.97/day), Budget ($33.97/day) and Thrifty ($35.65/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Hertz 4255 Mitchell Way #6 (3.0 mi from city center).
What is the best rental car company in Bellingham?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Bellingham are National (10.0), Dollar (8.8, 4 reviews), and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.5, 4 reviews).
What is the most popular rental car in Bellingham?
SUV rentals (Class Luxury SUV or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Bellingham. SUV rentals in Bellingham cost $115/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $53/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Bellingham?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Bellingham is April at an average cost of $52/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Bellingham when prices are $81/day on average, which tends to be 28% above the yearly average rental price for Bellingham.
What rental car company in Bellingham has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 2 locations in Bellingham, more than any other rental company.
Check if the car is a self charging hybrid. I was only driving 100 miles but was charged for a whole tank of fuel.
Verified travelerOct 2023
Smaller is better - streets and parking spaces tend to be narrow.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Bellingham
Car rentals in Bellingham provide you with the flexibility to explore the city’s many interesting sights, including Whatcom Museum and the scenic Lake Padden. Head to some of the popular cities in the surrounding region, whether it be Ferndale or Burlington. Bellingham car rentals are also a great way to head to attractions that are off the beaten path, like the Fragrance Lake Trail, which is around a 20min drive from the city center.
If you’re considering booking car rentals in Bellingham, keep in mind that you can make your reservation for Bellingham International Airport. The airport’s car rental center is placed directly near the Arrivals Terminal and the baggage claim, meaning that you don’t have to worry about grabbing a taxi, bus, or shuttle to travel there. There are a few different car rental companies to choose from, including Avis, Budget, and Enterprise.
Bellingham is known for having many cyclists, and they always have the right of way, even when they are not in a crosswalk bike lane. Keep your eyes open for them, especially when driving in busy areas. The state of Washington is also known for having many HOV lanes on its freeways, which are specifically designed for cars with at least two passengers. They usually are less busy than normal lanes, so use these when available to save time.
Highways 5 and 542 become particularly busy during rush hour, as these are the two main roads that people use to travel to work in and out of the city. Avoid getting caught in congestion by not taking these highways during the hours of 8-9am and 5-6:30pm. Bellingham frequently has rain and snow, which can cause traffic and make the roads slippery. If you find yourself driving during this weather, try to drive more slowly than normal and make sure that your vehicle has the proper winter equipment.
Two airports serve Bellingham, Bellingham International, and the Abbotsford Airport. In either airport you get to land in, you’ll find cheap car rentals in Bellingham such as Alamo, Budget, and Enterprise ready to provide you with convenient car rental services. In the two airports, the car rental facilities are located near the baggage claim area. There, you will find a wide variety of vehicles for you to choose from, you'll be able to find the ideal vehicle for any trip. If you are after a spacious car that can offer you some extra room or if you require a compact car or a hybrid, look no further than these companies that provide eco-friendly cars available at the airports.
If you have some time to spare in your visit to Bellingham, opt for Bellingham cheap car rentals for a faster and more comfortable trip around the area. Visiting the Larrabee State Park will take you 15 minutes to cover the 7-mile journey. Also, getting to the Galbraith Bike Park located 3.2 miles from downtown Bellingham will take you approximately 10 minutes. Whatcom Falls is also located 2.4 miles away, taking you about 8 minutes to make the journey.
When using the roads in Bellingham, you are advised to travel earlier than 8 am to not get entangled in the morning traffic. Also, you can make your journey past the traffic hours too to save some time from being stuck. In the evening, the traffic is usually at its peak at around 5 pm when people are rushing back home from work. Avoiding these roads at these times will save you a lot of time when using the cheap car rentals in Bellingham.
25% of our users found rental cars in Bellingham for $59 or less
Full-size rental cars in Bellingham are around 27% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Bellingham
What type of car is recommended for driving in Bellingham?
A 4WD SUV is a convenient model to have as a rental car in the region, as it’ll help you to safely navigate poor weather and drive through many of the mountains in the area. Recreational activities are also common in Bellingham, including cycling, hiking, and biking, and this type of car will give you an ample amount of space to store any necessary equipment.
What’s the speed limit in Bellingham?
Many of the streets in business and residential areas have a maximum speed limit of 25mph. If you’re driving in the vicinity of a school, you can plan on the speed limit is 20mph. Some roads that are in more remote areas of the city will have a maximum speed limit of up to 50mph, while state highways usually have a limit of 60mph, although it can be less in certain areas. Police officers are known for patrolling local highways and many of the town’s major intersections have traffic cameras, so make sure to follow speed limits to prevent yourself from being pulled over or receiving a fine.
Where are the best places to park in Bellingham?
While you may be able to find free street parking in Bellingham, it usually fills up quickly. There are many different paid short-term parking options, including parking meters, which start at approximately $0.75 per hour downtown, and $0.25 per hour when further away from the city center. There are also a few parking garages to choose from, such as the Commercial Street Garage and Railroad Pay Station Lot downtown that cost around $0.75 per hour and have a $6 per day maximum.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Bellingham?
On average a rental car in Bellingham costs $71 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Bellingham found in the last 2 weeks is $57.
Which car rental companies are at Bellingham airport (BLI)?
Car rental companies onsite at Bellingham airport include Dollar, Avis, Thrifty and Hertz.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Bellingham airport (BLI)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Bellingham airport to off-airport locations include Avis, and Hertz.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Bellingham?
A Standard car rental in Bellingham costs $94 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Bellingham?
An Intermediate car rental in Bellingham costs $63 per day, on average.
How much does a Premium car rental cost in Bellingham?
A Premium car rental in Bellingham costs $59 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Bellingham?
In Bellingham, cars are most frequently rented at Thrifty 4255 Mitchell Way (3 miles from city center).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Bellingham?
Most car rental providers in Bellingham offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Bellingham, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Bellingham?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 10 car rental agencies in Bellingham.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Bellingham?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Bellingham?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Bellingham so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Are there car rental offices in Bellingham city center?
Yes. There is a car rental office in downtown Bellingham, which will make it convenient for those who do not wish to go all the way back to the airport to drop off their car. This location is closer to the natural parks and attractions of Bellingham.
Are there any toll roads in Bellingham?
There are currently a couple of toll facilities on Bellingham roads, which include Tacoma Bridge, 167 HOT Lanes, I-405 Express Lanes, 99 tunnel, and 520 bridge. When using toll roads as compared with using other routes, they can save you a lot of time when traveling. They're also smooth and well-maintained, making them an ideal alternative to back-road routes.
Friendly, helpful staff, offered but didn't try to push extras, were clear about expectations and prices. I switched to a smaller car halfway through and was able to get an EV for not much more. I loved that you have EVs for reasonable prices and look forward to renting them in the future.
Ente rprise staff were great. i left an item in SZuV & they were there to help! SUV was upgraded! very nice.✅
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
Overall very happy. Car was clean, available when I arrived a little early and staff was courteous. Check-in and check-out were simple and quick.
8.0 Very good
Chris, Sep 2022
The Enterprise on Iowa St doesn't have shuttles running to and from Bellingham airport. That is the only reason for the 4 (not 5 stars). They are different from the Enterprise that is located at the airport. However, there is a significant difference in the cost of rental. I saved a considerable amount by renting from the one on Iowa St (6 miles from airport). Only had to schedule/locate taxi and Uber services myself. It is not their fault for not having a shuttle service to the airport. There is some kind of agreement that prevents them from servicing the airport. Other than that, they are excellent.
I did not receive the car. They told me the reservation was cancelled one Day before pick up date. All service was terrible and nobody helped me, i had a kid a oke year old baby with me. I talked to priceline and they just told me the reservation was still open but they didnt do anything either. It was frustrating not getting any type of support from anyone. They just told me to go rent somewhere else.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Oct 2022
People were great Car was clean and drive fine but had horrible blind spots for me
Pick up was a disaster - My debit card was not acceptable, only a credit card could be used which had not been made clear. I was stranded at a provincial airport and no effort was made to help sort out the situation. My daughter in law had to leave work and travel some 45 minutes out of her way, rent the card on her credit card, name me as an additional driver - more expense, no sympathy or penitence from Alamo. Drop off, completely different - when asked if everything had gone smoothly I mentioned the difficulties I had and the Alamo guys could not have been nicer. they were apologetic, clear, waived the additional charges and allowed me to pay with my debit card anyway. Jesse was my first contact - thank you for making it all better.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Apr 2021
Pros:
Helpful staff and easy dropoff
Cons:
Redundant insurance policies between kayak and the actual rental agency, don't offer the kayak one.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2020
Pros:
Nothing - because you show up, and no one is at the desk and then you are stuck with no car. This is the 2nd time Alamo does it. Learned my lesson - NEVER RENT WITH THEM!
Cons:
If someone was actually there to give me a car, that would be a plus - so I don’t have to be in a city with NO RENTAL CAR. Showing up for work is a plus in my book guys.
8.0 Very good
Sheila, Oct 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly. Pick-up and drop-off were very easy.
They charged me 300$ (100$ a day) over the weekend when the location was closed after I did an after hours drop off. It was at an airport. It took me calling corporate for me to get them to close my rental out and get my full refund. I will never rent from this company again. My car was in the shop and I needed a vehicle to commute to and from work for one day.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Economy
No car available
10.0 Wonderful
Deb, Oct 2023
Intermediate
Let me rerent car from the phone. Did not care for the gal on the phone
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