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 Washington, D.C. with a pick-up date of 2/14 and drop-off date of 3/9. 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 Washington, D.C.
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People were great though very busy, just the car was pretty rough for such a new vehicle
Verified travelerOct 2024
The process of getting the car was easy enough
Verified travelerApr 2024
Not really a tip. They didn't have q car for me to rent but at least they called me to say so.
Verified travelerFeb 2024
Union Station has limited cars available but can be convenient for locals.
DeeSep 2023
Alamo, National, and Enterprise are the best options at DCA. I fly into DCA regularly and have never had a bad experience with them. They also stay open latest in the event that your flight is delayed. Also, DCA is a small airport, and I prefer the brief walk outside to the rental car counter (there are signs--go toward the south/metro exit) over the shuttle, in fair weather.
Jean-LouisOct 2023
Get an EZ-pass if you plan to use the toll roads. Be aware that tolls on I-66 and I-495 are based on traffic load. So getting on these toll roads could be expensive based on the time of day and traffic load; however, it may save you sometime getting around the Nation's Capital during rush hour.
Verified travelerNov 2023
Make sure to stick to the requested vehicle.
KellyJun 2023
When possible, rent from the airport locations. The city offices are satellite locations and may run out of cars
Verified travelerJun 2023
Use Turo for return trips (when you factor in insurance it's much cheaper).
DavidAug 2023
Driving in DC is a bit more aggressive than any other place I've have driven. There is a lot of traffic and depending of the destination parking is scarce.
Verified travelerJun 2023
GPS, Google Map seems a must.. Expect tough traffic in Arlington Va. and D.C. Parked only at hotels. motels.. May want to pre plan garages..
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Washington, D.C.
Familiarize yourself with the driving laws of Washington, D.C., before taking off in Washington, D.C., car rentals. It's illegal to operate your rental with a BAC of over 0.08%. All occupants in the rental must wear a seat belt at all times. If you have children under four years old in the vehicle, ensure they are secured in an appropriate booster or child seat in the rear seat. Moreover, ensure you yield the right-of-way whenever you hear an emergency vehicle, such as a police car or ambulance, approaching. Turn on your headlights 30 minutes before sunset and off 30 minutes before sunrise.
If you're in Washington, D.C. during the winter, rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle suitable for snowy terrain. Expect dark skies and icy conditions as temperatures can drop very low. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a brush to remove ice from your windows and non-freezing washer fluid. Drive slowly in winter, and always keep your headlights on due to the poor visibility when it’s snowing. In contrast, a convertible is ideal in summer, as it lets you enjoy open-air drives under the warm D.C. sunshine. However, congestion worsens in summer because of the influx of tourists, so avoid roads prone to heavy traffic, especially around the White House.
Rush hour is no joke in Washington, D.C., and travelers should plan accordingly. Morning rush hour lasts from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., while evening rush hour runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. During these times, Key Bridge, Southeast Freeway, Chain Bridge, and New York Avenue should all be avoided, as they are among the most congested spots in D.C.
Visitors to Washington, D.C., should be prepared to deal with the city’s famed traffic circles. Traffic circles such as Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, and Thomas Circle are notoriously difficult to navigate for first-time visitors, but with a bit of pre-planning and appropriate route planning, they should be no problem.
Fortunately for visitors to D.C. with rental cars, the streets in general are fairly wide and easily accessible for a range of vehicle sizes. However, if you are going to be spending plenty of time downtown, parallel parking will be much easier to find with a smaller vehicle. Some of the smaller streets are easier to navigate in a small-to-midsize vehicle as well.
Street parking and garage parking are the two main options available for drivers in Washington, D.C. When it comes to garage parking, travelers should keep in mind that many commuters use these garages, so the best locations can fill up quickly, especially when events are taking place nearby.
Travelers should note that the speed limits in Washington, D.C., tend to be much lower than in other American cities. For instance, unless otherwise noted, the maximum speed limit is 25 mph, though many of the larger roads range from 25 mph to 55 mph. In the immediate area surrounding D.C., the speed limit on highways and freeways is 55 mph.
25% of our users found rental cars in Washington, D.C. for $52 or less
Book your rental car in Washington, D.C. at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Standard rental cars in Washington, D.C. are around 5% cheaper than other car types, on average
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FAQs about renting a car in Washington, D.C.
What type of car is recommended for driving in Washington, D.C.?
Travelers flying into Washington, D.C., should consider renting a car, as cars offer the best access to many popular sites and day trips around the city. For instance, FedExField, home of the Washington Redskins, takes over an hour to reach by public transportation but only about 30 minutes by car. Popular tourist spots, such as Shenandoah National Park and Mount Vernon, are also easily accessible by rental car.
What’s the speed limit in Washington, D.C.?
Fortunately for would-be rental car drivers with flights to Washington, D.C., all airports in the greater metropolitan area have easily accessible rental car centers. At Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), shuttles outside the Baggage Claim Area will take travelers to the rental lot, while at Reagan National Airport, travelers will find the rental shuttle outside Door 4 on the ticketing level.
Where are the best places to park in Washington, D.C.?
The rental car center at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located at National Avenue Garage A. You can walk from Terminals A and B, which takes about 10 minutes, or from Terminal C, which takes around 15 minutes. Follow the car rental signage to the Terminal Parking Garage A. Rental booths for companies offering affordable car rentals in Washington, DC, such as Avis and Enterprise, are located on the first floor of Garage A. The rental pick-up location is on the second level. At Washington Dulles International Airport, rental providers like Avis, Budget, and Enterprise offer curbside shuttle services at terminals 2C and 2D. They also provide shuttles to the pick-up location, which is 5 minutes from the Main Terminal.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Washington, D.C.?
On average a rental car in Washington, D.C. costs $65 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 Washington, D.C. found in the last 2 weeks is $45.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Washington, D.C.?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Dollar ($22/day), Sixt ($24/day) and Hertz ($24/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Dollar 99 H Street Northeast 20002 (1 miles from city center).
What is the best rental car company in Washington, D.C.?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Washington, D.C. are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.3, 67 reviews), and Avis (6.4, 92 reviews).
How much is gas price in Washington, D.C.?
The average gas price in Washington, D.C. is $3.40 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $41 and $54, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Washington, D.C.?
Standard (Hyundai Santa Fe or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Washington, D.C..
Which car rental companies are at Reagan-National airport (DCA)?
The only car rental company onsite at Reagan-National airport is Thrifty.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Baltimore/Washington airport (BWI)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Baltimore/Washington airport to off-airport locations include NextCar, and Thrifty.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Dulles Intl airport (IAD)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Dulles Intl airport to off-airport locations include Thrifty, and Avis.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Reagan-National airport (DCA)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Reagan-National airport to off-airport locations include Thrifty, and Avis.
How can I find car rentals near me in Washington, D.C.?
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Washington, D.C.?
A Standard car rental in Washington, D.C. costs $69 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Washington, D.C.?
An Intermediate car rental in Washington, D.C. costs $57 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Washington, D.C.?
A Compact car rental in Washington, D.C. costs $53 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Washington, D.C.?
On average a rental car in Washington, D.C. costs $453 per week ($65 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Washington, D.C.?
On average a rental car in Washington, D.C. costs $1,939 per month ($65 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Washington, D.C.?
Most car rental providers in Washington, D.C. offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Washington, D.C., check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Washington, D.C.?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 18 car rental agencies in Washington, D.C..
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Washington, D.C.?
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 Washington, D.C.?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Washington, D.C. so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
How do I navigate with my car rental around Washington DC?
Navigating cheap car rentals in Washington, D.C., is easy once you're familiar with the street layout. The street grid starts at the Capitol and extends north to south and east to west. Streets running north to south are numbered, while those running east to west are labeled with letters. The quadrant naming system—SW, SE, NW, and NE—is also used.
What is the cancellation policy for car rentals in Washington DC?
Companies like Hertz and Enterprise have a free cancellation policy for rentals canceled within 48 hours of booking. This provides flexibility in case your schedule changes. Cancellations made a few hours before pick-up are subject to a cancellation fee.
12 passenge van I reserved wasn’t available. Said it would be available three hours after schedule reservation then it wasn’t. The woman at the counter was lovely and it wasn’t her fault but Customer line is worthless. Never answered. Just terrible service.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Intermediate SUV
Great vehicle at a fairly reasonable price. Getting the vehicle wasn’t bad. Dropping it off was difficult. It was an urban location inside a parking garage. Signage was poor. Not enough designated spaces were available. Finally had to park in a non- designated spot after repeatedly circling, hoping something would open up.
2.0 Poor
Max, Jun 2024
Intermediate SUV
Abominable. Firstly, they closed the pick up location for the day before my pick up time, leaving me stranded. Then they told me to pick up from another location but in modifying the reservation they mistakenly put same drop off as pick up when original drop off was in NY. When I brought this up they said that a one way fee of $200 would then apply if I have a different drop off. After three hours on the phone I was finally able to sort it out by sending them the original contract showing that my drop off was always meant to be NY. Still, I had to close the contract with the one way fee in it, and I’m told in 7 days they will reverse the charge to honor the original agreed upon rate. Fingers crossed
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Economy
The facility is terrible. And I had to wait a long time to be seen even though I was next in line.
2.0 Poor
Rachel, Oct 2022
They ran out of cars! And didn’t tell anyone so people waiting in line for hours.
8.0 Very good
Scott, Sep 2022
The car was a little dirty and hadn't been thoroughly cleaned. We also ended up with an SUV instead of a compact car as requested (I don't like driving big cars). I didn't have to pay extra for it (most people would consider it a bonus I guess). But they were very quick with both pickup and dropoff, and overall it was good value for the money.
There were no cars available at the location and Kayak let me book one.
2.0 Poor
Joshua, Jul 2024
Premium
Went to location and was told there were no cars. Asked if they would honor the reservation and price if I went to another location 5 miles away but said they couldn’t or if they even had cars too.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Full-size
I wasn’t even able to get a car even though I had a reservation! Your marajuana-smell filled establishment said I had to wait possibly 3 hours to even get a car!!!!!!! Absolutely horrible customer service. I will NEVER rent a car from enterprise again and will tell everyone I know in DC to stay away. *literally people rolling drugs in the waiting area!!!!! Shameful.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Economy
Great customer service!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Pickup truck
I filled up the gas and they were trying to charge me. check your employee, someone is stealing
Car did feel like someone previous had driven it very hard. Was not a smooth riding vehicle and braking was quite rough. Also oil lights kept coming on and had to add tyre air several times despite the person checking this and topping up air prior to taking the car.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Intermediate SUV
Awful.
10.0 Wonderful
Allan, Jul 2024
Passenger van
The 12-person Ford Transit van perfectly met all our family's needs. The pickup and drop-off experience, working with Jamie & Shawn was simple, pleasant, positive.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Compact
You ran out of cars so I was stranded
4.0 Mediocre
Apoorva, Feb 2024
Intermediate
I reached there to find out that they didn’t have any cars left. Why would you book people when you know you won’t have cars. If you don’t have cars then atleast do the courtesy to call and notify ahead of time. It can ruin trips. Had to wait for almost half an hour for a customer to bring back the car and then they gave us the car with half the tank. On top of that they never have the kind of car available that was in the original booking. I booked a Sedan this time and I got a giant RAM truck with lot less fuel efficiency thereby costing me more for the trip. I think this should be fixed.
Terrible. Plus I was double charged and now fighting to get my money back
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Standard SUV
Super clean, nice new car, the only problem we had was one tire tiny. It was slow and air, besides that everything else was great.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2024
Compact
This would have been a good experience apart from two things: 1) the repeated pestering texts and e-mails insisting that I check in online in advance, which I tried to do but the system didn't work; and 2) HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. I waited for over half an hour to speak to someone in India who was hard to understand and then in the end said she couldn't do anything to change my pick-up time because I had booked through a third party service, and gave me a non-functional phone number to try to reach the airport desk. What a pity. The car was fine and the airport pick-up staff were fine. But I will never use Dollar again because that company wouldn't let those people just do their job.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Standard
They did not have a car for me to rent. Bummer.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Intermediate SUV
Good overall, smelled like smoke but got the job done. Didn’t give receipt via email as said
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Intermediate SUV
Easy transaction pick up drop off Friendly staff Car needed (windows) needed better cleaning
Customers are able to select cars through the app that aren’t available in person.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Minivan
I dropped my rental off 1 hour and 10 minutes late. Alamo automatically charged two extra hours. The attendant corrected it.
6.0 Okay
Peter, Mar 2021
Pros:
Pick up was great. Drop off slow. Car smelled like smoke
6.0 Okay
Matt, Jan 2021
Pros:
The car drove nicely and didn’t have any critical issues. The originally confirmed price (NOT what we were charged in the end) was wonderful.
Cons:
We were hit with a $436.59 ‘’inner city fee’’ despite dropping off where confirmed by our desk agent in Atlanta. At that meeting as well, we waited over two hours as Thrifty, Hertz, and one additional rental company were all required to wait in the same line for two agents. Finally, our windshield wipers did not work on timed settings. During the hours of rain we experienced from Atlanta to New York City, our only option was to hold down the trigger manually.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2020
Pros:
All good.
Cons:
Specific vehicle availability--I requested a SUV but ended up with a minivan.
3.6 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2020
Cons:
We booked the car for 8:30am. We got there, the car was not ready. They tried to give us an upgrade of a V8 for a long trip when I booked an economical car. We then had to wait 45 mins for a car to arrive. It had tire pressure issues. They filled with air and said it was fine. We got down the road 5 mins and a warning light came on. We then had to find another Alamo to switch out the car which took another 40 mins as they had to do the paperwork and clean the car. 11am we were finally in the road for a 12 hour trip This is totally unacceptable