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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.
Travelers should note that the speed limits in Washington, D.C. tend to be much lower than 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 up to 55 mph. In the immediate area surrounding D.C., the speed limit on highways and freeways is only 55 mph.
Street parking and garage parking are the two main options available for parkers in Washington, D.C. For garage parking, travelers should keep in mind that many commuters to D.C. make use of the garages so the best locations can fill up fast, especially when an event is taking place nearby.
On average a rental car in Washington, D.C. costs $64 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 $44.
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Washington, D.C. are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.4, 68 reviews), Avis (6.5, 98 reviews), and Budget (6.0, 142 reviews).
The average gas price in Washington, D.C. is $3.82 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $46 and $61, depending on the car size.
Standard (Nissan Rogue or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Washington, D.C..
The only car rental company onsite at Dulles Intl airport is Hertz.
The only car rental company onsite at Baltimore/Washington airport is Hertz.
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
A Standard car rental in Washington, D.C. costs $75 per day, on average.
A Special car rental in Washington, D.C. costs $79 per day, on average.
A Mini car rental in Washington, D.C. costs $108 per day, on average.
On average a rental car in Washington, D.C. costs $447 per week ($64 per day).
On average a rental car in Washington, D.C. costs $1,916 per month ($64 per day).
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.
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 16 car rental agencies 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!).
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.
Navigating your cheap car rentals in Washington DC is easy once you’re familiar with the configuration of streets. The street grid starts from the Capitol and runs from north to south and east to west. Those running north to south have numbers, while those east to west have letters. The quadrant naming system, like SW, SE, NW, and NE, are also used.
Companies like Hertz and Enterprise have a free cancellation policy for any rental cancelled within 48 hours of booking. This gives you flexibility in case your schedule changes. Any cancellations made a few hours before pick-up call for a cancellation fee.
2 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
1 Aviation Circle
+1 877 283 0898
707 7th Street Northwest
+1 202 347 8518
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
4.0 Mediocre
Nov 2023
2.0 Poor
Nov 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
8.0 Very good
May 2021
Cons:
Did not get any email after returning the card, The guy at the airport told me I will get an email. Still waiting2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
The drop off worked well.Cons:
Terrible pick up at national airport. Waited in line for 4 hours. So, Thrifty rented out way too many cars with far too few staff. There were only 2 persons at the counter and frequently one would leave - reasons unknown. Then AFTER finally getting to the counter, we had to wait ANOTHER 45 MINUTES for our vehicle to be ready. THEN, while driving on our leg from Washington to Nashville (1st day of trip to Dallas), we got a low tire pressure warning. Stopped immediately, called Thrifty, waiting on and off hold for almost 2 hours - only to be hung up on in the end. Had to fend for ourselves and by the grace of god only, reached our destination. Never rent again from Thrifty, ever.6 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
1072 Wisconsin Ave Nw
+1 202 469 7240
1908 L Street Northwest
+1 202 223 1418
4400 Connecticut Avenue Nw
+1 202 686 2890
5911 Blair Rd Nw
+1 202 882 1470
616 E Street Nw
+1 202 499 1200
99 H Street Ne
+1 202 289 5374
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jun 2024
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
8.0 Very good
Sep 2022
4.0 Mediocre
Sep 2022
6.0 Okay
Jan 2021
Pros:
Pick up and drop off was not easy especially drop off. It’s in a mall and I have no idea where is car returns. I haven’t given any directions, all I have is the address. No signs whatsoever about car returns. I have to park in the mall and go around asking people. I found there office inside the mall and the lady said I can park anywhere in the mall. The lady wasn’t friendly. I’m not super happy about the drop off part but the price and car were great.Cons:
Better communication towards pickups and drop off locations and more instructions.6 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
1 Aviation Circle
+1 703 419 6300
1919 Connecticut Ave Nw
+1 202 299 0697
23540 Autopilot Dr
+1 703 471 6020
707 7th St Nw Cnr Of 7th + G
+1 202 347 8518
99 H Street Ne
+1 202 289 6084
999 9th St Nw
+1 202 842 1541
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
May 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
4.0 Mediocre
Mar 2024
2.0 Poor
Mar 2024
3 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
1 Aviation Circle
+1 866 434 2226
1919 Connecticut Avenue Nw
+1 202 299 0697
99 H Street Northeast
+1 202 289 6084
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
May 2024
4.0 Mediocre
Apr 2024
8.0 Very good
Feb 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2024
2.0 Poor
Dec 2023
6.0 Okay
Nov 2023
9 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
1100 4th St Sw
+1 202 554 8100
1110 14th St Nw
+1 202 393 0900
2505 Wisconsin Ave Nw
+1 202 232 4443
2730 Georgia Ave Nw
+1 202 332 1716
3355 Benning Rd Ne
+1 202 635 1104
3700 10th St Ne
+1 202 635 1104
5013 Georgia Ave Nw
+1 202 451 2148
970 D St Sw
+1 202 554 1681
99 H St Ne
+1 202 715 1912
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jun 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2024
2.0 Poor
Jan 2024
8.0 Very good
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendly and car was really clean.Cons:
The location is not where it says it is so I had to look around for it. Gotta update the address.8.0 Very good
Jan 2021
Cons:
Instructions for when we return the car. (There was no one present, we never had any proper instruction on how to retrn the car, where to park, leave the keys etc10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Pros:
Great car - thank you! Friendly representatives too!6 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
1072 Wisconsin Ave Nw
+1 202 469 7179
1908 L Street Northwest
+1 202 887 4759
4400 Connecticut Avenue Nw
+1 202 686 5149
5911 Blair Rd Nw
+1 202 722 2680
616 E Street Nw
+1 202 499 1039
99 H Street Ne
+1 202 682 2983
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2024
2.0 Poor
Mar 2024
4.0 Mediocre
Feb 2024
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2021
Cons:
Great service! Friendly staff! Gave me a free upgrade since there was going to be a snow storm and they wanted me to stay safe!10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2021
Pros:
Friendly and efficient staff both in Washington and Queens.Cons:
Nothing.3 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
50 Massachusetts Ave Ne
+1 888 826 6890
970 D St Sw
+1 202 554 1681
99 H St Ne
+1 202 715 1912
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2020
Pros:
Tia was really helpful and easy going.Cons:
Nothing, again, Tia was fabulous2 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
970 D St Sw
+1 888 826 6893
99 H St Ne
+1 202 715 1912
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2024
6.0 Okay
Mar 2021
Pros:
Pick up was great. Drop off slow. Car smelled like smoke6.0 Okay
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
Nov 2020
Pros:
All good.Cons:
Specific vehicle availability--I requested a SUV but ended up with a minivan.3.6 Poor
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 unacceptable10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2020
Pros:
Everything was smooth and easy. Car was very clean.2 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
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One location in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
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2 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
Washington Airport Ronald Reagan National DCA
+1 703 838 1666
Washington Dulles Intl Airport IAD
+1 703 661 6387
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One location in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
2600 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Washington Reagan Airport
+1 703 838 1666
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No reviews available
11 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
100, M Street SE, Suite 525
+1 201 555 5555
50, Massachusetts Ave. NE
+1 818 966 3327
705, G street Southwest
+1 844 543 7332
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2 locations in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
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One location in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
2600 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington
+1 703 838 1666
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One location in Washington, D.C.
Locations in Washington, D.C.
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Pick-up location | Washington, D.C. |
---|---|
Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Minivan, Premium, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
Rental locations | 59 |
Airport locations | 10 |
Popular agencies | Turo, Dollar, Hertz |