KAYAK’s insights & trends for Downtown car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Downtown with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a car rental in Downtown, Washington, D.C.?
Based on car rental prices found by KAYAK users over the last 12 months.
To get the best price on a car rental in Downtown, Washington, D.C., you should book around 90 days before your trip. This could save you approximately 43% compared to booking last minute.
Which car rental company in Downtown is best rated?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK.
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Downtown are Kyte (8.6/10), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (5.8/10, 23 reviews), and Avis (5.8/10, 63 reviews).
Downtown car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Downtown by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$36 - $64
All Car Types
$73 - $104
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Downtown?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Downtown?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Downtown?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Downtown?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Downtown?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Downtown?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Downtown?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Downtown?
Small car rentals in Downtown typically cost around $50 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $36 per day which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 40% cheaper than the average rental in Downtown, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in Downtown typically cost around $62 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $48 per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 25% cheaper than the average rental in Downtown, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Downtown typically cost around $67 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $51 per day which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 19% cheaper than the average rental in Downtown, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in Downtown typically cost around $72 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $61 per day which is about 16% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 13% cheaper than the average rental in Downtown, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van rentals in Downtown typically cost around $113 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $82 per day which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 28% more expensive than the average rental in Downtown, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Downtown typically cost around $70 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $56 per day which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 15% cheaper than the average rental in Downtown, a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Downtown typically cost around $110 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $78 per day which is about 30% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 26% more expensive than the average rental in Downtown, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Downtown typically cost around $112 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $88 per day which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 27% more expensive than the average rental in Downtown, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Top tips for renting a car in Downtown, Washington, D.C.
Book your rental car in Downtown at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
February is typically the cheapest month to rent a car in Downtown, with prices around $70/day. July, in contrast, is often the most costly month, with an average of $130/day.
If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind renting a car in another neighborhood in Washington, D.C., look for deals in Georgetown, where daily prices are around $65/day, or Foggy Bottom - West End (average of $66/day).
FAQs about renting a car in Downtown (Washington, D.C.)
Are car rentals cheaper in other Washington, D.C. neighborhoods?
Yes. Based on our information, BUDGET in NoMa is the cheapest car rental location in Washington, D.C.. It is located at 5911 Blair Rd Nw.
Didn’t have a car despite having available reservations on kayak.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2021
Booked the car online, when it came to pick it up, got a text 5 mins before arriving saying that car could not be reserved for the reservation. A complete waste of time and effort. Had to drive 50 mins back home without the rental.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2021
Hertz said they were short on cars when I arrived at the appointed time (after they sent me a confirmation that my car was ready) but they would text me when it was ready. I never heard from them again.
We had to wait a long time at pickup and then were told that they had only a pickup truck or van, we had requested a smaller car and confirmed it in line before we went. We also filled out all the forms online Ann bc still were asked those questions. The lights on the car were finicky and the police pulled us over for rear lights being out . Overall a terrible experience, we won’t be back.
2.0 Poor
Cici, Aug 2025
Economy
It was unacceptable. I was not able to pick up the car due to mistakes made by the staff and was essentially told to resolve the issue myself and was not given any customer service in the slightest. I will never use this company and will actively tell others to avoid this company at all cost.
10.0 Wonderful
Thomas, Mar 2025
Economy
Everything worked out smoothly.
10.0 Wonderful
Diego, Oct 2024
Passenger van
Great experience 👏
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
We got there at the scheduled time and they did not have any cars! over 20 people waiting in line for their reservations and no cars. They shouldn't take a reservation if they don't have a car to rent.
All the employees were very friendly and helpful. The car was clean and drove well. We had a great experience
4.0 Mediocre
Mark, Jul 2026
Intermediate SUV
Car wasn't ready at the time I reserved so had to wait for another vehicle. Then when I got the car it was dirty and had trash from the prior customer. Also, the facility in downtown DC was dirty. The underground garage where you pick up the vehicle had busted old furniture that they just had sitting in one of the parking spaces. I expect more from a brand name rental car company.
2.0 Poor
Ben, Dec 2025
Compact SUV
Car smelled like cigarettes. Window button on the passenger side was broken. Car had “low engine oil” light on the entire time.
4.0 Mediocre
Adeline, Nov 2025
Compact SUV
Pickup process was terrible. No cars available at the time I reserved. Had to wait and almost missed the event we were going to.
2.0 Poor
Sheree, Jul 2025
Intermediate SUV
Able to book quickly but unfortunately I was charged for being an hour late when I waited for other cars to park and get checked in. No one accounted for my wait time.
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.
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