Best Tricks to Save When Renting a Car in Washington D.C.

by Petr Novák, Updated 02/11/2025

Car Rental in Washington D.C. offers the option to use both airports and several rental offices in the city center. Compared to other locations in the U.S., rental car prices in the capital are generally higher. Read on to find out when car prices in Washington are at their peak and the biggest mistakes to avoid when renting.

Cost of Renting a Car in Washington D.C.

The basic rule is: Never sign a contract with the first rental company in Washington you find. The likelihood that the first company will be the cheapest is low. Instead, use the reservation portal RentalCars.com, which compares prices across more than 200 rental companies and guarantees the lowest price for customers.

You can get a non-binding rental price quote for your specific trip using the form below. The form includes all major rental companies in Washington D.C., increasing the chances of finding the best price.
How Much Will You Pay to Rent a Car in Washington D.C.?
- No Hidden Fees
  The prices stated at the time of reservation are always final, providing a clear overview of your expenses.
- Lowest Price Guarantee
  If you find the same deal at a lower price elsewhere, RentalCars will refund the difference.
- Cancellation Is Free of Charge
  Most bookings can be cancelled or altered free of charge up to 48 hours before collection.
How to Save on Car Rentals in Washington D.C.

The cost of a car rental in Washington D.C. consists of several factors and doesn’t just depend on the number of rental days or the chosen rental company. Other key factors can influence the final price.

Booking Date

To secure the best price, it is advisable to book a car about one to two months before the planned pick-up date.

Some rental companies allow customers to cancel an existing reservation free of charge, sometimes up to 24 hours before pick-up. You can take advantage of this by making an early reservation and canceling it if your travel plans change. For example, RentalCars offers free cancellation along with a price guarantee.

Rent a Car in Washington, D.C. with Free Cancellation
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Car Rental Period

Demand for rental cars fluctuates throughout the year, with peaks during summer and around public holidays. Increased demand typically leads to higher prices.

A common rental policy is that prices are calculated based on every 24-hour period of rental. Therefore, it’s essential to align the pick-up and return times. For instance, picking up a car at 10 a.m. and returning it at 11 a.m. the next day may cost you an entire extra day.

Rental Location

While it’s not always the case, airport rental offices often tend to be cheaper due to higher competition in those areas.

Additionally, renting a car at the airport can save you money on transportation (such as an Uber or bus) to downtown Washington. When you consider this, an airport rental might be the better choice, even if the initial prices seem higher.

Car Class

The most budget-friendly options are economy-class vehicles, though they come with limited luggage space and less comfort for passengers. For longer trips, mid-size or full-size cars, which are about 10% more expensive, are usually a better choice.

For long road trips where you’ll spend several hours driving daily, I recommend opting for an SUV. This will ensure you have enough space and comfort, with only about a 25% price increase compared to smaller vehicles. Convertibles fall under the premium category and are not widely available in Washington D.C., with rental companies typically charging around 100% more for them.

Below are the estimated prices for a car rental in Washington D.C. per 24-hour period. Pricing may vary based on availability, but you can get a more accurate estimate through a non-binding price calculation, which takes only a minute and a few clicks.

Economy Class Mid-Size SUV Convertible

from $46 from $46 from $55 from $68

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Driver’s Age

Most rental companies charge an additional fee for drivers between the ages of 21 and 25 to offset the higher risk of vehicle damage. The fee varies by company, typically ranging from $16.00 to $37.

For drivers aged 18 to 21, rental options are often limited, and if available, the fees can be as much as double the standard rate.

Insurance Coverage

Cars rented in Washington generally include liability and collision damage insurance with zero deductible in the final price. However, always review the rental agreement carefully to ensure coverage for windshield and tire damage is adequate.

If the coverage is insufficient, consider purchasing additional insurance.

Additional Accessories

Extra services and accessories are available for an added fee. For a more comfortable experience, you can add an extra driver to the contract, allowing you to alternate behind the wheel. In Washington, rental companies typically charge between $13.00 and $15.00 per day for a second driver, with companies like Avis capping the fee at $65 for the entire rental period.

The names of additional drivers must be included in the rental agreement to ensure the validity of any insurance coverage. If someone not listed in the agreement causes damage, the insurance may not apply.

I generally consider GPS navigation an unnecessary add-on since it can easily be replaced with Google Maps on your smartphone. Similarly, skip the mobile Wi-Fi modem and opt for an eSIM from Airalo, which you can conveniently install on your phone.

If traveling with young children, it’s worth renting a booster seat or child car seat. Rental companies usually offer these in various sizes.

Affordable Car Rental Companies in Washington D.C.

You can pick up your car in downtown Washington or at either of the city’s two major airports. Washington Dulles International Airport handles most international flights, while Ronald Reagan National Airport mainly serves domestic routes and flights to Canada.

Car Rental Companies at Dulles Airport

Car rental services at Dulles Airport are provided by companies like Alamo, Budget, Avis, Thrifty, Hertz, Sixt, National, Dollar, and Enterprise. Most have locations that operate 24/7.

The rental offices are located in a separate building accessible via free shuttle buses from the terminal. From the baggage claim area, take the exit through doors 2 or 4, and head to shuttle stops Curb 2C and Curb 2D, which are marked accordingly.

Car Rental Companies at Ronald Reagan Airport

Although Ronald Reagan National Airport is smaller, it still offers a diverse selection of rental companies, including Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and Sixt.

The rental counters are located on the first floor of Parking Garage 1. You can reach them on foot within 10-15 minutes by following signs for “Parking 1” inside Terminals 1 and 2. Alternatively, you can take a free shuttle bus labeled “Rental Car/Parking,” which departs from doors 1 and 2 at Terminal 1 and the stops near doors 3 and 8 at Terminal 2.

Car Rental Companies in Downtown Washington D.C.

All major car rental companies have locations in downtown Washington, primarily near the train station. These include companies like National, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt, and Dollar Car Rental. Many rental offices are conveniently located inside hotels, with Enterprise Rent-A-Car being particularly widespread.

	Rating
Alamo Rent a Car	8.7/10	Select a Car
Avis Car Rental	8.2/10	Select a Car
Budget Car Rental	8.1/10	Select a Car
Dollar Car Rental	8.3/10	Select a Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	8.6/10	Select a Car
Hertz Rent a Car	8.3/10	Select a Car
National Car Rental	8.6/10	Select a Car
SIXT Rent A Car	8.3/10	Select a Car
Thrifty Car Rental	8.3/10	Select a Car

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Road Trip Ideas Near Washington D.C.

National Parks

The nearest national park isn’t far from the city. Shenandoah National Park is located 71 mi away from Washington D.C., with an estimated travel time of about an hour and a half, depending on traffic.

If you’re up for a longer drive, consider visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, the most visited national park in the U.S. The drive takes at least 8 hours, covering a distance of 512 mi.

Baltimore

Baltimore, located about an hour’s drive or 47 mi northeast of Washington, is Maryland’s largest city. It’s famous for the historic frigate USS Constellation from 1854. You can see the ship while visiting the nearby National Aquarium, a popular family destination.

Gettysburg

Gettysburg, located in Pennsylvania, is the site of one of the most significant battles of the American Civil War, which took place over three days from July 1 to July 3, 1863. Confederate General Robert E. Lee suffered a major defeat, leading to a shift in the war’s momentum.

The battle is commemorated at the Gettysburg National Military Park, featuring numerous monuments and museums. Visitors can explore key battle sites and learn about this pivotal moment in U.S. history.

Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park in Virginia is a nature lover’s paradise, located just 12 mi northwest of downtown Washington. Activities include picnicking, birdwatching, and photography.

For the more adventurous, the park offers three waterfall viewpoints that are a must-see.

Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns is one of the largest and most popular cave systems on the East Coast of the U.S., located 94 mi west of Washington D.C. The drive typically takes under two hours under normal traffic conditions.

Discovered in 1878, the caverns quickly became a major tourist attraction. Guided one-hour tours are available daily, and due to limited capacity, advance reservations are recommended.