Car hire in Sterling, United States

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The most popular car rental companies in Sterling

Hiring a car in Sterling: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyHertz
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, People Carrier
Average daily priceR 6,746
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Sterling

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Sterling car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Sterling

  • Make your move with a cheap rental car in Sterling. With prices averaging R 6,746 a day, you're on the road to better value. From small cars to full-size models, we'll match you with the perfect ride for the right price.

  • Daily rental prices in Sterling start from just R 1,250.

  • Staying a little longer? Book a weekly rental from R 4,302 and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • To land the best price on a Sterling car hire, book in advance. Rates generally rise as your travel dates approach, and waiting too long might mean missing out.

  • Browse the offers available with Enterprise, Hertz and Sixt. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Sterling car hire policy, whether you go with Enterprise or a different supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Sterling.

  • Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You get the best value with this company, with average prices at R 3,403 a day.

  • Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,867.

  • The third option also stacks up well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly R 2,152 a day.

  • After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Intermediate rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Sterling.

Compare car hire types in Sterling

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Sterling gives you the freedom to explore for less. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are good for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: A solid choice when you want something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Sterling car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.

  • Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Sterling makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and built to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Sterling car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's a safety net if something happens. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's included.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make all the difference. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Sterling.

Good to know

  • You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Younger drivers aren't always turned away — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.

  • Bringing the kids with you? Car seat rules vary from one location to another, and the correct setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Make sure you add the right one to your Sterling car hire booking.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.

  • For first-time drivers in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.

  • Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.

  • Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother trip. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and outings. Pay with your card when it's convenient, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't available.

  • English is the language that most people speak in this country.

Best hotels in Sterling for drivers

  • Offering parking, The Westin Reston Heights adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is about 10 kilometres from central Sterling and also comes with a 24-hour front desk and a golf course.

  • SpringHill Suites Herndon Reston gets things right with accessible parking and features such as a fitness centre and car hire options. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Want more inspiration? Browse the selection of hotels in Sterling. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.

  • After you've locked in a car hire deal in Sterling and the right hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to head to first. Get started with must-see attractions such as The Craft Of Brewing, Volcano Island Waterpark and W&OD Trailhead.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Sterling

  • Buckle up and make tracks to Baltimore. Around 80 kilometres northeast of central Sterling, it's home to must-see sights like National Aquarium and Baltimore Aquarium.

  • You'll be well looked after at Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown and Baltimore Downtown, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Baltimore.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Sterling and drive about 40 kilometres east to Washington DC. Featuring Lincoln Memorial and The White House, it's every bit as good as advertised.

  • Relax after a day of exploring Washington DC at Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue or The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle. These hotels have arrangements for guests with cars.

  • Ready to go the extra mile? Pittsburgh is a top road trip destination that's about 274 kilometres northwest of Sterling. Plan to make a few pit stops at Carnegie Museum of Art and Andy Warhol Museum.

  • The only thing left to do now is hit the pillow. Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown and Courtyard Pittsburgh University Centre have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Pittsburgh.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Sterling will set you back around R 6,746 per day or R 5,830 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Sterling is a compact SUV. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, People Carrier.
The cheapest car hire companies in Sterling are currently Hertz and Enterprise.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Sterling is currently April.
On average, around R 5,830. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Sterling is R 4,294.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Sterling for a whole month is R 37,882. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Sterling, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Sterling that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Sterling.
Most places – Sterling included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 1,309 per day. The average price per day is around R 3,300.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Hertz, National and Avis offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Sixt as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Sterling.