How to find a cheap car hire deal in Washington DC
Whether you need a small car for cruising around town or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Washington DC. Pick from options averaging R 2,246 a day and get on the road for less.
R 888 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Washington DC.
Planning to stay longer? Book a weekly rental from R 3,338 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Two weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Washington DC car hire.
Sixt, Thrifty and Dollar are some of the most reliable providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Washington DC car hire policy, whether with Sixt or another supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can bag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Washington DC.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of R 2,252 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 2,121, this provider comes in next.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly R 1,859 a day for one of their rentals.
The Compact rental category is a dependable choice if you're not sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other in Washington DC.
Flying to Washington DC? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Washington DC, get moving sooner by picking up a car hire at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 6 kilometres and takes about 10 minutes.
Or buckle up and make a clean getaway with a car hire from Washington Dulles International Airport. It'll take roughly 40 minutes to drive the 40 kilometres or so to the centre.
You'll also find a nice range of rental car options at Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport. It's around 48 kilometres to central Washington DC from here, taking close to 1 hour on the road.
Compare car hire types in Washington DC
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Washington DC puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are great for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to couples and small families.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Washington DC car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them a great option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Washington DC that fits a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group travel, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Washington DC car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it's a safety net if something happens. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Washington DC by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always double-check your rental company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.
If you're bringing the kids along, check if you should add a car seat to your Washington DC car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
Driving in the United States may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you expect to drink, leave the driving to someone else or choose another way to travel.
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.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everything you buy on your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash to make sure you're always covered.
English is the language you'll hear most people speaking in this country.
Best hotels in Washington DC for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC. Offering parking as well as a fireplace and internet access, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Washington DC.
The Quincy, Ascend Hotel Collection keeps guests happy with valet parking and features like a 24-hour front desk and a fitness centre. It's roughly 0.97 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more places to choose from? Browse the full list of hotels in Washington DC. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Washington DC and your hotel. From Lincoln Memorial to The White House and Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, there's loads to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Washington DC
Baltimore has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit National Aquarium and Baltimore Aquarium. This city is about 56 kilometres northeast of central Washington DC.
You'll be well looked after at Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown and Baltimore Downtown, two accommodation options with parking in Baltimore.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Washington DC and then head for Columbia. About 40 kilometres northeast of Washington DC, Verrazano Bridge and DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum are big attractions that are worth going out of your way for.
Columbia has some comfortable accommodation options such as Red Roof Inn Washington DC - Columbia/Fort Meade and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Norfolk is a popular road trip destination that's around 241 kilometres south of Washington DC. Consider making a few pit stops at Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio.
Book a room at Norfolk Waterside Marriott or Hilton Norfolk The Main. They're an ideal base for exploring everything Norfolk has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.
