How to find a cheap car hire deal in Washington DC
Searching for a cheap rental car in Washington DC? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging ر.ق. 357 a day, we compare the best deals so you can book easily, save more, and feel good about what you paid.
Leave high costs in the dust by reserving your wheels in November. With average daily rates of ر.ق. 125, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Washington DC.
We've cracked the code on when to book. Two weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find a cheap rental car in Washington DC.
Trusted providers such as Sixt, Thrifty and Dollar are popular options for car hire deals in Washington DC.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Washington DC car hire policy, whether with Sixt or any other supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Look into booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates for a car for rent in Washington DC by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any surprise charges by choosing a car hire in Washington DC with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you want without paying more.
Flying into Washington DC? Explore the lineup of car rentals in Ronald Reagan National Airport and get on the road quickly. You'll also find car rentals in Washington Dulles International Airport and car rentals in Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Compare car hire types in Washington DC
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Washington DC gives you the freedom to explore for less. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Washington DC car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Washington DC that can handle the heavy stuff. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Washington DC car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Washington DC by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may rent vehicles to younger drivers for an additional fee, so always check the terms before finalizing your ride.
If the kids are tagging along, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Washington DC car hire booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Washington DC
Explore the top attractions in the city once you've found your car hire deal in Washington DC. Smithsonian and Lincoln Memorial are highlights you'll want to catch before heading off.
When you're ready to rest your head, Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue and The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle will help you feel right at home in Washington DC.
Navigate your way to Baltimore. Around 56 kilometres north-east of central Washington DC, it's home to must-see sights like National Aquarium and Baltimore Aquarium.
They know how to treat guests at Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown and Baltimore Downtown, two comfortable accommodation options in Baltimore.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Washington DC and then take off to Columbia. Roughly 40 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, Verrazano Bridge and DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum are top attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia and Hilton Garden Inn Columbia are comfortable places to stay in Columbia if you're hanging around for a while.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Motor on to Norfolk, around 241 kilometres south of Washington DC. From USS Wisconsin to Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, it'll round out your trip nicely.
Check out the room availability at Norfolk Waterside Marriott or Hilton Norfolk The Main. They make it a breeze to experience everything Norfolk has to offer.
