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Compare car rentals from leading companies in Alexandria, Virginia with Road Genius. From compact cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Reagan National Airport for a fast hop into Washington DC, or choose a downtown Alexandria branch to dodge airport fees and reach Old Town on foot within minutes.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Reagan National Airport (DCA) | • Multiple major rental agencies • Extended hours (often 6 AM-midnight) • Large vehicle selection • Direct Metro access to Alexandria |
• Airport surcharges (10-25% higher) • Traffic congestion during peak hours • 10-15 minute drive to Alexandria |
| Alexandria City Locations | • Lower base rates • No airport fees • Convenient for those already in the city • Some offer pickup service |
• Limited hours (often 8 AM-6 PM weekdays) • Smaller vehicle selection • No after-hours pickup service • Limited weekend availability |
| Nearby Metro Stations | • Convenient for Metro travelers • Often lower rates than airport • Good option if staying near Metro |
• Limited hours • Smaller selection than airport • May require additional transportation |
On average, car rentals in Alexandria cost around $72 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $17 per day.
Skip the airport markup: DCA rentals cost 10-25 % more. Take the Metro or a quick rideshare to an Alexandria or Metro-station branch for lower base rates.
Start on a weekend: Prices often dip from Friday to Sunday in this government/business hub, so shifting pickup to Saturday can slash the bill.
Rent only for the road days: Use the Metro when exploring D.C., then grab a car just for Mount Vernon, wineries or Shenandoah—pay for wheels only when you'll actually drive.
Go compact: Small cars fit Old Town's tight colonial streets, are cheaper to rent and sip less fuel on the GW Parkway.
Time it smart: Check prices 2-4 weeks out for cherry-blossom season, summer or big conferences when rates spike, but keep monitoring—off-peak weeks sometimes drop last minute.
Shop off-airport along the Blue/Yellow lines: Locations near King St–Old Town or Braddock Rd stations are easy to reach and often run promo rates the airport desks don't show.
| Area | Type | Hours | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Alexandria | Street metered | Mon-Sat 8 AM-9 PM | Metered | Time limits vary (2-3 hours common); Pay by app or coin |
| Old Town Alexandria | Public garages | 24/7 | Paid | More flexible than street meters for longer visits |
| King Street area | Residential zones | Varies | Restricted | 2-3 hour limits for non-residents; strictly enforced |
| Shopping centers | Mall parking | Mall hours | Free | Abundant at Potomac Yard and other shopping centers |
| Metro stations | Park and Ride | Varies by station | Paid weekdays; free weekends | Limited space; fills early on weekdays |
Speed limits: 25 mph in residential areas, 35-45 mph on main arteries, 55-65 mph on highways
Tolls: Several toll roads in the region:
Key regulations:
What documents do I need to rent a car in Alexandria?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name and proof of insurance if you're declining the rental company's coverage. If you're visiting from another country, you should bring your passport. It's also a good idea to have an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
Is it better to rent at DCA Airport or in Alexandria?
You'll find more car choices and longer hours at DCA airport, but the prices are higher. If you're staying in Alexandria and don't need a car right away, renting from a place in the city could save you money. Remember to figure in the cost of getting to the rental location.
How do I handle D.C.'s complicated road system?
We recommend you use a GPS or a navigation app, but be ready for surprise road closures or limits. In Washington, the streets are on a grid. Lettered streets run east-west and numbered streets run north-south. Diagonal avenues cut across them. Traffic circles can be tricky. You need to stay in the right lane and yield to cars already in the circle.
Where should I park when visiting Old Town Alexandria?
If you're visiting for less than 2 hours, you can probably find a metered spot on the street. For longer visits, you should use a city garage. Garages charge about $3-5 per hour, and the most you'll pay for a full day is around $15-25. You can find several garages near King Street. We advise you to avoid parking in neighborhood areas unless your rental property gives you a temporary permit.
How do toll roads work with rental cars?
The D.C. area has several toll roads and express lanes. When you're in a rental car, you have a few choices. You can use your own E-ZPass transponder, sign up for the rental company's toll program for about $5 per day you use it plus the cost of the tolls or just avoid toll roads. The express lanes on I-495 and I-95 are all-electronic, so you cannot pay with cash.
Should I rent a car if I'm only visiting D.C. tourist sites?
If you're staying in Alexandria and mostly visiting places like the National Mall and other downtown D.C. spots, we find the Metro is easier than driving. You'll avoid a lot of traffic and expensive parking. You might want to rent a car only for the days you plan to explore areas further out, like Mount Vernon or Virginia wine country.
What should I do if I get a parking ticket?
You should pay the ticket right away. You can pay online or by mail by following the instructions on the ticket. Alexandria and D.C. are very strict about parking rules, and fines are usually $40-100. If you don't pay the ticket, the rental company will charge your credit card for the fine plus their own service fee, which is around $25-50.
Is it easy to drive between Alexandria and Washington, D.C.?
The drive is short, only about 8 miles (13 km), but traffic can be unpredictable. When it's not rush hour, you can expect the drive to take 20-30 minutes. During busy times like weekday mornings going into D.C. or evenings coming back to Virginia, the same drive can take 45-60 minutes. If you need to be on time, you might want to take the Metro instead.
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