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| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Seattle-Tacoma Airport |
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| Downtown Bellevue |
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Transportation to Rental Offices:
On average, car rentals in Bellevue (WA) cost around $80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $21 per day.
Pick-up spot matters – Downtown Bellevue counters skip the airport's 10% concession fee and $6/day facility charge, so compare both locations if their 8am-5pm hours suit you.
Play with dates – Weekend (Fri-Mon) promos or adding an extra refundable day can drop the daily rate when you compare quotes. Cancel or shorten once the price is locked.
Use I-90 instead of SR-520 – This free bridge avoids tolls and the rental company's extra admin fee every time you cross into Seattle.
Cheap gas hack – Top up at Bellevue stations before returning; they're often about $0.20 per gallon less than pumps near SEA airport.
Downtown Bellevue Parking:
Traffic Rules:
Toll Roads:
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Seattle Downtown – Pike Place Market, Space Needle
Snoqualmie Falls – waterfall
Mount Rainier National Park – Paradise
Leavenworth – shops

Are international driver's licenses accepted in Bellevue? Yes, you can use a foreign license in Bellevue. If your license isn't in English, you should also carry an International Driving Permit or an official English translation. Most rental companies will ask for one of these to check your license.
How do toll roads work with rental cars? The rental company gets the bill for any tolls. Then, the company charges your card for the toll and adds an extra service fee. To avoid this, you can use I-90 instead of SR-520 when you travel to Seattle.
What's the best vehicle type for visiting during winter? If you visit between November and February, you should think about getting a car with AWD/4WD. This is a good idea if you plan to drive to ski areas or mountain passes. Be sure to ask for that type of car when you book.
Can I drive a rental car to Canada? Yes, all major rental companies let you drive to Canada. Just tell them when you pick up the car. They will give you the free Canadian insurance card you need for the border. Some companies charge a small fee for crossing the border and you must return the car in the United States.
How are parking regulations enforced in Bellevue? Bellevue has officers who enforce parking rules in spots with time limits. Some street parking spaces turn into driving lanes during rush hour, so watch for signs that say "No Parking 3-6pm".
Is public transportation a viable alternative to renting a car? Public transit is a good way to get around Bellevue and to downtown Seattle. However, we recommend renting a car to explore natural areas, visit many places in one day or travel with family.
What should I do in case of a breakdown? You should call the rental company's roadside assistance. You can find the number on your rental contract. For emergencies on highways, WSDOT sends out response trucks to help drivers who are stuck.
Do I need chains in winter? You will probably not need chains inside Bellevue. However, authorities may require them for mountain passes in winter. If you have an AWD/4WD car with M+S (traction) tires, you are often exempt when signs say all-wheel drive is okay without chains. But you must still carry chains if the warning level is higher.