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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Fairfax. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Suburban pickup spots such as Fair Oaks Mall or Fairfax Circle are usually 15 to 25 percent cheaper than airport counters and still put you within a half hour drive of Washington D.C.. Book two to three weeks ahead, especially around Cherry Blossom season or George Mason graduation, to lock in low rates.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fair Oaks Mall Area | • Multiple rental agencies • Near I-66 and Route 50 • Adjacent to shopping and dining • Lower rates than airports |
• Limited hours (often 8 AM-6 PM weekdays, shorter on weekends) • No after-hours pickup • Traffic congestion during mall peak hours |
| Fairfax Circle/City Center | • Convenient to Old Town Fairfax • Close to George Mason University • Good public transit connections |
• Smaller vehicle selection • Limited weekend hours • Fewer luxury or specialty options |
| Route 50/29 Corridor | • Easy highway access • Near business districts • Multiple agencies represented |
• Not walkable to downtown • Limited hours similar to other locations • May require transportation to reach |
On average, car rentals in Fairfax cost around $69 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Compare Fairfax neighborhood pickups vs. airports – suburban branches are usually 15-25 % cheaper and skip airport surcharges.
Toggle pickup and return dates – in Fairfax weekend rates can dip below weekday prices, so run quotes for Fri-Mon vs. Mon-Fri to spot the sweet spot.
Mix car + Metro – drive to the Vienna Metro Park & Ride ($5 weekdays, free weekends) and train into D.C. instead of paying $20-30/day for city parking.
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for peak events (Cherry Blossoms, GMU graduation, inaugurations) but 2-3 weeks is fine the rest of the year.
| Area | Type | Hours | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Fairfax | Street parking | Varies | Free with time limits | 2-3 hour limits in most areas; enforced weekdays |
| Old Town Fairfax | Public garages/lots | 24/7 | Free or hourly fee | Old Town Square Garage main option for visitors |
| Fair Oaks Mall | Mall parking | Mall hours | Free | Abundant throughout property; avoid no-parking zones |
| George Mason University | Visitor lots | 7 AM-10 PM weekdays | Paid (visitor lot rates posted onsite) | Limited visitor spaces; use designated visitor lots only |
| Metro stations | Park and Ride | Metro hours | Paid on weekdays; free on weekends | Vienna Metro most convenient to Fairfax |
| Mosaic District | Garage parking | Center hours | Free (validation may be required) | Modern retail district with structured parking |
Speed limits: 25-35 mph in residential and commercial areas, 45-55 mph on main arteries, 55-65 mph on highways
HOV restrictions:
Key regulations:
Get a car rental so you can see:
Washington D.C. – National Mall, Smithsonian museums
Mount Vernon – George Washington estate
Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge views
Arlington National Cemetery – memorials, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Is it better to rent a car in Fairfax or at Washington D.C. airports?
You can often find rental rates in Fairfax that are 15-25% lower than at Reagan National (DCA) or Dulles (IAD) airports and they don't have airport fees. If you're staying in the Virginia suburbs, renting in Fairfax is a good value and very convenient. But, if you plan to spend most of your time in downtown D.C., you should figure out if the money you save on the rental car makes up for the cost of travel to and from the Fairfax rental office.
How do I handle the complex HOV and toll rules in Northern Virginia?
Northern Virginia has a few different toll lane systems. On I-66 inside the Beltway, you now need three or more people in your car (HOV-3+) or you have to pay a toll during rush hour (eastbound in the mornings and westbound in the evenings). On the I-495 and I-95 Express Lanes, every driver needs an E-ZPass. If you have three or more people in your car, you can drive for free if you use an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode. Other drivers pay tolls that change. Everyone has to pay a toll on the Dulles Toll Road. Most rental companies will let you rent a toll pass for an extra fee each day.
What's the best strategy for visiting Washington D.C. from Fairfax?
For most visitors, the best plan is to drive to the Vienna Metro station on the Orange Line. You can park there for about $5 on weekdays or for free on weekends and then take the Metro into the city. This way, you avoid D.C. traffic and expensive parking ($20-30/day). If you have to drive into D.C., go early (before 9 AM), use a parking app to book a spot ahead of time and be ready for one-way streets and traffic circles.
Do I need an SUV or can I use a compact car in Fairfax?
A compact or midsize car will work for most things you need to do in the Fairfax area. The roads are in good shape and you'll find the parkway-style highways are easy to drive on in any car. If you visit during the winter months (December-February) when it might snow, you might feel more comfortable in a small SUV. But it's not a must-have because the city clears the main roads quickly after storms.
How far in advance should I reserve a rental car in Fairfax?
For most times of the year, you should be fine if you reserve your car 2-3 weeks ahead of time. But, during Cherry Blossom season (late March-early April), government transitions (January) or major events like inaugurations, you should book it 1-2 months ahead. George Mason University's graduation weekend in May also creates a high demand for cars specifically in Fairfax.
What should I know about parking at George Mason University?
It's hard to find visitor parking at GMU and they enforce the rules strictly. You should only use the lots marked for visitors, which charge about $5/hour or $14-$16/day. For short visits, you can find metered spaces near the Johnson Center. During special events like graduation or performances, they open up extra lots and charge event parking fees. Never park in spaces for faculty/staff or students unless you have the right permit.
How do the Express Lanes work on I-495 and I-95?
Express Lanes are toll lanes where the price changes depending on how much traffic there is. You need an E-ZPass to use them. On I-495 (Capital Beltway), the Express Lanes run between Springfield and the Dulles Toll Road. On I-95, they go from near the Beltway south toward Fredericksburg. If you have 3 or more people in your car, you can drive on them for free. You just need to use an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode. If you don't have the pass, cameras will take a picture of your license plate. The rental company will get a bigger toll bill in the mail and will also charge you extra fees.
Where are the best places to refuel before returning my rental?
You can find many gas stations along the main roads in Fairfax. If you're returning your car near Fair Oaks Mall, you'll see several stations along Route 50 (Lee Jackson Memorial Highway). For returns in downtown Fairfax, you have options along Main Street and Chain Bridge Road. To get the best prices, you can check stations on Route 29 (Lee Highway) or go to a members-only warehouse club like Costco (you need a membership) off Monument Drive.
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