






Road Genius makes it easy to find car rental offers in Falls Church. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Pick up your car on Route 7 or at Baileys Crossroads for rates typically 15 to 25 percent lower than the airports, then hit I-66 for a quick drive into Washington DC or toward Tysons Corner. From compact cars to family-size SUVs, see deals from the major brands and lock in a low rate before you arrive.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Seven Corners/Route 7 Area | • Multiple rental agencies • Near major shopping centers • Good highway access • Lower rates than D.C. |
• Limited hours (most open 8 AM-6 PM weekdays, shorter on weekends) • Traffic congestion during peak hours • No after-hours pickup |
| Broad Street/Route 7 Corridor | • Convenient to downtown Falls Church • Walking distance to Metro bus routes • Near restaurants and shops |
• Smaller vehicle selection • Limited weekend hours • Fewer specialty vehicles |
| Baileys Crossroads | • Multiple agencies represented • Near Columbia Pike and Route 7 • Close to shopping centers |
• Not walkable to Metro • Limited hours similar to other locations • Crowded commercial area |
On average, car rentals in Falls Church cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $34 per day.
Pick up in Falls Church, not the airport – suburban counters like Seven Corners or Baileys Crossroads run roughly 15-25 % cheaper and avoid airport surcharges.
Tinker with dates – weekend pickups or switching to a weekly rate (5-7 days) can knock dollars off the total, so compare both in the search.
Choose the smallest car that works – economy/compact models are the cheapest tier, sip less fuel, and fit D.C. parking spots.
Mix rental + Metro – keep the car only for out-of-town runs, then ride the Orange Line from East/West Falls Church to the monuments; fewer rental days = instant savings.
| Area | Type | Hours | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Falls Church | Street parking | Varies | Free with time limits | 2-hour limits in most areas; enforced Mon-Fri |
| Eden Center | Shopping center parking | Center hours | Free | Large Vietnamese marketplace with plenty of spaces |
| Seven Corners | Shopping center parking | Center hours | Free | Multiple shopping centers with designated areas |
| Metro stations | Park & Ride | Metro hours | Paid weekdays; free weekends | East Falls Church and West Falls Church stations |
| Washington D.C. | Public garages | Usually 24/7 | Varies | Early bird specials available at some locations |
| Mosaic District | Garage parking | Center hours | Free (validation may be required) | Modern retail district with structured spaces |
Speed limits: 25-35 mph in residential/commercial areas, 45-55 mph on main arteries, 55-65 mph on highways
HOV restrictions:
Key regulations:
Get a car so you can see:
Washington D.C. landmarks – National Mall, Smithsonian museums
Great Falls Park – Potomac River overlooks
Tysons Corner – malls, dining districts
Old Town Alexandria – King Street, Torpedo Factory

What's the best strategy for visiting Washington D.C. from Falls Church?
Most visitors find a mix of driving and public transport works best: Drive to East Falls Church Metro station, park there ($5 weekdays, free weekends) and take the Orange Line into the city. This helps you avoid D.C. traffic and expensive parking ($20-30/day). If you must drive into D.C., go early (before 9 AM), use a parking app to reserve a spot in advance and consider parking near the National Mall.
How do I navigate the complicated Seven Corners intersection?
Seven Corners is well-known for being a confusing spot where many roads come together. Here are some key tips: 1) Stay in the correct lane well ahead of time by following overhead signs, 2) Use a GPS that shows you which lane to be in, 3) Avoid changing lanes in the middle of the intersection, 4) If you miss your turn, just keep going and let your GPS find a new route instead of making a dangerous last-minute move. The area gets very crowded during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM).
Is it better to rent a car in Falls Church or at nearby airports?
Rental places in Falls Church usually offer rates 15-25% lower than Reagan National (DCA) or Dulles (IAD) airports and they don't add airport surcharges. If you're staying in Northern Virginia, you can get a good deal in Falls Church. However, if you're arriving at an airport, you should add the cost of a taxi or rideshare to get to the rental car location in Falls Church (about $20-30 from DCA or $40-50 from IAD).
How do I handle the I-66 HOV restrictions and tolls?
I-66 inside the Beltway is a toll road during peak hours (eastbound 5:30-9:30 AM and westbound 3-7 PM on weekdays). If you have 3 or more people in your car (HOV-3+), you can drive for free if you use an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode. Otherwise, you must pay a toll that changes from $5 to $40 depending on how much traffic there is. Rental companies can give you an E-ZPass transponder for an extra daily fee. Outside of peak hours, I-66 inside the Beltway is free for everyone to use.
What should I know about parking in Falls Church?
In downtown Falls Church, you can find free street parking, but most spots have a 2-hour limit on weekdays. Shopping centers like Eden Center and Seven Corners let you park for free while you shop there. For Metro station parking, both East Falls Church and West Falls Church stations charge about $5 on weekdays (it's free on weekends) but their lots fill up early on workdays. Most neighborhoods have parking rules for people who don't live there.
How far in advance should I reserve a rental car in Falls Church?
You should try to book your rental car 2-3 weeks ahead of time for most of the year. However, during Cherry Blossom season (late March to early April), government transitions (January) or major events like inaugurations, you should book 1-2 months ahead. Rental places in Falls Church don't have a lot of cars, so they can get fully booked when it's busy.
Are there any unique driving challenges in the Falls Church area?
Besides the Seven Corners intersection we already talked about, you'll find other traffic challenges in Falls Church: 1) Route 7 (Leesburg Pike/Broad Street) gets very busy during rush hours, 2) The ramps to get onto I-66 and I-495 back up often, 3) It can be hard to make a left turn across busy main roads without a green arrow. It helps to be patient and allow extra time, especially during peak hours.
Where can I find the best fuel prices before returning my rental?
You can find many gas stations along the main roads in Falls Church. For good prices, check stations along Route 50 (Arlington Blvd) or Route 7 (Leesburg Pike). Warehouse clubs like Costco (you need a membership) usually offer lower prices. You can use apps like GasBuddy to find the best current prices. Give yourself extra time to get gas if you're returning the car during rush hour, since the entrances and exits at gas stations can get backed up.