Car Rental Kirkland, WA

FAQs

Is it worth renting at the airport versus in Kirkland?
If you're arriving at Sea-Tac Airport, you'll find it more convenient to rent your car there. The fees are higher, but you'll save on the cost of a ride to Kirkland, which is about $50–70 for a taxi or $45–60 for a rideshare. If you're already in Kirkland or just need a car for part of your stay, you can save money by renting locally. Make sure you compare all the costs, including transportation, before you decide.

How do I handle the SR-520 bridge toll with a rental car?
The SR-520 floating bridge between Seattle and the Eastside has an all-electronic toll system, so you won't find any cash booths. The state charges different rates depending on the time of day. It's about $2–$4 each way if you have a Good To Go! account, but Pay By Mail costs about $2 more. Your rental company will probably charge the toll to your credit card and add a service fee. To avoid the extra fees, you can pay the toll online yourself within 72 hours. Just go to the WSDOT Good To Go! website and use your license plate number.

Do I need an SUV for driving around Kirkland?
For normal city driving in and around Kirkland, a regular car will work just fine. You might want to get an SUV if you're visiting in the winter when it could snow, planning trips to mountain areas like Stevens Pass or Snoqualmie or carrying several passengers and luggage. Kirkland has some hills, but you can easily drive them in a standard car when the weather is normal.

Where's the best place to park when visiting downtown Kirkland?
You can find free street parking downtown, but it has time limits, usually 2–3 hours. If you plan to stay longer, you can use a public parking garage like the Library garage, which is free, or the Lake & Central garage. On sunny weekends, parking near the waterfront fills up fast. It's best to arrive before 11 a.m. to find a spot. You can also park a few blocks uphill and walk down.

How bad is traffic between Kirkland and Seattle?
Traffic between Kirkland and Seattle really depends on the time of day and which way you are heading. You'll find the worst traffic heading to Seattle in the morning (7–9 a.m.) and back to Kirkland in the evening (4–7 p.m.). Outside of these hours, the drive usually takes 20–30 minutes. You should plan for 45–60 minutes during rush hour. You will usually save time by taking the SR-520 toll bridge instead of the free I-90 route.

What's the best way to visit Woodinville wine country from Kirkland?
You can get to Woodinville's wine tasting rooms in just 15 minutes from Kirkland. Just take NE 124th Street or Juanita Drive to NE 145th Street. Most wineries open around 11 a.m. and close between 4–6 p.m. You should plan to have a designated driver, since police strictly enforce DUI laws there. Some wineries ask you to make reservations, especially on weekends. You will find the most tasting rooms in the Hollywood District and the Warehouse District.

Is parking expensive in Kirkland?
Unlike Seattle, you'll find that most parking in Kirkland is free, but it often has time limits in business areas. For example, people can usually only park on downtown streets for 2–3 hours during the day. You can park for longer in public garages for free. Shopping centers like Totem Lake and The Village at Totem Lake also have free parking for their customers. You will not have to pay much for parking unless there is a special event.

How do I avoid getting lost with Kirkland's neighborhood layout?
Kirkland has several connected neighborhoods like Downtown, Juanita, Totem Lake and Finn Hill. The layout can be confusing if it's your first visit. Here are a few tips to help you find your way: Lake Washington is on the western edge of the city and I-405 runs north-south through the eastern part. NE 85th Street is a major road going east-west and Market Street/100th Ave NE are main roads going north-south through the center. We suggest you use a GPS until you get to know the area.