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Finding a car rental in Manassas is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across Virginia with no booking fees. Choose from compact cars for touring Civil War sites to roomy SUVs for Shenandoah runs, pick up near Sudley Road, Old Town, or the Battlefield shopping strip and enjoy rates that often sit well below Washington D.C. prices.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Sudley Road/Route 234 Area | • Multiple rental agencies • Near Manassas Mall • Easy access to I-66 • Lower rates than D.C. area |
• Limited hours (usually 8 AM-6 PM weekdays, shorter on weekends) • No after-hours pickup • Smaller fleet than airport locations |
| Old Town Manassas/Downtown | • Convenient to historic district • Walking distance from VRE commuter train • Near restaurants and shops |
• Fewer rental agencies • Limited vehicle selection • Restricted weekend hours • Street parking limitations |
| Battlefield Shopping Area | • Good highway access • Near Manassas National Battlefield • Adjacent to retail and dining |
• Limited agency options • Transportation needed to reach location • May require advance reservations |
On average, car rentals in Manassas cost around $66 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $39 per day.
Pick up in Manassas, not D.C. or the airports – suburban locations (especially along Sudley Rd/Route 234) run about 20-30 % cheaper and skip the big airport surcharges.
Play with your dates and length – weekend and weekday prices are often similar here; if you'll need the car 5+ days, a weekly rate can beat the daily math.
Reserve earlier only when demand spikes – book 3-4 weeks ahead for summer, fall foliage or big Jiffy Lube Live concerts; otherwise 1-2 weeks is usually plenty and lets you watch for price drops.
Stick to an economy or compact – every major battlefield, winery and park road is paved, parking is tight in Old Town, and smaller cars are the cheapest to rent and fuel.
Refuel on Sudley Rd before drop-off – local gas stations are much cheaper than the $9-10/gal "we'll fill it for you" rate.
Skip the toll transponder unless you're hitting I-66 inside the Beltway – most Manassas day-trips avoid toll roads, so that $5-10/day add-on is often wasted cash.
| Area | Type | Hours | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Manassas | Street parking | Varies | Free with time limits | 2–3 hour limits in most areas; enforced weekdays |
| Old Town Manassas | Public lots/garages | 24/7 | Free (time limits vary) | Several municipal lots available for visitors |
| Manassas Mall | Mall parking | Mall hours | Free | Abundant throughout property |
| Manassas National Battlefield | Park lots | Park hours | Free with admission | Multiple lots at visitor center and key battlefield sites |
| VRE Station | Commuter parking | 24/7 | Paid weekdays, free on weekends | Limited spaces; fills early on weekdays |
| Shopping centers | Center parking | Center hours | Free | Ample parking at Manassas Mall and surrounding retail areas |
HOV restrictions:
Key regulations:
Book a rental to easily:
Manassas National Battlefield – Civil War sites
Washington D.C. – museums and monuments
Shenandoah National Park – Blue Ridge vistas
Virginia Wine Country – vineyards and tastings
Jiffy Lube Live – outdoor concerts
Prince William Forest Park – hiking trails
Is it better to rent a car in Manassas or Washington D.C.?
You can find rental rates in Manassas that are 20-30% lower than in downtown D.C. or at the airport, and you won't pay airport surcharges. If you're staying in the Virginia suburbs, Manassas is a good value. However, if you plan to spend most of your time in downtown D.C., you should weigh the driving time and parking costs against the rental savings. If you want to see both battlefields and D.C. attractions, Manassas makes a great home base.
What's the best strategy for visiting Washington D.C. from Manassas?
On weekdays, many people take the VRE commuter train from downtown Manassas to Union Station in D.C. to avoid traffic and parking costs. The train only runs on weekdays and has a limited schedule. If you drive, try to go early (before 6 AM) or late (after 9:30 AM) to miss I-66 restrictions and heavy traffic. You can also park at a Metro station farther out, like Vienna, or use a parking app to find cheap garages downtown.
How do I tour the Manassas National Battlefield Park?
The park has a well-marked driving tour that takes you to key locations. You should start at the Visitor Center to get oriented and grab a map. The main tour is about 13 miles (21 km) long and includes stops that explain the history. Most roads are paved, but some sections are gravel. Any vehicle can drive on them. Plan on 2-3 hours for the whole tour. You will need to park your car and walk to see the Henry Hill Visitor Center area.
Do I need an SUV for visiting local attractions?
A standard car works for most attractions in the Manassas area. The battlefield roads, even the unpaved parts, are well-maintained. Any car can handle them in good weather. Prince William Forest Park has some narrow roads, but they are all paved. An SUV might be more comfortable on rural roads or in winter weather, but you don't need one for a regular visit.
How far in advance should I reserve a rental car in Manassas?
Most of the time, you only need to book a car 1-2 weeks ahead of your trip. However, you should reserve 3-4 weeks ahead for the summer tourist season, for fall colors in October and when major concerts are at Jiffy Lube Live. Rental companies in Manassas have a limited number of cars, and they can sell out when it's busy.
What should I know about navigating Old Town Manassas?
The historic downtown area has some one-way streets and railroad crossings that might delay you for a bit. Parking is usually free, but there are time limits on weekdays. Once you've parked, the area is small and easy to walk through. During festivals and events, you may find extra parking lots with shuttles running to the main area. The train station can get crowded during VRE commuter hours in the early morning and late afternoon.
Are there any toll roads around Manassas?
You won't find any toll roads right around Manassas. However, if you drive toward Washington D.C., I-66 inside the Beltway charges tolls during peak hours for cars without multiple passengers. The Dulles Toll Road also charges tolls if you are heading to Dulles Airport. If you plan to drive in these areas, ask your rental company how they handle toll payments.
What's the best approach for attending concerts at Jiffy Lube Live?
This large outdoor venue causes very heavy traffic before and after events. You should plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours before the show to avoid the worst traffic and get a parking spot. Parking costs about $30-40 per car. You might find cheaper parking at businesses nearby. After the concert, be ready for long delays getting out of the area. We suggest booking a hotel in Manassas instead of driving back to D.C. after a show.
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