Car Rental Manassas, VA

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.