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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rental prices from top suppliers in Olympia, Washington with Road Genius. From compact cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find a wide selection of vehicles. Choose Sea-Tac Airport for round-the-clock pickup or a downtown Olympia office to skip airport surcharges, then hit US-101 or I-5 for trips to Seattle, Portland, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Peninsula. Reserve early for summer weekends and the legislative session to secure a wider selection and better rates.
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) | 24/7 operations, wider selection, major brands | Higher airport fees, 1-hour drive to Olympia |
| Olympia Local Offices | Avoid SEA airport fees, closer if already in Olympia | Limited hours (usually 8am-5pm weekdays, half-day Saturday, closed Sunday), smaller fleet |
Additional Location Notes:
On average, car rentals in Olympia cost around $87 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $25 per day.
Price both SEA Airport and downtown Olympia pickups. Airport fleets are bigger and sometimes cheaper on base rate, but SEA surcharges add up. Add in shuttle/bus costs before deciding.
Arrive by BoltBus, Greyhound or Amtrak, then rent locally. A $15–$25 ride from Seattle can beat several days of airport fees.
Book early only for high-demand windows (June–Aug tourists, Jan–Mar legislative session). Off-peak? Monitor last-minute drops instead of locking in months ahead.
Stick with a compact or midsize unless you truly need extra ground clearance. Main roads to the coast, Mt. Rainier and Seattle are paved and well-maintained, and smaller cars save 20-30 percent on rental and gas.
No special zones: Olympia has no congestion charge or emission zone
Standard state rules (yield to pedestrians, no handheld cell use)
A rental car lets you reach national parks, coastal towns and major cities beyond the local transit network.
Olympic National Park – rainforest, coast, lakes
Mount Rainier National Park – glaciers, wildflowers, trails
Ocean Shores – beaches, seafood
Seattle – waterfront, museums, stadiums
Do I need an SUV to explore the Olympic Peninsula from Olympia?
Not really. You can drive a standard car on most main roads on the Olympic Peninsula because they are in good shape. However, an SUV is helpful if you plan to explore forest roads, carry camping gear or travel during winter when the weather can be unpredictable.
What's the best way to visit Seattle from Olympia without dealing with parking?
You have two good choices. You can 1) Drive to a park-and-ride lot south of Seattle and take public transit into the city or 2) Drive to Tacoma and take the Sounder commuter train into Seattle. Both options help you skip downtown Seattle parking costs and traffic.
Are there any toll roads between Olympia and Seattle?
You won't find toll roads on the main I-5 highway between Olympia and Seattle. However, if you take other routes or head east toward Tacoma, you might have to pay a toll for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (going east only) or for express toll lanes on some highways.
What should I know about driving to Mt. Rainier from Olympia?
The drive from Olympia to Mt. Rainier takes about 2 hours on SR-7 through Elbe to the southwest park entrance. Road crews keep the roads in good shape, but they are winding. Between November 1 and May 1, you must carry tire chains to enter the park and you should always check road conditions before you leave. You also have to pay a fee to get into the park and some buildings close depending on the season.
Is it difficult to find parking in downtown Olympia?
No, it's pretty easy to find parking in downtown Olympia. You can park on most streets for free for up to 2 hours and there are also several public lots. On weekdays, parking spots fill up quickly near government buildings, but you can usually find other options a short walk away.
What's the best time to visit the Olympic Peninsula from Olympia?
Summer (June-September) is a great time because you'll get the most reliable weather and can access all park areas. However, if you visit in spring or fall, you'll find smaller crowds and see seasonal sights like wildflowers in spring and fall colors. You can also visit in winter, but the park will have closed some mountain roads and buildings.
How do I handle ferry travel with a rental car?
You can take a rental car on Washington State Ferries. From Olympia, the closest ferry terminal is in Bremerton, which is about an hour away. You will pay the fare for your car and for the driver at the terminal. During summer, try to arrive at least 60-90 minutes before the ferry leaves to get a spot, because you can't make reservations on most routes.
Where can I park when visiting the State Capitol campus?
The Capitol campus has special lots for visitors. You pay a small fee on weekdays, but parking is free on weekends. For Capitol tours, the easiest lot to use is off Capitol Way near the Temple of Justice. For weekend visits, you can use the Farmer's Market lot off Capitol Way for free parking and it's just a short walk away.
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