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Finding a car rental in Pasco is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands around Washington State with no booking fees. Pick up at Tri-Cities Airport or a nearby off-airport office, then roll straight to Walla Walla wine country, Palouse Falls or anywhere across the Columbia Basin on your own schedule.
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) | On-site rental companies, convenient terminal location | Airport fees, slightly higher rates than off-airport |
| Off-airport locations in Kennewick/Richland | Lower rates possible, avoid airport fees | Require transportation to reach, limited hours |
Additional Location Notes:
On average, car rentals in Pasco cost around $46 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Check both PSC airport and off-airport quotes. Off-airport desks in Kennewick/Richland can be about 10-15 % cheaper. Even after a short Uber ride you may still come out ahead.
Avoid the wine-harvest rush (Aug-Oct) and big summer events. If you must travel then, lock in a car 2-3 weeks early. The rest of the year, prices are steady so you can compare closer to pickup.
Shift your pickup to midweek. In Pasco daily rates often dip on Tuesday–Thursday and you'll beat the weekend crowds at the tiny PSC counters.
Grab weekly or prepaid deals if you're staying 5+ days. Weekly pricing and pay-now options regularly slice 10-15 % off the total as long as your plans are firm.
Filter for smaller, fuel-friendly cars. Most Tri-Cities drives are flat freeway, so an economy model saves on both rental rate and gas for that Spokane or Portland run.
Stack any memberships or coupon codes. AAA, AARP or corporate IDs frequently work here—add them in our comparison tool and watch the total drop.
Downtown Pasco offers mostly unrestricted street parking
Speed limits: 70 mph on I-82 and I-182 freeways, 60 mph on smaller highways and 25-35 mph in town
A rental lets you comfortably reach the Tri-Cities highlights and the wider Eastern Washington scenery.
Walla Walla wine country – US-12 wineries
Palouse Falls State Park – waterfall overlooks
Yakima Valley – vineyards, farm stands
Columbia River recreation areas – Sacajawea State Park, trails
Is a car necessary in the Tri-Cities area?
Yes, you really need a car to get around the Tri-Cities region. The area is spread out across three cities and public transportation is limited. You can't easily get to major attractions like wineries, outdoor recreation areas and shopping districts without your own car.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas?
A standard sedan or compact car will work just fine for most Tri-Cities travel. The roads are usually in good shape and wide. If you plan to visit more remote areas like Palouse Falls or travel on gravel roads to certain wineries, an SUV might be more comfortable. In winter, an SUV can give you better stability on snow or ice.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Pasco?
The Tri-Cities is a mid-sized market, so rental car demand doesn't change too much. You can usually find a car even at the last minute. However, we recommend you book 2–3 weeks ahead to get the best prices and choices, especially if you visit during summer or the wine harvest season (August–October).
Are there any toll roads in the Tri-Cities area?
No, you won't find any toll roads in the Tri-Cities area. You can drive across all the bridges for free, including the Cable Bridge and Blue Bridge connecting the cities, and the highways do not have tolls.
What should I know about driving in extreme heat during summer?
In the summer, temperatures often reach 90–100 °F (32–38 °C) and sometimes get even higher. Make sure your rental's air conditioning works well. Try to park in the shade or use a windshield sunshade. Don't leave children, pets or heat-sensitive items in the car. Bring water along, especially for longer drives outside the city.
Can I drive my rental car to neighboring states like Oregon or Idaho?
Yes, most rental companies in Pasco will let you drive to nearby states. Oregon is just across the Columbia River and Idaho is about 130 miles (209 km) east. You should always ask about any driving area limits when you pick up your car.
Are there any driving challenges unique to the Tri-Cities area?
Driving in the area is usually straightforward. Some challenges you might find include:
What's the best driving route for wine tasting from Pasco?
For a day of wine tasting, you can drive to Red Mountain AVA (about 15 minutes from Pasco) to visit some great wineries. Or, you can take US-12 about an hour east to Walla Walla wine country, where they have dozens of tasting rooms. You'll find the roads to both places are well-kept and have clear signs.
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