Car Rental Puyallup, WA

FAQs

When is the best time to visit the Washington State Fair, and how should I plan for parking? The Washington State Fair usually runs for about 20 to 21 days, starting around Labor Day weekend (late August/early September) and going into September. They also have a shorter Spring Fair in April. To find parking easily, you should get there before 10 AM on weekdays. You can also take the Sounder train from Seattle or Tacoma to skip parking completely, since the Puyallup station is a short walk from the fairgrounds. During the fair, more people rent cars so prices can go up.

Do I need an SUV or can I use a standard car in Puyallup? You can use a standard car for most driving in Puyallup. If you plan to visit Mount Rainier or other mountain areas, especially in the winter, an SUV will give you better ground clearance and stability. For driving in the city or on the highway, any type of car will work well. A larger vehicle might be helpful during the fair if you plan to buy big items.

How congested is traffic during the Washington State Fair? You'll find a lot more traffic on fair days, especially on Meridian (SR-161) near the fairgrounds and on weekend afternoons. The SR-512 exits to Puyallup can back up when it's busy. You should plan for extra travel time, use a navigation app for live updates or think about other routes like Shaw Road or coming in from the east side of town.

Where can I park in downtown Puyallup? You can find free street parking in downtown Puyallup for up to 2 hours on weekdays. Several public lots let you park for longer. During the fair, many lots change to paid parking for the event and they restrict street parking more in neighborhoods near the fairgrounds. You might need a permit to park in those areas.

Is it easy to drive to Seattle from Puyallup? Yes, you can easily drive to Seattle using SR-167 to I-405 or I-5. The drive usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Driving north during morning rush hour (7–9 AM) can add another 15 to 30 minutes to your trip. You can also take the Sounder commuter train on weekdays to avoid the traffic.

How do I avoid tolls when driving from Puyallup? SR-167 has high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in some spots. To avoid tolls, you just need to stay in the regular lanes instead of the express lane on the far left. You won't find any fixed toll booths on the routes from Puyallup to Seattle or Tacoma.

What's the best route to Mount Rainier from Puyallup? You should take Meridian (SR-161) south to Eatonville and then get on SR-7 to reach the Nisqually entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. This scenic drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Make sure to fill your gas tank in Puyallup or Eatonville, since there are no gas stations inside the park.

Are there any driving restrictions during the Washington State Fair? During the fair, the city puts up temporary parking restrictions and changes traffic patterns on several streets around the fairgrounds. In some neighborhoods, you will need a permit to park. You should follow the posted signs and think about using the designated fair parking lots or shuttle services from other areas.