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Compare rental car prices from top suppliers in Stafford with Road Genius. From affordable cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Renting in Stafford County often costs 20–30 percent less than picking up in Washington DC or at the airports and puts you right on I-95 for quick trips to Quantico, Fredericksburg and Richmond. Book early if you need an SUV or minivan, as the local fleets can sell out during busy summer and holiday weekends.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Garrisonville/Route 610 Area | • Major rental agencies represented • Near I-95 and shopping centers • Convenient to Quantico Marine Base • Lower rates than D.C. area |
• Limited hours (usually 8 AM-6 PM weekdays, shorter on weekends) • No after-hours pickup • Smaller fleet than urban locations |
| Stafford Marketplace | • Central location • Near restaurants and retail • Easy access to Route 17 and I-95 |
• Fewer rental agencies • Limited vehicle selection • Restricted weekend hours |
| Southern Stafford/Falmouth | • Near historic areas • Convenient to Fredericksburg • Generally lower rates |
• Very limited agency options • Transportation needed to reach location • Smallest vehicle selection |
On average, car rentals in Stafford (VA) cost around $60 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $37 per day.
Pick up in Stafford, not D.C. Rates here run about 20-30 % lower than airport or downtown locations and there are no airport surcharges.
Compare Garrisonville vs. Falmouth depots in the search—sometimes a 10-minute drive can save another few bucks because each branch has its own pricing.
Reserve 1-3 weeks ahead only for peak summer or big events. Outside those times Stafford fleets rarely sell out, so last-minute deals pop up.
Stick with economy/compact unless you truly need space. They're the cheapest class and fine for the I-95 / Route 1 runs most visitors do.
Top up gas on Route 610 before drop-off. Stations there are cheaper than near I-95 on-ramps and way cheaper than the rental company's $9-10/gal refill.
Skip the daily Express Lanes transponder fee unless you'll hit the I-95 Express Lanes often. Regular lanes are free and only add serious time during rush hours.
| Area | Type | Hours | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stafford Marketplace | Shopping center parking | Center hours | Free | Abundant throughout property |
| Quantico Marine Base | Base parking | Base hours | Free with access | Visitor passes required; restricted areas |
| Stafford Hospital | Hospital parking | 24/7 | Free | Short-term and visitor spots available |
| Government Center | County parking | Government hours | Free | Multiple lots with time restrictions |
| Commuter lots | Park & Ride | 24/7 | Free | Located along I-95; fills early on weekdays |
| Fredericksburg historic area | Street/garage parking | Varies | Varies | Best option for visiting nearby historic sites |
| Shopping centers | Retail parking | Center hours | Free | Ample spots at Stafford Marketplace and Towne Centre |
Speed limits: 25–35 mph in residential areas, 45–55 mph on main roads, 65–70 mph on I-95
HOV/Express Lanes:
Key regulations:
Book a car rental to get to:
Quantico Marine Corps Base – visitor center, National Museum of the Marine Corps
Fredericksburg – Civil War battlefields, downtown
Lake Anna State Park – beach, boating
Kings Dominion – roller coasters, family rides
How do I handle the notorious I-95 traffic through Stafford County?
People often say I-95 through Stafford has some of the worst traffic in America. Here are some ways to handle it: 1) Travel during off-peak hours. Avoid going north from 5-9 AM and south from 3-7 PM on weekdays. 2) Use the Express Lanes if you're willing to pay a toll or if you have 3 or more people in your car. 3) Think about taking Route 1 when there are bad traffic jams. 4) Use a traffic app like Waze to check live traffic and find other routes.
Is it better to rent a car in Stafford or Washington D.C.?
You can usually find rental car rates in Stafford that are 20-30% lower than in downtown D.C. or at the airport, and you won't have to pay airport fees. If you're staying in Virginia, renting in Stafford is a good deal. But if you plan to spend most of your time in central D.C., you should weigh the long drive against the money you save. If you plan to visit military bases, enjoy the outdoors and make a few trips to D.C., Stafford is a great place to rent your car.
What's required to visit Quantico Marine Corps Base?
To get on the Quantico base, all visitors must show a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport. Security staff might search your vehicle at the gate. You can visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which is right outside the base, without needing to get on the base itself. Only certain people are allowed in some areas of the base. If you are visiting from another country, you should check the current rules because you might need to bring extra documents or give them notice before you visit.
How do the I-95 Express Lanes work?
The Express Lanes go through Stafford County and head north toward Washington D.C. To use them, you need an E-ZPass transponder. If you have three or more people in your car, you can drive on them for free using an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode. Otherwise, you pay a toll that changes based on how heavy the traffic is. Rental car companies can give you an E-ZPass for an extra fee each day. Keep in mind that the entry and exit points are limited. You can't get on or off the Express Lanes at every regular I-95 exit.
What's the best strategy for visiting Washington D.C. from Stafford?
For the easiest trip, we suggest you drive to the Franconia-Springfield Metro station, which is about 30 minutes north of Stafford. You can park there for about $5 a day on weekdays (it's often free on weekends) and then take the Metro into the city. This way, you'll avoid D.C. traffic and parking problems. If you drive directly, try to leave very early (before 5:30 AM) to miss the worst traffic. You could also use the I-95 Express Lanes for a more predictable trip.
Are there any toll roads around Stafford?
The main toll road in Stafford County is the I-95 Express Lanes. These lanes charge tolls that change based on how much traffic there is, costing anywhere from $5 to $40 depending on how far you go and how busy the road is. The regular lanes on I-95 are still free. If you travel farther north, you might run into other toll roads like the Dulles Toll Road or I-66 inside the Beltway, which charges tolls during busy hours.
How far in advance should I reserve a rental car in Stafford?
Most of the year, you should be fine if you reserve your car 1-2 weeks ahead of time. But during the busy summer season from June to August or when big events are happening nearby, you should book 2-3 weeks in advance. The rental companies in Stafford have a limited number of cars, and they can run out during busy times. This is especially true if you want a specific type of vehicle like an SUV or a minivan.
What should I know about driving to Kings Dominion amusement park from Stafford?
Kings Dominion is about 50 miles (80 km) south of Stafford on I-95. Without traffic, the drive takes 45-60 minutes, but it can take as long as 75-90 minutes on summer weekends and holidays. Try to avoid driving south on I-95 on Saturday mornings and north on Sunday evenings. That's when park traffic adds to the regular weekend travel. The park charges for parking, around $30-35 for each car, so remember to budget for that. You might want to visit on a weekday, when there's less traffic and the lines in the park are shorter.
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