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Compare car hire prices from top brands in Washington DC with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Reagan National (DCA), Dulles (IAD), Union Station or downtown and compare rates as off-airport locations often have fewer fees and shorter queues. For Cherry Blossom season or day trips to Shenandoah or Annapolis, book early for lower prices and better availability.
| Pickup Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Reagan National Airport (DCA) | • Immediate access upon arrival • Extended service hours (5:30am-midnight) • Large vehicle selection on-site |
• Approximately 18% higher cost due to airport fees • Extra taxes/surcharges • Long queues during peak flight arrivals • Some "on-airport" rentals still require shuttle |
| Dulles Airport (IAD) | • All major companies present • Good option if arriving internationally • Some agencies operate late hours |
• 26 miles from downtown DC • All rentals require shuttle ride to lot • Busy counters when international flights arrive • Allow extra time for shuttle return |
| Union Station | • Already in the city centre • Convenient for train/bus arrivals • No shuttle needed - cars are in the attached garage |
• Limited hours (7:30am-6pm) • No after-hours pickup or return • Smaller inventory than airports • Busy garage during rush hours |
| Downtown Locations | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Good for exploring the city first without a car • Often shorter queues |
• Limited hours (8am-6pm) • No late-night pickups • Must travel to pickup location |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Washington DC cost around USD $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from USD $22 per day.
Compare pickup spots. Airport rentals in DC are about 18% pricier with extra fees. Check downtown or Union Station, and nearby Virginia locations where taxes can be lower. Watch for limited city hours.
Time it to DC’s seasons. Cherry Blossom and summer are busy, so lock a refundable rate early and re-check prices. In Jan–Feb, rates are roughly 28% lower and can drop closer to pickup.
Leverage weekends. Weekend rentals in DC often cost less. Shifting pickup to Friday and return to Monday can beat midweek prices.
Rent only for the days you need. Use Metro for city sightseeing, then grab a car for day trips. If returning late, pick an airport location to avoid an extra day because many downtown desks close early.
Street Parking:
Parking Garages:
Driving Regulations:
Extensive automated enforcement through cameras for:
Great Falls Park – parking lots, overlooks
Mount Vernon – GW Parkway, parking
Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum
Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive, 35 mph limit, $30 vehicle fee
Annapolis, MD – Chesapeake Bay, city garages
Chesapeake Bay Bridge – Maryland's Eastern Shore, $2.50 toll
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Washington DC? DC and the states around it don't require an IDP if your licence is in English or you have an English translation for it. You can legally drive using your foreign licence as a visitor. You should carry your home country's licence and your passport for ID.
What is the best time to pick up a rental car to avoid queues? You'll usually find shorter queues if you go mid-day or mid-week. By mid-afternoon, rental agencies have sorted out the morning returns and have more cars ready. They also haven't hit the evening rush yet.
Are there any free parking options in Washington DC? You can find about 400 free spots at Hains Point (East Potomac Park), but you should check the signs for any time limits. Many residential streets offer free parking on Sundays and federal holidays. Some areas also have free parking in the evenings after the parking inspectors finish work.
How do I handle camera-issued tickets with a rental car? The authorities will mail any camera tickets to the rental company. The company will then charge the fine to the credit card you used for the rental and add a service fee. It's best to follow all speed limits and traffic signals because DC uses a lot of automatic cameras to catch drivers.
Can I drive a rental car into other states? Yes, most rental companies in the DC area give you unlimited mileage and let you travel to nearby states. Major companies like Enterprise, Avis and Hertz let you drive to other states, but it's a good idea to tell them if you plan to drive far from the local area.
What should I do if I'm returning a rental car outside of business hours? You can return cars after hours at airport locations. Just park the car in the special return area and leave the keys in the drop box. Most places downtown, including Union Station, do not let you return cars after hours. If you need to return your car late, you should ask the rental company what to do beforehand.
Is it necessary to rent a car for my entire Washington DC visit? Not really. You could just rent a car for the days you plan to travel outside the city. The city centre is easy to walk around and has good public transport. You might save money if you use the Metro for sightseeing in the city and only rent a car for trips out of town.
What fees should I expect beyond the base rental rate? The rental company will likely add extra fees to your bill. These can include sales tax (10.25% in DC), airport concession recovery fees, facility charges, a charge for not refilling the fuel, young driver fees (for ages 21-24), additional driver fees and electronic toll administrative fees.
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