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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental car prices from top companies at Reagan National Airport (DCA) with Road Genius. Find vehicles from affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans. Pick up your ride steps from the terminal in Garage A or via a quick shuttle to nearby suppliers, then hit the George Washington Parkway for a 15-minute drive into downtown DC.
| Rental Company | Location | Hours | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, Sixt | On-airport (Parking Garage A) | Usually 5:30am-midnight | Access by shuttle or 10-15 minute walk from terminals |
| Avis, Budget | Off-site (nearby) | Usually 6:00am-midnight | Dedicated shuttles from Terminal 2 (outer curb at Door 3/8) |
Getting to the Rental Car Center:
Walking: Follow signs towards Parking Garage A – approximately 10-15 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2
For off-site companies: Look for company-specific shuttles at designated pickup areas
On average, car rentals at Ronald Reagan National Airport cost around $54 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Compare on-airport vs Crystal City pickups – off-airport desks within a mile often skip the 18 % airport fee. A quick walk or $10 rideshare can offset the hassle.
Shift your dates – weekend pickups (Fri–Mon) usually price lower than mid-week starts. Tweaking by a day can drop the total fast.
Look at "weekly" rates even for 4–5 days – many DCA suppliers cap the 7-day price lower than 5 separate daily charges.
Same-city one-way hack – grab the car downtown and return at DCA (or vice versa). Inside the DC metro most brands waive the one-way fee so you avoid taxi/Metro costs.
Fill up on Route 1 in Crystal City – stations there undercut airport pumps by up to $1/gal. Top off before re-entering the garage.
Join the free loyalty club – members often see hidden discounts and skip the counter line, saving both cash and 20-30 minutes.
Airport Parking Options:
Driving Regulations Near DCA:
Navigating from DCA:
Airport exits lead to either:
Is there a shuttle from the terminal to the rental car center? Yes, a free "Rental Car/Parking" shuttle picks people up regularly outside the baggage claim areas of each terminal. You can also walk to the rental center in Parking Garage A in about 10 to 15 minutes by following the pedestrian walkway.
How long should I allow for picking up a rental car at DCA? Plan for about 30 minutes during normal times and up to 45 to 60 minutes during peak times (like late morning to early afternoon or Sunday evenings). This time includes the shuttle ride, waiting at the counter and checking your car.
Can I return my DCA rental car after hours? Yes, all companies let you return cars after hours. Just park in the marked return area, fill out the rental envelope and put the keys in the drop box. Someone is at the return lot starting at 4:30 a.m. for early flight drop-offs.
Are there any restrictions on where I can drive a car rented from DCA? Most companies give you unlimited mileage and let you drive throughout the DC metro area, including Maryland and Virginia. You can usually travel to other states, but you should tell the rental company if you plan to drive long distances.
What's the most efficient way to reach downtown DC from the DCA rental center? Take the George Washington Parkway north to the 14th Street Bridge (I-395). This drive takes about 15 minutes without traffic but can be 30 minutes or more during rush hour. You can also take the Memorial Bridge, which connects to the Lincoln Memorial area.
Are there tolls between DCA and downtown DC? No, there are no tolls on the direct roads between DCA and downtown DC. However, if you plan to drive to Maryland on I-495 or use the Dulles Toll Road, you will pass through electronic tolls. The rental company will get the bill and then charge you for the tolls plus a service fee, unless you have your own E-ZPass or sign up for the rental company's toll program.
How far in advance should I book a rental car from DCA? For a regular car, you should book 2 to 3 weeks before your trip. During busy seasons (like the Cherry Blossom Festival and summer holidays) or for special cars (like minivans or premium cars), it's a good idea to book 1 to 2 months ahead. This helps you get the car you want at a better rate.
Is it cheaper to rent from DCA or downtown DC locations? Renting from a downtown DC location is usually 15 to 20 percent cheaper than renting from DCA because of lower airport fees and taxes. However, picking up your car right at the airport is more convenient and saves you transportation money into the city. This can make up for the price difference, especially for short-term rentals.
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