EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car at Union Station is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in Washington DC with no booking fees. Grab your keys steps from the Amtrak platforms and hit Massachusetts Avenue in minutes, often at lower rates than the airports. Check real-time deals from Avis, Hertz, Enterprise and more to lock in the right car for sightseeing around the National Mall or day-tripping to Annapolis.
| Rental Company | Location | Hours | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis/Budget | Mezzanine level | 7:30am-6pm (weekdays) 8am-4pm (weekends) |
Cars in Union Station parking garage |
| Hertz | Main hall | 7:30am-6pm (weekdays) Shorter hours on weekends |
Cars in attached garage |
| Enterprise, National, Alamo | In or adjacent to station complex | 7:30am-6pm (weekdays) 8am-4pm (weekends) |
Cars in H Street garage |
| Sixt | Station complex | Varies by day | Check current hours on website |
Key Station Rental Information:
On average, car rentals in Chicago Union Station cost around $66 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $25 per day.
Compare Union Station vs. airport rates – downtown pickups dodge airport concession fees, often 15-20 % cheaper even after DC's 10.25 % tax. Add up the savings vs. the Metro/rideshare cost to the airport to see which wins.
Start the rental only when you leave the city – sightsee DC on foot/Metro first, then grab the car. Dropping just one rental day can save $60-$120.
Aim for mid-week or weekend promos – Tuesday-Thursday pickups face lighter demand and some agencies push last-minute weekend specials that slash daily prices.
Check weekly pricing even for 5-6 days – flat weekly rates at Union Station can beat stacked daily rates by 10-30 %. Do the math before clicking "reserve."
Union Station Parking:
Nearby Driving Regulations:
Navigating from Union Station:
Exit options include:
What are the advantages of renting from Union Station instead of the airport? Renting from Union Station usually costs 15–20 percent less than airport locations because the companies don't have to pay airport fees. Its central location lets you explore Washington, DC without a car first and then rent one only for the days you need it. If you arrive by train, it's also convenient because you won't need another ride to get to the rental counter.
Can I pick up a car at Union Station and return it to an airport? Yes. Most rental companies let you do one-way rentals between Union Station and Reagan National (DCA) or Dulles International (IAD). They often have no extra charge or only a small drop fee. This is useful if you fly out but arrive by train, or if you need to return the car after Union Station's business hours.
What happens if my train arrives after the rental counter closes? You will need to wait until the counter reopens the next day. The rental companies don't offer after-hours pickup at Union Station. If this is a problem, you can take a taxi or rideshare to your hotel and rent a car the next day. You could also arrange to pick up your car at DCA, since they stay open later.
Is parking included with my Union Station car rental? When you pick up your rental, the company has already parked the car for you in the rental area of the Union Station garage. You do not pay for that first parking. However, if you come back to Union Station and park during your rental period, you will have to pay the normal garage rates.
How do I exit the Union Station garage with my rental car? Follow the signs for "Exit" or "Parking Exit" inside the garage. You will take a ticket when you go into the rental area and use that ticket to get out. Some rental companies will validate the ticket for your first exit. If you are unsure, ask the rental agent to explain.
Can I return my car after hours at Union Station? No. Rental companies usually do not allow after-hours returns at Union Station. For example, Avis and Budget don't let you drop off a car after the counter closes. If you must return a car after business hours, you should arrange to return it at an airport location or extend your rental to the next business day.
What's the best time to pick up a rental car at Union Station to avoid lines? You'll usually find the shortest wait times mid-day (about 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) from Tuesday to Thursday. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons are the busiest times because of business travelers and weekend renters, so you should plan for extra time if you pick up your car then.
Is there a fee for additional drivers with Union Station rentals? Most companies charge about $13–15 per day to add drivers. They often don't charge this fee if the extra driver is your spouse or domestic partner. Some loyalty programs or memberships, like AAA, might also let you add another driver for free.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support