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Find competitive rental car prices in Washington, PA with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare downtown Washington pick-ups with Pittsburgh International Airport options in one search and see low rates from major suppliers. Book early to grab weekday discounts and enjoy free cancellation on most rentals, perfect for road trips across southwestern Pennsylvania.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Downtown | • No airport surcharges • Convenient if staying in Washington • Enterprise offers pickup service from your location |
• Limited vehicle selection • Shorter operating hours • May require advance booking |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | • Larger selection of vehicles • Extended hours for late arrivals • All major rental companies available |
• 45-minute drive from Washington • Higher rates (approximately 18% more) • Airport concession fees |
| Pittsburgh Downtown | • More vehicle options than Washington • Lower rates possible compared to airport |
• Still requires transportation to Washington • City traffic when picking up/returning |
On average, car rentals in Washington (PA) cost around $78 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $41 per day.
Price-check Washington Downtown vs Pittsburgh Airport: downtown desks usually run 15-20 % cheaper because you dodge airport concession fees. Even if you fly into PIT, a quick rideshare or bus into the city can still save cash on multi-day rentals.
Start mid-week, aim for a weekly rate: picking up on Tue/Wed and keeping the car 7 days often beats a Fri-Mon booking by 10-20 %. Weekly pricing in Washington hovers lower than big-city averages.
Book with "pay later" and keep stalking prices: rates around southwestern PA can swing. Re-book the same car if you spot a drop—no change fees.
Bring your own E-ZPass or stick to I-70/I-79: the PA Turnpike toll program from rental companies adds daily service fees. Using your own transponder or choosing toll-free routes avoids that markup.
Washington Downtown Parking:
Driving Rules:
Local Tips:
Get a car rental so you can visit:
Pittsburgh – North Shore stadiums, Carnegie museums, Strip District
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino – gaming floor, harness track
Tanger Outlets – brand stores, food court
Laurel Highlands – Ohiopyle State Park, Fallingwater
Wheeling, West Virginia – Oglebay Park, Wheeling Island Casino
Morgantown, West Virginia – WVU campus, Cheat Lake
What documents do I need to rent a car in Washington, PA?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. We recommend you bring proof of your own car insurance if you don't want to buy the rental company's coverage, but it's not always required. If you're visiting from another country, you should bring your passport and a valid driver's license from your home country. We also strongly suggest getting an International Driving Permit. Some rental companies will ask for it if your license isn't in English.
Is it easy to drive from Washington to Pittsburgh?
Yes. You can take I-79 for a direct route that usually takes 40–45 minutes in normal traffic and the drive is straightforward with easy-to-read highway signs.
Are toll roads common around Washington?
Not really. Washington is close to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), which is a toll road, but you won't pay tolls for most local driving. You'll mainly run into tolls if you drive east toward Harrisburg or Philadelphia on the Turnpike.
How do I pay for tolls in a rental car?
Most rental companies let you sign up for a toll payment program for a daily fee plus the toll costs. You can also use your own E-ZPass transponder if your rental agreement lets you. If you use Toll By Plate, the Turnpike sends the bill to the rental company. The company then bills you and might add its own fees, so this can end up costing you more.
What type of vehicle is best for visiting Washington?
A standard sedan or small SUV works for most travelers. From November through March, you should consider a vehicle with all-wheel or four-wheel drive if you plan to explore rural areas, because you might run into snow and ice.
Is parking difficult in downtown Washington?
No. You can find plenty of metered street parking and several public lots downtown. The city only enforces the meters during business hours and the rates are low compared to larger cities.
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