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Find low car rental prices in Yakima, WA with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and reserve with no booking fees. Pick up at Yakima Air Terminal (YKM) or downtown, compare Hertz, Avis and Budget in seconds and head straight to the valley's wineries, Mt. Rainier or Seattle over Snoqualmie Pass.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Yakima Air Terminal (YKM) | On-site rentals, quick pickup, no crowds | Limited vehicle selection, shorter hours for some agencies |
| Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA) | More vehicle choices, major brands | 2.5-3 hour drive to Yakima, mountain pass crossing |
Additional Location Notes
- YKM is just 3 miles (5 km) from downtown Yakima
Car Rental Prices
How to save?
- Compare YKM vs SEA pickups on our site. Adding a one-way drop or the 3-hour drive can still be cheaper than Yakima's limited-supply pricing, especially on longer rentals.
- Reserve early for July-Sept wine season and fair week. Yakima's fleet is tiny; prices spike once wineries and the Central Washington State Fair fill the town.
- Check weekly rates for 5+ day trips. A 6-day rental at YKM often costs less per day than booking four or five separate days.
- Aim for shoulder or winter months. Outside holiday weeks, demand dips and agencies slash rates, yet wineries and most scenic drives remain accessible.
- Refuel in Yakima before mountain routes. City gas is cheaper than remote stations and way cheaper than any "return the tank half-full" charge.
Car rental prices at Yakima Airport 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
- Yakima city parking: Mostly free throughout the city
- Downtown: Some time-limited spots (90 minutes to 2 hours)
- Wineries and vineyards: Free parking lots
- Shopping centers and the fairgrounds: Plenty of free parking
- Speed limits: 25-30 mph in town, 60 mph on nearby highways like US-12/I-82
- Right on red allowed after a complete stop
- Standard Washington traffic laws apply (seatbelts required for all, no handheld phone use while driving)
- DUI laws are strictly enforced (0.08% BAC limit). This is especially important in wine country.
- In winter, mountain passes may require tire chains (including Snoqualmie Pass to Seattle and Chinook Pass to Mt. Rainier)
Why rent a car in Yakima
Get a car to get to:
- Yakima Valley wineries – Zillah, Rattlesnake Hills
- Mt. Rainier National Park – Sunrise area, Chinook Pass
- Yakima River Canyon – SR-821
- Ellensburg – downtown, Central Washington University
- Tri-Cities – Columbia River waterfront, Kennewick
Local Rental Locations
- Auburn, WA
- Bellevue, WA
- Bellingham, WA
- Everett, WA
- Federal Way, WA
- Kirkland, WA
- Olympia, WA
- Pasco, WA
- Puyallup, WA
- Spokane, WA
- Tacoma, WA
- Union Station
- Vancouver, WA
- Wenatchee, WA
FAQs
Do I need an SUV or can I use a regular car in Yakima?
You'll find a standard sedan or compact car is fine for driving in the city and on highways around Yakima. The climate is dry, so you won't need a special car for the summer. But if you plan to visit mountain areas like Chinook Pass or Mt. Rainier's east side or if you're traveling in winter, we recommend an SUV or crossover. Make sure it has all-wheel drive and good tires.
What's the best time of year to visit Yakima?
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall (May–October). You'll enjoy pleasant weather and get to see all the seasonal attractions. Summer gives you warm, sunny days perfect for wine tasting and the fall harvest season in September and October shows off the valley's amazing farms. Winter is cold but usually gets less rain and snow than western Washington.
Can I drive to Seattle from Yakima in winter?
Yes, but you need to be prepared. Your drive will take you over Snoqualmie Pass on I-90, which can get snow in the winter. You should always check WSDOT road conditions before you go, carry tire chains and allow extra travel time. You are required to use chains when signs are posted. The state keeps the pass well-maintained, so it rarely closes all the way.
Is it possible to take the scenic route to Mt. Rainier from Yakima?
Yes. You can take Chinook Pass (SR-410) for a spectacular drive from Yakima to Mt. Rainier. It takes you through forests and high mountain areas. Because of heavy snowfall, this route is only open from about late May through October. You should check the road status before you plan your trip.
Where should I fuel up when exploring the region?
Yakima has plenty of gas stations and the prices are pretty good. If you're traveling to more remote areas or over mountain passes, you should fill up your tank in Yakima or another large town first. You won't find many services on scenic roads like SR-821 in the Yakima River Canyon, so get gas before you head out on those routes.
Are there any toll roads around Yakima?
No. You won't find any toll roads in or around the Yakima area. You can use all major highways and mountain passes for free.
How do I handle winter driving in Yakima and surrounding areas?
Yakima itself gets less snow than the mountain passes, but you still need to be careful when driving in the winter. The city plows major roads quickly after it snows. When you're driving in the mountains, carry chains, allow extra time and check road conditions on the WSDOT website or app. You must use chains when WSDOT signs tell you to. Be careful in the mornings, as ice can form on bridges and overpasses.
