Car rental in Washington, DC, United States

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Discover Washington, DC, United States

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is a city rich in history, culture, and political significance. Located along the Potomac River, it is home to iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Lincoln Memorial.

With a vibrant arts scene, world-class museums, and an array of dining options, Washington, D.C., offers something for every traveler. Whether you're exploring the National Mall, visiting Smithsonian institutions, or experiencing the city's thriving nightlife, there's no shortage of things to do.

Why Rent a Car in Washington, D.C.?

While the city has an extensive public transportation system, renting a car provides the freedom to explore beyond the downtown area. Having a car allows easy access to attractions like Mount Vernon, the Shenandoah National Park, and Annapolis.

Additionally, driving makes it convenient to visit Virginia and Maryland, where travelers can enjoy scenic routes, historic towns, and picturesque wineries.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Trip

  • Compact cars: Ideal for navigating city streets and finding parking easily.
  • SUVs: Great for road trips or visiting parks and nature reserves outside the city.
  • Electric vehicles: A sustainable option with charging stations available throughout the D.C. metro area.
  • Luxury cars: A stylish choice for business travelers or special occasions.

Top Attractions in Washington, D.C.

  • The National Mall: Home to the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and several museums.
  • The Smithsonian Museums: A collection of 19 museums, including the Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
  • Georgetown: A charming neighborhood with historic architecture, boutique shopping, and waterfront dining.
  • Arlington National Cemetery: The resting place of U.S. military heroes and President John F. Kennedy.
  • Day Trip to Mount Vernon: Visit George Washington’s historic estate in Virginia, just a short drive away.

Driving Tips for Washington, D.C.

  • Traffic congestion: Rush hours are typically from 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
  • Speed limits: 25-30 mph in the city, 55-70 mph on highways.
  • Parking: Metered parking is available downtown, but garages and park-and-ride facilities offer more convenient options.
  • Toll roads: Some routes in Virginia and Maryland require electronic toll payment.

Rent Your Car with Rentcars

For a hassle-free trip, book your car rental with Rentcars. Our platform offers:

  • Competitive rates: Compare prices from multiple car rental providers.
  • Free cancellation: Flexible options to modify or cancel your booking.
  • Exclusive promotions: Special deals and discounts for our customers.

Don't miss the chance to explore Washington, D.C., at your own pace. Book your car today and make the most of your trip!

Washington, DC, United States

When to book a rental car in Washington

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Average rental day price in the last 30 days

US$ 85.71

Most popular car rental models in Washington

  • Chevrolet Colorado (Special)
  • Ford Explorer (SUV)
  • BMW 2 Series (Premium)

Best rated rental companies

  • Alamo
  • Dollar
  • Sixt

Car rental companies in Washington, DC, United States

    Car Rental Requirements in the United States

    • Minimum Age

      In most countries, the minimum age required to hire a vehicle is 25.

    • Driver’s License

      Each driver must present a full, valid and original national driver's license held for minimum of 2 years. If your license is not in a language used in your destination country, an International Driver's Permit to accompany your national driver's license is highly recommended. Some rental companies and government agencies require that you present an IDP. It is the renter's responsibility to present both their IDP and Driver's License when picking up the vehicle. For more information, please reach out to the Rental Company.

    • ID or Passport

      Each driver must present a valid and original photo ID or passport.

    • International Credit Card

      The renter must present a personal credit card, valid in the country of pick-up with enough funds to put a hold for a security deposit. Third-party credit cards will not be accepted. The car rental company is solely responsible for approving the provided credit card. Online prepayment does not exempt the renter from providing a valid international credit card during vehicle pick-up. The rental company will place a hold in the amount of the security deposit and, when applicable, any additional local fees not covered in the prepaid voucher on the card provided at the rental location.

    • Prepaid Booking Voucher

      You must present a printout of the Booking Confirmation Voucher at the rental location. This document officially confirms all agreed upon services, payment conditions, rates, discounts, as well as vehicle availability within the group selected.

    • Important Information

      Car rental companies reserve the right to refuse service to underage or unlicensed drivers, those with poor credit history or individuals otherwise considered liabilities by the rental company.

    What to know before renting a car in Washington

    • How much is it to rent a car in Washington?

      The lowest price found in Washington is US$ 37.36 per day.

    • Which rental company is the best rated in Washington?

      The car rental company best rated by our customers in Washington is Alamo.

    • Which car model is the most rented in Washington?

      The most popular car rental model in Washington is the Chevrolet Colorado.

    • What is the average car rental daily rate in Washington?

      In the last 30 days, the average daily rate was US$ 85.71.

    • How many car rental locations are there in Washington?

      in Washington there are 50 locations at 9 car rental companies.

    • Which categories are available for rent in Washington?

      Special, SUV, Premium, Economy, Luxury, Compact, Full Size, Midsize, Standard, Minivan.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR RENTAL

    Proteções do veículo

    Vehicle Protection

    Rental car protections usually have the abbreviations CDW and LDW and protect the vehicle from robbery and damage in the event of collisions or accidents.

    Proteções à terceiros

    Third-Party Protection

    The protections against third parties have several abbreviations, such as ALI, SLI and others. In general, they protect the vehicle from third parties involved in collisions with your rental car.

    Caução

    Security deposit

    To pick up the car you must leave a security deposit, also called a pre-authorization. The amount is "blocked" on the renter's credit card and "unlocked" after the return of the car on the same conditions.

    Opcionais

    Optional items

    It is possible to add optional items to your reservation, such as GPS, child car seat or booster seat. Take advantage of those items so you don’t have to worry about it later!

    Condutor adicional

    Additional driver

    If someone else is sharing the wheel with you, they need to be added to the car rental agreement as an additional driver and meet the same documentation and minimum age requirements as the main driver or renter.

    Quilometragem

    Mileage

    Check if your reservation has free mileage or not. Free mileage means you can ride as much as you like with the rental car and you will not pay extra depending on the ride.

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