Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in Washington, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Washington?
You should book your rental car in Washington around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Washington?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Alamo (43.56 ﷼/day), Budget (49.08 ﷼/day) and Avis (88.88 ﷼/day).
What is the most popular rental car in Washington?
Rentals in the Medium category (Toyota Corolla or similar) are the most popular option in Washington, costing 200 ﷼/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as 104 ﷼/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Washington?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Washington is January at an average cost of 175 ﷼/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Washington when prices are 317 ﷼/day on average, which tends to be 437% above the yearly average rental price for Washington.
Which car hire company in Washington has the most locations?
Avis operates 18 locations in Washington, more than any other rental company.
Washington car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Washington by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
113 ﷼ - 245 ﷼
All Car Types
205 ﷼ - 415 ﷼
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Washington?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Washington?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Washington?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Washington?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Washington?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Washington?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Washington?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Washington?
Small car rentals in Washington typically cost around 162 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 113 ﷼ per day which is about 31% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 40% cheaper than the average rental in Washington, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in Washington typically cost around 227 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average 175 ﷼ per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 16% cheaper than the average rental in Washington, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Washington typically cost around 229 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 165 ﷼ per day which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 15% cheaper than the average rental in Washington, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in Washington typically cost around 265 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 196 ﷼ per day which is about 27% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 2% cheaper than the average rental in Washington, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van rentals in Washington typically cost around 421 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 281 ﷼ per day which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 37% more expensive than the average rental in Washington, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Washington typically cost around 232 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 146 ﷼ per day which is about 38% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 14% cheaper than the average rental in Washington, a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Washington typically cost around 310 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 240 ﷼ per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 14% more expensive than the average rental in Washington, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Washington typically cost around 490 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average 217 ﷼ per day which is about 56% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 46% more expensive than the average rental in Washington, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Thrifty
Medium
245 ﷼/day
206 ﷼/day
Top tips for renting a car in Washington
If you are traveling with children, it is important to check with your rental company about whether they will provide a car seat or you should bring your own, as Washington State has many child passenger restraint laws. Children under the age of two must be in a rear-facing car seat. Children between two and four years old must be in a car seat with a harness, and children four and older must ride in a booster seat until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall. Even then, children under the age of thirteen must ride in the backseat when practical. There are also “click it or ticket” laws in place, so make sure to buckle up whether you’re a child or an adult.
The weather varies greatly between the east and west sides of Washington State. The west side is more mild throughout the year, whereas the east side can experience both extreme heat in the summer and snowy winters. Keep this in mind as you plan your trip, as having a car with either air conditioning or all-wheel/four-wheel-drive can be incredibly important. Also, if you’ll be traversing between east and west sides during the winter months, make sure to check the mountain passes ahead of time, as they can be closed due to snow and poor conditions.
Because Washington State is bordered by Canada as well as two different states, depending on which part of the state you are renting from, make sure to check the rental policy about crossing state and country borders. Overall, it is fairly easy to drive a rental car from the US to Canada, but there are some things to look out for. You may need to let the rental company know ahead of time, and you may be required to have a Canadian non-resident insurance card, which is free to apply for. There may also be a more limited choice in cars, but these all vary by provider, so check ahead of time.
25% of our users found rental cars in Washington for 206 ﷼ or less
Medium rental cars in Washington are around 69% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Washington
Should I hire a car in Washington?
Renting a car in Washington State will be very beneficial, as the state is very large, but there is lots to see. There is not always good public transportation within or between cities, so renting a car will allow easy transport. A large draw of Washington State is the nature and mountains outside the cities, including Mt. Rainier, Mt. Saint Helens, and Olympic National Park, all of which are a couple hours’ drive from the city of Seattle. Even if you plan on staying within the city, renting a car can be useful because it’s a more efficient option than public transportation.
What is driving like in Washington?
Speed limits in Washington State are typically slow within city limits, with 25 mph being the default speed unless otherwise posted. However, even state highways only reach 60 mph. Only on interstates will you be able to drive more quickly. Also be aware that Washington State has some of the worst road conditions in the US. Keep an eye out for potholes and be prepared for lots of traffic while driving on the west side of the state.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Washington?
The minimum age to rent a car in Washington State is twenty one; however, drivers under the age of twenty five will incur a “young renter” fee. This surcharge can vary by company, so make sure to shop around if you are a young renter, and keep in mind that you may also be unable to rent certain classes of vehicles, such as SUVs or luxury vehicles. Other requirements for anyone renting a vehicle include insurance coverage and a valid driver’s license. If you are a foreign national, you will need to provide an international driver’s permit as well as another form of identification, such as a passport.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Washington?
On average a rental car in Washington costs 245 ﷼ per day.
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