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Car hire in Seattle – Hub of the Middle East
Idyllically located on Puget Sound (an inlet of the Pacific Ocean) on America's spectacular north-west coast, Seattle is a thriving urban playground set amidst some of the most spectacular views to be found in the USA. Surrounded by forests, mountains and waterways, the 'Emerald City' (as it is affectionately known) is the main metropolis in the state of Washington and one of the biggest and most affluent places in the whole of the country.
The city is widely appreciated for its innovative food scene (especially fish and seafood) and bustling café culture. One of the latter's highlights is a cup of coffee at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery (the company was founded here) where visitors can enjoy the ultimate interactive café experience featuring coffee tastings, educational tours and lots more. Another must is a couple of hours spent in Seattle's wonderful Olympic Sculpture Park, a beautiful green area situated deep in the heart of Downtown where the most head-spinning views of Elliott Bay can be appreciated.
The Museum of Pop Culture is another fantastic tourist attraction located in the centre of Seattle where visitors can see amazing works of art inspired by the city's popular culture. More innovative art awaits at the The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) which houses more than 100,000 pieces in its permanent and rotating collections. After that, you can take a break from all the impressive sightseeing Seattle has to offer at Pike Place Market, an indoor precinct famous for its artisan crafts, restaurants, bars and farm produce.
With a car hire in Seattle you can see all the city's sights (and there are many) before taking to the road up and down its dramatic coastline to discover some of the other wonders that Seattle has to offer, such as Woodinville Wine Country (home to more than 130 renowned vineyards) and the spectacular Olympic Peninsula. A 90-minute drive is all it takes to reach the breathtakingly scenic Mount Rainier National Park where you can enjoy the views and relax with a picnic in the shadow of a snow-capped Mount Rainier.
Established in 1954, Auto Europe is a well-established leader of the global car rental industry. We are fully committed to helping you organise your trip to Seattle and enjoy the city cheaply as possible. You can choose your preferred vehicle and supplier through our search engine in a few easy steps or contact our rental specialists and they will be very happy to find you the best deal.
Check out the user ratings and comments posted by some of Auto Europe's previous customers in the city on our Seattle car hire reviews page.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Seattle, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
| Suppliers | Car Hire FAQs | Travel Guide |
Where to pick up a car hire in Seattle
By working with all the world's top car hire providers, we offer you an extensive choice of pick-up points in and around Seattle, meaning that you can collect your vehicle in the city centre and be on your way in a few minutes. Besides the many car hire companies operating at Seattle Airport, there are several conveniently-located car rental offices in other parts of the city, the majority of which are in very close proximity to Seattle's top tourist attractions, such as Pioneer Square, one of the most historic parts of the city. To help you make the right choice, our state-of-the-art booking engine allows you to do an extensive search to find the best vehicle and the most suitable pick-up point for your trip. Once you've keyed in your dates, an interactive map will come up with all the available locations for cheap car hire in Seattle.
Seattle Airport
Located only 14 miles (23 km) south of Seattle's city centre, and 18 miles (29 km) northeast of downtown Tacoma. Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) serves an estimated 50 million passengers a year. It is a major local gateway to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States and a busy hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines. The airport has a main terminal with four concourses and two satellite buildings (North and South), as well as w wide selection of on-site facilities and amenities. Please note that all the car hire suppliers operating at SEA have an off-site rental car facility to which dedicated shuttle buses transport passengers free of charge 24-hour-a-day, 365 days a year.
Seattle Airport (DXB)
Website: portseattle.org
Address: 17801 International Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98158, USA
Telephone: +1 800 544 1965
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Seattle
Auto Europe is a leading international car hire company currently offering a vast selection of convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in 190 different destinations around the world. Thanks to our many years of experience dealing with all the global and local car rental companies, we can offer you the best standard of service and cheapest prices on the market.
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Should you require additional information about the car hire companies we work with or their policies, for example out of office pick up or questions regarding age restrictions, our car rental specialists are just a phone call or e-mail away and happy to assist you.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Seattle
This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car hire in Seattle. Scroll down for important tips relating to a wide range of essential car hire topics, such as credit cards, coverage, tolls, traffic and much more. If you need any more information, please get in touch with our reservations team and they will be happy to help you with your reservation and assist you with your travel itinerary.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Seattle?
Yes. For cheap car rental in Seattle and elsewhere in the USA, drivers will always be required to present a valid credit card when they arrive to collect their vehicle. The reason for this is that the local supplier will be obliged to place a hold on the value of the deductible for the car they rent you, the amount of which is returned immediately once it has been returned in exactly the same condition. Please note that only a valid credit card in the main driver's name will suffice, not a pre-paid or even a debit card. Please take a look at our dedicated blog post for more info about the importance of credit cards when hiring a car. Customers booking a car in t he premium or luxury categories need to keep in mind that the car rental company might ask for a second major credit card (ie Visa, Mastercard, Diners or American Express) , also in the name of the main driver. It’s very easy to check which cards and card types are accepted; you just need to make a quick search in the Auto Europe booking engine and click on the blue and white info icon (i) where all the necessary credit and debit card information pops up. Please check our related blog post if you require more information on credit cards and deposits when picking up a low-cost car rental in Seattle.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Seattle?
When you hire a car in Seattle with Auto Europe, please note that there are few key points to bear in mind relating to car hire coverage. You’ll find that our Zero Excess product comes as standard with all rentals and includes value added tax (VAT), liability insurance, fire insurance, collision damage waiver (CDW) zero excess and theft protection (TP) zero excess (note that zero excess means the elimination of your excess). Auto Europe's popular Full Damage & Theft Protection package is the best way to completely protect yourself against any eventualities that might occur when driving in Seattle and the rest of the USA. With most suppliers, the basic car hire rate comes with extended coverage for damage to the vehicle’s wheels, glass, undercarriage, roof, etc. Customers opting for the Avis or Budget basic Zero Excess rate through the Auto Europe website can take advantage of additional zero excess in the event of theft or any damage to the bodywork, plus refundable excess for glass and wheels. It’s important to read the full terms and conditions for whichever deal you select as they might change according to each respective supplier and car category.
If the worst happens and you need to make a claim, please note that you must pay the car rental supplier first before claiming the money back from Auto Europe. It is important when making a claim with Auto Europe that you provide all the required documents to receive your refund as quickly as possible. All the relevant info regarding coverage is clearly stated in the Auto Europe booking engine search results - just by clicking on the blue and white info icon (i) after selecting your preferred car category and supplier to find info about either the Zero Excess including wheels, glass, underside and roof of vehicle or our Excess Guarantee with Premium Coverage, full details of which you can also find in the the Terms and Conditions section when making an enquiry or confirming your booking.
Please be aware that some car rental employees will try sell you their company's insurance when you arrive to collect your cheap car hire in Seattle. This a common practice and one that you need to be aware of after a long, tiring flight. Generally speaking, these extra policies are entirely optional and anything being offered to you by the local supplier’s staff will most likely be surplus to your requirements. Auto Europe cannot refund any money you might spend on additional coverage, so please avoid paying extra for insurance when you arrive at the pick-up point. For more information about Auto Europe’s fully-inclusive Zero Excess coverage, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our reservations team for assistance. Our products are designed to give you total peace of mind during your trip, thus providing you with a smooth and stress-free car rental in Seattle.
How is the traffic in Seattle?
Seattle is a thriving 21st-century city with a vibrant business environment, so it's best to expect a fair bit of traffic (especially during the rush hour) when visiting its many attractions. In fact, driving around with a car hire in Seattle is one of the best ways appreciate all the city's wonderful architecture and points of interest, but it's best to do this outside the weekday morning and evening rush hours. Seattle's geography with several hills, lakes and the bordering the Puget Sound also adds a few challenges for visitors trying to navigate the city by car. It also has a few congested areas that you might want to avoid, such as the I-5 motorway (especially the Downtown section in Yale Street and Mercer Street, particularly). Please note that the rush hour on the I-5 and other parts of the city runs from 7.30-9am and again from around 4.30-6.30pm, so getting across downtown during these periods can be somewhat testing. Please also consult our USA Driving Guide to learn more about the local traffic regulations etc. on the roads around Seattle.
Where can I park my car hire in Seattle?
Most of the parking spaces in Downtown are paid (including Belltown, Denny Regrade, First Hill, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, South Lake Union and the Waterfront), plus you'll need to arrive early to have more chance of finding one. Hours vary by block, but paid parking usually starts at 8am and lasts into the evening — 5pm, 6pm, 8pm or 10pm (please check the local streets signs). Several large car parks are located in the Seattle Retail Core, Pike Place Market, along Pioneer Square and waterfront areas, as well as the streets around the Washington State Convention Centre. Visitors need to take note of some general rules and regulations regarding street parking in Seattle. For instance, you cannot leave a car parked on a city street for longer than 72 hours and you should totally avoid parking on a red, white or yellow line because it is prohibited and will more than likely get you towed away. Seattle also has carpool parking, disabled parking, taxi bays, bus lanes, motorbike parking and car-share zones. In addition, temporary no parking zones and time-limited parking rules also exist, all of which have appropriate signage so make sure you know exactly where you are parking otherwise you could have a uniformed parking enforcement officer writing you a fine. Cameras are also in operation and can generate fines if they catch you not abiding by the road rules.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Seattle?
Yes. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge system comprises a pair of twin suspension bridges that span the Tacoma Narrows strait and connect Tacoma with the Kitsap Peninsula - this is a tolled bridge. So too is the SR 520 Bridge across Lake Washington which links Medina with the Montlake/Union Bay district of Seattle. Most importantly, the Washington toll tunnel (SR 99) is also tolled and runs beneath downtown Seattle for two miles connecting the sports stadiums with the Space Needle. Please note that a Good To Go! Pass (like the E-ZPass on America's east coast) is a popular tag transponder that drivers put in their vehicle to pay tolls electronically. It is a prepaid toll payment system that works across the state of Washington (please consult with your car hire provider when you arrive to collect your car rental in Seattle). For up-to-date information on driving in America, please consult the respective USA travel page on the UK government website.
Do I need an international driving licence to hire a car in Seattle?
International Driver’s License is recommended but not obligatory if driver's license is not in English. Mandatory if driver's license is not in Roman alphabet (such as Japanese, Greek, Russian, Bulgarian, etc.) and must be accompanied with national driver's license.
Can I drive my rental in Seattle into Canada?
Yes, depending on the car hire company you have selected. For instance, travel into Canada is only permitted with Alamo, Avis, Sixt (but only into British Columbia), Thrifty, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise and Budget. Please note that an additional fee might apply on top of your booking, plus your request to take your car hire in Seattle over the border into Canada must be registered at the time of making the booking.
Can I travel on ferries with my car hire in Seattle?
Yes, travel on the local ferries is permitted with the following car rental suppliers - Alamo, Enterprise and National.
Can I hire a campervan in Seattle?
Those looking to add a little more adventure to their trip might want to consider a campervan hire in Seattle. Our motorhomes come with all the modern facilities you’d expect from the latest vehicles we have to offer, such as a toilet, shower, kitchen and adequate accommodation for up to 7 persons, if required. With so many excellent campsites available in and around the Seattle area, a motorhome will give you all the freedom and flexibility you need to explore the city and its environs.
Seattle Travel Guide
With a fine location on the Pacific Ocean and over 300 days of sunshine, Seattle has all the right ingredients for an exhilarating road-trip or a city break with friends or family members. Located in the shadow of the Cascade Mountains, this vibrant city in the Pacific Rim area of North America is both a major cultural hub and affluent urban centre. Its music scene gave rise to musicians such as Ray Charles and Jimi Hendrix and today it is the official home to some of the world's leading tech giants, including Microsoft and Amazon.
Best day trips with my car rental in Seattle
Seattle is well positioned for you to be able to take a day trip to various locations around Washington State and beyond. For example, the Canadian city of Vancouver is only two hours and 45 minutes away by car. Likewise, Victoria in Canada can be reached by ferry and Portland is just under three hours to the south of Seattle. And if you are feeling a little more adventurous, consider taking your car rental from Seattle all the way to sunny San Francisco – although it's a twelve-and-a-half-hour drive, but what a trip! To make things easier, why not take advantage of our regular Free Additional Driver offers to share the driving on longer trips, plus Auto Europe gives you the chance to pick up your car hire in one place and drop if off somewhere eles with a one-way car hire. If you’re looking closer to Seattle, then consider these three recommendations;
Mount Rainier
Head to the Mount Rainier National Park and be captivated by this area’s natural beauty. From thrilling waterfalls to impressive glaciers, this nature reserve has it all. With a guided tour, you can learn all about this region’s history, the Christine and Narada Falls and visit the Paradise visitor centre. You'll be able to discover the wonderful alpine meadows first-hand, and if the conditions allow, you’ll even be given the option to sledge back to camp and to enjoy the views over Reflection Lake.
Olympic National Park
The glacial mountains of the Olympic National Park are perfect if you’re looking for a day of escapism and to reconnect with nature. You can either opt for a guided tour by van, or take the more scenic route by ferry. During your trip you’ll take in all the wonderful sights on offer - for example, Lake Crescent, Hurricane Ridge and Marymere Falls. Take in some local cuisine and enjoy the regions historical sites.
Suquamish Native Culture
When in the area it is important to also get an understanding of how the Native Americans lived and thrived even before Seattle came into existence. During this day trip you will learn about the local Indian Chief – whom Seattle derives its name from – and the Suquamish and Duwamish Tribes. You can catch a ferry to Suquamish Island, visit a traditional Native Indian Village and go on an extensive guided tour of the Native Indian Museum.
What to do in Seattle
With so much to see and do in Seattle it is difficult to list everything for you not to miss during your holidays. Seattle has a wealth of history and interesting tourist attractions to explore. From Pioneer Square to the lively University District, and the inspiring Bill & Melinda Gates Discovery Centre to the mini firehouse park ideal for kids, wherever you decide to spend your time, you’re sure to have a perfect day. This magical city offers practically everything for the visitor. A river cruise, seaplane tour to fishing out in the bay, here are our top five things to do whilst in Seattle.
- Space Needle Observation Deck: The Seattle Space needle is hard to miss as you explore the city. Built in 1962, the tower stands at an impressive 250 feet, and can be seen from practically anywhere in the city. If you are looking for some amazing views over the city, then the towers observation deck is a must visit. To date, the tower gets an estimated 24,000 visitors every day!
- Museum of Flight: If you are in love with everything aviation, then head to Seattle’s Museum of Flight, located just south of Seattle downtown. Housing the only Concorde on the US West Coast, the museum takes you through an exciting flight tour of both World Wars. Take to the Mustang flight simulator, or practice landing on the moon. Here you won’t only find the history of aviation, but the aspirations for aviation in the future – such as the exploration of Mars.
- Seattle Underground Tour: If you think Seattle above ground is exciting, then wait till you head underground with a thrilling organised tour. Walk the subterranean tunnels of this amazing city and discover a past unlike any other. From Indian dwellings, to the Gold Rush era, and then on to modern times, this guided tour will take you along three blocks and through a centuries worth of history. The tour costs from $19 and it is advisable to have some level of fitness.
- Old Ballard Brewery Tour: If you’re interested in finding out what Seattle’s brewery scene is like, then consider a guided-tour of the local brewpubs. The tour starts at Lagunitas Taproom Beer Sanctuary, one of California’s oldest breweries. It then moves onto NW Peaks Brewery which has been in existence since 1947. The tour ends at the Peddler Brewing Company where you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the beer garden on offer.
- Seattle Locks Cruise: This two and a half hour cruise tour takes you through Seattle’s historical river locks. As one of the city’s most popular attractions, make sure you book well in advance. During the tour you will learn all about the city’s historical waterfront, and obtain a different prospective of the city’s skyline. From the river you can see the Great Ferris Wheel, the Washington Husky Stadium, and the Cascade, along with beautiful fishing and houseboat communities.