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Car hire in Washington DC – Exploring the US Capital
Set on two rivers (the Anacostia and the Potomac), Washington DC is a compact and very diverse tourist-friendly city packed with numerous parks, gardens and visitor attractions, many of them unique. Standing proud as the seat of American government, it is an impressive place with a plethora of monumental sights, broad avenues, legendary museums filled with jaw-dropping wonders and galleries bursting with iconic masterpieces.
Founded towards the end of the 18th century, the city is home to some of the country's most famous landmarks, with the first stop for most first-time visitors being the two-mile-long National Mall that features the iconic Capitol at one end and the Lincoln Memorial at the other, with a dozen top museums and the imposing Washington Monument in between. Many people gravitate towards the White House and Capitol, two of the world's most recognisable buildings.
Drivers are spoilt for choice with a car hire in Washington DC; there's all the excitement of visiting the city's many incredible attractions followed by the fun of exploring its interesting environs. Many people use Washington DC as a base for extended road trips to places as far and wide as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburg and New York. The US capital is also within easy striking distance of several green areas, such as Wharton State Forest and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
Make the best choice for your travels in the home of the American President and book a low-cost car hire in Washington with Auto Europe today. Due to our longstanding partnerships with all the world's leading rental companies, we can offer you a vast selection of vehicles at the best prices on the market, with pick-up points available in many downtown locations and at the city's two main airports and its monumental train station.
Book with us for a hassle-free rental experience in Washington DC to guarantee our award-winning customer service whilst saving cash on your US driving holiday of a lifetime. For added peace of mind, visit our Washington DC car hire reviews page to see the ratings and comments posted by other Auto Europe customers before booking your next low-cost car rental in Washington. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our award-winning rental specialists should you require any help at all with your reservation.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Washington DC, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
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Where to pick up a car hire in Washington DC
By working with all the world's top car hire providers, we are pleased to be able to offer you the widest choice of locations in and around Washington DC. This means that you can collect your car in the heart of city centre and be on your way in just a few minutes. Besides the many vehicle suppliers operating at thr city's airports and train station, there are numerous well-located companies situated in other convenient parts of the US capital, many of which are close to the top tourist sights, such as Capitol Hill, the White House and Mall. 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 car hire locations in Washington DC.
Washington Dulles International Airport
One of the world's fastest-growing airports, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a major air transportation facility that caters for over 20,000,000 passengers annually. Occupying an area of some 13,000 acres, it is the US capital's largest airport and is located 26 miles (42 km) west of the city's Downtown district. Most of the vehicle suppliers have their offices just outside the terminal building, with a courtesy shuttle bus service operating to and from the pick-up point.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Website: flydulles.com
Address: 1 Saarinen Cir, Dulles, VA 20166
Telephone: +1 703 572 8296
Washington DC Ronald Reagan Airport
With its main focus on domestic routes, Washington DC Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA) is the closest airport serving Washington DC. Officially known as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, it is located just minutes from the city centre and offers a wide range of flights across the USA and Canada. Picking up your car hire is quick and easy; just head for the first floor of Parking 1 (by boarding the Rental Car/Garage Parking shuttle) where numerous vehicle suppliers have their welcome desks.
Washington DC Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA)
Website: flyreagan.com
Address: 2401 Smith Blvd., Arlington, VA 22202, USA
Telephone: +1 703 417 800
Washington DC Union Train Station
Housed inside one of the city's most striking buildings, Washington DC Union Train Station is as much a tourist attraction as it is a major public transportation hub. More than 40 million passengers pass through its magnificent main hall every year, making it one of the world's busiest train station. Spread across three levels, it offers a wide range of on-site facilities, most notably a large number of clothes and souvenir shops, as well as several restaurants, bars, cafés and fast food outlets. For car hire, you can choose from a selection of world-renowned operators who have their officies either on the station premises or a couple of blocks away. Make sure you have all the necessary documents with you in order to make the pick-up process as quick as possible.
Washington DC Union Train Station
Website: unionstationdc.com
Address: 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002, USA
Telephone: +1 202 906 3260
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Washington DC
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 Washington DC
This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car hire in Washington DC. 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 Washington DC?
Yes, a credit card is a prerequisite for drivers who plan to rent a car in Washington DC. The reason for this is that the local car hire supplier will need to place a hold on the value of the deductible for the vehicle they rent you whilst you are motoring in the USA, the amount of which is promptly returned if and when the vehicle is dropped off in exactly the same condition in which it was collected. It's quite a shock for travellers when they arrive to pick up their car, only to find that the car rental provider cannot accept cash, debit or pre-paid cards, hence Auto Europe always advises its many customers around the world to travel with a high-limit major credit card (ie Visa, Mastercard, Diners, American Express, etc.) in the main driver's name. Please consult our dedicated blog post for more information on why credit cards are so important when hiring a car.
It's worth noting that visitors booking a premium- or luxury-category car might be asked for two credit cards, both of which must be in the name of the primary driver. It couldn't be easier to find out which cards (and card types) are accepted; just make a quick search in our high-tech booking engine and click on the blue and white info icon (i) where you'll find all the necessary credit and debit card information. Please check our related blog post if you require more information on credit cards and deposits before arriving to pick up your low-cost car hire in Washington DC.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Washington DC?
When you book a cheap car hire in Washington DC with Auto Europe, you'll have the added bonus of knowing that all our basic rates include Zero Excess, whuch comes as standard with all our rentals and comprises value added tax (VAT), liability insurance, fire insurance, collision damage waiver (CDW) zero excess and theft protection (TP). With our popular Full Damage & Theft Protection product you'll be able to drive around the USA capital safe in the knowledge that most of the vehicle will be covered if the worst happens and you are involved in some kind of an accident. Please see our dedicated page for more general advice on car hire coverage. In the event of having to making a claim, please note that you must pay the car rental supplier first before claiming the amount back from Auto Europe. Please note that it is important that you provide all the required documents in order to receive your refund as quickly as possible. All this information is clearly stated in the Auto Europe booking engine search results simply by clicking on the blue and white info icon (i) after choosing your preferred car category and supplier. The same info is also included in the the Terms and Conditions section when making an enquiry or confirming your booking.
It’s common practice for local car rental employees to try selling you their own products and features on top of the ones you have already purchased through the Auto Europe website. One such product is insurance coverage which is often mentioned when customers arrive to pick up their vehicle. Generally speaking, these additional coverage policies are completely optional and anything being offered by the local supplier’s staff members will very possibly be surplus to your requirements. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our reservations team should you have any questions about our coverage or any other matter relating to your low-cost car rental in Washington. Please also consult our dedicated blog post offering a general overview of the types of car hire coverage available.
How is the traffic in Washington DC?
Despite being the American capital, Washington DC is a compact, organised city with an excellent road system that's well signposted both in the centre and the suburbs. The Capital Beltway (a 64-mile long interstate 495) encircles the city and provides good access to all parts of Washington from other interstate motorways (known locally as highways). Speeding is photo-enforced and fines are sent to offenders by mail. Driving in Washington is difficult due to heavy rush hour traffic and complex parking regulations. Therefore, avoid driving in the centre at peak times, 6-10AM and 4-8PM. To get a grasp on the traffic regulations in the country, pay a visit to our US driving guide.
Where can I park my car hire in Washington DC?
On-street parking in the centre of Washington varies by the area. A metered two-hour parking limit is set in commercial areas on week days, but weekends and bank holidays have different regulations, so it's always best to check the parking signs. Many streets are designated No Parking zones, while parking meter timings are strictly enforced on all other roads. Metered Parking Hours: Monday – Saturday (7:00am – 6:30pm). Certain zones that have high demand are allowed to extend parking timings like 10pm (with free parking on Sundays). While there is little public parking available near the Capitol, there are some car parks wih spaces available just off the National Mall. Zone areas parking is free but limited to two hours, and there is no time limit between 10PM and 7AM. Throughout the city, there are paid car parks, an alternative for your car hire in Washington.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Washington DC?
Currently, there are no toll roads in Washington DC and other parts of the District of Columbia. This means that you will save money on your trip by not having to pay any tolls to use any of the roads or bridges in this part of the USA, but depending on the routes you take for excursions and day trips, please note that you might have to pay a toll whilst traveling to other states.
Do I need an international driving licence to hire a car in Washington DC?
Although an International Driving Licence (IDL) is recommended when booking a cheap car hire in Washington, it is not obligatory if the driver's home licence is not printed in the English language. Nevertheless, an IDL is mandatory if the driver's licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet (such as Japanese, Greek, Russian, Bulgarian, etc.), in which case it must be accompanied by the driver's home driving licence.
Can I drive my rental in Washington DC into Canada?
Yes. Travel is permitted with several top suppliers of car rental in Washington, namely Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget, Hertz. Avis, Alamo and National. Please note that an additional fee might apply and the intention of travelling to Canada must be declared at the time of booking. It's possible to check whether or not it is permitted when making the booking either in the Terms and Conditions online or by calling Auto Europe's rental specialists directly.
Washington DC Travel Guide
One of the world's top travel destinations, the US capital is a magnet for travellers hungry for more than a taste of its rich culture, fascinating history and unparalleled tourist attractions during their stay. First stop for most visitors is the Mall, a 2-mile stretch of land featuring several of the city's best-known monuments and museums, such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and excellent Air and Space Museum.
Best day trips with my car rental in Washington DC
Besides all the unique excitement of the American capital, the nearby states of Virginia and Maryland are bursting with tourist appeal, with lots of places to visit with links to the USA's long and fascinating history. Of equal interest are the cities of Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, all of which are easily reachable with a car rental in Washington.
Mount Vernon
Overlooking the Potomac River in nearby Virginia, this historic mansion was the place George Washington called home. Originally built as a small farmhouse in 1734 by the great man's father, Mount Vernon grew into a 21-room manor-house with a cupola and a spectacular dining room. Don't miss the chance to wander around the 18th-century English-style gardens and the property's 3,000-acre farm.
Williamsburg
Located a two-drive south of Washington DC, the preserved colonial town of Williamsburg played a key role in the American Revolution from 1776 to 1781. Besides many other important moments in American history, it was from here that George Washington journeyed on horseback to the Battlefield of Yorktown. Other highlights include the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum (displaying ceramics and early American furniture) and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum (toys, embroideris and paintings).
Baltimore
Close to the capital, Baltimore is a stylish city that offers visitors a wonderful day out. There are many top-notch cultural attractions to enjoy, including three outstanding art museums, namely the Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art. If you're travelling with kids, you won't want to miss the amazing National Aquarium (Baltimore's most visited attraction) and the many historic ships moored in the city's harbour.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Located in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is less than a 90-minute drive from Washington DC and the ideal day-trip destination after a few days' frentic city sightseeing. The scene of an important battle during the American Civil War, the town of Harpers Ferry itself is an atmospheric old place streets with museums and many buildings preserved from that period. Tha surrounding park is a great spot for bird-watching, rock climbing, fishing, picnicking and many other relaxing outdoor activities.
Shenandoah National Park
An accessible 75-mile drive from the centre of Washington DC, Shenandoah National Park is popular for its pristine natural environment and offers a great day out for visitors looking to explore the city's environs with a car rental in Washington DC. Stretching for more than a hundred miles, the road that meanders through the park is called the Skyline Drive, with nightly stopovers possible at the Big Meadows and Skyland Lodges situated en route, along with the Lewis Mountain Cabins for that memorable rustic accommodation experience.
What to do in Washington DC
Most of the most important attractions in Washington DC are on the National Mall, in the West End and on Capitol Hill. Few visitors can resist a selfie in front of the famous White House (the president's official place of residence) and the Capital with its iconic dome. If you have time to visit a couple of museums, make sure it's the National Air and Space Museum and the National Gallery of Art, both world-class.
- National Mall: Approximately two miles long and very much the heart of the city, the National Mall is home to a plethora of attractiobs, most notably the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, WWII Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, F.D.R. Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial, arguably the best-loved of them all.
- Capitol: Seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Capitol stands out above all other impressive buildings in Washington DC. Built between 1793 and 1812, the building's key feature is its huge dome adorned inside with an exquisite ceiling painting by Constantino Brumidi and many beautiful paintings depicting scenes from America's long history. Its art collection and frescoes further qualify it as an attraction not to be missed. Tours of the Capitol can be reserved online and start at the visitor centre on the ground floor.
- The White House: One of the world's most iconic buildings, the White House is the official residence of the President of the United States (and home to every president except George Washington). Originally built by James Hoban in 1792, no visit to Washington DC is complete without a tour of this remarkable edifice, which includes the Ballroom and the East, Blue, Green and Red Rooms (access to the State Dining Room must be booked in advance).
- National Air and Space Museum: One of the world's most visited museums, Washington's National Air and Space Museum is a major family attraction with a vast assortment of unique attractions. A very popular attraction for adults and kids alike, its must-see exhibits include Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis aeroplane, the original 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module, which was part of the first manned moon landing mission with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969.
- National Gallery of Art: Housed in two separate buildings connected by a tunnel, Washington's magnificent National Gallery of Art houses works ranging from antiquities to pop art, as well as a stunning collection of Dutch and Flemish masters, French Impressionist paintings and its star exhibit - Leonardo da Vinci's famous Ginevra de' Benci. Don't miss the outdoor Sculpture Garden which several pieces from the museum's contemporary sculpture collection.
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