$56 Car Rental Ellensburg, WA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Ellensburg

Renting a car in Ellensburg is an excellent choice for those looking to embrace the beauty of the outdoors, enjoy road trips, and explore the countryside at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently manage your luggage and have the flexibility to create your own travel itinerary. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the ease of visiting nearby attractions such as Central Washington University, where you can experience a vibrant college atmosphere, or West Ellensburg Park, perfect for family and eco-friendly activities. For a taste of local history, Olmstead Place State Park Heritage Area offers cultural experiences right at your doorstep. Additionally, venturing just 8 miles to Thorp allows you to explore more of the region, including the charming Thorp Mill, while Kittitas, only 6 miles away, invites you to enjoy its scenic parks. If you're up for a short drive, Sky Meadows Ranch, located 19 miles from Ellensburg, features local attractions like Centennial Park and the Telephone Museum. A rental car enhances your experience, offering the comfort and freedom to explore the stunning landscapes and attractions around Ellensburg without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Ellensburg

• Premium Pickup: This vehicle is a top choice for adventure travelers, families, and small groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers and 3 large suitcases. The Premium Pickup offers ample space for your luggage and gear, making it ideal for those looking to explore the stunning outdoor scenery around Ellensburg. With its robust build and versatility, this car option allows you to embark on your journey with confidence and comfort.
• Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV comfortably fits 5 travelers along with up to 3 large suitcases. This option combines space with maneuverability, enabling you to navigate both urban and rural settings with ease. Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or a weekend adventure, the Midsize SUV provides the flexibility needed for your travel plans around Ellensburg.
• Standard SUV: A great choice for couples, families, or groups, the Standard SUV accommodates up to 5 travelers and up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle offers a balance of comfort and utility, making it suitable for a variety of outings. With its spacious interior, you can travel without feeling cramped, allowing you to fully enjoy your exploration of the beautiful landscapes surrounding Ellensburg.

Top rated car suppliers in Ellensburg

• Enterprise: With one convenient rental location in Ellensburg, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers. Known for their excellent customer service and a diverse fleet, they offer a variety of vehicles, including Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs. Renting from Enterprise allows you the flexibility to explore Ellensburg and its surroundings at your own pace, making your trip enjoyable and hassle-free.

Where to go around Ellensburg

• Sky Meadows Ranch: Located 19 miles from Ellensburg, Sky Meadows Ranch offers a fantastic outdoor experience with access to hiking trails and scenic views. The area is popular for adventure activities, especially from July to September. Nearby attractions include Centennial Park, ideal for family outings, and the Telephone Museum for cultural exploration. The proximity to national parks and lakes further enhances its appeal for nature lovers.
• Thorp: Situated 8 miles from Ellensburg, Thorp is a charming city that draws visitors for its romantic and scenic ambiance. Peak travel occurs from June to August, making it an ideal summer escape. Key points of interest include Central Washington University, which showcases modern architecture, and the historical Thorp Mill. For outdoor enthusiasts, West Ellensburg Park offers a family-friendly environment to enjoy nature.
• Kittitas: Just 6 miles from Ellensburg, Kittitas is an excellent destination for those interested in business and culture. The city sees increased visitor numbers in April and during the summer months. Notable attractions include Central Washington University and the historic Olmstead Place State Park Heritage Area. For recreation, West Ellensburg Park provides a great space for families and eco-friendly activities, making it a versatile spot for various travelers.

10 tips to save on your Ellensburg car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by specifying vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your travel date. By booking early, you are more likely to lock in lower prices and benefit from increased availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars typically cost less to rent and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter increased deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Certain rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Other policies might include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when making reservations through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Ellensburg

The best value period to rent a car in and around Ellensburg is March, when prices are at their lowest and demand is average. April and May also offer reasonable rates with slightly low demand, making them good shoulder months for rentals. In contrast, September is the most expensive month, with higher prices and moderately high demand, while July and August are also busy months that see a spike in rental rates.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	28.4°F (-2.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	31.3°F (-0.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
March	37.6°F (3.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	45.3°F (7.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
May	55.4°F (13.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	70.0°F (21.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
October	47.8°F (8.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
November	35.1°F (1.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	27.3°F (-2.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Ellensburg

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Ellensburg into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Ellensburg and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Ellensburg

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Ellensburg. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Ellensburg

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $56.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals