$48 Car Rental University of Puget Sound, WA

These University of Puget Sound insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: September 15, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental around University of Puget Sound

Renting a car around the University of Puget Sound offers great freedom and flexibility for your sightseeing adventures. With a rental vehicle, you can effortlessly manage your luggage while exploring attractions at your own pace. For instance, the Museum of Glass is just 2 miles away, providing a rich cultural experience. If you're traveling with family, the Washington State Fair Events Center, located 10 miles away, offers outdoor fun suitable for all ages. Additionally, the LeMay Car Museum, 3 miles from the university, is another engaging destination that caters to both culture enthusiasts and families alike.

Having a car also makes it convenient to navigate popular nearby areas such as Tacoma and North End. Tacoma features various attractions, including Wild Waves Theme and Water Park, while North End includes local highlights like 6th Ave and the Job Carr Cabin Museum. Old Town Tacoma, only 1 mile away, is home to the Museum of Glass and other points of interest. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in local culture or enjoy family-friendly activities, renting a car makes your travel experience around the University of Puget Sound enjoyable and hassle-free.

Most popular car rentals near University of Puget Sound

• Midsize SUV: This option is highly popular among travelers visiting the University of Puget Sound. It accommodates up to 5 travelers and provides ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for comfort and flexibility during their trip. With its spacious interior, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy the freedom to explore the surrounding attractions at your own pace.
• Economy: The economy car option is a favorite for those seeking affordability without sacrificing comfort. This vehicle comfortably accommodates 5 travelers and can hold up to 2 medium suitcases, making it perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families. Its compact size is ideal for navigating the urban roads around the University of Puget Sound, ensuring ease of parking and fuel efficiency as you explore the area.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV is another well-booked choice for visitors to the University of Puget Sound. With space for 5 travelers and the capacity to carry up to 2 medium suitcases, this vehicle is suitable for couples, families, and groups. Its versatility allows for comfortable travel and the ability to handle various terrains, making it a great option for those looking to explore the beautiful surroundings with a little extra room for gear or luggage.

Top rated car suppliers near University of Puget Sound

• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations situated within 2 miles of the University of Puget Sound, Enterprise provides great convenience for travelers. Known for its extensive selection, this supplier offers popular choices such as Midsize and Fullsize vehicles, making it easy to find the right fit for your trip. Whether you're visiting for leisure or business, Enterprise ensures a smooth rental experience with flexibility to explore the Tacoma area at your own pace.
• Budget: Located 2 miles from the University of Puget Sound, Budget is an excellent option for those seeking value. With a focus on affordability, Budget offers a range of vehicles, including Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, perfect for navigating Tacoma. Their convenient location allows you to manage your itinerary seamlessly while enjoying the sights around the university and beyond.
• Avis: Also situated 2 miles from the University of Puget Sound, Avis is a trusted choice for car rentals. With options like Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, Avis caters to diverse travel needs. Their proximity to the university makes it easy to pick up your vehicle and start your adventure, allowing for a flexible and enjoyable exploration of the Tacoma area.

Where to stay near University of Puget Sound

• Tacoma: Staying in Tacoma places you near the University of Puget Sound and offers a vibrant city atmosphere. With attractions like the Museum of Glass and the Washington State Fair Events Center, there are plenty of cultural and family-friendly activities to enjoy. The city is also surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational areas, making it ideal for those who appreciate nature.
• Gig Harbor: Located 7 miles from the University of Puget Sound, Gig Harbor is known for its scenic waterfront and outdoor activities. This charming city features attractions like Sunrise Beach and Lake Minterwood, perfect for relaxation and adventure. Gig Harbor also boasts a variety of restaurants and wineries, making it an excellent choice for food and drink enthusiasts.
• Fox Island: Situated 7 miles from the University of Puget Sound, Fox Island offers a unique island experience with stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore local attractions such as the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and enjoy outdoor activities around the bay and lakes. Fox Island is also home to various dining options, including wineries, providing a delightful retreat for travelers seeking adventure and scenery.

10 tips to save on your car rental around University of Puget Sound

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to find the perfect fit for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also affect renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can be convenient, but ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards as 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 easy to add car rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car around University of Puget Sound

The best value period to rent a car around the University of Puget Sound is January, when both prices and demand are slightly low. Following closely, April offers a similar advantage with slightly low prices and average demand. As spring turns to summer, May sees higher demand and average prices, while June through August experience slightly high prices and high demand, making July the most expensive month for rentals. September returns to average prices with slightly low demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.6°F (4.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	40.3°F (4.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	55.4°F (13.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
June	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	67.3°F (19.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	44.2°F (6.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average