$86 Car Rental Ellensburg, WA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Ellensburg

Renting a car in Ellensburg offers the freedom to explore the area at your own pace, making it a popular choice for tourists. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans as you venture to various attractions. For outdoor enthusiasts, West Ellensburg Park and Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area provide beautiful scenery and opportunities for exploration. If you are interested in cultural experiences, you can visit the historic Olmstead Place State Park Heritage Area. Additionally, a car allows you to travel to nearby cities like Kittitas, located 6 miles away, where you can find more parks and the Kittitas County Historical Museum. Thorp, just 8 miles from Ellensburg, also features similar attractions, allowing for a convenient day trip. For those willing to travel a bit further, Bristol is 16 miles away and offers additional parks and wildlife areas. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventure, cultural insights, or simply a comfortable way to get around, renting a car in Ellensburg enhances your travel experience and makes exploring the region easy and enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals in Ellensburg

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice for travelers in Ellensburg, accommodating up to 5 people and offering space for up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle is perfect for families, couples, or small groups who need extra room for luggage and comfort during their journey. With its spacious interior, you can enjoy a relaxed ride while exploring the beautiful sights around Ellensburg at your own pace.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is another highly booked option in Ellensburg, suitable for up to 5 travelers with room for 2 medium suitcases. This car is ideal for couples, families, or groups looking for a balance of space and versatility. With the Standard SUV, you can easily manage your luggage while enjoying the freedom to discover the attractions in and around Ellensburg comfortably and conveniently.

Top rated car suppliers in Ellensburg

• Enterprise: With a rental location in Ellensburg, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers seeking flexibility and convenience. They offer a diverse range of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Standards being the most booked options. Renting from Enterprise allows you to explore the attractions in and around Ellensburg at your own pace.

Where to stay around Ellensburg

• Kittitas: Located 6 miles away from Ellensburg, Kittitas offers a unique blend of business, culture, and city experiences. Visitors can explore the historic Olmstead Place State Park Heritage Area, engage with local history at the Kittitas County Historical Museum, or enjoy the outdoors at West Ellensburg Park. The area is also known for its nearby wineries, providing a great option for wine enthusiasts. Kittitas is an ideal choice for those looking to combine leisure with cultural activities.
• Thorp: Situated 8 miles from Ellensburg, Thorp is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. This charming area provides access to picturesque hiking trails and the serene West Ellensburg Park. Visitors can also explore the Kittitas County Historical Museum and the historic Olmstead Place State Park Heritage Area. Thorp's nearby wineries make it a romantic destination for couples looking to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
• Naches: Located 20 miles from Ellensburg, Naches is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The area boasts stunning landscapes, including the Yakima River Valley and the Yakima Greenway, both well-suited for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore local landmarks such as the Yakima Valley Museum for a dose of culture. With its proximity to skiing and recreational areas, Naches is particularly appealing for those looking for adventure during the winter season.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Ellensburg

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your journey. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars typically cost less to rent and are easier to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must 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 choices, 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 primarily 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 of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Ellensburg

The best value period to rent a car in and around Ellensburg is April, when prices are low and demand is manageable. March and May also offer reasonable rates with average demand. June through August see higher prices and increased demand, making them the busiest months for rentals. September tends to be the most expensive month, with prices elevated and demand remaining steady. October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	28.4°F (-2.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	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	Average	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	Moderately High	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	Average	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 $86.

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