$36 Car Rental Tacoma, WA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Tacoma

Renting a car in Tacoma offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Washington State Fair Events Center and the Wild Waves Theme and Water Park, both located within the Tacoma area. Families will appreciate the convenience of managing luggage and gear while accessing various outdoor experiences. The Museum of Glass, also in Tacoma, provides a cultural experience that is easy to reach when you have your own vehicle. Additionally, a car allows you to venture to nearby cities like Puyallup and Federal Way, where you can find more family-friendly activities and scenic spots like Lake Tapps. Lakewood is another nearby destination featuring beautiful locations like Lakewold Gardens. Having a rental car makes it convenient to explore these popular destinations without the hassle of public transportation, making it a practical choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tacoma area.

Most popular car rentals in Tacoma

• Midsize SUV: This car type is a popular choice for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for up to 3 large suitcases. Its versatility makes it ideal for those needing extra room for luggage while exploring Tacoma and the surrounding areas. A midsize SUV provides comfort and stability, ensuring a smooth ride as you navigate local attractions at your leisure.
• Economy: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families, the economy option seats up to 5 travelers and holds up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type is favored for its fuel efficiency and ease of parking, making it a practical choice for exploring Tacoma without the burden of excessive expenses. The economy car allows you to enjoy your trip while keeping your budget in check.
• Compact: The compact car is another great choice for solo travelers, couples, or families, accommodating 5 travelers and fitting up to 3 medium suitcases. This option offers a balance of space and efficiency, perfect for those who want to navigate Tacoma's streets comfortably. With its manageable size, a compact car makes it easier to explore the city while providing enough room for your essentials.

Top rated car suppliers in Tacoma

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers in Tacoma, with over 5 rental locations conveniently situated throughout the area. Known for its excellent customer service, Enterprise offers a wide selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Fullsize cars being the most frequently booked options. This supplier is appreciated for its flexibility and ease of managing reservations, making it a reliable choice for travelers looking to explore Tacoma and its surroundings.
• Hertz: Hertz stands out with 4 rental locations in Tacoma, providing travelers with easy access to their rental needs. Customers often choose Midsize SUVs and Economy cars from Hertz, which are ideal for both city driving and outdoor adventures. The efficiency of their service and the quality of their vehicles contribute to a satisfying rental experience, ensuring that visitors can focus on enjoying their time in Tacoma.
• Budget: Budget offers competitive pricing and 3 rental locations in the Tacoma area, making it a convenient option for travelers. Most customers opt for Midsize SUVs and Economy vehicles, which are perfect for navigating the diverse landscapes of the region. Budget is recognized for its straightforward rental process and affordability, allowing visitors to enjoy their journey without overspending.

Where to stay in Tacoma

• Federal Way: Federal Way offers a vibrant family-friendly atmosphere with attractions such as the Wild Waves Theme and Water Park, perfect for an outdoor adventure. The Washington State Fair Events Center provides entertainment options throughout the year, while Lake Tapps adds a scenic touch for those seeking romance or beach experiences. With numerous nearby restaurants, cafes, and wineries, Federal Way is an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
• Puyallup: Known for its outdoor beauty, Puyallup is home to the Washington State Fair Events Center, which hosts various family-friendly events. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque Lake Tapps, ideal for romantic outings or scenic views. The local shopping center adds convenience, while a selection of restaurants and wineries nearby enhances the culinary experience. Puyallup is a delightful spot for those looking to merge outdoor activities with family fun.
• Lakewood: Lakewood presents a blend of city life and outdoor experiences, featuring attractions like Lakewold Gardens and Fort Steilacoom Dog Park, both suitable for family outings. The Washington State Fair Events Center is also within reach, ensuring access to seasonal events. Local dining options include a variety of restaurants, cafes, and wineries, making Lakewood a well-rounded destination for families and city explorers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well before your trip. By booking ahead, you're likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—like SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just 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 convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides added peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, search 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 in and around Tacoma

The best value period to rent a car in and around Tacoma is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. March through May also provide reasonable options, as prices and demand remain average during these months. However, July tends to be the most expensive month with high demand, along with June and August, which also see slightly high prices and demand. The rental market can become quite busy during these summer months.

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	Slightly Low
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	Average
May	55.4°F (13.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	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	Average	Average
October	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	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

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Tacoma

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Tacoma

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Tacoma. 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 Tacoma

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $36.

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