$32 Car Rental Washington, MD

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Washington

Renting a car in Washington offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city's rich attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit iconic sites such as the White House, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian Institution, all located within the city. This makes it an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy cultural experiences or for those seeking outdoor adventures in national parks. Additionally, having your own vehicle allows for easy luggage management, ensuring you have everything you need for a day of sightseeing or city exploration.

Beyond the main attractions, a rental car lets you discover nearby neighborhoods and cities like Downtown Washington D.C., Arlington, and Bethesda. In Downtown, you can explore the Smithsonian American Art Museum alongside the National Mall, while Arlington offers the Washington Golf and Country Club. Bethesda presents opportunities to visit the Congressional Country Club and the Washington National Cathedral. Whether you're traveling with family or looking for unique city-themed experiences, a rental car enhances your journey, providing convenience and access to a variety of destinations in and around Washington.

Most popular car rentals in Washington

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases—ideal for families, couples, or small groups. This option offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage, making it a great choice for those looking to explore Washington comfortably while having room for personal belongings.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases—ideal for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV provides a balance of space and maneuverability, allowing for a pleasant driving experience while still being able to transport both passengers and gear effectively.
• Compact SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases—ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families. This option offers versatility and efficiency, making it a suitable choice for navigating the city while still providing ample storage for personal items.

Top rated car suppliers in Washington

• Alamo Rent A Car: With 2 rental locations in the Washington area, Alamo is a popular choice for travelers seeking friendly service and convenience. Known for their welcoming staff, Alamo provides a great selection of vehicles. The most booked cars with this supplier include Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, making it an excellent option for those looking for comfort and spaciousness during their travels.
• Sixt: Sixt operates 1 rental location in the Washington area, offering a streamlined car rental experience. Their focus on customer satisfaction is evident, and travelers appreciate the availability of Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles. Sixt's commitment to quality service ensures a smooth pick-up process, allowing you to hit the road and explore Washington effortlessly.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With 4 rental locations throughout the Washington area, Thrifty is a highly accessible option for car rentals. They are particularly favored for their selection of Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, catering to various travel needs. Thrifty's multiple locations allow for flexibility in pick-up and drop-off, making it an ideal choice for tourists eager to discover the sights of Washington at their own pace.

Where to stay in Washington

• Downtown Washington D.C.: Situated at the heart of the city, Downtown Washington D.C. offers a vibrant atmosphere ideal for family and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the White House, both rich in culture. The nearby National Mall provides scenic views and adventure opportunities. With various shopping centers and local eateries featuring sweet treats and wineries, Downtown is a fantastic base for exploring the capital.
• National Harbor: This charming village is perfect for families and business travelers alike. National Harbor boasts a blend of shopping and dining options, including popular restaurants and wineries. Key attractions include The Awakening Sculpture and the Capital Children's Museum, making it a cultural hotspot. The proximity to the National Mall allows for outdoor activities and scenic experiences, contributing to a well-rounded stay in this vibrant locale.
• Arlington: Just across the river from Washington D.C., Arlington is an inviting city for family and business visitors. The area features shopping centers and educational venues, with notable landmarks like the Washington Golf and Country Club and the historic White House nearby. The National Mall also offers outdoor adventures. Dining options include wineries and sweet treat spots, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for travelers.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to 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 secure your reservation well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars typically have lower rental costs and are 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 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, 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 the 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 extra fees. This is usually the most favorable option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience can 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 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, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs.
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 Washington

The best value period to rent a car in and around Washington is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. January also offers similar benefits, making it a quiet time for rentals. March sees a rise in demand, but prices remain moderate. As summer approaches, July becomes the most expensive month, with high demand and higher rental rates. June and August also follow a trend of increased costs and busy schedules, making them less ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	35.1°F (1.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	38.3°F (3.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
April	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	74.3°F (23.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	77.4°F (25.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	71.1°F (21.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	40.6°F (4.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Washington

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Washington

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Washington. We partner with 25 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 Washington

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $32.

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