How to find a cheap car hire deal in Washington
Searching for a cheap rental car in Washington? With an average price of Rs26,111 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're wanting a zippy little number, a large SUV, or something else entirely, we round up all the top deals to help you spend less.
Rs17,596 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Washington.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from Rs123,167 and make room for more adventures.
To land the best price on a Washington car hire, try to book ahead. Rates generally climb as your travel dates approach, and you might have less to pick from.
Grab your wheels from Enterprise, Hertz or Dollar. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Enterprise or another supplier offers for your Washington car hire can vary, so be sure to read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging Rs21,322 a day.
Offering daily rates of around Rs27,158, [this provider]([this provider) is next in line.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly Rs26,768 a day.
After a car that works for most trips? The Fullsize rental category is the go-to choice for travellers visiting Washington.
Compare car hire types in Washington
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or just planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and advanced tech features, this Washington car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising down long stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Washington that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Washington car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Washington.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so always double-check your rental company's terms to find out what applies to you.
Add a car seat to your Washington car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules can change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to travel.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
Get familiar with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's possible, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't available.
Best hotels in Washington for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying the comfort of Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington Casino Area. Around 6 kilometres from central Washington, it comes with parking, a cash machine and Wi-Fi.
Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh-Meadow Lands makes things simpler with parking and features such as an indoor swimming pool and a laundry. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas for your trip? Browse the full list of hotels in Washington. You can narrow things down using the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Washington and the right hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to head first. Get started with popular attractions like Duncan Miller Glass Museum and Bradford House Museum.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Washington
Shift gears and head toward Pittsburgh. Around 40 kilometres northeast of central Washington, you'll find must-sees like Carnegie Museum of Art and The Andy Warhol Museum.
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown and Courtyard Pittsburgh University Centre are popular accommodation options with parking in Pittsburgh.
Penn Hills has some comfortable accommodation options including Super 8 by Wyndham Pittsburgh/Monroeville and Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh East Liberty by IHG. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
