As the capital of the United States, Washington DC overflows with iconic landmarks and museums that celebrate American heritage. While the Metro subway and public buses connect the National Mall sightseeing core, having your own wheels delivers flexibility to dig deeper into DC’s distinct neighborhoods, government centers and surrounding areas of Virginia and Maryland at your own pace.
Benefits of Renting a Car in Washington DC
Renting a car while visiting Washington DC gives advantages over other transport options:
See More Attractions
A rental car allows easy access to sites outside the downtown National Mall area like Georgetown’s campus and gardens, the National Arboretum or Mount Vernon estate across the Potomac in Virginia.
Explore Diverse Neighborhoods
Cruise through historic areas like Adams Morgan and U Street with rowhouses, murals and lively restaurants that reflect DC’s cultural diversity.
Avoid Public Transit Hassles
Driving yourself skips challenges of metro shutdowns, limited night buses, standing in crowds or getting lost with luggage and kids in tow.
Save Money
Sharing rental costs among 3-4 passengers often compares favorably to mounting individual Metro and taxi expenses.
Tailor Your Own Itinerary
Having your own wheels means the freedom to spend as much or as little time at any site without worrying about tour bus schedules.
Where to Rent a Car in Washington DC
As an important eastern travel market, DC offers extensive rental car choices across providers and pickup locations:
DC-Area Airports
All major rental brands have counters at Washington Dulles (IAD), Reagan National (DCA) and Baltimore-Washington (BWI) airports. Retrieve your vehicle conveniently as soon as your flight lands.
Downtown Rental Offices
Agencies clustered around Union Station and Mount Vernon Square cater to Amtrak arrivals and downtown hotel guests. Many provide free customer shuttles within the business core.
Suburban Locations
Additional neighborhood rental sites across Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland give proximity for those staying outside the capital. Ask about potential metro area drop-off fees if applicable.
| Area | Sample Rental Locations |
|---|---|
| Capitol Hill | 400 Massachusetts Ave NW |
| Downtown | 1101 4th St SW (Union Station) |
| Georgetown | 3000 K St NW |
| DuPont Circle | 1604 19th St NW |
Table: Some convenient rental car locations in central Washington DC areas
Road Trip Tips for Navigating DC with a Rental Car
Follow these suggestions when driving your own rental car around the capital:
Reserve Early
Book your rental car well in advance for best availability and rates during the busy spring and summer seasons. Extras like child safety seats, GPS units, etc may run out if not requested upfront.
Watch out for Traffic Cameras
DC has widespread speed and red light cameras that aggressively ticket driving violations. Fines are expensive and directly billed back to the renter. Drive cautiously.
Consider EZ Pass Transponders
For tooling around Virginia and Maryland, having an EZ Pass transponder avoids stopping to pay individual tolls. Ask rental branches if in-car devices are available to borrow.
Refuel Before Returns
Refill your tank completely before returning the vehicle to avoid surprise refueling charges added by rental companies, which are typically excessively inflated.
Know Parking Rules
Washington DC has complex parking regulations by zone, varied payment/permit requirements and restricted security areas. Note sign allowances carefully to dodge ticketing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting a Car in Washington DC
What documents do I need to rent a car?
You’ll need a valid driver’s license, passport, major credit card in your name, and for some companies, an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors.
What side of the road do Washingtonians drive on?
As in the rest of the continental United States, cars in Washington DC and surrounding states drive on the right side of the road.
Can I take my rental car into Virginia or Maryland?
Yes, it’s generally permitted to drive your DC rental vehicle into neighboring states unless expressly prohibited under your specific contract terms and conditions with extra fees possible.
Conclusion
While monument hopping around central DC sites is manageable by Metro and tour buses, having the flexibility of your own rental car opens more doors for personalized adventures at Mount Vernon, exploring diverse neighborhoods, road tripping to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and beyond. Booking early reserves the right vehicle so you can focus on navigating DC’s infamous beltway traffic, deciphering complex parking rules and capturing memories of iconic American history come to life.
