What is the cheapest hire car found in Washington, D.C.?

In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under R1 117/day when booking a car hire in Washington, D.C.. The absolute best deal a user found was for R886/day from Budget, booked on Feb. 16.

Which car hire company is considered to be the best in Washington, D.C.?

Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, National (9,2 rating), Alamo (7,3 rating) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7,3 rating) seem to be the best car hire companies in Washington, D.C..

What are petrol prices like in Washington, D.C.?

The average price of petrol in Washington, D.C. is R16,63/litre over the past month, costing you anywhere between R748 and R1 080 to fill up a car’s fuel tank.

How much does it cost to hire a car in Washington, D.C. for a week from Budget?

Budget is one of the top picks in Washington, D.C.. They can have you in a hire car for about R7 819 per week on average.

How far in advance should I hire a car in Washington, D.C. for the best price?

Our data suggests that booking early can save you up to 43% on a hire car in Washington, D.C.. Take advantage of below-average prices by booking at least 7 days prior to your desired date.

Can I rent a car for a month in Washington, D.C.?

Yes, hiring a vehicle in Washington, D.C. for a month is certainly possible.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Washington, D.C. for a month?

The monthly cost of a car hire in Washington, D.C. is R33 509 (R1 117/day) on average.

What car do most people hire in Washington, D.C.?

The most popular car chosen by those travelling to Washington, D.C. is Standard (Nissan Rogue) based on our Cheapflights data.

Cheap Car Hire in Washington, D.C.

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Washington, D.C. car hires in 2025

Most popular company	BUDGET
Price of petrol per litre	R16,63
Average price per day	R1 117
Cheapest price per day	R886

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What is the cheapest time to rent a car in Washington, D.C.?

January

R849

February

R757

March

R923

April

R997

May

R1 126

June

R1 145

July

R1 218

August

R923

September

R868

October

R978

November

R904

December

R1 015

Currently, the cheapest month to rent a car in Washington, D.C. is February. The most expensive time to rent a car is July. The cheapest prices for each month are shown above, but prices will vary based on availability, how far out you book your rental car, and of course, car type.

Compare available car types for rental in Washington, D.C.

	Small cars	R645 - R1 936
	All Car Types	R736 - R2 172

To hire a small car in Washington, D.C., the United States, you would pay an average price of R1 027/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a small car in Washington, D.C., the United States (~R645/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is March (~R1 936/day). In fact, May is about 38% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a small car hire for Washington, D.C.. When comparing with other car types available for hire in Washington, D.C., renting a small car saves you 17% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

To hire a medium car in Washington, D.C., the United States, you would pay an average price of R1 171/day. November is the cheapest month to hire a medium car in Washington, D.C., the United States (~R624/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is June (~R2 229/day). In fact, November is about 47% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a medium car hire for Washington, D.C.. When comparing with other car types available for hire in Washington, D.C., renting a medium car saves you 5% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

To hire a large car in Washington, D.C., the United States, you would pay an average price of R919/day. August is the cheapest month to hire a large car in Washington, D.C., the United States (~R746/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is June (~R2 323/day). In fact, August is about 19% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a large car hire for Washington, D.C.. When comparing with other car types available for hire in Washington, D.C., renting a large car saves you 26% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

To hire a SUV in Washington, D.C., the United States, you would pay an average price of R1 097/day. November is the cheapest month to hire a SUV in Washington, D.C., the United States (~R714/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is June (~R2 379/day). In fact, November is about 35% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a SUV hire for Washington, D.C.. When comparing with other car types available for hire in Washington, D.C., renting a SUV saves you 11% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

Top rental agencies in Washington, D.C.

Hire a car with one of the top providers serving the Washington, D.C. area such as Hertz, Dollar and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Skim reviews, hire company locations, prices, and more before making your decision.

Hertz

5,3

Fair

264 reviews•6 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2,0

Poor|Sept 2023

They did not have enough cars available for all prepaid reservation holders. We were told to wait until midnight to see if they had more cars available. Staff was rude, unhelpful, and unprofessional. They gave out cars in order of which customers were angriest and loudest at the rental counter -- highly suggest being aggressive if you run into problems here. The electric car I was eventually given had a small battery and was slow to charge (definitely not a Tesla). They only gave me a 71% charge and demanded that it be returned at 70%, but I couldn't drive from my house to the airport without dropping below 70%. It made the experience stressful. I regularly fly into DCA and highly recommend Alamo, National, or Enterprise. I do not understand why anyone would pay a premium for Hertz over cheaper options like Thrifty or Dollar.

4,0

Mediocre|Sept 2023

The upsales at car collection are outrageous. Continual offerings of dubious “benefits” all at inflated prices. Like $10 a gallon for fuel for a top up at drop off. Like insurance add ons that nearly double your quoted rental rate. Like a toll transponder for $13 a day which are almost free to buy. Like “other driver” add on fee. How many people are going to be driving the car at a time? The list is endless. I felt thoroughly ripped off leaving your premises.

6,0

Okay|Jul 2023

The telephone experience was really awful---we could not talk to a real person for a long time. agents were not available. The car itself was fine.

2,0

Poor|Jul 2023

I was charged for a rental that I never actually used

4,0

Mediocre|Jul 2023

I didn’t have any balance and had already paid taxes. The guy told me I owed taxes, didn’t give an explanation and when I showed him the email from Kayak showing I owed nothing and had already paid taxes and fees, he basically shrugged his shoulders and was like well this says you do. He should’ve investigated it or asked someone to help him figure it out. We were at a stand still so i asked to speak to the manager to clarify why I’m paying for it again with a $0 balance. The manager quickly figured out it was because I arrived 1.5 hours earlier than the scheduled time so it was the hourly rate plus taxes and fees of that rate.

2,0

Poor|May 2023

Hertz did not honor the rental reservation and then when I called the main customer service line they lied to me and told me another location would honor it so I relied on that information and wasted time only for them to fail to honor it again.

1 out of 88

Dollar

2,9

Poor

123 reviews•3 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

8,0

Very Good|Aug 2024

Was good, Never got vehicle I ordered but all rental companies the same. Just be happy you get something

2,0

Poor|Sept 2023

There was only one person working the dollar/thrifty line. I waited about 45min in line to pick up my car. The line tripled in length behind me where I’m sure those people waited well over an hour maybe almost two hours for some. There were two people working at the hertz counter, a sister company, doing absolutely nothing. Then when I got to the front of the line they were clearly rushing and not patient for questions I had about my charges.

2,0

Poor|Sept 2023

We had to stay line for three hours waiting on the car and guys were so rude and mean

2,0

Poor|Aug 2023

They didn’t have a car available, so I had to change plans at the last minute. I was traveling with a newborn.

2,0

Poor|Aug 2023

Terrible experience, they had no cars to rent when we got there and there was a line of people waiting for cars. The only cars they could rent would be when someone brought on back told us it could be 2 to 4 hours. Wait. Went across the hall and got an Alamo rental With no trouble at all Cannot recommend the dollar, thrifty, six.T at this airport

2,0

Poor|Feb 2023

Car smell cigarettes, blinker doesn’t work, tires were almost flat, heated seats didn’t work. For $230 for one day rental the company should call DOLLARSSSS…. Cuz you don’t get what you pay for.

1 out of 41

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7,4

Good

36 reviews•9 locations

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Overview

Avis

6,4

Okay

52 reviews•6 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

4,0

Mediocre|Apr 2023

The pick-up was OK. Friendly staff, but silly process (only two people allowed in the building at once). Drop-off was fast, but the gentleman I dealt with was fairly rude. The car, though, was terrible. It needed service (the service light was on when I picked it up). It was in bad shape and not terribly clean. It jerked when starting up at an intersection. The windshield produced glare in all conditions. Overall, the car was worn out.

1 out of 18

Budget

5,7

Fair

72 reviews•6 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

6,0

Okay|Jun 2023

Price should include possible cost of insurance up front to avoid surprises at the desk. Car had a faulty trunk sensor and shuddering breaks.

2,0

Poor|May 2023

Arrived at the location at 9:30 am for my 10 am reservation, no cars were available and I was told I would have to wait 60 minutes before any would there. I was in line with approximately 7 other customers ahead of me. I cancelled my reservation and booked at a different location.

6,0

Okay|Apr 2023

Car had bird poop on doors and the back. Interior had mud Pickup receptionist on phone throughout pickup. Vehicle at 3/4 tank making guessing how much to fill up annoying and ended up gifting budget some free gas. 6/10 experience.

10,0

Wonderful|Apr 2023

Amanda was amazing at the E street location. Kind and willing to work with me on my bill. Would happily rent from them again!

2,0

Poor|Apr 2023

I waited in line for an hour to pick up my rental and the one person working helped 3 people in that time. I ended up canceling my reservation and mg plans for the day. Avis/Budget at 1908 L St NW DC is a horrible place to rent a car. Just don’t.

2,0

Poor|Apr 2023

More than a 90 minute wait to pick up car and 20 minutes to drop off. This company has been gutted. I avoid under all circumstances.

1 out of 24

Thrifty

4,0

Mediocre

75 reviews•3 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

6,0

Okay|Aug 2023

Very long line and wait to get the car, there was a mistake on the contract provided, I was told I had to call to get the charge removed. I could never reach anyone on the phone to get it taken care of. At drop-off I had to go back to the counter to get it taken care of.

4,0

Mediocre|Mar 2023

The pickup was easy and I thought I was renting a petrol vehicle. When I went to the garage to pickup the auto the attendant told me to choose any vehicle in a certain section. I didn't realize the one I chose was completely electric. The auto, a Chevy Bolt, was great but it was difficult to figure out how and where to charge the vehicle. I am sure this is due to America just introducing EV's. When I returned the vehicle the woman who took was very nice and helpful and said that I would receive an email and final receipt. After 4 days I have not. I rented through an online company called QEEQ. I have not been able to contact the company and I am still waiting for the receipt. Thrifty salespeople are wonderful but I will think twice about renting through QEEQ again.

10,0

Wonderful|Apr 2022

It's was an exceptionally busy weekend for travelers, yet the staff was well organized, prepared, and communicated to each other well. It was late, and the Thrifty desk transferred to work with the Hertz desk. The concierge taking me to the vehicle apologized for it taking so long to get to my vehicle, but instead I was surprised how quickly they got me there considering how busy it was.

5,2

Fair|Sept 2020

I appreciate how convenient the entire transaction was from pick up to drop off however, I was severely over charged

Do not charge fee for two days when someone only books for one

1 out of 25

National

3 locations

Check prices

Overview

Alamo

7,5

Good

12 reviews•2 locations

Check prices

Overview

Car hire FAQs

What is the cheapest hire car found in Washington, D.C.?
In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under R1 117/day when booking a car hire in Washington, D.C.. The absolute best deal a user found was for R886/day from Budget, booked on Feb. 16.
Which car hire company is considered to be the best in Washington, D.C.?
Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, National (9,2 rating), Alamo (7,3 rating) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7,3 rating) seem to be the best car hire companies in Washington, D.C..
What are petrol prices like in Washington, D.C.?
The average price of petrol in Washington, D.C. is R16,63/litre over the past month, costing you anywhere between R748 and R1 080 to fill up a car’s fuel tank.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Washington, D.C. for a week from Budget?
Budget is one of the top picks in Washington, D.C.. They can have you in a hire car for about R7 819 per week on average.
How far in advance should I hire a car in Washington, D.C. for the best price?
Our data suggests that booking early can save you up to 43% on a hire car in Washington, D.C.. Take advantage of below-average prices by booking at least 7 days prior to your desired date.
Can I rent a car for a month in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, hiring a vehicle in Washington, D.C. for a month is certainly possible.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Washington, D.C. for a month?
The monthly cost of a car hire in Washington, D.C. is R33 509 (R1 117/day) on average.
What car do most people hire in Washington, D.C.?
The most popular car chosen by those travelling to Washington, D.C. is Standard (Nissan Rogue) based on our Cheapflights data.

Linthicum Heights

Alexandria

Owings Mills

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Cheap Car Hire in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. car hires in 2025

Get helpful information to start your search for the perfect car hire in Washington, D.C.. The average price data is based on the last 12 months and was last updated on 20 February 2025.

Most popular company

Price of petrol per litre

Average price per day

Cheapest price per day

What is the cheapest time to rent a car in Washington, D.C.?

Discover the most affordable period to rent a car in Washington, D.C. and save money on your trip. The monthly average price data is based on historical data over the last year and was last updated on 20 February 2025.

Compare available car types for rental in Washington, D.C.

Compare and contrast the various car types offered for hire in Washington, D.C. to find the perfect fit for your trip. Price data is based on averages over the last 12 months and was last updated on 20 February 2025.

Top rental agencies in Washington, D.C.

Explore the leading car hire agencies in Washington, D.C. known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car hire companies in Washington, D.C.. Reviews were last updated on 20 February 2025.

Hire a car with one of the top providers serving the Washington, D.C. area such as Hertz, Dollar and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Skim reviews, hire company locations, prices, and more before making your decision.

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Car hire FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about car hires in Washington, D.C., including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on 20 February 2025.

What is the cheapest hire car found in Washington, D.C.?

Which car hire company is considered to be the best in Washington, D.C.?

What are petrol prices like in Washington, D.C.?

How much does it cost to hire a car in Washington, D.C. for a week from Budget?

How far in advance should I hire a car in Washington, D.C. for the best price?

Can I rent a car for a month in Washington, D.C.?

How much does it cost to rent a car in Washington, D.C. for a month?

What car do most people hire in Washington, D.C.?

Travelling to a place near Washington, D.C.?

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