The fastest way to rent a car in Washington, D.C., is to book online in advance using a comparison site like Kayak or Rentalcars.com. You'll need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name (not a debit card for most companies), and be at least 21 years old (with surcharges if you're under 25). The key is choosing a convenient location: Reagan National Airport (DCA) offers the most counters but can have higher fees, while downtown locations might be cheaper but have limited hours.
To ensure a smooth process, always inspect the car for damage before you leave the lot and take timestamped photos. Understand your insurance options: your personal auto insurance or credit card may already provide coverage, so you can likely decline the expensive Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) from the rental company if you're adequately covered. Below is a comparison of major rental companies in the D.C. area to help you decide based on your priorities.
| Rental Company | Average Daily Rate (Economy) | DCA Airport Location? | Downtown Locations? | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Enterprise | $45 - $65 | Yes | Multiple | Often praised for customer service; good for longer rentals. |
| Hertz | $48 - $70 | Yes | Multiple | Good for loyalty program (Gold Plus Rewards) and variety of cars. |
| Avis | $50 - $72 | Yes | Multiple | Similar to Hertz, often competitive business traveler options. |
| Budget | $42 - $60 | Yes | Few | A value-focused brand under the Avis Budget Group. |
| National | $50 - $75 | Yes | Few | Emphasis on speed and choice for frequent renters (Emerald Aisle). |
| Alamo | $44 - $62 | Yes | Limited | Known for ease and value, popular with leisure travelers. |
When you pick up the car, the agent will often try to sell you on pre-paid fuel options and additional insurance. It's usually more cost-effective to refill the tank yourself near the return location. Simply decline these extras if you don't need them. For the easiest return, use a full-service airport location like DCA where you can drop the car and quickly walk to your terminal.
