Car Rental Bellingham Intl. Airport (BLI)

Reasons to book a car rental at Bellingham International Airport

Renting a car at Bellingham Airport offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the beautiful surrounding areas at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel itinerary that suits your preferences. This is especially beneficial for those looking to experience the friendly culture and historical richness of the region. Key attractions such as Lake Whatcom, located 14 km from the airport, provide stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Fairhaven Park, just 10 km away, is perfect for family outings and city exploration. For those interested in local events, the Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center is 16 km from the airport and offers a variety of activities. Additionally, you can venture into nearby cities like Ferndale, only 7 km away, which features Hovander Homestead Dog Park and Birch Bay Beach, or Marietta-Alderwood, just 2 km away, where you can enjoy more of Fairhaven Park and Lake Whatcom. Renting a car truly enhances your travel experience, allowing you to discover the diverse attractions and natural beauty around Bellingham at your convenience.

Most popular car rentals near Bellingham Airport

• Fullsize: The Fullsize car option is a top choice for those travelling in groups or with family. It accommodates up to 5 travellers and can handle up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for family holidays or trips with friends, offering ample space for both passengers and luggage. Renting a Fullsize vehicle allows you to explore the Bellingham area comfortably and conveniently.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for versatility and space. It can seat up to 5 travellers and accommodates up to 3 large suitcases. This option strikes a great balance between comfort and practicality, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the freedom of the open road while having enough room for their belongings.
• Standard SUV: If you're travelling with up to 5 people and have moderate luggage needs, the Standard SUV is a solid option. It can hold up to 2 medium suitcases and is suitable for couples, families, or groups. This vehicle offers a comfortable ride while providing the flexibility needed for your travel plans around Bellingham, ensuring you can enjoy your journey without feeling cramped.

Top rated car suppliers near Bellingham International Airport

• Budget: Budget has a rental location conveniently situated less than 1 km away from Bellingham airport. Known for its flexibility, Budget is a popular choice among travellers, particularly for those seeking Midsize SUVs and Compacts. With an efficient service model, renting a car from Budget allows you to explore the area at your own pace while managing your luggage easily.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental also boasts a location less than 1 km from Bellingham airport, making it a convenient option for visitors. This supplier is particularly favoured for its offerings of Midsize SUVs and Fullsize Pickups, catering to both adventure seekers and those needing more space. Thrifty's commitment to customer satisfaction ensures a smooth rental experience as you embark on your journey.
• Enterprise: With three rental locations, including one less than 1 km from Bellingham airport, Enterprise stands out as a reliable choice for car rentals. This supplier is well-regarded for its selection of Mini Vans and Midsize SUVs, making it ideal for families or groups. Enterprise is committed to offering excellent service, ensuring that your car rental experience is seamless and enjoyable as you venture around Bellingham and its surroundings.

Where to stay near Bellingham International Airport

• Bellingham: Staying in Bellingham offers easy access to stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures. Key highlights include Fairhaven Park, perfect for family outings and outdoor activities, and the scenic Lake Whatcom, ideal for romantic strolls. This vibrant city features a variety of restaurants and wineries, making it a great base for exploring local culinary delights. Visitors will enjoy the outdoor scenery and recreational areas throughout the year.
• Ferndale: Located 7 km from Bellingham, Ferndale is known for its romantic and outdoor experiences. The Hovander Homestead Dog Park is perfect for pet lovers, while Birch Bay Beach offers a wonderful beach holiday destination. Ferndale's charming cafes and wineries provide a delightful culinary experience. This city is particularly lovely in the warmer months, when outdoor activities are abundant and the local scenery shines.
• Meridian: Meridian, just 4 km from Bellingham, is a family-friendly neighbourhood that combines urban convenience with outdoor enjoyment. Attractions like Lake Whatcom and Fairhaven Park are nearby, providing ample opportunity for recreation and relaxation. The shopping centres and restaurants in Meridian cater to diverse tastes, making it an ideal spot for families. This area is especially inviting during the spring and summer when outdoor activities are at their peak.

9 tips to save on your International Airport car rental near Bellingham

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible for warm summer days, or an economy car to accommodate extra luggage, filters on Expedia can assist you in locating the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It’s generally advisable to book your BLI car rental as early as possible to secure lower rates and a wider selection. Reserving your vehicle 1-3 months ahead is optimal, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may have limited availability. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to finalizing your reservation.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller cars, like economy or compact models, tend to be more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals may require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in that case.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver’s name for security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance during your booking with Expedia is straightforward.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you're planning to spend considerable time on the road, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid extra charges on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car from Bellingham Airport

The best time to rent a car from Bellingham Airport is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February also offers moderate value with slightly lower demand. March remains a good choice with similar pricing dynamics. However, July is typically the most expensive month, accompanied by moderately high demand. August follows closely behind with high demand, making that period busier and pricier overall.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	39.0°F (3.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
March	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	46.9°F (8.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly High
May	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	50.9°F (10.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
November	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	38.3°F (3.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average