Seattle Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Seattle

Renting a car in Seattle provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like the Seattle Waterfront, a beautiful harbor perfect for scenic experiences, and the iconic Space Needle, which offers stunning city views. Families will appreciate the convenience of accessing the Seattle Center, an urban park ideal for outdoor activities. Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture beyond the city to popular destinations such as Bellevue, where you can enjoy Old Bellevue and Meydenbauer Beach Park, or SeaTac, featuring Angle Lake Park and Alki Beach. With your own vehicle, managing luggage becomes a breeze, and you can create flexible travel plans tailored to your interests. Whether you're seeking city experiences or outdoor adventures, renting a car enhances your visit to Seattle and its vicinity, making it an excellent choice for tourists looking to explore the area comfortably and conveniently.

Most popular car rentals in Seattle

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice for travellers in Seattle, accommodating up to 5 passengers along with space for 3 large suitcases. This vehicle is perfect for families, couples, or small groups who appreciate the flexibility of a versatile car. With ample room for both passengers and luggage, it makes exploring the Seattle area comfortable and convenient.
• Fullsize: If you're travelling with a larger group or family, the Fullsize car option is an excellent fit. It comfortably seats up to 5 travellers and can handle up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for those who need more space without sacrificing comfort, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a relaxed ride around Seattle and beyond.
• Compact: The Compact car is a smart choice for solo travellers, couples, or small families. With a capacity of 5 passengers and room for up to 3 medium suitcases, it offers a balance of efficiency and convenience. This option is particularly appealing for those looking to navigate Seattle's urban landscape while still having enough space for essentials. It's an economical choice that doesn't compromise on comfort.

Top rated car suppliers in Seattle

• Enterprise: Enterprise boasts over 20 rental locations throughout the Seattle area, making it a highly accessible choice for travellers. With an impressive overall rating of 8 out of 10, customers frequently commend the friendly service and the cleanliness of their vehicles. Enterprise is particularly well-known for its well-maintained fleet, with Midsize SUVs and Premium cars being the most booked options, ensuring you can explore Seattle and its surroundings in comfort.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With 5 convenient rental locations in Seattle, Thrifty Car Rental is a popular option for those seeking flexibility and value. Many customers appreciate the straightforward booking process and the variety of vehicles available. Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars are the most sought-after choices, making it easy to find the right vehicle for your travel needs while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
• Fox Rental Cars: Fox Rental Cars operates 2 locations in the Seattle area, offering travellers a good selection of vehicles for their adventures. Customers often choose Midsize SUVs and Fullsize SUVs, which provide ample space for both passengers and luggage. Fox is recognized for its competitive pricing and straightforward rental process, making it a solid choice for those looking to explore Seattle and nearby attractions at their own pace.

Where to stay in Seattle

• Downtown Seattle: Downtown Seattle is an exciting hub for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It features attractions like the Seattle Waterfront, perfect for scenic views, and the iconic Space Needle, ideal for city exploration. Nearby, Lake Union offers a romantic setting. The area is filled with diverse food options, including cafes and restaurants, making it a great place to stay for those wanting to experience urban life and local culture.
• Bellevue: Bellevue provides a vibrant city experience, attracting families and business travellers. With popular spots like Old Bellevue, visitors can enjoy charming neighbourhoods, while Downtown Park offers a beautiful green space for relaxation. Meydenbauer Beach Park is perfect for beachgoers looking to unwind. Bellevue is also known for its shopping centres and a variety of dining options, making it a convenient choice for your stay in the Seattle area.
• SeaTac: SeaTac is ideal for those seeking outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can explore Angle Lake Park, which provides a serene environment for picnics and leisurely strolls. Alki Beach offers a wonderful spot to enjoy the waterfront. With its proximity to national state parks and various shopping venues, SeaTac is a practical option for travellers looking to balance city life with nature during their stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Seattle

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are generally more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer an excellent balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might be restricted. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most beneficial option. Other options, like full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, are also available. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There's often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but this convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, look for rental options that include unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Seattle

The best time to rent a car in and around Seattle is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. February also offers good value, with similar pricing and average demand. As spring approaches, March through May generally sees average prices and demand. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand. August continues this trend with high demand and pricing, making it a busy time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.3°F (4.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	43.9°F (6.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	67.1°F (19.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	67.5°F (19.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	52.7°F (11.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	44.2°F (6.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
December	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average