Car Rentals in Seattle, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Seattle

Renting a car in Seattle provides the freedom and flexibility needed to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With easy luggage management, you can comfortably visit key attractions such as the Seattle Waterfront, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery, or the iconic Space Needle, perfect for city views. A rental car is especially beneficial for families and those seeking outdoor experiences, allowing you to travel conveniently to destinations like the Seattle Center, which offers a range of activities for all ages.

Additionally, having a car enables you to venture beyond the city. You can easily explore Downtown Seattle, which includes the Waterfront and Lake Union, or take a short drive to Bellevue, where you can relax at Downtown Park or Meydenbauer Beach Park. SeaTac is also within reach, featuring attractions like Angle Lake Park and Alki Beach. Overall, renting a car enhances your experience in and around Seattle, ensuring that you can discover everything this vibrant metropolis has to offer without the constraints of public transport.

Most popular car hires in Seattle

• Midsize: This car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and can handle up to 3 large suitcases. It's an ideal choice for couples and families looking to explore Seattle with ease while managing luggage effectively. The midsize car offers a perfect balance of space and comfort, making it suitable for both city driving and longer journeys.
• Fullsize: With the capacity to accommodate 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize car is particularly favoured by families and groups. This option provides ample room for passengers and luggage, ensuring that your travel experience around Seattle is comfortable and convenient, allowing for flexible travel plans.
• Standard: Similar to the midsize option, the standard car accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases. It is an excellent choice for couples and families alike, offering a suitable mix of space and comfort for navigating through Seattle and its surroundings. This car type is popular among those who value both functionality and ease of mobility.

Top rated car suppliers in Seattle

• Avis: Avis is a popular choice for travellers in Seattle, boasting over 5 rental locations throughout the area. This supplier is particularly favoured for its Midsize SUV and Standard SUV options, providing drivers with comfort and versatility for exploring the city and its surroundings. With a strong presence, Avis ensures easy access to vehicles no matter where you are in Seattle.
• Budget: Budget is another excellent option for car hire in Seattle, featuring 4 rental locations within the area. Known for offering Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, Budget combines affordability with quality, making it a great choice for those seeking value without sacrificing comfort. Their accessible locations make it simple for travellers to pick up their vehicles and hit the road.
• Sixt: Sixt stands out with 3 rental locations in Seattle, catering to those looking for a reliable car hire experience. Popular choices among customers include the Midsize SUV and Standard vehicles, ensuring you have the right transport for your needs. Sixt is known for its friendly service, making the car hire process smooth and enjoyable for visitors.

Where to stay in Seattle

• Downtown Seattle: A vibrant neighbourhood ideal for family, outdoor, and city-themed experiences. Here, you can explore the iconic Seattle Waterfront, the towering Space Needle, and the scenic Lake Union, all within proximity. The area boasts a variety of cafes, restaurants, and wineries, making it a great spot for food enthusiasts. With attractions like theatres and public markets nearby, Downtown Seattle is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in city life.
• Bellevue: A bustling city known for its family-friendly atmosphere and business opportunities. Bellevue features excellent shopping centres and recreational areas, with highlights including Old Bellevue and Downtown Park, which offers lovely outdoor spaces for relaxation. Meydenbauer Beach Park is also nearby, providing a lovely beach experience. Dining options abound, with a range of restaurants and cafes that cater to diverse tastes.
• SeaTac: This city is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a city-themed experience. SeaTac is home to attractions like Angle Lake Park, great for a day out, and Alki Beach, where you can enjoy the sun and sand. The area also features shopping centres and public markets, offering a mix of convenience and local flavour. With its proximity to national state parks and sports facilities, SeaTac provides a well-rounded experience for visitors.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer cruising, or an economical car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain more favourable rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and specific vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify the age requirements before making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which necessitates returning the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most economical option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can be acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge associated with collecting your rental car at airports, but this might be worth it for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should the unexpected occur during your trip. It is straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, seek out rentals with 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 vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Seattle

The best time to rent a car in and around Seattle is May, when prices are at their lowest and demand remains manageable. March and April also offer reasonable rates with average demand, making them good options for rental. However, July and August see a spike in prices and demand, as these months are typically the busiest for car hires. September tends to maintain moderate pricing but still experiences high demand, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.3°F (4.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	43.9°F (6.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
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	Slightly Low
June	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	67.1°F (19.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	67.5°F (19.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	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	Low	Average
December	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High