Even for weekend visitors coming from far away states, renting a car to drive around D.C. may be a difficult decision. Some visitors find it difficult to drive in unfamiliar cities and the additional time required to rent a car may not be worth it. For younger visitors, car rental costs can be prohibitive. It is difficult to find your way around the city, there are many traffic jams, and parking can be quite expensive.
Prices
One of the many locations within the District of Columbia is where you can rent a car. Auto Europe has many locations throughout Washington DC. Dulles International Airport for example is one of America's busiest, receiving over 11 million travelers annually. Thurgood Marsh International Airport is nearby and is a great location to rent a car. A Ronald Reagan Airport offers a low-cost rental car.
A car rental is the best option to see all of the city's sights and attractions. You can visit the Smithsonian museums as well as the National Zoo. Visit the Visitor's Center if you are planning to visit the Smithsonian museums. Here you can get help from volunteer guides and plan your route through the numerous galleries. Skyscanner offers a low-cost rental car for groups.
Requirements
These are the essential items you need to have on hand if you want to rent an automobile in DC. In addition to the car rental contract, you must present two forms of ID to verify your current home address. These include an original utility bill, cellular phone bill, and paystub, dated within 30 days. Exempted from this requirement are active duty military. You can add your spouse to the rental agreement as a driver but you cannot rent minivans or pick-up trucks without additional ID. You can rent an economy through full-size car with a debit card, as well as a compact and minivan. A car can be rented for up to 5 passengers as long as the renter has proof of their identity.
If you are visiting Washington DC as a tourist, it is possible to rent an automobile. Many of Washington's most significant sites can easily be reached from the Metro. Metro is more affordable than a taxi, and it is cleaner and convenient. Two children under five years old can ride for free along with a paying adult. A hotel near a Metro station is a good choice if you are staying in an area where parking is limited.
Best time to rent
Renting a car in Washington, D.C. is an essential part of any visit to this capital city. Although reliable public transportation is available, it can sometimes be quite crowded. Whether you're visiting on business or to take your family on vacation, renting a car will make your trip a lot easier. It's possible to park your car at a hotel if you don’t want it to cost too much.
Washington DC's weather is unpredictable. A SUV is a better choice if you plan to rent a car here. It offers more space and traction. One-way streets and confusing traffic patterns are some of the city's most recognizable features. Tourists must have GPS navigation. Many rental agencies offer fuel service as an option.
Extra fees
The excess fee is an additional charge that is added to your total rental cost. It is usually small, but you should take this into consideration when calculating the total cost of your rental. This fee covers things like repairs, fuel, and additional equipment. It can also cover parking fees and fines for violating road rules. A credit card is an option if you don’t have enough cash to cover these costs.