Renting a car as a visitor to D.C. can be a convenient way to get around and explore the city. D.C. has an excellent public transit system, but there are still parts of town that aren’t accessible via the metro or bus. Having access to a car while visiting D.C. can be a significant advantage for locals and visitors.
Renting a car in Washington, D.C., doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, though. There are many car rental places throughout the city to accommodate the needs of both visitors and locals. You’ll likely be able to find a car rental agency near where you live or where you’re staying.
It can be tricky to find parking in an urban area such as D.C., whether you’re searching for a spot near your home or trying to find a space near a downtown destination. Many locals choose not to own a car and take public transit instead. This guide will help you find a car rental agency in several D.C. neighborhoods, whatever your reason is for needing one.
Essential Car Rental Options in Washington, D.C.
- Car rentals in D.C. are convenient for both locals and visitors, offering flexibility to travel around the city, especially in areas not accessible via metro or bus.
- Parking in D.C. can be challenging, so many locals prefer using public transit over owning a car. However, rental cars can provide an advantage for those needing flexibility in transportation.
- Car rental agencies are spread throughout D.C., with many locations concentrated in the denser neighborhoods near downtown, providing easy access to rental options for visitors and locals alike.
- Avis and Budget share a car rental location at 1908 L Street N.W. in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, near popular spots like the National Geographic Museum and the White House.
- Zipcar is a convenient option for short-term car rentals, with locations in Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle. It’s a membership-based service, allowing rentals by the hour or day.
- Hertz has a rental office near Dupont Circle (1919 Connecticut Avenue NW), perfect for exploring northern D.C. neighborhoods like Cathedral Heights and Rock Creek Park.
- Enterprise has multiple locations in D.C., including offices near Thomas Circle, Columbia Heights, and Woodley Park, making it easy to rent a car in central or residential areas of the city.
- Zipcar locations in Dupont Circle offer two options for renting cars, one at 1320 19th Street N.W. and another at 1618 19th Street N.W.
- Enterprise offers convenient return options for cars, including Dulles Airport, Reagan National Airport, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport, depending on your rental location.
- Car rental locations near popular D.C. neighborhoods provide easy access to areas like Adams Morgan, Petworth, Georgetown, and Rock Creek Park, making it simple to explore the city and its surroundings.
Car Rental Companies by Neighborhood
Car rental offices are spread out all over the city, but many of them are concentrated in the denser neighborhoods close to downtown. Here are some of the most popular D.C. neighborhoods and where you can go to rent a car in each one.
Foggy Bottom
Avis and Budget (1908 L Street N.W.)
You’ll get two car rental companies in one at this busy L Street garage since both Avis and Budget offer car rentals here. You’ll be close to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the National Geographic Museum, Lafayette Square, and the White House. You can choose to drop off your car at the Dulles Airport or Reagan National Airport if that’s more convenient than returning it to L Street.
Zipcar (925 25th Street N.W.)
Zipcar rents cars by the hour or the day, making it a good option for shorter trips around the city or taking a day trip in the greater metropolitan area. Zipcar is a membership service, so if you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to sign up before renting a car. Zipcar’s website states that most applicants are approved within minutes and can begin renting cars the same day. You’re right across the street from the George Washington University and just southeast of historic Georgetown, with its cobblestone streets and landscaped Riverwalk.
Nearby Communities:
- Circle Arms
- Dupont Circle
Hertz (1919 Connecticut Avenue NW)
Dupont Circle refers to a neighborhood, but also a traffic circle with a park and historic fountain at its center. This Hertz location north of the traffic circle is just east of Embassy Row. It’s a good starting point if you’re looking to explore the northern neighborhoods of D.C., such as Cathedral Heights (home of the Washington National Cathedral). You’ll also be near Rock Creek Park, a natural wonderland with hiking trails, picnic areas, horse stables, sports courts, and more.
Zipcar (1320 19th Street N.W. and 1618 19th Street N.W.)
These two Zipcar locations border the Dupont traffic circle at the southern and northern end. Dupont Circle is a neighborhood densely populated with students, young professionals, and longtime locals, so it’s not surprising to find two Zipcar locations here.
Nearby Communities:
Thomas Circle
Enterprise (1110 14th Street N.W.)
This centrally located Enterprise office is steps away from both Thomas Circle and Logan Circle, as well as the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Washington Post newspaper office. You have the option to return your car at the Dulles Airport, Reagan National Airport, or even the Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Hanover, Maryland.
Nearby Communities:
Columbia Heights
Enterprise (2730 Georgia Avenue N.W.)
This car rental location is just east of the Columbia Heights metro station and slightly north of the downtown bustle in an area with a more residential feel. You’re right next to historic Howard University, and the Petworth neighborhood is just north on Georgia Avenue. You’re also close to Rock Creek Park if you’re in the mood for outdoor adventures. You may return your car to one of the area’s airports if that’s more convenient, as with the other Enterprise location.
Zipcar (3024 14th Street N.W.)
This Zipcar pickup location, which you’ll find steps from the Columbia Heights Metro station, is a great starting point for exploring the greater D.C. area. You’re just south of Silver Spring and Bethesda in Maryland, or if you head west toward Great Falls, you can view stunning waterfalls and several hiking trails. Don’t forget that Zipcar rents cars by the hour or day, so it’s better for short jaunts rather than overnight excursions.
Nearby Communities:
Woodley Park / Van Ness
Enterprise (2601 Calvert Street N.W.)
This car rental location is inside the Marriott Hotel, a convenient option if you’re staying at the hotel or nearby. You’re in an excellent spot to explore northern D.C. neighborhoods from here, such as Adams Morgan to the east or Arlington to the west. You’re also close to the Smithsonian National Zoo, located inside Rock Creek Park on the southern end.
Nearby Communities:
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Frequently Asked Questions about Car Rentals in Washington, D.C.
Are car rentals in Washington, D.C. convenient for locals and visitors?
Yes, car rentals in D.C. are very convenient for both locals and visitors. They provide the flexibility to explore areas that are not easily accessible via metro or bus, making it easier to get around the city.
Is parking difficult in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, parking in D.C. can be challenging due to the dense urban environment. Many locals prefer using public transit over owning a car, but renting a car is a good alternative for those who need flexibility in transportation.
Are there many car rental agencies in D.C.?
Yes, car rental agencies are spread throughout D.C., with many locations concentrated near downtown and in popular neighborhoods. This makes it easy for both locals and visitors to access rental options.
Where can I rent a car in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood?
In Foggy Bottom, you can rent a car from Avis and Budget at 1908 L Street N.W. This location is close to landmarks like the National Geographic Museum and the White House.
What is Zipcar and where can I find a location in D.C.?
Zipcar is a membership-based service that allows you to rent cars by the hour or day. You can find Zipcar locations in Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle, including one at 925 25th Street N.W.
Where can I rent a car in the Dupont Circle area?
In Dupont Circle, you can rent cars from Hertz at 1919 Connecticut Avenue NW or from Zipcar at two locations: 1320 19th Street N.W. and 1618 19th Street N.W.
Where are the Enterprise car rental locations in D.C.?
Enterprise has several locations in D.C., including offices near Thomas Circle, Columbia Heights, and Woodley Park, offering a variety of rental options throughout the city.
Can I return a car rented from Enterprise at an airport?
Yes, you can return a car rented from Enterprise to several airports, including Dulles Airport, Reagan National Airport, or Baltimore-Washington International Airport, depending on your rental location.
Is Zipcar a good option for short-term car rentals in D.C.?
Yes, Zipcar is ideal for short-term car rentals. It allows you to rent cars by the hour or day, making it perfect for quick trips around D.C. or nearby areas.
Are car rental locations near popular D.C. neighborhoods accessible?
Yes, car rental locations are strategically placed near popular neighborhoods like Adams Morgan, Petworth, Georgetown, and Rock Creek Park, making it easy to explore the city and surrounding areas.
