Seattle Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Seattle

Renting a car in Seattle offers the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This flexibility is especially appealing for families and those looking to enjoy outdoor activities and scenic experiences. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like the Seattle Waterfront, where you can take in the beautiful harbour views, and the iconic Space Needle, which provides a modern city experience. The Seattle Center is another great stop, offering a vibrant urban park that's perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Additionally, a rental car makes it convenient to explore popular nearby destinations such as Downtown Seattle, which features attractions like Lake Union, and Bellevue, known for Old Bellevue and Meydenbauer Beach Park. SeaTac also offers attractions such as Angle Lake Park and Alki Beach. With a vehicle, you can manage your luggage easily and adapt your travel plans as you wish, making your visit to Seattle truly enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals in Seattle

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for those travelling in and around Seattle. With the capacity to accommodate 5 travellers and up to 3 medium suitcases, this option is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. Its size makes it easy to navigate through the city’s streets while providing the freedom to explore at your leisure.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV comfortably accommodates 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases. This option offers a balance of space and manoeuvrability, providing flexibility for those planning to explore the scenic surroundings of Seattle with ease. It’s a versatile choice that enhances your travel experience.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car is an excellent option for families or groups, as it can hold up to 5 travellers with the capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a suitable choice for those who need extra space for luggage and equipment, while still enjoying the freedom to discover Seattle and its vicinity comfortably.

Top rated car suppliers in Seattle

• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental provides a reliable option for travellers looking to explore Seattle. With 1 rental location in the area, they are well-positioned for convenience. Their most popular vehicles include the Midsize SUV and Compact SUV, offering flexibility for various travel needs. Customers appreciate the straightforward rental process, making it a great choice for those seeking ease and efficiency during their trip.
• Budget: Budget stands out with over 5 rental locations throughout Seattle, providing ample options for travellers. Their most booked vehicles, the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV, are ideal for navigating the diverse terrains and attractions of the region. Many customers commend Budget for its competitive pricing and accessibility, ensuring a smooth rental experience that caters to both short trips and extended stays.
• Sixt: Sixt is a popular choice for car rentals in Seattle, boasting 4 convenient locations. Their offerings, particularly the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV, are frequently booked by customers who appreciate the combination of comfort and performance. Sixt is known for its modern fleet and exceptional customer service, making it a preferred supplier for those looking to travel comfortably and stylishly around Seattle and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Seattle

• Downtown Seattle: Located in the heart of the city, Downtown Seattle is ideal for those seeking a vibrant urban experience. Highlights include the iconic Seattle Waterfront, perfect for picturesque views, and the Space Needle, a must-visit for stunning city panoramas. The area also hosts numerous cafes, restaurants, and theatres, ensuring a delightful culinary and cultural experience. With attractions like Lake Union nearby, offering opportunities for scenic outdoor activities, Downtown Seattle is best enjoyed in the warmer months when the weather is more conducive to exploration.
• Bellevue: Situated just east of Seattle, Bellevue is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and bustling shopping centres. Visitors can explore the charming Old Bellevue, featuring quaint shops and eateries, or enjoy the outdoors at Downtown Park, a beautiful urban space perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls. Meydenbauer Beach Park also offers a relaxing beach experience. Bellevue is particularly inviting in spring and summer, when the parks and outdoor areas are in full bloom, making it an excellent choice for families and city explorers alike.
• SeaTac: Located conveniently near Seattle's airport, SeaTac offers a blend of outdoor and urban attractions. Angle Lake Park serves as a refreshing urban escape, ideal for family outings, while Alki Beach provides a lovely coastal experience. The WaMu Theater is also a highlight, catering to culture enthusiasts. This area is suitable for visits year-round, although the summer months are particularly enjoyable for outdoor activities and beach outings, ensuring a pleasant stay for families and city adventurers alike.

10 tips to save on your car rental 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 enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary with demand, so it is advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically cost less to rent and are easier to park in busy locations. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals implement a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Seattle

The best value period to rent a car in and around Seattle is November, when prices are lower and demand is at its lowest. October also offers slightly reduced prices with moderate demand, making it a good option. The months from June through August see increased demand and prices, with August typically being the most expensive. September experiences high demand as well, so it's wise to keep that in mind when planning your rental needs.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.3°F (4.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	43.9°F (6.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	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	High	Slightly High
July	67.1°F (19.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	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	Slightly Low
November	44.2°F (6.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
December	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low

Thanks to Expedia, car hire in Seattle begins at only AU$142 per day. The total cost all comes down to a handful of details, like the type of car, the rental period and the specific dates. Our car rentals in Seattle range from budget rides to head-turning vehicles. Score budget car hire in Seattle by booking your holiday during the low season, from November to February. With wallet-friendly prices on car hire, accommodation and airfares, you can also enjoy fewer tourists during this time.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car rentals in Seattle

Looking for cheap car hire in Seattle? Expedia has got you covered. Simply enter your travel dates and select the "Great deal" filter to narrow down the results. Find pocket-friendly prices on Seattle rental cars and compare the broad selection to suit your travel needs. If you’re a budget traveller, you can save even more by paying in advance, rather than later. Expedia’s Seattle car rental deals can help you save so that you can spend more on what matters most, whether that’s fun-packed activities or non-stop sightseeing. If you have a discount code for Expedia, use our filters to find applicable car rental companies and enjoy even better rates.

Best car rental companies in Seattle

Vehicle hire in Seattle is easy with all the car rental companies you can choose from through Expedia. Our top providers include Thrifty, Budget and Hertz. If you’re a backpacker or budget-conscious traveller, opt for an economy or compact rental. If you want to explore the surroundings in style, don’t hesitate on a premium vehicle.

Best places to rent a car in Seattle

If you’re jet-setting to Seattle, there’s a good chance you’re flying to Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Opting to pick up your rental car in Seattle at the airport is easy, quick and ideal if you're not keen on public transport or taxis. By booking a car rental from the airport, you can get off the plane and into the vehicle of your choice.

Seattle car rental types

Looking for a way to show your lover how much they mean to you? Spice up your love life and make a statement with a luxury car or enjoy the privacy of a premium SUV vehicle. Whiz around the city streets with a compact car or stick to your budget with an economy car rental. Whether you’re travelling for a weekend with friends or a week-long road trip, finding the best car rental deals in Seattle is easy thanks to Expedia.

Advice on car rental in Seattle

To rent a car in Seattle you need to be over 21 years old and have a valid driver's licence and credit card that are both under the same name. If you plan to hire a car in Seattle that falls into the luxury or premium category, be prepared to pay extra surcharges. Before you collect your keys, make sure you read the fine print. Take a look at the full terms, conditions and policies of Seattle car hire on Expedia.

Benefits of booking a car rental in Seattle with Expedia

No matter what type of holiday you’ve got in the making, budget car hire in Seattle can be a feasible and fuss-free option. With Expedia, there are plenty of options on offer. Car rental deals in Seattle can help you make the most of your getaway. For example, if you’re staying in West Seattle, it can be easier and cheaper to have your own vehicle to travel to other parts of Seattle, especially downtown. And of course, for those who plan to use Seattle as a base to explore the northwest of Washington State, a car is the key to a flexible itinerary.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.