




From
US$46.83/day

From
US$25.62/day

From
US$79.73/day

From
US$44.88/day

From
US$66.21/day

From
US$46.37/day
Check car rental price trends and popular insights in Seattle to make your booking easier
Booking a car rental in Seattle about 1 day in advance can get you a price lower than the average.
In the past 22 hours, suppliers with the lowest car rental price in Seattle are Europcar Nissan Versa: US$20, Fox Nissan Altima: US$30, Thrifty 2500: US$36, SIXT Chrysler Pacifica: US$45.
Based on authentic user ratings and reviews, the best car rental suppliers in Seattle are ALAMO (4.8, 32 reviews), Europcar (4.6, 97 reviews), BUDGET (4.5, 152 reviews), Hertz (4.4, 27 reviews).
Standard SUV is the most popular car type to rent in Seattle. The average daily price for a Standard SUV is US$93, but some users have found rates as low as US$22.
October has the lowest average daily rate at US$105. The most expensive month is July, with an average daily rate of US$140, 17.48% higher the annual average of US$119.
Most popular car rental suppliers | Thrifty |
|---|---|
Most popular type | Intermediate car |
Average daily price | US$46.37 |
Typical rental periods | 2 days |
Renting a car in Seattle requires a minimum age of 21, with extra fees ($25-35 daily) for drivers under 25. You'll need a valid driver's license (plus International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English) and payment card. Credit cards are preferred, while debit cards require extra documents (return flight ticket, utility bill) and a larger hold ($500-800).
Book 3-4 weeks ahead through Trip.com for best rates, especially during tech conferences and summer peak season.
Drive on right side. Speed limits: 60mph (I-5 downtown), 25-30mph (city streets), 20mph (school zones). Watch for bus-only lanes marked "BAT". Right turns on red allowed after stop unless signed. Park facing curb direction on hills. Toll roads: SR 520 bridge and SR 99 tunnel - rental companies handle toll billing.
Find most rental cars at Seattle Tacoma Intl. Airport (SEA) (3150 S 160th Street). Free shuttles run 24/7 from baggage claim level, arriving every 7-10 minutes for an 8-minute ride. Last shuttle to airport: 1:00 AM. Book through Trip.com to compare rates across all major rental companies under one roof.
AWD rental cars are ideal for Seattle's wet season (October-May) - popular choices include Subaru Outback and similar crossover rentals. Summer visitors (June-September) can choose any car type. Electric car rentals like Tesla are convenient with Seattle's extensive charging network. For city-only trips, compact car rentals offer easier parking and better fuel economy.
Plan around rush hours: 6:30-9:30 AM and 3:00-7:00 PM. I-5 through downtown experiences heaviest delays, especially near the convention center and Mercer Street exits. The 520 bridge (tolled) and I-90 bridge get backed up during commute hours. Rain significantly impacts traffic flow, so add 15-20 minutes to travel time during wet weather. The new SR 99 tunnel under downtown (tolled) often provides a faster alternative to I-5.
Gas prices run 10-15% above national average. Skip airport stations (save ~$1/gallon). Best deals: Costco SODO or Southcenter. For rental returns, use stations on International Boulevard, 5 minutes from return facility. Fill up in city before mountain trips.
Downtown Seattle parking requires planning. Most street parking uses the PayByPhone app, with rates varying by neighborhood and time (typically $2-5 per hour). Major downtown garages charge $20-40 for all-day parking. Many hotels charge $30-50 for overnight parking. Free parking can be found in residential areas of Capitol Hill and Queen Anne, but watch for residential zone restrictions. The light rail park-and-rides offer free parking and easy access to downtown.
From Seattle, popular day trips include Snoqualmie Falls (40 minutes east), Woodinville wine country (30 minutes northeast), and Bainbridge Island (30-minute ferry ride). Mount Rainier National Park is a 2-hour drive southeast - take SR 167 to SR 410 for the most scenic route. Olympic National Park is accessible via a 2.5-hour drive and ferry combination. The Bavarian village of Leavenworth makes a perfect winter day trip, about 2.5 hours east through scenic mountain passes.
Authentic Seattle supplier ratings
Seattle suppliers have an average rating of 4.6. All suppliers' ratings are based on authentic user reviews.