Car Rental - Bellingham

 

Rent a car in Bellingham and immerse yourself in a truly laidback and unique city and incredible coastline. As you’re situated in the northernmost city in the contiguous US, you’re only minutes from Canada.

You can pick up or drop off your rental car at our Bellingham International Airport, just minutes from the city itself. Here, you’ll find a fabulous range that spans SUVs fit for family fun in the wild landscape, as well as smaller, sleeker models for solo travelers and couples.

Your Bellingham rental car is your passport to exploring some of the most beautiful driving country in the US. Head north or northwest along the coast of Washington for Canada or drive south to skirt wonderful seaside towns on your way to Seattle.

For a trip to remember, reserve your Bellingham rental car with Hertz today.

Bellingham Locations

A Quick Guide to Bellingham

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Whatcom Falls Park

1401 Electric Avenue, WA, 98229

This serene, 241-acre park is filled with wonderful walking trails through dappled woods. There are four sets of falls that give the park its name, the most popular being the Whirlpool falls with its quaint bridge. Pack your bathers—this is the perfect place for a swim in warm weather. Come in through either entrance to find parking for your Bellingham rental car.

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Whatcom Museum

121 Prospect Street, WA, 98225

Housed in a notable building, the Whatcom Museum opened at the close of the 19th century and has seen recent expansion into the stunning Lightcatcher building. There’s a great breadth of material to discover here, from Native American artifacts and artwork to sculptures from Northwest artists. There’s limited free parking for museum guests just a block away, or you can leave your Bellingham rental car at a metered on-street parking space.

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Fairhaven Historic District

WA, 98225

Park up and explore the red-brick Victorian buildings of this historic district on foot. Stroll past residential streets filled with friendly cafes, restaurants, galleries and stores. Pick up gifts from bookstores and craft shops, enjoy the bay views and discover the true allure of Bellingham.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham

4050 Northwest Avenue, WA, 98226

Perfect for business visitors and those who want to self-cater, the rooms at this all-suite hotel come with kitchens or kitchenettes, as well as complimentary breakfast every morning. Some of the rooms are pet-friendly, and there’s a free airport shuttle whether you’re arriving or leaving. Enjoy complimentary parking for your Bellingham car rental and, if you choose to rent an electric car, you’ll also find a charging station at the hotel. Additional charges apply for second vehicles.

The Inn at Lynden

100 5th Street, Lynden, WA, 98264

A charming boutique hotel a few miles to the north of Bellingham in Lynden, The Inn occupies the Waples Mercantile Building, which is over 100 years old and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Rooms are cozy and full of character, and there are five stores on the ground floor, including a bookstore. Ask for a parking pass and you can leave your Bellingham rental car at any one of four nearby city-owned lots for free during your stay.

Hotel Bellweather

1 Bellwether Way, WA, 98225

Bask in picturesque views at the waterfront Bellwether. From here you can view the marina, mountains and distant islands, or relax in suites with soaking tubs. For a real treat, opt for the Lighthouse Suite which sprawls over three floors, complete with a spiral staircase and wrap-around terrace. Complimentary underground parking is available for your holiday rental car. If you’ve chosen to rent an electric vehicle, you’ll find two Tesla stations and one supercharge electric station for your convenience.

Mallard Ice Cream

1323 Railroad Avenue, WA, 98225

Get the scoop at Mallard, a brilliant ice cream parlor with vintage stylings and a dazzling array of flavors. There are staples available all year-round, plus seasonal specials. Favorites include root beer, pumpkin, mint Oreo and cheesecake. For something more challenging, take on the ghost pepper peppermint.

Keenan's at the Pier

804 10th Street, WA 98225

For casual yet elegant dining with a panoramic view of the bay, visit Keenan’s on the Pier. Popular breakfast dishes include the baja shrimp omelet, and you can enjoy a pier cobb salad for Sunday brunch, or go all out at dinner time with crab cakes and sea scallops for dinner. All options have a creative twist and are accompanied by stunning views.

Dragon River

1319 Cornwall Avenue #102, WA 98225

If you find yourself in Bellingham with a hankering for Chinese food, look no further than Dragon River. The diverse menu is a favorite with locals, featuring both Sichuan and Northeastern Chinese dishes. The pork rib stew is so tender the meat falls off the bone, while the tofu and jalapeno stir-fry is a must for veggies who like their meals with a kick!

Driving In and Around Bellingham

  • Downtown Bellingham has coin-operated metered parking, usually with a two-hour limit. Meters will have the time limit posted on them. Parking is free on weekends, holidays and after 5PM on weekdays.
  • Commercial Street Parking Garage (98225) is ideally placed for leaving your Bellingham car rental to visit Downtown restaurants, stores and sights. It has hourly rates and a flat rate for the day.
  • Sunset Square Mall (98226) offers over 1,600 spaces for customers, with a two-hour limit.

 

  • Interstate 5 (I-5) snakes from north to south through Bellingham. Drive north and you’ll soon be at the border with Canada. South, and you’ll pass Burlington and Mount Vernon en route to Seattle.
  • State Route 542 (SR 452) begins in Bellingham and then runs east past Maple Falls before ending close to Mount Baker.
  • State Route 539 (SR 539) is the straightest route from car rental in Bellingham to the Canadian border, running straight from south to north. It meets Canada at Langley, British Columbia.

 

How to Get From Bellingham International Airport to Bellingham

The car rental lot at Bellingham airport is about five miles northwest of Downtown.

  1. Leave the airport rental lot and drive south on Mitchell Way, continuing on for Airport Way.
  2. Take a left for Airport Drive, then continue on to West Bakerview Road.
  3. Merge via the ramp on to I-5 South.
  4. Leave I-5 South at Exit 254 for Ohio Street.

 

How to Get From Bellingham to Seattle

It should take around 90 minutes to make the drive south to Seattle in your car rental from Bellingham. Get on to the I-5 South in Bellingham and follow it for around 87 miles, then take Exit 165B for Union Street.

 

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