Car Rental - Washington DC

 

Arrange Washington DC car rental to experience the US capital’s most iconic sights. The White House, Washington Monument, and Capitol Hill symbolize American values – and you can explore them at your leisure with a great value rental car in Washington DC.

Explore the city in your Washington DC rental car and you’ll find DC is about more than just its landmarks. As well as being the home of US national politics, the city is a modern metropolis with fine dining, green open spaces, and a lively arts scene.

Car rental in Washington DC is a smart way to get around, with convenient pick-up locations at Dulles International Airport and Union Station when you arrive. Find a rental car in Washington DC to suit you in our Hertz collection – from compact city cars to large family vehicles and everything in between.

Rent a car in Washington DC, and discover the hidden gems across the US capital.

Washington DC Locations

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Map data ©2026 Google
Map data ©2026 Google

A Quick Guide to Washington DC

National Mall

On America’s most famous lawn, you can take in the Washington Monument, the US Capitol, the White House, and memorials to Lincoln, Martin Luther King, and American war veterans. Spend an afternoon exploring and take a minute to reflect on the palpable sense of history, power, and sacrifice.

Smithsonian Museums

The National Museum of American History contains everything from the red, white, and blue flag that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner to Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. The National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History and Culture are also worth visiting.

Art Galleries

Washington DC is a paradise for art lovers. Original works by Rembrandt, Raphael, and Van Gogh are among the highlights at the National Gallery of Art. From delicate watercolors by Winslow Homer to fascinating sculptures by Auguste Rodin, more than 141,000 works await. Want to get away from the Hill? Hop in your Washington DC rental car and check out the weird and wonderful exhibits at The Fridge, near Eastern Market, or the Adamson Gallery downtown.

Paddle on the River

Some of the best views of Washington DC are from the Potomac River. Hire a paddleboat from the Tidal Basin Boathouse and see the Martin Luther King and Jefferson memorials from the water. In Georgetown, the Thompson Boat Center has canoes and kayaks for hire – it even offers rowing classes.

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

Rent a car in Washington DC and drive to this lush floral oasis and take in the views in the pink light of dawn. Set in Cleveland Park in northwest Washington DC, Hillwood Museum and Gardens features Japanese and French-style gardens. Inside, you’ll find the largest collection of Russian imperial art outside Russia – including the diamond-encrusted nuptial crown of Empress Alexandra.

For Southern Favorites

For all its formalities, Washington DC does no-frills too. Tuck into the juiciest cutlets at Hitching Post in Petworth or follow the aroma of mac and cheese to Oohh’s & Aahh’s.

For Veggie Dishes

Meat-free burgers, burritos, and breakfasts are the order of the day at Sticky Fingers, while Shouk serves up a range of vegan Israeli street food.

For Brunch

Rub shoulders with politicians at the Tabard Inn Restaurant just a few streets from the White House – unless the smell of homemade pop tarts beckons you over the river to Ted’s Bulletin.

For Asian Food

Washington DC’s diverse ethnic mix manifests itself in a selection of mouthwatering Asian restaurants. Go Thai at Little Serow, Chinese at Da Hong Pao, or Vietnamese at Simply Banh Mi.

For Fine Dining

Quality restaurants are a dime a dozen in the US capital. Choose from The Dabney’s mid-Atlantic menu or visit Mintwood Place for a curious Franco-American fusion.

The Georgetown Inn

Blessed with the finest Victorian apartments, chic restaurants, and walking trails by the canal, it’s no wonder locals consider Georgetown the quintessential Washington DC neighborhood. The centrally located Georgetown Inn is easy to reach in your Washington DC rental car and is a long-running hotel with a recommended American bar and grill.

Hyatt Place

On the surface, Bloomingdale is all well-maintained gardens and brick-and-stone row houses. But it packs a lot of fun into its 12 blocks, with open mic nights and award-winning restaurants. Reserve a room at Hyatt Place to see it all from high above at this modern hotel with an outdoor pool, gym, and dining.

Tabard Inn

The Dupont Circle neighborhood delights with its cultural institutions on one hand, and bistros, bars, and boutiques on the other. The Tabard Inn is a classic 1800s townhouse with antique-filled rooms – providing the perfect atmosphere for your stay in this neighborhood.

Darcy Hotel

One of the city’s more culturally diverse spots, U Street and 14th Street was once Duke Ellington’s stomping ground. Today, as the unofficial bohemian quarter, it continues to attract and celebrate artists of all disciplines and walks of life. The upper-midscale, full-service Darcy Hotel is the ideal place to soak it all up.

The Henley Park Hotel

As the East End hangout for much of the city’s Asian community, Penn Quarter is where you’re guaranteed to find the best Chinese food and art. This stately 1918 hotel is furnished with high-end antiques and offers fine dining.

Driving In and Around Washington DC

  • Interstate 695 (I-695) passes through the heart of Washington DC, close to the United States Capitol. If heading to this destination in your Washington DC rental car, exit I-695 if arriving from the south, or take 16th Street NW if heading down from the north. The nearest public parking facility is further north at Union Station.
  • The I-66 bridge crosses the Potomac River en route to Arlington National Cemetery – the US’s most hallowed ground, where many tourists come to pay their respects. To get here from Capitol Hill, take the I-395.
  • Independence Avenue is a good starting point for exploring Washington’s neighborhoods. Starting downtown, drive along Independence Avenue SW, turning up past the Smithsonian on 12th Street NW. Make a right at 1000 F Street NW to explore Penn Quarter, before doing a loop around Judiciary Square. Then follow Indiana Avenue NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW south to downtown.

While you’re unlikely to encounter any toll roads within the boundaries of Washington DC, if you’re renting a car from Washington DC to explore Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania you may encounter a few. Dulles Toll Road is a route many drivers use west of Washington DC.

Rush hour starts at 6am and runs until 9.30am. Between 3.30pm and 6.30pm are often the busiest times for traffic in Washington DC during the afternoon. Weekday traffic is generally slightly lighter on Mondays and Fridays than on other days. If you’re not confined by time, it’s best to take your Washington DC rental car for a spin outside these hours.

Parking is readily available across the US capital for your Washington DC rental car:

  • If you’re heading to the National Mall, parking garages are available downtown. After 6.30pm, some metered parking areas become free – and there are no parking charges on Sundays.
  • Free parking is available along Ohio Drive (DC 20024) near the Lincoln Memorial, as well as south of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Washington DC Travel Blog

Washington D.C. after Dark: Skip the Summer Crowds by Touring at Night
09/14/2022 • 5 min
Washington D.C: How To Skip the Crowds

As our capital, Washington D.C. can draw crowds from far and wide to its many sites. Discover how to beat the crowds with our handy tips here on Hertz.

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