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Seamless One-Way Car Rentals from Portland to Seattle

Discover the ease and convenience of traveling from Portland to Seattle with our one-way car rental options.

Can I rent a car from Portland to Seattle?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Portland to Seattle. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for US residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card attributes are XpCard and DcCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 will incur a fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
    • Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet or
    • Original South Korea Driving Lisense (English version).

    Notes: Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license (written in Roman alphabet) may be required to present a valid passport or other government-issued ID as a second form of identification. Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card attributes are XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 will incur a fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
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How much does renting a car from Portland to Seattle cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 61/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 62/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 96-US$ 513US$ 0-US$ 340US$ 181-US$ 1,677Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 113-US$ 513US$ 50-US$ 340US$ 680Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 96-US$ 554US$ 0-US$ 340US$ 183-US$ 751Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 97-US$ 541US$ 0-US$ 340US$ 184-US$ 734Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 540US$ 0US$ 721Families, comfort seeker

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fees: Be aware that many rental companies apply an additional fee for one-way rentals. Make sure to inquire about this cost during booking.
  • Route Changes: Ensure the route from Portland to Seattle is feasible and aligns with company policies. Some routes may have restrictions.
  • Drop-Off Points: Confirm the exact drop-off location in Seattle. Some companies have limited choices for where you can return the vehicle.
  • Refueling Policy: Understand the refueling policy. Many companies require a full tank upon drop-off.
  • Driver's License Requirements: Ensure you have the required documentation, including a valid driver's license and any applicable permits.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Route in Advance: Identify your stops and prefer scenic routes for a pleasant journey.
  • Choose the Suitable Car Type: Consider the distance and your luggage space needs when selecting the car type.
  • Book Early to Save: Booking ahead not only ensures vehicle availability but can also yield cost savings.
  • Monitor Discounts and Offers: Many rental companies offer special rates for advance bookings or memberships.
  • Inspect the Vehicle Before Departure: Ensure to check the vehicle's condition and document any existing damage to prevent inconveniences later.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Refueling before returning the car is typically cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling before returning the vehicle.

Ensure the fuel level matches the level noted at the start of the rental period to avoid additional charges.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost for this route is approximately $3.90 per gallon as of the latest update.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and use cruise control when possible to conserve fuel.

Check tire pressure regularly to ensure optimal fuel efficiency.

Avoid excessive idling and minimize the use of air conditioning to save fuel.

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Portland Parking

Downtown Portland offers metered parking at approximately $2 per hour.

Consider using parking garages for extended stays, which charge around $12-$20 daily.

Street parking is free in certain residential areas but check for time restrictions.

Seattle Parking

Seattle's downtown area has metered parking at $2.50-$5 per hour.

Park-and-ride lots are available near transit stations for long-term parking.

Many hotels in Seattle offer parking services for guests, often at an additional charge.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like ParkMobile and SpotHero can help find and book parking spaces in advance.

PayByPhone is widely used for managing metered parking in Seattle.

Way.com offers discounted rates for parking in various garages.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes: Portland to Seattle:
I-5 Corridor
Interstate Main Route 2 hours 55 minutes

Direct and efficient. Follows Interstate-5 passing through key cities.

Vancouver, WA , Olympia, WA , Tacoma, WA
Scenic Pacific Coast
Coastal Scenic Route 5 hours 30 minutes

Offering coastal views, this route merges with US 101 and WA-3.

Astoria, OR , South Bend, WA , Bremerton, WA
Mount Rainier Route
Indirect Scenic Route 4 hours 45 minutes

Pass through Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier National Parks.

Mount St. Helens, WA , Mount Rainier, WA , Puyallup, WA
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Selection: Choose a car suited for your journey distance and luggage needs.

Route Planning: Plan the most efficient route and mark gas stations along the way.

Cost Management: Watch for additional fees like tolls, and clarify all rental charges upfront.

Packing Essentials: Include necessities like chargers, snacks, and travel documents.

Safety First: Check vehicle condition and carry a roadside emergency kit.

Nearby Attractions: Research detours for scenic spots or points of interest on your route.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip between Portland and Seattle, it's crucial to consider factors like fees, vehicle options, and pickup/dropoff policies.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$A wide range of vehiclesExtensive across major US cities Premium vehicle options , Large network of locations
Enterprise$Standard selection across sedans and SUVsExcellent coverage in urban areas No hidden fees , Wide selection of eco-friendly vehicles
Avis$$Diverse range from economy to luxuryWell-established nationwide network Loyalty program perks , Easy self-return process
Budget$Primarily economy and mid-size vehiclesGood coverage in metropolitan regions Affordable pricing , Frequent discounts and promotions
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Rental Car Center Details for Portland and Seattle

Operating Hours:

Open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Location:

Rental car centers located in close proximity to both airports, with clear signage from the arrivals area.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttles run every 10-15 minutes, connecting terminals with rental car stations.

Return Process:

Dropoff areas are clearly marked at each rental location with assistance available on-site.

Pro Tips for Portland International Airport(PDX) Car Rentals

Book your vehicle in advance during peak travel seasons to ensure availability and secure the best rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a one-way car rental from Portland to Seattle available?

Yes, one-way car rentals from Portland to Seattle are commonly available from most major car rental providers. Ensure to check the terms and availability from your preferred provider.

What is the average cost for a one-way car rental between these cities?

The cost varies depending on the car type, rental company, and availability, but you can expect to pay between $75 and $200 for a standard rental, excluding additional fees.

Do I need to pay extra fees for a one-way rental?

Many car rental companies include a drop-off fee for one-way rentals. This fee compensates for returning the vehicle to its original location, but this is not always the case. Confirm this with the provider beforehand.

How long is the drive from Portland to Seattle?

The drive is approximately 175 miles via I-5 N and can take about 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Are there fuel stations along the route?

Yes, there are numerous fuel stations along I-5 N, including major brands like Chevron, Shell, and BP, ensuring you can refuel conveniently before reaching Seattle.

Ready to Book Your Portland to Seattle Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

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