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Explore Effortlessly: One-Way Car Rentals From Seattle to Washington D.C.

Plan your cross-country journey with ease and style. Start your one-way trip from Seattle and discover the historical treasures in Washington D.C.

Document required for international visitors
  • 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).

    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.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00-27.00 per day, depending on the rental provider.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted licenses include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Note: The IDP is only a translation, and the original driving licence must also be presented. 2) Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, etc.) without the need for an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese) must be accompanied by an IDP.

    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.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00-27.00 per day, depending on the rental provider.
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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

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 590-1712US$ 399.00-1688.12US$ 536-1787Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 1712-1712US$ 1688.12-1688.12US$ 552-1787Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 597-1715US$ 399.00-1688.12US$ 673-1794Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 596-1723US$ 399.00-1688.12US$ 592-1809Large groups, long drivers
Pickup TruckUS$ 573-573US$ 399.00-500.00US$ 810-810Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • Understand One-Way Fees: Check if there are additional fees applicable to your one-way rental that may affect your budget.
  • Verify Cross-State Restrictions: Make sure the rental policy permits traveling to all planned destinations, especially across state lines.
  • Fueling Policies: Familiarize yourself with the fueling rules, including whether to return with a full tank or prepay for fuel.
  • Check Age Restrictions: Ensure all drivers meet the minimum age requirements as determined by the rental company.
  • Reservation Flexibility: Look into policies for modifying or canceling your reservation to avoid potential penalties.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book in Advance: Secure the best deals and ensure vehicle availability by booking as early as possible.
  • Plan Your Route: Chart out your journey, accounting for rest stops, fuel stations, and potential tourist attractions.
  • Confirm Insurance Coverage: Examine existing insurance or purchase additional coverage to ensure your peace of mind.
  • Locate Nearby Gas Stations: Plan fueling points and research cheapest gas options near the return location.
  • Understand Pickup and Drop-Off Times: Confirm allowable timing for picking up and returning the car to avoid unexpected charges.
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
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Exxon - 2300 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202, United States

Sunoco - 2643 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve mileage.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

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Seattle Parking

Utilize city parking apps for real-time space availability.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Washington D.C. Parking

Consider parking garages near metro stations for convenience.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

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Tolls and FasTrak

Critical advisory about toll behavior or charges

Plan your route to avoid toll roads if possible.

Actual toll roads and charges

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between Seattle and Washington D.C.:
Interstate Adventure Route
Scenic Highway 40 hours

This route covers major highways for quick and comfortable driving.

Spokane, WA , Minneapolis, MN , Chicago, IL
National Park Journey
Nature Explorations 45 hours

Ideal for nature lovers, this route visits several national parks.

Yellowstone National Park , Badlands National Park , Shenandoah National Park
Historic Landmarks Route
Cultural Drive 42 hours

This route focuses on historic and cultural landmarks.

Gettysburg, PA , Mount Rushmore, SD , Lincoln Memorial, DC
Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle Selection: Choose a comfortable and reliable vehicle for the long journey.

Route Planning: Map your route in advance and include key stops for breaks and sightseeing.

Schedule Flexibility: Allow extra days in case of delays or to explore areas of interest.

Budgeting: Plan for fuel, meals, lodging, and unexpected expenses.

Refueling Stops: Familiarize yourself with gas stations along the route.

Safety Precautions: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry an emergency kit.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Opting for a car rental service offering one-way rentals is crucial for seamless travel from Seattle to Washington, D.C.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$$Wide selection including economy to luxury vehiclesNationwide Convenient pickup and dropoff locations , Free cancellation policies on most bookings
Hertz$$Great variety including specialty carsExtensive network nationwide Offers loyalty rewards , High availability in major cities
Budget Rent a Car$Affordable economy, standard, and SUVsGood presence in popular areas Competitive one-way rental rates , Variety of discounts and promotions
Alamo Rent A Car$Family-friendly and wide selectionHigh coverage at airports Straightforward rental process , User-oriented customer support
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

Information About Car Rental Centers in Seattle and Washington D.C.

Seattle Car Rental Center:

Located adjacent to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Complimentary shuttle service available every 15 minutes.

Washington D.C. Car Rental Center:

Rental facilities near various airport terminals with streamlined return processes and shuttle transport.

Operating Hours:

Most rental counters operate 24/7, while smaller counters may have limited hours of operation.

Shuttle Service:

Scheduled every 15-20 minutes, ensuring quick transit to rental locations.

Reserve your vehicle prior to arrival, and verify one-way fee policies specific to your route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return the rental car at a different location than where I picked it up?

Yes, one-way car rentals allow you to pick up the vehicle at one location and return it to a different location. Ensure the rental terms specify this option for your route.

Are there any additional fees for a one-way rental from Seattle to Washington D.C.?

Additional fees, such as drop-off fees, may apply for one-way rentals. It is advisable to confirm these details with your car rental provider.

What types of vehicles are available for this route?

Rental companies typically offer a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and vans, for long-distance journeys. Check with your chosen provider for specific availability.

Is there a mileage limit for a one-way rental?

Mileage limits depend on the rental agreement. Many long-distance routes come with unlimited mileage, but confirm this during booking to avoid extra charges.

What are the steps to book a one-way car rental for this route?

To book, select Seattle as the pickup location and Washington D.C. as the drop-off point on the rental company's platform. Choose your vehicle, review the terms, and complete your booking online or in person.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes