One-Way Car Rental from Seattle to Washington D.C. | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Seattle to 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.

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 Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 590-1712	US$ 399.00-1688.12	US$ 536-1787	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 1712-1712	US$ 1688.12-1688.12	US$ 552-1787	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 597-1715	US$ 399.00-1688.12	US$ 673-1794	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 596-1723	US$ 399.00-1688.12	US$ 592-1809	Large groups, long drivers
Pickup Truck	US$ 573-573	US$ 399.00-500.00	US$ 810-810	Adventure 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.

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

Tolls and FasTrak

Critical advisory about toll behavior or charges

Plan your route to avoid toll roads if possible.

Actual toll roads and charges

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

Popular Trips Along the Way:

Yellowstone National Park Exploration

14 hours drive from Seattle

Visit the iconic Yellowstone National Park, known for its geysers and wildlife.

Minneapolis Stopover

21 hours drive from Seattle

Enjoy the vibrant art and music scene in Minneapolis.

Chicago Respite

10 hours drive from Minneapolis

Explore Chicago's architectural wonders and culinary delights.

Washington D.C. Discoveries

4 hours drive from Richmond, VA

Experience the nation's capital with its array of historical sites.

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.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	$$	Wide selection including economy to luxury vehicles	Nationwide	Convenient pickup and dropoff locations , Free cancellation policies on most bookings
Hertz	$$	Great variety including specialty cars	Extensive network nationwide	Offers loyalty rewards , High availability in major cities
Budget Rent a Car	$	Affordable economy, standard, and SUVs	Good presence in popular areas	Competitive one-way rental rates , Variety of discounts and promotions
Alamo Rent A Car	$	Family-friendly and wide selection	High coverage at airports	Straightforward rental process , User-oriented customer support

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

Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

Best Rates

Compare across providers

24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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

Search Rental Cars Try $1 Booking

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