From United States
+1-8007618913
From Canada
+1-2897685366
From United Kingdom
+44-2035140670
From Japan
+81 3-4578-4029
From Argentina
+54-2657459025
From Chile
+56-226665927
From Colombia
+57-6017940262
From Mexico
+52-7449800692
From New Zealand
+64-99508740
From Peru
+51-17009061
From Switzerland
+41-445514539
From Thailand
+66-25088458
From Singapore
+65-31585008
From Australia
+61-1800-507-258
From Turkey
+90-850-390-7486
From Italy
+39-800729010
From Portugal
+351-304500663
From Brazil
+55-6140426960
From France
+33-970019487
From Israel
+972-23752163
From Germany
+49 6107 6353100
From China
+86-1089171020
From South Korea (Domestic calls only)
00308 491 0209
From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Live chat Email us Service Code: 8377989236
logo_img

Explore One-Way Rentals from Winston Salem to Washington D.C.

Plan your seamless one-way drive with important insights and tips.

Can I rent a car from Winston Salem to Washington D.C.?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Winston Salem to Washington D.C.. 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.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 80. 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) (Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    • Original South Korea Driving Lisense (English version) (An English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license.)

    Notes: 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.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 80. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 will incur a fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
requirements.image

How much does renting a car from Winston Salem to Washington D.C. cost?

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

Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 176-US$ 178US$ 100US$ 266-US$ 273Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 179US$ 100US$ 274Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 180-US$ 365US$ 100-US$ 150US$ 276-US$ 658Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 236-US$ 669US$ 150-US$ 350US$ 329-US$ 1,185Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 385US$ 150US$ 802Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 259US$ 150US$ 387Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-way rental fees: Many rental companies charge an additional fee for one-way rentals, covering the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. Ensure you inquire and include this in your budget.
  • Cross-state travel restrictions: Verify if there are any restrictions or additional fees for crossing state borders during your trip from North Carolina to Washington D.C.
  • Fuel policy: Understand the fuel policies of your rental car company, whether you need to return the car with a full tank or prepay for fuel at a fixed rate.
  • Flexible booking dates: Check if there are penalties for changing or canceling your bookings. Some companies provide more flexibility with rescheduling or cancellations.
  • Vehicle selection: Choose the right car type that fits your requirements for a long one-way trip considering comfort, fuel efficiency, and luggage space.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan key stops along your route: Determine places for refueling, rest breaks, and sightseeing to enhance your travel experience and plan accordingly.
  • Avoid peak traffic hours: Travel during non-peak hours to save time and ensure a more relaxed journey, especially when entering busier areas like Washington D.C.
  • Understand insurance requirements: Review insurance policies offered by the rental company and your credit card provider to decide if extra coverage is necessary.
  • Involve additional drivers: Include additional drivers if you plan on sharing the driving responsibilities. Be sure to register them with the rental agreement, as unregistered drivers can invalidate insurance coverage.
  • Keep emergency contacts handy: Have the rental company's phone number as well as road assistance contacts in case of breakdowns or emergencies.
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
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the vehicle before returning to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof for the rental company.

Use recommended fuel types to ensure vehicle performance.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel price along the route is approximately $3.60 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Minimize the use of air conditioning to save fuel.

refueling-bg
Winston Salem Parking

Downtown parking costs range from $1 to $2 per hour.

Public parking garages are widely available and safe.

Street parking is free after 6 PM on weekdays.

Washington D.C. Parking

Parking in downtown Washington D.C. can cost $10-$20 per hour.

Consider using park-and-ride facilities for cost efficiency.

Many parking garages offer online booking for convenience.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero: Find and reserve parking spots in advance.

ParkWhiz: Offers discounts on parking in major cities.

Parking Panda: Allows booking of parking spaces online.

parking-bg
Tolls and FasTrak

The route includes tolls on the Dulles Toll Road with charges around $3.25.

Additional tolls may apply when using express lanes on I-95.

Toll charges vary based on time and traffic conditions.

Toll Payment Options

Cash payments are accepted at most toll booths.

Electronic payment systems like E-ZPass are widely used.

Credit and debit cards are accepted at select toll stations.

tolls-bg

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Preferred Travel Routes Between Winston Salem and Washington D.C.:
Interstate 85/95 Route
Highway 5 hours 30 minutes

This route follows major interstate highways for direct and efficient travel, offering minimal traffic interruptions.

Durham, NC , Richmond, VA , Fredericksburg, VA
Scenic Route Through Blue Ridge Parkway
Scenic Drive 7 hours

Taking a longer path through the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning mountain views and relaxing stops.

Roanoke, VA , Natural Bridge, VA , Harpers Ferry, WV
US Route 29 Direct
Alternative Highway 6 hours

This path bypasses busier highways and provides a more direct route with moderate traffic levels.

Greensboro, NC , Lynchburg, VA , Charlottesville, VA
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose the Right Vehicle: Consider fuel efficiency, luggage space, and comfort when selecting your rental vehicle.

Understand One-Way Fees: Be aware of additional charges associated with one-way rentals, and check the policies beforehand.

Plan Key Stopovers: Identify safe and enjoyable stopovers along your route for refreshments and sightseeing.

Check Fueling Stations: Plan refueling stops to avoid areas with limited gas stations, especially in rural stretches.

Allocate Additional Time: Include buffer time for unexpected delays like traffic or weather conditions.

Inspect the Vehicle: Before driving off, check the car for any pre-existing damage to avoid potential disputes later.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

An overview of selecting reliable car rental companies for one-way trips from Winston Salem to Washington D.C. Here are some reputable options to consider.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$$HighExtensive Offers a wide array of vehicle models, including luxury and economy options. , Large network of locations makes pick-up and drop-off convenient.
Hertz Car Rental$$HighExtensive Known for exceptional customer service. , Features Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program for regular customers.
Avis Car Rental$$HighWidespread Premium vehicle models available for rent. , Provides streamlined mobile app check-ins.
Budget Car Rental$ModerateWidespread Economical pricing models tailored to budget-conscious travelers. , Online reservation discounts frequently offered.
QEEQ

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

companies-img1
Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

companies-img2
Best Rates

Compare across providers

companies-img3
24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

companies-img4
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

Guide to Rental Car Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental offices operate between 6 AM and 10 PM; check specific locations for exact hours.

Pick-Up Location:

Rental car centers are typically located at major transportation hubs or designated city areas for convenience.

Shuttle Services:

Complementary shuttle services available from transportation hubs to rental locations.

Additional Services:

GPS navigation systems and child safety seats are available upon request for a nominal fee.

Pro Tips for Smith Reynolds Airport(INT) Car Rentals

Reserve vehicles in advance to secure desired models and avoid last-minute challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental and how does it work?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a vehicle at one location (e.g., Winston Salem) and drop it off at a different location (e.g., Washington D.C.). This service is ideal for travelers who don't need to return to their starting point. You should confirm with the rental provider about any applicable one-way fees before booking.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, many car rental providers charge an additional fee for one-way car rentals to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. These fees can vary based on the rental company, distance, and route. Always check the rental agreement for exact fee details.

What documents do I need for booking and picking up my vehicle?

To book and pick up a rental vehicle, you typically need a valid driver's license, a credit card in the renter's name, and a confirmation of your reservation. Some locations may require additional documentation like proof of insurance or age verification.

Can I choose any vehicle type for a one-way rental?

Most car rental companies offer a range of vehicles for one-way rentals, including compact cars, SUVs, and even luxury models. However, availability may vary depending on the starting and drop-off locations. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure your preferred vehicle type is available.

What is the distance and estimated driving time between Winston Salem and Washington D.C.?

The driving distance between Winston Salem and Washington D.C. is approximately 300 miles, with an estimated driving time of roughly 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and route conditions. It's recommended to plan for short breaks during long drives.

Can I modify or cancel my one-way rental after booking?

Yes, most car rental providers allow modifications or cancellations to bookings, often with specific timelines or conditions. Check the provider's cancellation policy for exact details, including possible penalties or refund options.

Ready to Book Your Winston Salem to Washington D.C. Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes