Seattle car hire information
| Pick-up location | Seattle |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, People mover, Pick-up truck, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Hire locations | 61 |
| Airport locations | 21 |
| Popular agencies | Sixt, Thrifty, Hertz, Europcar, Budget |
Cheap car rentals in Seattle
| Economy | $77/day |
| Compact | $70/day |
| Intermediate | $81/day |
| Standard | $89/day |
| Full-size | $90/day |
| People mover | $139/day |
| Full-size SUV | $177/day |
| Pick-up truck | $103/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $85/day |
| Standard SUV | $103/day |
Top tips for hiring a car in Seattle
- Ready to rent a car on your trip to Seattle? Save time and avoid public transport by renting a car that will give you the complete freedom to explore this exciting West Coast city. As it’s flanked by water and is home to mountains, the Cascade and Olympic, as well as lush forests and parkland, Seattle’s unique location and great roads offer its visitors outstanding scenic views as soon as you jump in your car.
- A good place to pick up your hire car is at the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. If you’re flying into Seattle, the city center is only a 13-mile drive away. Once you land, finding the car hire office is a breeze. You can use the 24-hour shuttle buses or head to the passenger pick-up areas in the main terminal located outside baggage claim at the north or south ends.
- As a new driver in the city, you need to be aware of Seattle’s often busy and one-way streets. If you’re driving on residential streets, keep your eyes on the road as they often two lanes often merge into one. It’s also good to keep in mind that pedestrians will expect you to stop for them at crosswalks. Fortunately, local drivers tend to be considerate; but, as this is a busy city, you may have to navigate a few tricky situations including narrow streets, hills, and rainy weather.
- If you’re not in a rush to discover Seattle, you won’t be affected by the slow traffic that can build on some of the busier streets, particularly in the metropolitan areas. The best time to avoid driving around Seattle is later in the week, especially on Fridays. Rush hour can also hit on busier weekend afternoons. Thankfully, Seattle has a few traffic cameras dotted around its roads, helping you keep an eye on the freeway and other congested intersections.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Seattle for $91 or less
- Book your rental car in Seattle at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in Seattle are around 12% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Intermediate rental cars in Seattle are around -45% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Seattle
Seattle car rental reviews and directory
Dollar
6.9
Okay
1051 reviews2 locations in Seattle
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2.0 Poor
Mar 2023
8.0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
Easy pick up and drop off. Reserved a compact car and actually got one!Cons:
Car had almost 30k miles on it and felt a bit worn plus residual smokey smell6.0 Okay
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was fine.Cons:
I was disappointed that they did not have a location in Spokane where I could drop off - I would have preferred to drive home from Seatrle but not an option with Dollar I suppose8.0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
The rental clerk did a great job and was very professional and courteous.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Pick up and drop off was easyCons:
Vehicle had lot of scratches, looked old10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
I like that they didn’t push me to get additional coverage. They were friendly and kind.Fox
6.9
Okay
1126 reviewsOne location in Seattle
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2.0 Poor
Mar 2023
4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Cons:
Dishonest about price. Slow pick-up process as they try to up-sell you on unecessary items using half-truths and scare tactics.10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was helpful and kind. Easy processCons:
Nothing10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Cons:
All costs and deposits should be identified prior to booking.8.0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
Pick up was inconvenient as there had been a bomb scare the night before. This meant that I had to come back the next day to pick up the car, but they were unable to refund me a day of my rental due to a third party being involved in the booking.Cons:
a newer car with more seating comfort options4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
Drop off fairly easy... except for the surprise bill at the end. Of course, customers are rushing to catch a plane, so there isn't time to debate with them on the almost $300 increase in cost.Cons:
Double talk at pick-up, harassed about upgrades, long, painful check-in process, etc. - then charged for an upgrade even though I didn't ask for one. I had an online booking showing ~$600 rental cost. Fox doesn't show the airport fees, taxes, etc. The final bill at pick-up was almost $900. While the standard rental car companies appear to be slightly more expensive upfront, they are not dishonest, show transparency, and are speedy and efficient. I promise to never rent from Fox again. Period.Hertz
6.9
Okay
882 reviewsBest rated
9 locations in Seattle
from $87/day
Locations in Seattle
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2.0 Poor
Nov 2022
2.0 Poor
Nov 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
8.0 Very Good
Oct 2022
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
6.9
Okay
436 reviewsCheapest deal
8 locations in Seattle
from $67/day
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10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2021
4.0 Mediocre
Jun 2021
Pros:
The staff was very nice.Cons:
It could have been cleaned.2.0 Poor
Jun 2021
Cons:
unfortunately , they never contacted me to tell me they did not have cars available for me until I get to the rent a car place and told me they could not call me because they did not have my phone number, NOT TRUE.10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
The people in the rental office.Cons:
Nothing2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
I didn't get the type of car I paid for. They gave me a compact car when I paid for a mid-size SUV, and they lied to me saying that the one I got was a mid-size SUV8.0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendly. Drop off was easy. Rate was better than at airport and easy to get to.Cons:
They did not have the type of vehicle we reserved. They upgraded us to a luxury vehicle for an additional $10 per day.Budget
6.9
Okay
348 reviews7 locations in Seattle
from $106/day
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8.0 Very Good
Sep 2022
2.0 Poor
May 2022
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Friendly staff, pick up and drop off were easy4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
Pick up AWFUL! Drop off was easy.Cons:
PICKUP: It took 2 1/2 hours to get my car due to the LONG line at the Budget rental at SEATAC. Budget was the ONLY car rental place to have a line. Too few people working the desk (it varied from 1 to at most 3 people). Plus, a long time per each customer (averaged 15 to 20 minutes each. I timed it)2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
yes, but the car sent messages that that the engine needed service. We were in the middle of our trip from Seatle to Processor Washington. We were in the middle of public forests. We continued at slower speeds onward to Processor for my brother's funeral. It made a bad situation even worse. We feared being stranded and missing the funeral. We finally reached Processor. We contacted Avis/Budget at the Pasco airport. We drover out to Pasco and exchanged cars. We eventually returned their car to the Seattle airport' At this time I am not sure what will be the total charges for both cars. I did not need this additional grief due to Avis/Budget renting us a defective, not serviced, automobileCons:
A well serviced reliable automobile Francis Giles Schroeder 4329 Saint Cloud Way Cleves, Ohio 45002 513-451-341010.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
The style, cleanliness, storage, efficiency on fuel and hands-free hook up to mobile device.Cons:
Tinted windows four front windows(Driver and passenger)Thrifty
6.9
Okay
502 reviewsMost popular
2 locations in Seattle
from $81/day
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8.0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendly, and got a great rate by not renting from the airport. Drop off was easy.Cons:
The pickup/drop off location left something to be desired. 6th floor of a dark, old, parking garage that wasn’t especially well-lit. The main entrance was closed due to COVID and we had to use the back door to the elevator lobby. I could see someone, such as a young female alone, feeling quite uneasy about the location.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
We were upgraded to a larger car at a decent price which we very much appreciated as we were traveling in a group. Staff at check in and check out were very friendly and helpful.Cons:
We were given a car that made a terrible grinding noise when the brakes were applied. It was very worrisome given that we were driving through mountainous regions and the terrain was very steep. We tried getting ahold of Thrifty for 3 days to complain about the car, sometimes waiting on hold for an hour and a half at a time, before we were finally able to reach a representative who could help us. During those 3 days, we estimated that we spent collectively 7-8 hours on hold trying to reach someone who could help. It was a non-stop barrage of automated systems, transfers and holds. Very frustrating to deal with when you are on vacation. They ended up bringing us a new car which was much appreciated but we would have preferred not to waste so much time on our trip worrying about whether the brakes in our rental were going to give out.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Classic “bait and switch” - booked the largest sized Land Rover- 7 Seater Discovery - well in advance. Put me in the dirtiest “beat up” Chevy Tahoe. Told me it was the same “class”. So much for ‘Covid Clean’ - it wouldn’t meet anyone’s standards of minimally clean. Don’t expect anything but LESS than you book!2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
The big suvCons:
The car could have not smelled like smoke2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Staff didn't have the car we ordered and I had to purchase an upgrade. My credit card was charge 4 separate amounts totaling over $1200 for a $500 original rental. Thrifty is crooked.Cons:
Using another car rental service.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
The car was nice and a good deal concerning the other prices by other rental companies. The associate the checked us in was very accommodating.Cons:
When I originally booked through kayak I entered sea tac airport as my pick up and drop off location. I never confirmed and looked up the address of the Thrifty location because I assumed it would be at the airport that I entered. I got on the shuttle to the car rental terminal where I had to wait in line for an hour because there were so many guests arriving and only two associate working. When it was my turn the associate informed me I went to the wrong thrifty so I had to take the shuttle back to the airport then the train to downtown Seattle where the Thrifty I rented from actually was. I would recommend a much stronger and noticeable alert that the location of this thrifty is not at the airport. I found it says that is small writing randomly in the second email I got. It needs to be more noticeable while booking the car.E-Z Rent-A-Car
6.9
Okay
203 reviewsOne location in Seattle
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8.0 Very Good
Jan 2020
Pros:
Staff was nice.Cons:
The cars weren’t spotless, but that wasn’t a problem for me. We did get have to exchange cars due to a tire issue. We called ahead and discussed it with E-Z Rent-a-Car. They said they made a note on our profile and there would be no problem coming back and exchanging the car. When we got there, they didn’t seem to know what we were talking about and we spend a little longer than necessary due to some confusion about the exchange. Worked out in the end.4.0 Mediocre
Dec 2019
Pros:
Easy drop offCons:
Car smelled terribly of smoke, super long wait at pickup while the only staff st the desk was chatting with the only customer in front of me, stating “I’m taking my time to see if a car comes in for you”. I had already reserved and paid online, to “save time” the website said.6.8 Okay
Dec 2019
Cons:
Vehicle had been smoked in, did not realize until I turned on the air after departing the rental facility.5.2 Fair
Sep 2019
Cons:
They did not have my car available for me when I arrived to pick it up. That is the first time that has ever happened to me in 30 plus years of renting cars. They clearly did not want to upgrade me to a larger vehicle. Eventually my car became available.10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2019
Pros:
Drop off quick and easy.Cons:
Staff both at check in and return were not rude but not friendly. Acted like overworked or not enjoying their job. I can deal with that but nicer if more conversion.7.2 Good
Sep 2019
Cons:
Check in agent was extremely rudePayless
6.9
Okay
503 reviewsOne location in Seattle
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2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Everything, I never got the car I rented, I had to rent from Avis. Payless didn’t have any personal working. Could not pick up the vehicle, had to scramble to get to a meeting and rent another vehicle. When I tried to call Payless and remedy the problem, the wait time was over an hour to talk, I have yet to talk to a person to remedy the problem.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
The desk agent was friendly and helpful and provided a clean, new car.2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
StaffCons:
Signed up for a pick up truck to help load up things for my brothers wedding for the weekend. To my disappointment, they said they did not have any available. When we walked to the car, we saw so many pick up trucks that were in the parking garage. I then had another incident where I locked the keys in my car. I called the number to contact their roadside assistance. It rang for 2 minutes and then hung up. I’d drop doing business with these guys if I were you10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
PerfectCons:
Perfect10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Pick up and drop off staff were excellent!10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
very friendly, courteous staff who did not give a hard sell for extras. Pleasant. Easy return.Avis
6.9
Okay
167 reviews6 locations in Seattle
from $123/day
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2.0 Poor
May 2023
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
FineCons:
The wait at the counter to actually get a car was over 45 minutes. There were far too few agents working.6.0 Okay
May 2021
Cons:
Charged an additional day, despite facility not being open or accepting contactless drop off.8.0 Very Good
Feb 2021
Pros:
The car was excellent.Cons:
If they have a well training clerk at the front desk reciving the cars6.0 Okay
Dec 2020
Pros:
Everything on the app went wellCons:
I had no windshield washer fluid in the car, window had tire shine on it so no matter how much I cleaned it during my travel from Seattle to Spokane I literally couldn’t see and the pass was horrible with snow so that didn’t make my trip any easier I don’t usually comment or leave a negative review ever! Like ever but thought I should say something about it. Sorry if I offended anyone but I use cars pretty often6.8 Okay
Oct 2020
Cons:
Car outside looked clean but inside was not.Sixt
6.9
Okay
127 reviews2 locations in Seattle
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2.0 Poor
Nov 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2022
8.0 Very Good
Jul 2022
2.0 Poor
Jul 2022
8.0 Very Good
Jun 2022
Alamo
6.9
Okay
152 reviewsOne location in Seattle
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2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
I have forgotten my notebook in the rental car. Within1 hour of return I went back to rental location and car was rented back. The lady at the counter noted down car, descritipn and my phone number. It has been more than 10 days no one called back. I tried to call back but no response. There is no lost/found mechanism. Even though there is no monetary value to anyone of my notebook; it was important to me. Rental car company needs to have better mechanism10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly and helpful. Car delivered as advertised. Easy drop off.Cons:
Better instructions on how to find the entrance to the garage when dropping car off.5.6 Fair
Oct 2020
Pros:
Staff were friendly, efficient, and helpful.Cons:
After we got on the road I realized that the tires were extremely worn. We were hydroplaning on the rainy freeway and it was quite scary. The car smelled like cigarettes and there was trash from the previous user in the center console.8.8 Very Good
Sep 2020
Pros:
Friendly helpful staffCons:
The location was hard to find as the signs both at the garage and the lobby unit8.0 Very Good
Jul 2020
Pros:
The car was sweet.Cons:
When I was picking up the car they tried to up sell me 3 times. Then they offered me a soccer mom minivan and wanted to charge me $70 more. I finally just had to say I want to car I had rented to I could get out of there.6.8 Okay
Jun 2020
Cons:
The screens inside the car were smudged and not wiped off well. The person who helped us with our rental tried to pressure us into an upgrade and also into buying the insurance even though we were covered already through our own insurance, and we also already declined it when making the online reservation. He was very pushy.CarWiz
6.9
Okay
1 reviewOne location in Seattle
One location in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
Please Go To Fox Counter
+1 206 858 9690
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5.2 Fair
Jan 2017
Pros:
Fast pick up and drop off.Cons:
I was charged extra $122 in taxes and fees even though my rental agreement with Eurocar said "due at the counter 0" Dropped off car 20 days ago and still didn't get my deposit as well as 1 day refund as I returned the car earlierOne location in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
1601 3rd Ave
+1 888 826 6890
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8.8 Very Good
Jul 2018
Pros:
Easy pick up in Seattle Downtown, car was available and ready for me when I arrived. Car was in proper condition with full tank of gas. Price paid was price quoted online.Cons:
Rental was one of the lowest I could find, but still was over $100/day for 2 days.9.6 Wonderful
Jun 2018
Pros:
We were given a free upgrade at the initiation of the agent.Cons:
It was a little confusing to get to the garage where the cars were located.8.8 Very Good
Dec 2017
Cons:
The procedure is very easy and staff who helped me is very friendly. And I drop the car off after hour with no staff on site, it’s very convenient.10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2017
Pros:
Rep gave an upgrade while picking up vehicle.Cons:
Off site dropoff for airport but that is not the fault of National.10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2016
Pros:
All of the staff seemed to enjoy working there and were very thoughtful of the needs of the customers, pointing out where I could find a bathroom and a good place to wait for my ride.6.8 Okay
Dec 2015
Pros:
The car was excellent but not at the airport where I expected it to be. I had to pay for a cab ($40) to get downtown and get stuck in horrible Seattle traffic leaving the rental center. The people at National were great and helpful but the entire experience should have been betterOne location in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
4701 11th Ave NE
+1 855 359 2227
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4 locations in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
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One location in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
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One location in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
Seattle Airport Seattle/tacoma International SEA
+1 206 444 4974
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No reviews available
One location in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
3150 South 160th Street / (on Airport) Seattle Wa
+1 206 858 9690
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No reviews available
2 locations in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
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One location in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
Seattle Airport Seattle/tacoma International SEA
+1 206 858 9690
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No reviews available
One location in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
3150 S.160th Street, Seattle
+1 206 444 4974
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No reviews available
One location in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
Seattle Airport. On-airport. Seattle-Tacoma International. 3150 160th Street
+1 206 858 9690
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No reviews available
3 locations in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
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One location in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
Seattle airport
+1 844 435 8227
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One location in Seattle
Locations in Seattle
1601 3Rd Ave, Seattle, , USA Washington
+1 914 368 0091
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5520 travellers who rented a car in Seattle gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.5
Car hire locations in or near Seattle
Good to know
Most popular agency | Thrifty |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
Average price | $120/day |
Good deal | $91/day |
When to book a car hire in Seattle
Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches