Why Hertz

  • Our locations
    You can find Hertz at over 220 locations across Australia, including all major cities and airports.
  • Our fleet
    Our diverse and modern fleet has a vehicle to suit every journey, including speciality vehicles in the Prestige, Adrenaline and Dream Collections.
  • Our award-winning loyalty program
    Gold Plus Rewards is free to join and offers exclusive benefits to members, including the ability to earn points for free rental days.

Hertz car hire in Washington DC

Washington DC is easier to experience when your travel plans are not tied to fixed transfers. A rental car gives you the freedom to move between the city’s main sights, neighbourhoods, hotel areas, and nearby suburbs without reshaping your day around public transport or ride-share availability.

It also makes DC a practical starting point for longer East Coast drives. From short trips into Virginia or Maryland to routes towards Baltimore, Philadelphia, or Shenandoah National Park, having your own vehicle gives you more control over timing, luggage, and stops.

With Hertz car rental in Washington DC, you can choose a compact car for city journeys or a larger vehicle for road trips, making it simple to rent a car in Washington DC and travel at your own pace.

Pickup locations Washington DC

  • Dulles International Airport

    Opening hours: Mon-Sun 24 hours

    Address: 23540 Autopilot Drive, Washington DC, 20166, United States

    Phone: (703) 471-6020

  • Ronald Reagan National Airport

    Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7:00AM-11:00PM

    Address: 1 Aviation Circle, Parking Garage A, Washington DC, 20002, United States

    Phone: 703-419-6300

  • Washington D.C. - Hilton Washington DC

    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM, Sat 9:00AM-12:00PM, Sun Closed

    Address: 1919 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington DC, 20009, United States

    Phone: 202-299-0951

  • Washington D.C.- Dulles - Dulles Jet Center (Private Flights Only)

    Opening hours: Mon-Sun 6:00AM-10:00PM

    Address: 23800 Wind Sock Drive, Washington DC, 20166, United States

    Phone: (703) 996-1201

  • Washington D.C. - Renaissance Hotel DC

    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM, Sat-Sun Closed

    Address: 999 9th Street Northwest, Washington DC, 20001, United States

    Phone: (202) 842-1541

  • Washington D.C. - Union Station

    Opening hours: Mon-Wed 9:00AM-5:00PM, Thurs-Sat 8:00AM-6:00PM, Sun 9:00AM-2:00PM

    Address: 99 H Street North east, Washington DC, 20002, United States

    Phone: 202-289-6084

  • Washington D.C.- Dulles - Jet Aviation (Private Flights Only)

    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-6:00PM, Sat 9:00AM-12:00PM, Sun closed.

    Address: 23411 Autopilot Drive, Washington DC, 20166, United States

    Phone: (703) 471-6020

Driving guide: Car rental in Washington DC

Parking information

  • Union Station Parking Garage (50 Massachusetts Ave NE): Offers around 2,000 parking spaces close to Capitol Hill and Union Station.
  • CityCenterDC Parking Garage (825 10th St NW): Provides approximately 1,500 parking spaces near shopping, restaurants, and downtown offices.
  • Colonial Parking – Franklin Square (1332 I St NW): Includes roughly 350 parking spaces in the downtown business district.

Key roads in Washington DC

  • I-495 (Capital Beltway) circles Washington DC and connects the city with Maryland and Virginia suburbs.
  • I-66 is one of the main routes linking downtown Washington with Northern Virginia.
  • Constitution Avenue NW runs through the National Mall area and connects several major monuments and museums.

Electric car hire

Hertz also offers electric vehicles for travelers looking for a quieter and more fuel-efficient drive around the capital. Choosing an EV is a practical way to hire a car in Washington DC and go on smoother city journeys.

Charging points

Washington DC has more than 1,200 public EV charging points across the city, including locations near hotels, museums, parking garages, and shopping districts.

Congestion charges

Washington DC currently has no congestion charge system for regular passenger vehicles. Drivers should still expect tolls on selected highways and bridges in nearby Virginia and Maryland areas.

Travel routes

Getting from Washington DC to Baltimore

  • Leave downtown DC via Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295 North).
  • Continue north toward Baltimore for around 40 miles.
  • Follow signs into downtown Baltimore.
  • The drive usually takes around 50–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting from Washington DC to Alexandria

  • Start in downtown Washington DC and join I-395 South.
  • Continue toward Alexandria, Virginia.
  • Follow local exits toward Old Town Alexandria.
  • The journey normally takes around 20–30 minutes.

A quick guide to Washington DC

Best hotels in Washington DC

The Hay-Adams

800 16th St NW

A luxury hotel near the White House with elegant rooms and historic charm.

YOTEL Washington DC

415 New Jersey Ave NW

A modern stay close to Capitol Hill and Union Station.

The Dupont Circle Hotel

1500 New Hampshire Ave NW

A stylish hotel located near restaurants, cafés, and nightlife in Dupont Circle.

Popular restaurants in Washington DC

Old Ebbitt Grill

675 15th St NW

A classic DC dining spot known for seafood, oysters, and traditional American dishes.

Founding Farmers DC

1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Popular for hearty meals, brunches, and locally inspired comfort food.

Le Diplomate

1601 14th St NW

A lively French-style restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and a well-known brunch menu.

Top places to visit in Washington DC

Lincoln Memorial

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW

One of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Lincoln Memorial located at the western end of the National Mall.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

600 Independence Ave SW

A must-visit museum featuring historic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.

Georgetown Waterfront

3303 Water St NW

A scenic riverside area filled with cafés, walking paths, and waterfront views.

FAQs

1. Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Washington DC?

No, but booking early is recommended for better rates and more vehicle choices when arranging car hire in Washington DC.

2. Do I need a driving permit to hire a car in Washington DC?

Yes, you need a valid driving licence to hire a car in Washington DC. The main driver should also bring a passport or accepted photo ID for identification and an eligible payment card in their own name for the security deposit. If your licence is not in English, you should carry an International Driving Permit along with your original national licence.

3. Can I pick up a rental car in Washington DC and return it to a different city in the United States?

Yes, one-way rentals are available between many Hertz locations, though extra charges may apply.

4. What is the best time to book a Washington DC car for hire?

Booking earlier usually gives you better prices and more vehicle options if you plan to rent a car in Washington DC during busy travel periods.

5. Are there any restrictions on taking a rental car outside Washington DC?

You can usually drive across most parts of the United States, though additional conditions may apply for long-distance or international trips when you hire a car in Washington DC.