Car Hire Seattle

Parking information

• Pacific Place Parking Garage (600 Pine St): Offers around 1,200 parking spaces in downtown Seattle close to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Pike Place Market Garage (1531 Western Ave): Provides approximately 800 parking spaces near Pike Place Market and the waterfront district.
• Century Square Garage (123 Pike St): Includes roughly 1,000 parking spaces in the central business district with convenient access to major attractions.

Key roads in Seattle

• I-5 runs directly through Seattle and connects the city with Portland to the south and Vancouver to the north.
• I-90 links Seattle with eastern Washington and is one of the main routes toward the mountain and lake regions.
• SR-520 connects downtown Seattle with Bellevue and nearby tech hubs across Lake Washington.

Electric car hire

Hertz offers electric vehicles for travelers looking for a quieter and more efficient way to explore the city. Choosing an EV can be a practical option when you plan to hire a car in Seattle, especially for urban driving and shorter regional trips.

Charging points

Seattle has more than 1,500 public EV charging points across the metropolitan area, including locations near hotels, shopping centers, parking garages, and tourist attractions.

Congestion charges

Seattle currently does not operate a congestion charge system for passenger vehicles. Drivers should still expect tolls on selected bridges and express lanes around the greater Seattle area.

Travel routes

Getting from Seattle to Tacoma

• Start in downtown Seattle and join I-5 South, following signs toward Tacoma.
• Continue on I-5 South for most of the journey before taking Exit 133 for I-705 North.
• Follow I-705 North into downtown Tacoma and continue toward Commerce Street.
• Turn onto S 9th Street to reach central Tacoma. The drive usually takes around 35–40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Getting from Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park

• Start in downtown Seattle and join I-5 South, continuing toward WA-512 East in the direction of Puyallup.
• Take the Steele Street exit and continue along Spanaway Loop Road South toward WA-704 East.
• Join WA-7 South and follow Mountain Highway East through smaller towns and scenic forested areas.
• Continue onto WA-706 toward Mount Rainier National Park.

Best hotels in Seattle

Fairmont Olympic Hotel

411 University St

A historic luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown Seattle.

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

60 Yesler Way

A modern hotel close to the waterfront and popular city attractions.

The Edgewater Hotel

2411 Alaskan Way

A well-known waterfront stay offering views across Elliott Bay.

Popular restaurants in Seattle

Pike Place Chowder

1530 Post Alley

A popular seafood spot known for its clam chowder and casual atmosphere.

The Pink Door

1919 Post Alley

A lively Italian restaurant with waterfront charm and regular live entertainment.

Canlis

2576 Aurora Ave N

One of Seattle’s best-known fine dining destinations with panoramic city views.

Top places to visit in Seattle

Space Needle

400 Broad St

Seattle’s iconic observation tower with panoramic views of the skyline and Puget Sound.

Pike Place Market

85 Pike St

A famous public market filled with local food vendors, cafés, and artisan shops.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

305 Harrison St

An impressive exhibition showcasing colorful glass artwork and large-scale installations.

FAQs

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

Not necessarily, but booking ahead is usually recommended to access better prices and a wider range of vehicles for your car hire in Seattle.

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

Yes, drivers must have a valid driving licence, passport, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. International travelers may also need an International Driving Permit when arranging a car rental in Seattle, in case their license is not in English.

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

Yes, Hertz offers one-way rentals between many locations across the United States, although additional fees may apply depending on the route.

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

Booking earlier is often the best option during summer holidays and peak travel seasons when demand for renting a car in Seattle is higher.

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

Most Hertz rental vehicles can travel across much of the United States, though certain long-distance or cross-border trips may have additional rental conditions when you hire a car in Seattle.