Car Rental in Washington, D.C.

From world-class museums to excellent dining and fully equipped convention centers, the nation's capital has it all. When you’ve got a business trip in DC, wrangle a few extra days to enjoy all the city offers. Discover the best of Washington, D.C.

Getting Around Washington, D.C.

Renting a vehicle makes navigating the nation's capital a breeze, especially if you plan to leave the downtown core. If your flight lands at Reagan National Airport, board the rental car shuttle right outside baggage claim. The National Car rental counter is open from 5:30 a.m. till midnight every day of the week, and both Emerald Aisle and after-hours return are available here. If your flight lands at Washington Dulles Airport, board the National Car shuttle near curbside 2D. The National Car rental counter here is open 24 hours a day, and Emerald Aisle is available.

From Reagan National Airport, it’s a 15-20-minute drive on the George Washington Memorial Parkway to reach downtown. Flying into Dulles Airport will net a longer commute of about 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Working Around Town

If you're heading to a conference, trade show, or significant industry event in Washington, D.C., head straight for the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, located just north of the National Mall. This 2.3-million-square-foot facility can handle events of all sizes and boasts nearly 80 breakout rooms for smaller meetings and conferences.

No matter where you're headed in Washington, parking can be challenging. Use an app like Spot Hero or Parking Panda to book a parking space and save yourself the time you'd spend looking for an available spot. If you opt for street parking, note that many parking spaces have meters and those that don't tend to require residential parking passes.

Washington, D.C.'s Best Attractions

When you're in Washington, you won't want to miss your chance to visit the capital's many historical and cultural attractions. Book a tour of the U.S. Capitol to get a peek behind the scenes or walk the National Mall, which is home to the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and much more.

Near the National Mall, dine at Zaytinya, where José Andrés prepares excellent Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisine. On Capitol Hill, Rose's Luxury makes everything from caviar service to inventive pasta dishes divine. If you’re looking for a power lunch option near the convention center, consider Farmers & Distillers. Their expansive menu covers a variety of cuisines with masterful deft.

If you’ve got extra time, consider exploring Georgetown for great dining and shopping, or watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. In DC, there are countless options for entertainment when you’ve got downtime from work.

Why wait to book your visit to the nation's capital? Reserve the ideal vehicle and start planning your trip to Washington, D.C.