FACS

Our plan is to rent a car in Seattle and then visit Vancouver Island, Sunshine Hwy, Whistler. My questions are 1) I've read that Seattle really taxes rental cars picked up at SeaTac, so what are my options for convenient off airport car rental companies?
2) I found a great rate picking up a car in Bellingham, what are the logistics to go from Seatac to Bellingham?
3) Can we take a car on the ferry leaving from Bellingham or is it foot passenger only? Thanks

Gardyloo

There are some off-airport agencies, but IIRC none of the majors, except for small neighborhood branches in nearby towns like Des Moines or Burien. I suspect your best bet is to head downtown and rent from one of the majors' downtown branches. You could take the light rail from the airport into the city for $2.75, or, assuming you're going to have the car for at least a week or so, a taxi to a downtown car agency would probably cost half of what you'd save in the rental cost, so you'd still be ahead. However I'd definitely do some online price comparisons; the prices will vary considerably depending on when you're renting, length of rental, etc. You might get lucky with an onsite rental, which would be far less hassle than the light rail or cab, etc.

There are limos to Bellingham from Seatac; around $40 per person if memory serves. http://www.airporter.com/shuttle/

The ferry from Bellingham (I assume to Victoria) is passenger-only.

boom_boom

The taxes on rentals at SEATAC are high. If you want Hertz, Avis, etc. take the lightrail to downtown and rent there. It will be worth the effort.

tomfuller

The lightrail schedule: http://www.soundtransit.org/Schedule...light-rail.xml

Of the downtown Seattle agencies Dollar seems to have the lowest rates followed by Alamo.

FACS

Thanks, I'll continue researching...

happytrailstoyou

We have had good luck with Enterprise, and they have an office in downtown Seattle.

Taking a ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria is one way to get a car from the US to Vancouver Island.

Make certain the car you rent can be taken into Canada and that you have proper insurance and that you have your passports in hand.

HTTY

FACS

Found a great rate on hotwire from the airport. Thanks for the tips.