GJLinda

Will be picking up a rental car in Washington D. C. area on a Sunday in May. I assume the drive out will be easiest on Sunday. What is the easiest(or best in your opinion)place to do this--airport, downtown, suburbs? Don't know where we will be staying yet, but it will at least be convenient to a subway, at least that's my plan.

Thanks for the help.

Anonymous

Most of the major rental companies have several downtown offices, including most of them having booths at Union Station (many of the other offices are closed on Sundays). The rental desks are in the long hall opposite the boarding gates and the cars themselves are in the top floor of the Union Station parking garage, as handy as anything on Sundays.

pollyvw

The drive into DC will be easiest on Saturday. On Sunday, everyone is coming home from the trip they started on Friday.

repete

Union Station is a good suggestion. Metro to National Airport is easy as well. Plenty of options and longer hours than other locations. Don't assume the rates are the same between Union Station and National.

If you're staying in Alexandria, Pentagon City or Rossyln, National is a little easier to get to -- no change of trains. It's generally quicker to get out of the city from National -- especially if you're headed south or west.

Anonymous

polly, I think they are picking up a car in DC and heading out of the city, so on Sunday they'll be going against the traffic.

TxTravelPro

I always get a car the last 2 days I am in DC to visit my brother... and I always pick it up at Reagan National.
It's pretty darn easy, cheaper and there is a good selection of cars and competition all in one place.

glover

I've found it's usually cheaper NOT to rent at the airport. And there's considerable price difference from location to location off airport. Where are you going when you leave DC? Maybe it would make sense to pick up car at a suburban location (in the direction you're going) that is reachable by Metro from DC.

TxTravelPro

My last rental at National cost 26.00 a day and they gave us a MINI VAN that had 2 DVD players!
Granted it was February in DC but we really appreciated the fact that they noticed there were 4 of us and we would be more comfy in the van.
I really love National!

TxTravelPro

Clarification:
I love renting at Reagan National Airport and I love National Car Rental!

bardo1

GJLinda,

They best rates are from downtown DC locations. Suburban locations will be the most expensive. Airport somewhere in between.

A Sunday drive will be a breeze - virtually no downtown traffic. The only heavy traffic will be well OUTSIDE the beltway on the major interstates (heading TOWARD DC).

I suggest renting from a downtown renatl office location (especially if you're staying in DC).

GJLinda

Thanks, everyone for your speedy response to my question. I was leaning toward Union Station until I checked rates at National Airport. In the past, I assumed rates were higher at airports, but they weren't this time, so will go with renting at the airport. Thanks again.

KathrynT

Thanks, GJLinda, for posting this question. I will be renting a car on a Sunday this summer in DC and assumed the downtown rates would be best. Now I know to will airport rates as well. This forum is so helpful!

KathrynT

Ahh, should have double checked before posting. Should read, "now I know to check airport rates..."

weski

Always check if there is an "airport fee" added to the regular rental fee - it may change your decision. I always find that taxes and fees can add another 50% to the final rental car bill. And that is without insurance & gas!

The_Editor

Er, weski -- this thread is 5 months old.