washington monument and cherry blossoms

Washington, DC Car Rental

Washington, DC blends iconic history with lively neighborhoods and a packed calendar of cultural experiences. With a rental car, it is easy to move between museums and monuments, explore the Potomac waterfront, and take quick trips beyond the city when you want a change of pace. 

Enterprise Car Rental Locations in Washington DC

Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers convenient pickup options across the Washington, DC area, including locations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Neighborhood branches throughout DC and nearby areas make it just as simple to rent when you are already in town, whether you need a car for a day, a weekend, or a longer stay.

Deals

Car Rental Deals

Find low rates & seasonal offers to get more out of your trip. Whether you’re booking last minute or planning ahead, Enterprise makes it easy to find a deal that fits your budget.

Earn Free Days

Enterprise Plus Rewards

Join Enterprise Plus® and start earning points with every rental. Members enjoy free rentals, faster reservations, and exclusive benefits that make each trip even more rewarding.

Manage On The Go

Save Time With The Enterprise App

Manage reservations, choose your car, and check in before you arrive with the Enterprise car rental app. Spend less time at the counter and more time on the road. Available in the App Store & Google Play.

Things to do in Washington, DC

Washington, DC pairs bucket-list landmarks with walkable neighborhoods and green spaces that feel worlds away from the National Mall. With a rental car, it’s easy to connect the dots between museums, waterfronts, and day trips around the region on your own schedule.

Start with the National Mall, where many of DC’s most recognizable memorials and viewpoints are clustered in one iconic stretch. The National Park Service manages this area, which includes the core Mall and surrounding memorial parks. 

If you want maximum “wow” with minimal planning, build your day around the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian is a massive museum network, with many museums located along the National Mall, making it easy to hop between collections. 

Beyond photo ops, Capitol Hill is worth time for its classic DC architecture and the density of “only here” sightseeing. Pair a stroll with stops around the core government district, then explore nearby food and coffee spots when you’re ready to refuel.

Georgetown delivers charming streets and a scenic Potomac River edge, and the waterfront park is a great place for a walk with river views. The park runs along the Potomac and connects into a broader corridor of parkland and trails. 

For a modern waterfront vibe, head to the Capitol Riverfront area near Navy Yard. It’s home to Nationals Park and a growing riverfront scene with paths and places to hang out by the water. 

The U.S. National Arboretum is a quieter, spacious escape for gardens, seasonal color, and long walks. Don’t miss the National Capitol Columns, an iconic photo stop tucked into the grounds. 

A must for aviation and space fans, the National Air and Space Museum is packed with historic artifacts that anchor the story of flight. Signature highlights include the 1903 Wright Flyer and Apollo-era milestones. 

Popular Road Trips from Washington, DC

Whether you're chasing coastal breezes, mountain views, or historic towns, Washington, D.C. is the perfect starting point. With so many iconic destinations just a few hours away, every road out of the city leads to something memorable. Pick up your rental car and explore the best of the Mid-Atlantic, one scenic drive at a time.

Popular Rental Cars in Washington DC

Enterprise makes it easy to find the right vehicle for your plans in the nation’s capital. Choose a compact car for navigating busy downtown streets, an SUV for weekend trips to historic towns, or a roomy van for group outings. Need a truck for work projects or a luxury car for a night out in Georgetown? We're here for it.

suv rental

SUVs

Whether you are going on a weekend family trip or exploring the countryside we are sure to have the ideal SUV for your needs.

van rental

Vans

Our minivans and passenger vans can seat up to 7 or 15 passengers and are great for family vacations or large groups.

pickup truck rental

Pickup Truck

Our pickup trucks have the space, power and durability you need for hauling large items or taking a weekend retreat.

luxury car rental

Luxury Cars

Choose from our range of premium cars and SUVs to rent, including convertibles, coupes, hybrids and more.

friendly enterprise employee hands over rental car keys

One Way Car Rentals

Go One-Way, Your Way

Skip the round trip and return your rental car at a different branch. One-way rentals offer the flexibility to keep your travel plans moving forward, whether you’re heading out on a road trip, relocating, or catching a flight from another city.

Travel tips for driving in Washington, DC

Speed limits vary block to block, so follow posted signs. If you do not see a sign, DC’s default is 20 mph, especially on local streets. rterials and parkways are often posted higher, but it can change quickly near parks, schools, and dense pedestrian areas.

Yes. DC uses automated traffic enforcement for speeding and other violations, so it pays to drive the limit even when the road feels “wide open.”

Metered street parking is common in busy areas, but garages and lots are often the easiest choice for visitors. DDOT’s meter rate structure lists $2.30 per hour citywide, with time limits that vary by location. 

Many neighborhoods use Residential Permit Parking (RPP) rules, where restrictions typically apply Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you’re visiting someone in an RPP zone, DC’s Visitor Parking Permits (VPP) are now digital and tied to a license plate through the ParkDC system.

Avoid weekday rush windows (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–6:30 p.m.) when congestion builds on key routes into and around downtown. Late morning and early afternoon are usually smoother. Also expect slowdowns during big events or when roads near the National Mall have closures.

  • Reagan National (DCA): Typically the quickest airport-to-downtown drive, often via the George Washington Memorial Parkway or I-395 depending on where you’re headed.
  • Dulles (IAD): Common routes use I-66 and the Dulles Toll Road. The Dulles Toll Road accepts E-ZPass and has options for drivers without E-ZPass. 
  • BWI: A practical option for DC trips, with an approximate travel time of about 45 minutes listed by BWI (traffic can change that).

Inside DC, you may not hit tolls often, but the region has tolled express lanes and toll facilities, especially in Northern Virginia. For example, I-66 Express Lanes and I-495 Express Lanes use E-ZPass.

Yes. Some National Park Service park roads in the region, including the George Washington Memorial Parkway, generally restrict trucks, and there are low-clearance bridges to watch for.

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Ready To Hit The Road?

Choose the right rental for your trip and get on your way with Enterprise.

Enterprise Car Sales - DC

Looking to buy? We sell cars, too. Shop our selection of quality used cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. And, when you’re ready, experience the Enterprise customer service you know and expect.

Exotic Car Rental

In Washington, DC Car Rental, we offer exotic sports cars, luxury sedans and SUVs, and have one of the largest selections of exotic and premium vehicle rentals available.

Enterprise Truck Rental - DC

Need a truck? Our moving trucks, cargo vans and towing equipped pickup trucks are available for daily, weekly or monthly rental.