Rent cars in Washington, DC
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Rental cars in Washington, DC
Visit the historic hub of the U.S.
Home to the Capitol, the White House, the Smithsonian museums, and a host of national monuments, Washington, DC is a tourist’s dream come true. Stroll down the National Mall, take in the view from the top of the Washington Monument, and enjoy the city’s world-class restaurants.
In this historic yet ever-evolving city, there’s always something new to discover.
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With monuments, museums, and historic buildings around every corner, you’ll have no trouble filling the time when you visit DC.
The Washington Monument
Built in the 1800s to honor George Washington, the Washington Monument rises 555 feet above the city, and is an iconic symbol of Washington, DC. Be sure to buy a ticket if you want to ride the elevator to the top.
The Smithsonians
Whether you’re a fan of art, history, culture, space, animals, or science, you’ll find something to love at the Smithsonian Museums and Galleries. Don’t miss the National Museum of African American History and Culture: the country’s largest destination for Black history and culture.
Dupont Circle
While you definitely don’t want to miss DC’s iconic sites, there’s also fun to be had in the residential Dupont Circle neighborhood. Full of great restaurants, charming bookstores, and nightlife destinations, it’s also home to the Phillips Collection: an art gallery in a Georgian mansion.
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Rent cars in Washington, DC
Hit the road
Leave the city behind and tap into the DC area’s abundant history. Behind the wheel, you’re free to explore wherever your fancy takes you, whether you’re in the mood for a day trip or a nearby destination. Homes of former presidents like Washington and Jefferson, national cemeteries and battlefields like Arlington and Gettysburg, and historic American cities like family-friendly Williamsburg are all waiting to be discovered.
Rent the perfect carMount Vernon
13 miles south of Washington is Mount Vernon: George Washington’s beloved Virginian home. Located on the Potomac River, the historic plantation and mansion served as home to Washington and his wife Martha.
Arlington National Cemetery
Just across the Potomac from Washington DC is Arlington National Cemetery — where you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, John F. Kennedy’s gravesite, the US Marine Corps War Memorial, and the final resting places of American soldiers from the Civil War onward.
Colonial Williamsburg
Visiting Williamsburg, about two hours south of Washington, DC, is like traveling back in time. The whole town has been designated as a historic area, and as you walk the streets you can expect to see historical reenactments, horse-drawn carriages, and period costumes.
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Best Washington, DC driving roads
George Washington Parkway
When you need a scenic break from the city, head to the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Starting from Arlington, this gorgeous drive takes you past beautiful views of the Potomac River to Great Falls: a picturesque town with lots of hiking and horse trails.
National Mall and Monuments
You won’t get far in a hurry, but if you want to see the DC monuments and government buildings, this drive is a must. Start at the Capitol and drive from Maryland Ave to Independence Ave, then take 17th up to the White House and circle back onto Constitution to end up at the Lincoln Memorial.
Route 211/Lee Highway
Another picturesque drive is Lee Highway, or Route 211, which you’ll reach by taking I-66 to Route 29. Driving past vineyards and pastures, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the way, there are plenty of bakeries, wineries, and distilleries to stop at.
Frequently asked questions in Washington, DC
What do I need to rent a car on Turo?
What do I need to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.
In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France, you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.
When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!
Do I need my own insurance?
Do I need my own insurance?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.
In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*
In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.
What protection plan options are available on Turo?
What protection plan options are available on Turo?
When booking a car on Turo, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier, Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of coverage that’s right for you or decline coverage in some cases. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance provided under a policy from Travelers — up to $750,000 for the Premier plan.*
How do I get discounts on cars in Washington, DC?
How do I get discounts on cars in Washington, DC?
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promotions, discounts, and deals on car rental alternatives in Washington, DC!
Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period!**
**Learn how the loyalty bonus worksAre there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Yes, many Turo hosts offer discounted prices when you book trips lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsWhat types of cars can I book in Washington, DC?
What types of cars can I book in Washington, DC?
Browse a wide selection of vehicles for all kinds of occasions and budgets on Turo. Find a full-size SUV for a family road trip, a pickup truck for some errands, or a sporty convertible for a special night out in Washington, DC. For the lowest prices, use the “budget-friendly” filter to browse economy vehicles.
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to Washington, DC?
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to Washington, DC?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
What payment methods does Turo accept?
What payment methods does Turo accept?
Turo accepts most credit cards issued by major financial institutions, including American Express and Discover cards, as well as debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo that are linked to a checking account.
Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile devices are also accepted, but Turo does not accept cash or checks as valid payment methods.
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. If you book a trip with less than 24 hours’ notice, you have one hour after booking to cancel free of charge. If you cancel after the free cancellation period ends, you will be charged a cancellation fee.
In the rare event a host cancels, you’ll be notified immediately so you can book another car, or we’ll help you find one. Your refund can be temporarily held to expedite rebooking, or the funds can be returned to your bank account — your choice.
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
Under the enhanced cleaning policy, hosts are required to clean and disinfect their vehicles thoroughly before every trip, so you can feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. Turo hosts have access to training materials on enhanced cleaning practices, using the latest recommendations compiled from the CDC, EPA, WHO, and vehicle detailing experts, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Is Turo a rental car company?
Is Turo a rental car company?
No. Unlike rental car companies, Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace where you can book directly from trusted local car owners in the US, Canada, and the UK. Turo does not own any vehicles — Turo hosts share their own personal cars and set their own prices, discounts, vehicle availability, and delivery options.
Are there cars available near the Washington, DC airport?
Are there cars available near the Washington, DC airport?
Yes, there are hundreds of cars available on Turo at locations near the Washington, DC airport. After arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, skip the rental counter and have your car rental alternative delivered for pick-up and dropoff at your Washington, DC hotel or the address of your vacation rental to save time and hassle.
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
There is no fee or additional charge for adding a driver to your trip on Turo. Only the guest who booked the trip (primary driver) can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add authorized drivers before your trip starts, though guests in the US and Canada can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress with no extra charges.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
What’s the best way to get around Washington, DC?
What’s the best way to get around Washington, DC?
The best and fastest way to get around the Washington, DC area is by booking a car on Turo, so you can explore every urban hot spot and outdoor activity DC has to offer at your own pace.
Washington, DC is very walkable, with most of the monuments and museums clustered close together around the National Mall. But the weather gets quite hot in the summer, and if you prefer to avoid gas stations and rush hour traffic, the Washington Metro serves all the popular neighborhoods like Georgetown, Downtown, Dupont Circle, and Capitol Hill.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.