Those who want to have a seamless mode of transport and are looking to rent a car from the DC path at Washington DC airport for business or casual purposes can rent a car from the rental agencies.
Having a personal vehicle at your disposal allows you to move about the city according to your plans and preferences. So, instead of wasting time, when you land at the airport, renting a car becomes a breeze and quite often eliminates any frustration that one might have experienced.
Non-essential elements of the plan can also be changed within the second, by renting a vehicle at Washington DC Airport. There is more to just rent a car in DC, it’s about knowing how to do it properly. So, read on, and this guide will help you understand everything!
Why Rent A Car at DC Airport?
There is a lot of ease for travelers who fly into Washington DC and decide to rent a car at the airport. Most people in Washington, be it on a business trip, holiday, or visiting friends, are interested in having their car, instead of relying on public transport or rides available on their smartphones.
You no longer have to waste time waiting and can go directly where you want to as soon as you are ready. Once you arrive at the airport, all it takes is the time to board a vehicle for you to begin your trip as you please.
In the case of business travelers, renting a car is a great alternative for transport. You can move from one meeting to a conference without fear of time limits and crowds.
For example, Capitol Hill or Georgetown: you can just as easily travel from one point in the city to the next and not waste time that might be better utilized. Also, when traveling, getting to the next meeting on time is quite easy, particularly since meetings will always be delayed.
Rent a car at Washington DC airport is also advantageous for tourists. Although the city has good public transport some sites such as Mount Vernon or Great Falls Park are out of reach of the metro.
You can go to these less visited places on your own time. And best of all, you will not have to endure the discomforts of overcrowded buses or long waiting periods at taxi ranks when on a tour.
How To Rent A Car At The Washington DC Airport?
Renting a vehicle from the Washington DC International Airport is easy and convenient. It does not matter if it is a business trip or a leisure visit, these few steps will help you get going in no time.
Step 1: Fill in Your Information
To begin with, provide some information unique to your booking at DC Pathts. For instance, mention the date, time, and where you would like to pick up the car.
Also, make sure to include any other instructions you may have like, what type of car you would prefer or if you need any extra services. Rental companies happily assist such cases since they want everything to be seamless for their clients.
Step 2: Reserve and Select Your Car
Scroll through the selection of vehicles available for hire. Depending on your needs, you will be able to choose between a compact car, SUV, sedan, or luxury car. Now all that is left to do is book your car.
An email or text will be sent to you with the receipt and all the needed information regarding your booking, and that includes where to go pick up your vehicle as well as the contact information of the company renting you the vehicle.
Step 3: Retrieve Your Car
After getting off the plane in Washington DC, go to the car rental area. You may have to take a shuttle to the lot of the provider depending on the agency you chose.
After that, show them the booking, identification, and payment. A rental representative will direct you to your car straight away and explain how the vehicle operates.
Step 4: Start Driving
Now that the paperwork is complete, the vehicle is all yours. Instead, use this time to interpret the car settings, check the fuel trimming, and go over some important pointers regarding local driving laws and conventions.
All set? Go ahead and start your trip, whether it be a meeting or simply sightseeing the best places around.
Things To Know Before You Rent A Car Washington DC Airport
As far as the rental of a car is concerned, there are a few useful information that one ought to know before heading to the Washington DC Airport.
Required Documents to Rent a Car
While renting a car from Washington DC Airport, the crucial documents include a valid driver’s license for the person renting the car, a credit card bearing the owner’s name, and a passport for those who intend to go abroad.
In case you are from a foreign country make certain that your driving license is up to date otherwise, there will be complications of recognition in the U.S. However, remember if you are renting out a car in that case, companies may ask you a few more questions.
Fees and Age Policies
To hire a car from most of the companies at the Washington DC Airport car hire offices, you need to be 21 years old and above. However, if you happen to be under 25 years old, you will likely be charged an extra fee for being a young driver.
Depending on the car rental company, you might have to pay an average daily fee between $20 and $30. Different operators may have diverse categorizations for particular cars, however.
Coverage Alternatives
While hiring a car, you will also be provided with various car insurance covers. The options are usually between Collision Damage Waivers. A type of coverage that offers protection against the costs associated with the damage sustained by the car.
If you are not comfortable with these options, you may also get insurance against the possibility of the car being stolen. Also, if you possess insurance that covers rental cars, you can use it, but make sure to contact the insurance provider before doing so.
Policies Regarding Fuel Usage on Rental Vehicles
In most instances fuel policies are clear to understand when hiring a car at Washington DC Airport: full-to-full, full-to-empty, or pre-purchase. With full-to-full, one picks a car that has a full gas tank and must return it just as he/she obtained the car.
In a full-to-empty policy, one is required to pay for however much gas is in the tank and is only permitted to return the car with however much gas they would like in the tank. Pre-purchase allocation allows for the consumption of any strip of fuel of any amount without charge.
Toll Roads and Fees
You may also want to consider toll roads in DC, like, the Capital Beltway or the Dulles Toll Road. One rental option can be getting a rental car with a built-in electronic toll pass. Even if such a functionality is not incorporated, you can pay through E-ZPass later.
Most car rental companies charge for a pass if you have one daily, which may also lead to surcharges for unpaid tolls.
GPS and Navigation Options
You can also pick a rental GPS device, which can assist you in and around the DC area. Otherwise, it will be hard for you to navigate especially if this is your first time in this area. It will also be beneficial for you to rent the device to avoid extra data roaming.
Washington DC Airport has many rental agencies that often have GPS devices in store and rent them daily too. Several phones also have maps readily available, still, renting a device will save you from unwanted fees.
Additional Drivers
Make sure to add someone to the rental agreement before continuing with the rental process. The rental process may cost you extra since most companies will charge an additional fee for extra drivers.
In such cases, getting a companion will be cost-friendly for you as such companies typically offer free services to such individuals.
The Car Type And The Size Of The Car
Take into account the type of car which you need for your travel purposes. While a small vehicle is ideal for city commutes and efficient parking, if say a larger group or even additional bags are to be accommodated, a minivan or SUV would work better.
Rental agencies have all kinds of vehicles, so make sure you check how much space and comfort you require for your trip first.
Timing The Return Of The Car To The Rental Company
To not incur any extra fees, please remember to return your rental vehicle within the specified timeframe. Most rental companies have a half-hour limit which they do not penalize or raise any charges, though following that time scale would lead to some hourly or full-day charges.
If you expect yourself to be late in returning the vehicle, consider contacting the rental agency ahead of time for alternate solutions. Late returns could also increase rentals on your next rental with the same agency.
Bottom Line
When you rent a car at Washington DC airport, it provides convenience in moving around the city as well as its outskirts.
About business, leisure or a special occasion like a prom, it doesn’t really matter, with DC Pathts, the booking process is very simple and the rest is the same. Ranging from various cars to better customer service, you will be treated like a king when driving the car.
Is it time to get ready for your unforgettable trip? Booking your ride with DC Pathts guarantees you the comfort and convenience you seek.
