How to find a cheap car rental deal in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Whether you need a compact for cruising the city streets or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap Seattle-Tacoma International Airport rental car. Choose from options averaging $91 a day and go where you want for less.
Daily rental prices at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport start from just $29.
Thinking of staying longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $163 and take the time to discover more of Seattle.
To get the cheapest price, book your SEA car hire around one week in advance.
Check out the offers from Thrifty, Europcar and Budget. These are some of the popular providers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Seattle-Tacoma International Airport car rental policy, whether with Thrifty or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your car rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in SEA.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car rental in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your vehicle with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you go the distance.
Best value car rental options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with average prices of $79 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $71, this provider follows in second place.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly $70 a day for one of their rentals.
After a car that works for most trips? The Compact rental category is the crowd favorite among travelers at SEA.
Compare car rental types from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Small: These cheap Seattle-Tacoma International Airport rental cars may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and extra tech features, this SEA car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or zipping along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your SEA car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always read your rental company's terms to know where you stand.
If the kids are tagging along, check if you need to add a car seat to your SEA car rental reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's license (no digital copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in the United States, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 25mph in urban areas and around 70mph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to drink, leave the driving to someone else or find a safe alternative way to get around.
Drive smarter from the start
With a SEA car hire, you're the boss when it comes to where you go. If central Seattle is your first stop, it's around 14 miles north of the airport and a journey of about 25 minutes.
Allow roughly 50 minutes to get from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to the city center during rush hours.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
Don't need a set of wheels the moment you land? Consider picking up a car rental in Seattle instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
For an even bigger selection, compare the car rental options at Seattle Paine Field International Airport or car rentals from King County International Airport. These airports also serve Seattle.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Before leaving town, sightsee around Seattle first. Highlights such as Space Needle and Pike Place Market are the perfect warm-up for the rest of your trip.
Tacoma has to be on your itinerary if you want to see LeMay - America's Car Museum and Chihuly Bridge of Glass. This city is around 15 miles southwest of SEA.
Or collect your Seattle-Tacoma International Airport car rental and head for Kent. About 6 miles southeast of the airport, Town Square Plaza and Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum are big attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Why slow down now? Take off to Gresham, about 140 miles south of SEA. From Lower Oneonta Falls to Gresham Japanese Garden, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
