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SEA Airport Rental Car Guide Seattle Tacoma Airport

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Car Rental at Seattle Airport

Seattle Tacoma International Airport, more popularly known as Sea-Tac, connects Seattle to over 110 domestic and international destinations. The airport is located about 14 miles south of downtown Seattle and is a hub for both Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. In recent years, this airport has gained so much popularity and passenger traffic that the Port of Seattle decided to build a brand new 450,000-square-foot International Arrivals Facility (IAF). Travelers can also expect improved dining, retail, and car rental services.


Many first-time and repeat visitors to Seattle opt to rent a car at Sea-Tac airport for a smooth and stress-free trip to Seattle. You can book your Seattle car rental in advance with our trusted partners Enjoy Travel. As you exit the arrivals area, take one of the shuttle buses - which run 24/7 - on the south and north sides of the main terminal to reach the car rental facility, located at 3150 S 160th St, SeaTac, WA 98188. It is approximately an 8-minute ride to get to the rental car facility from the airport. There are 14 car rental companies that you can choose from, including Alamo, Sixt, and National.


Downtown Car Rental at Seattle

If you didn't rent a car at the airport facility, worry not as the city has various car rental outlets. If you are planning on visiting Seattle for a few days, consider renting an economy car to save some money. They are also more fuel-efficient and are usually easy to park. Alternatively, if you are traveling with family or friends, an SUV or a sedan would be ideal for maximum space and comfort. Luxury car hunters can opt for a Cadillac XTS or Audi A4. Many Seattle car rental companies also provide one-way rental services, so you can drop off your vehicle at your last destination before flying out from a different airport. Although car rental companies are spread all over the city, you will find many of their branches concentrated in the Belltown neighborhood of downtown Seattle.


Driving in Seattle

The city's rush hour extends from 6am - 9am and 3pm - 7pm. The weekends are usually extra busy. Some of the interstate roads that see a lot of traffic during this time include the I-405 and I-5. There are many ramp meters located on the highways and they function as a traffic control method by allowing cars to pass at intervals to prevent congestion.


Keep a note of the following while driving through Seattle.

● The speed limit can vary from 25 mph to 50 mph, depending on the road's size. Keep an eye out for street signs indicating the appropriate speed limit for the road you’re driving on.

● Texting or even just holding a phone is not allowed while driving.

● Keep in mind that Seattle has many one-way streets.

● You might come across steep hills while driving around, so do take caution.

● Seattle gets rain quite often, so you need to be prepared if you are going out. And also be careful while driving if you visit during the winter. Make sure that your car is equipped with appropriate winter tires and windshield visors. Reputable car rental agencies will typically take care of this for you.

● In case of an emergency while driving, pull over and call 911.


Many garages and street-side parking areas are available throughout the city, so parking isn't a problem. To find your nearest location and even make mobile payments, download the PaybyPhone app on your smartphone.


Car Rental Agencies in Seattle

The car rental companies serving Seattle include Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Dollar, Thrifty, and National, among others. Besides renting your vehicle from the airport car rental facility, you can also visit any of the offices of these companies in downtown Seattle. Premium vehicles like Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300 are the most frequently booked rental car type in Seattle. Companies like Alamo, Budget, Sixt, and Thrifty offer pick-up services from the airport. If you want the best deals and discounts, pre-book your vehicle with our partners, Enjoy Travel, prior to your arrival in Seattle.


Top Road Trips from Seattle

For mesmerizing mountain views, take a 4-hour drive to Whistler, across the Canadian border. It is one of the best ski resorts in winter. But in the warmer months, it also becomes an ideal spot for downhill mountain biking. The views on the way are super impressive and make the long drive a breeze. Don't forget to click some pictures at Shannon Falls, a series of cliffs and waterfalls originating from an alpine massif. After you’re all tired out from the skiing or mountain biking, head to the nearby town for flavorful food and beer.


Want to go camping? Head to Lake Chelan, 198 miles away or a 4-hour drive from Seattle. The lake has a long beach with picnic tables where you can spend a leisurely afternoon with friends or family. The Lake Chelan area also offers many mild to wild activities. Depending on whatever tickles your fancy, you can go fishing, speed boating, or boating, as well as hiking, biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, or playing beach volleyball. And don't skip visiting the wineries in the evening.


If you are a beach-lover, Long Beach is the destination for you. Drive for approximately 3 hours to reach this 28-mile long beach that is home to two recreation areas. One is the Cape Disappointment State Park, where you can learn about the history of defense batteries and military bunkers, hike through the freshwater lakes, and take in the exquisite views. The other park you can visit is the Leadbetter Point State Park. Here you can enjoy some bird watching and indulge your inner birder by taking snaps of brown pelicans, eagles, ducks, and terns. Long Beach is ideal for a peaceful and relaxing weekend getaway.


FAQS about Seattle car rental

Q: Cost of renting a car in Seattle?

A: The average cost per day of renting a car in Seattle is just $41.32 USD.

Q: What’s the cheapest car rental in Seattle?

A: Prices for Seattle car rentals start from just $27.17 USD when booking in advance with our partners Enjoy Travel.

Q: What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Seattle?

A: To rent a car in Seattle you must be at least 21.

Q: Can I have additional drivers on the rental agreement in Seattle?

A: Additional drivers can be added to your Seattle car rental agreement upon request.

Q: What’s the best car for getting around Seattle?

A: Parking spaces can be small in the city, so a compact vehicle such as a Toyota Prius is best.

Tips, Help & Resources

iFly.com strives to ensure that your travel experience is seamless and hassle-free, from flight booking to navigating airport security and beyond. Here are some useful pointers to assist you on your journey, tailored specifically to SEA airport:

  • If you find that rental cars are unavailable at the airport upon your arrival, consider taking one of Seattle Tacoma's airport shuttles or taxi service to your destination. Alternatively, you can use local public transportation. Airport help desk staff can help you find the right option.
  • Refer to the flight Seattle arrivals information boards within the airport to determine which baggage carousel your flight has been assigned to.
  • If you are arriving from an international destination and need to exchange pounds or euros, locate the in-terminal currency exchangers or SEA's automated teller machines.
  • Before you depart Seattle (SEA) airport's terminal and pickup your car, be sure to get specific directions back to the exact location where you need to drop your car off.  Some rental car agencies might have different pickup and drop-off locations.