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Hertz car rental in District of Columbia

Rent a car and tour the District of Columbia – arguably the most famous federal district in America.

Most commonly known as Washington D.C., the District of Columbia sits at the very heart of American politics. Visit the Library of Congress on world-famous Capitol Hill, browse the fascinating exhibits at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and see presidential buildings, like the White House, up close. Explore the US capital in your own time with a rental car from the District of Columbia.

We have a number of pick up locations in the area. Select the pick-up station that works for you, collect the keys and start your trip – whether you’re in the region for business or pleasure.

Check out our extensive vehicle range online, pick the right car for you and your passengers and book direct with Hertz.

Top Cities In District Of Columbia

Washington

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Hertz Airport Locations District Of Columbia

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Driving in and around the District of Columbia

With tree-lined avenues, picturesque parks and buildings renowned the world over, driving in the District of Columbia is a pleasant experience. As you’re in America, driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

The District of Columbia is split up into a grid system with the Capitol at the centre. The grid is divided into four areas, the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast. Some roads near to the National Mall sometimes close due to presidential parades or events in the city so check ahead of time if your journey plans take you through central Washington.

The speed limits in The District of Columbia are usually signposted but, typically, when you’re driving in residential areas such as Capitol Hill or Georgetown the limit is 30mph. You’ll find plenty of parking in Georgetown and throughout the rest of The District of Columbia. It’s mainly metered on-street parking, so keep an eye out for signs on restrictions.

To travel to your next stop, expect to use the Interstate 495, widely known as the Capital Beltway, where the limit is typically around 70mph. From the Beltway you can travel southwestinto the state of Virginia, or any other direction into Maryland which surrounds the state. Keep heading northeast for New Jersey, where Philadelphia and Manhattan can be explored.

Car Collections

With a wide range of travellers passing through our locations every day, we've got a wide range of vehicles on offer to suit your needs - from smart executive saloons to compact family hatchbacks. ***

***Specific cars may not be available when booking

A quick guide to the District of Columbia

Discover America’s political past and present with a rental car in the District of Columbia. Here are some of the best things you won't want to miss.

Immerse yourself in the political history

A trip to Washington D.C. is not complete without experiencing the immensity of the National Mall. 46 acres of pristine lawn stretch from the Potomac River to the Capitol Building and is lined with art galleries, famous monuments and museums.

In the west of the mall is the iconic Lincoln Memorial. Opened in 1922, 57 years after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the grand design was created by a number of architects who adopted a number of Roman and neo-classical architectural styles. Made out of Tuscan marble, the statue is 30 metres tall and 61 metres wide.

The Washington Monument towers above the mall.Built to commemorate George Washington, the first president of the United States, it is the world’s tallest obelisk, standing 169m tall.

To the north of the National Mall is the gleaming headquarters of America’s current president, The White House. One of the most famous buildings in the world, construction of The White House started in 1792 and every president since 1800 has resided in the building. It’s a huge six-storey structure with 132 rooms including 35 bathrooms and major extensions and renovations have taken place since as presidents have come and gone.

Explore the museums

There are more than 70 excellent museums in the area. At the National Museum of Natural History, the Butterfly Pavilion, Hall of Fossils and the large 4 metre-tall African Elephant model in the entrance are all must see attractions. Admission is free.

The National Gallery of Art is split into a contemporary wing and a traditional wing with a wealth of art from the Renaissance through to modern day. The American History Museum looks into how cultural movements have shaped the country including a detailed look into America’s First Ladies.

One of the more obscure exhibits you can visit is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Before you arrive, book a tour of the production room that prints and makes real U.S. currency. Learn more about how technology has grown, the role of the engravers and the printing process.

Take a stroll in charming Georgetown

To the west of the city is the university neighbourhood of Georgetown, where you’ll find a vibrant area – full of well-reviewed restaurants and shops.

Founded in 1751, Georgetown is the District of Columbia’s oldest neighbourhood. Its 18th century cobbled streets and preserved 19th-century townhouses make for a picturesque journey through time.

Climb Book Hill for a panoramic view of the neighbourhood and further afield Virginia. Take to the water and kayak down the Potomac river, before walking along Georgetown Harbour and having lunch at one of the seafood eateries.

To find out more about the history of the place, visit the Georgetown Library’s Peabody Room which has a large archive of artefacts and studies. Fans of possibly the most famous political couple of all time, the Kennedys, can take a self-guided Kennedy tour and walk in the footsteps of John and Jackie around Georgetown.