Car Hire Washington D. C.

The road network in Washington D. C. is something of a masterpiece. Designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant in the 18^th century, the streets are laid out on a grid, with long avenues sweeping diagonally across and green spaces sprinkled throughout.

Like many other US cities, the directional road names – like 5^th Street and Florida Avenue North West – add some logic to navigation. It’s still best to plan your route though, especially with all the one-way streets.

Traffic circles are a common feature of driving in Washington D. C. They’re much the same as roundabouts, although on a larger and more elaborate scale. In the middle, you’ll find flourishing parks with trees, fountains and neo-classical monuments.

There’s convenient parking close to the main attractions, such as the National Monument – however, these spaces are always in high demand. There are also numerous multi-storey car parks in Downtown Washington and on-street spaces. Check the signs carefully, as some roads are reserved for residents.

The standard speed limit in Washington D. C. is 25mph, and 15mph around schools and on narrow roads. On highways, the standard speed is 55mph, with any variable limits clearly posted.

The I-495 highway – also called the Capital Beltway – circles the capital, providing easy access to the various neighbourhoods and attractions. Some sections of the route are tolled, with charges varying depending on traffic and the number of passengers. The speed limit ranges from 55mph to 65mph.

Heading out of the city, you’re on the cusp of two state borders. To the north-east is Maryland, home of Baltimore, the famous setting for the musical Hairspray. You can be exploring the technicolour streets in around one hour, via the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

In the opposite direction, the state of Virginia, known for its dramatic national parks and historic cities, is found south-west, across the Potomac River.

This monumental headquarters of power is always going to be an exciting place to visit – and the city has been designed to proudly display all its major landmarks and iconic sights. Throughout the city you’ll find the international institution and major headquarters set among grand formal gardens. It’s a great city to explore by hire car, driving down the wide boulevards spotting all of the sights.

The Centre of Government

In Washington, D.C you’ll be able to see where all the big decisions are made by walking into the President’s White House, sitting in on a debate at the lawmakers’ Congress and peeping inside the judges’ Supreme Court. If that’s not enough centres of power for you, add in tours of the Pentagon, World Bank and State Department, and drive around the city taking in the embassies from countries all over the world.

History on every corner

You’ll discover major sights from America’s past all over the city. Look inside the famous Watergate Building where President Nixon started his long slide out of office or sit inside Ford’s Theatre and see where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. There’s the grand gothic tower of the National Cathedral to explore and the sobering sight of the Arlington National Cemetery, where veterans of every American war since the Revolution have been laid to rest.

The Smithsonian Institute is actually 19 huge, free museums, most of which are lined up in a row along The Mall. You can simply pop from the National Air and Space Museum into the National Museum of American History. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C's great monuments make for some magnificent photo opportunities - the Lincoln Memorial being one of the city's best places for a picture.

Art and culture

In Washington, D.C you’ll be able to browse fine paintings from the Middle Ages right up to the current day in the collection at the National Gallery of Art. Take a free tour of the world’s largest library, the Library of Congress, which homes 29 million books, including an original Gutenberg bible.

The best collection of American art is inside the neo-classical façade of the Reynolds Centre and the finest place to see a classic performance is at the John F. Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts which hosts 2,000 ballet, opera, theatre and orchestral shows a year.

Organise car hire in Washington D.C. to explore all the highlights of this iconic city and beyond.