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Raw Power: Mt St Helens
Any visitor to Seattle will remark on the pyramidical Mt Rainier, which sits, painted on the horizon...
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Car hire in Seattle with Hertz
Seattle is one of those cities where your map and your day don’t always match. What looks close might mean crossing a bridge, looping around the lake, or waiting out downtown traffic. That’s exactly where Hertz car hire in Seattle proves its value.
Whether you're heading north to Seattle Center, east across Lake Washington, or just navigating between neighborhoods, having a Hertz car rental in Seattle gives you control over your schedule. You can carry shopping bags, luggage, or kids' gear without planning around bus stops or ride-share timing.
Hertz also fits the way Seattle works best, by grouping stops into zones. Drive to one area, park once, explore it properly on foot, then move on when you're ready. Getting a car rental in Seattle keeps things smooth, avoids stacking short hops, and helps you get more out of every part of the city.
Pickup locations in Seattle
- Seattle Tacoma Airport
- Seattle - Signature Flight Support (Private Flights Only)
- Seattle - Kenmore Aero Services (Private Flights Only)
- SeaPort Airlines-Private Flights Only
- Seattle- Burien - Sea Tac HLE
- Huangxing Park
- Seattle - 8th Avenue HLE
- Seattle - Erin Air (Private Flights Only)
- Seattle - Aurora HLE
- Seattle - Perimeter Road South HLE
- Seattle Box Truck Rentals
- Seattle Box Truck Rentals
- Uber Seattle
- Seattle - Seaport Airlines BFI (Private Flights Only)
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Driving Guide: Car Rental in Seattle
Parking Information
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport Parking Garage is the cleanest start to your trip if you’re flying in, as it keeps the handover between terminal and car straightforward. The garage is home to around 13,000 parking spaces, which helps during peak flight banks when lots fill faster than you expect.
- Pike Place Market Parking Garage is the easiest park-and-walk option for Pike Place, the aquarium-side waterfront, and downtown loops where you want to spend time on foot. The Market garage is listed with 800 parking spots, and also has 15 EV charging stations spread across its entrances.
- Seattle Center 5th Avenue N Garage (Seattle Center / Museums area): A strong base for Seattle Center days when you want MoPOP, nearby attractions, or a longer walk-heavy stretch without thinking about the car again. This garage has 1,021 total parking spaces, which helps on event days when surrounding streets tighten up. It also lists six Level 2 EV charging locations, so you can align charging with a longer museum or show window.
Key Roads in
- I-5 (City’s main north–south spine): The primary route for moving between downtown Seattle, North Seattle, and the airport-area corridor. It is efficient outside peak windows, but ramps can back up quickly, so it helps to time your move rather than treating it as a casual hop.
- SR 99 (Downtown corridor and tunnel route): A useful north–south option when you want to avoid some surface-street friction through the core. If your route uses the SR 99 tunnel, keep in mind it is a tolled facility, so costs can apply depending on how you drive through the city.
- I-90 (Cross-lake connector): A key route for heading east across Lake Washington toward Bellevue and beyond. It is a practical choice for day trips that move out of the central grid and into wider drives
Electric Car Hire
If you're looking for a more eco-conscious way to explore the city, Hertz electric car hire in Seattle makes it easy to go electric without changing how you travel.
The way most people move around Seattle: driving into one neighborhood, parking, then spending a few hours walking, dining, or sightseeing, naturally fits how EVs work.
Hertz actively supports greener travel by offering a growing range of electric vehicles that suit everything from quick local trips to longer regional drives. So, whether you’re planning to stay near Pike Place Market or take a day trip toward Mount Rainier, you can choose to hire an electric car rental that fits your route and pace.
Charging Points
Seattle’s EV infrastructure is well-developed for city and cross-lake driving. As of now, Seattle is home to 1,834 public charging ports within 15 km of Seattle (Level 2 and Level 3 combined).
A clean way to use that network is to plan charging the electric car rental you book around the same places you already expect to slow down, like long market visits, museum time, or a longer meal block.
Congestion Charges
Seattle does not have a standard citywide congestion charge zone for everyday driving. What you do need to watch for is tolling on specific facilities
- SR 99 tunnel (tolled): Toll rates vary by time of day and payment method.
- SR 520 bridge (tolled both directions): Toll rates vary by time of day, with different pricing for peak periods versus nights and weekends.
Getting from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Newcastle
Newcastle is an easy onward drive from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) if you want to head out soon after picking up your rental vehicle. The trip usually takes around 20 minutes by a rental car, depending on traffic, and follows a clear highway route before finishing on local roads.
- Start from Downtown and position toward the waterfront-side streets that lead into the Pike Place zone
- Follow signs toward Pike Place Market and your chosen garage approach.
- Park once, then do the Market, the waterfront, and nearby downtown streets as one walkable block.
Getting from Downtown Seattle to Pike Place Market
Getting from Downtown Seattle to Pike Place Market is a short ride, as it is only about a few blocks away. Here's how you can navigate it with a booked rental car:
- Start from Downtown and position toward the waterfront-side streets that lead into the Pike Place zone
- Follow signs toward Pike Place Market and your chosen garage approach.
- Park once, then do the Market, the waterfront, and nearby downtown streets as one walkable block.
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Popular vehicles to rent
A Quick Guide to Seattle
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
99 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
A waterfront-side luxury stay that guests book for the service, calm rooms, and the location between Pike Place and the downtown core. It’s popular for the indoor pool and spa facilities, plus the easy access to walkable sightseeing without feeling stuck in the busiest street flow.
Hotel Ändra
2000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
A stylish boutique option known for a quieter, more polished feel in the Belltown area. People like it for the comfortable rooms, thoughtful design, and the fact that you can reach Pike Place, the Space Needle area, and so, it is a nice place to stay when you book a car and travel nearby.
The Edgewater Hotel
2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
A classic Seattle stay along the waterfront, known for its sweeping bay views and the calm, open feel that greets you on arrival. Many guests choose it for the scenery, the quiet break it offers between busy days on foot, and the easy access to the piers and downtown.
Pike Place Chowder (Pike Place Market)
2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
A classic Seattle stay along the waterfront, known for its sweeping bay views and the calm, open feel that greets you on arrival. Many guests choose it for the scenery, the quiet break it offers between busy days on foot, and the easy access to the piers and downtown.
The Pink Door (Post Alley, Pike Place area)
1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
A well-known spot for Italian-American comfort dishes, with a cozy, tucked-away feel that makes it memorable. Guests like it for handmade pasta, seafood-forward options, and an atmosphere that feels like part of the Seattle experience rather than a standard downtown restaurant.
Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge (Queen Anne edge)
601 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
A popular choice for a menu with Southern and New Orleans-style influences, including hearty brunch plates and comfort-forward mains. It fits well when you want one planned meal near Seattle Center without stacking extra driving.
Pike Place Market
85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
One of Seattle’s most iconic areas, known for food stalls, local crafts, and the busy market energy that makes it feel alive all day. It’s popular because you can combine shopping, snacks, and waterfront walking in one block without needing to move the car.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
A standout visit near Seattle Center, popular for the bold glass installations and the way the indoor galleries and outdoor garden spaces flow together. It’s an easy pick when you want something visually impressive that does not take a full-day commitment.
Kerry Park
211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119, United States
A small viewpoint park that delivers one of the city’s best skyline photos, with the Space Needle and downtown spread out below you. When you book a car, keep this park in mind as you will love it for a quick, high-reward stop that feels like a highlight even if you only stay for a short walk and a few photos.
FAQs about car hire
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Seattle?
Do I need a driving permit to hire a car from Seattle?
Can I pick up a rental car in Seattle and return it to a different city in the USA?
What is the best time to book a rental car in Seattle?
Are there any restrictions on taking a rental car outside Seattle?
Will I be penalised for a late return on a car hire in Seattle?
What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Seattle?
Can I pick up my Hertz rental in Seattle and drop it off elsewhere?
What additional insurance options does Hertz offer in Seattle?
Does Hertz provide child seats for rentals in Seattle?
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