Car hire

Question

I’m planning on hiring a car in DC and driving up to Boston, which hire company is best to go with? Thinking of hiring from DCA airport but pickup location is flexible.

Thanks!

Answer

When planning a road trip from Washington, DC to Boston, choosing the right car hire company can make a big difference in cost, convenience, and vehicle options. Picking up at DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) is convenient, but sometimes off-airport locations offer better rates. Flexibility with pickup and drop-off locations can save money.

Major Car Rental Companies in DC:

Enterprise: Known for excellent customer service and a wide selection of vehicles. Often more flexible on pickup locations and may have off-airport branches with lower rates.
Hertz: Good coverage at airports and downtown locations. Offers a range of vehicles including mid-size and luxury cars. Sometimes offers discounts for early bookings or memberships.
Avis/Budget: Typically competitive pricing, especially if booked online in advance. Budget is often the most economical, Avis may have better customer service and loyalty perks.
National: Excellent for frequent travelers with the Emerald Club, allowing you to bypass lines and choose your car from the lot. Good for quick pickup at DCA.
Alamo: Often competitive for one-way rentals and family-sized vehicles. Good for leisure travelers.

Pickup Location Considerations:

Picking up at DCA is very convenient if arriving by plane, but airport fees can add $10–$20/day. Consider nearby off-airport branches reachable by taxi, Metro, or shuttle for potentially lower rates.
Downtown DC locations (Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill) may be slightly cheaper and easier to access if you’re already in the city before heading out.

Additional Tips for Driving to Boston:

Book as early as possible, especially for August-September travel, to ensure vehicle availability and lower rates.
Check for unlimited mileage; a DC to Boston trip is around 440–450 miles one-way.
Consider GPS or smartphone navigation; major highways include I-95 N along the East Coast, which can have heavy traffic near NYC and Connecticut.
Compare online aggregator sites (Kayak, Rentalcars.com) to see total cost including taxes, fees, and drop-off charges.

Overall, Enterprise and National tend to be highly recommended for service and reliability, while Budget and Avis can offer competitive rates. If convenience is key, DCA airport pickup works well; if minimizing cost, check nearby off-airport locations.