"The was very helpful and friendly"(in 1394 reviews)
", very quick pickup and easy drop off."(in 1394 reviews)
Cons
"I will this website again."(in 252 reviews)
"We waited over an hour for our rental , very poorly managed"(in 3893 reviews)
"The exterior of the was not completely clean."(in 3893 reviews)
Overall rating5.6 FairBased on 119 reviews
Cleanliness
6.3
Comfort
6.4
Overall
5.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.6
Value for money
5.9
Recent reviews
Traveller rating
16
7
1
9
1
0
31
Find reviews that mention:
4.0
Waited 45 minutes in line to pick up car. Only one attendant stuck with one customer. Should have had that customer fix there credit card issues and then get back in line instead of making 3 people wait 45 minutes for what should take 5 minutesReviewed 21 Apr 2025
review from
2.0
I made a van reservation 4+ weeks ahead of a milestone event. Less than 18 hours prior to my picking up the van, I received a call from Budget saying the location I had reserved from does not ever carry vans since their garage cannot accommodate vans! Their location was advertising vans, I reserved from the location! How was it that I am only hearing about it so late!? I went back and sure enough even as of today that location is advertising vans!! She told me one other Budget location has a van, she wouldn’t call that location to switch our reservation, I had to call myself. I spent over an hour trying to get through to the second location. They had one van but it would cost me 6 times more! The van cost went from $200 to over $800!!!! I think they do this on purpose because at that point I was desperate for a van! I only had a few hours to find another van! When I asked the first lady why she is telling me so late? She had the audacity to tell me I still had a few hours left in the day to find a van! I didn’t have anytime at all, so much else going on that day, that’s why I made reservations a month in advance!! I will never ever use Budget!Reviewed 1 Apr 2025
review from
2.0
12 passenge van I reserved wasn’t available. Said it would be available three hours after schedule reservation then it wasn’t. The woman at the counter was lovely and it wasn’t her fault but Customer line is worthless. Never answered. Just terrible service.Reviewed 7 Jan 2025
review from
6.0
Great vehicle at a fairly reasonable price. Getting the vehicle wasn’t bad. Dropping it off was difficult. It was an urban location inside a parking garage. Signage was poor. Not enough designated spaces were available. Finally had to park in a non- designated spot after repeatedly circling, hoping something would open up.Reviewed 27 Jul 2024
review from
2.0
Abominable. Firstly, they closed the pick up location for the day before my pick up time, leaving me stranded. Then they told me to pick up from another location but in modifying the reservation they mistakenly put same drop off as pick up when original drop off was in NY. When I brought this up they said that a one way fee of $200 would then apply if I have a different drop off. After three hours on the phone I was finally able to sort it out by sending them the original contract showing that my drop off was always meant to be NY. Still, I had to close the contract with the one way fee in it, and I’m told in 7 days they will reverse the charge to honor the original agreed upon rate. Fingers crossedReviewed 26 Jun 2024
review from
4.0
The facility is terrible. And I had to wait a long time to be seen even though I was next in line.Reviewed 5 Oct 2023
review from
2.0
They ran out of cars! And didn’t tell anyone so people waiting in line for hours.Reviewed 3 Oct 2022
review from
8.0
The car was a little dirty and hadn't been thoroughly cleaned. We also ended up with an SUV instead of a compact car as requested (I don't like driving big cars). I didn't have to pay extra for it (most people would consider it a bonus I guess). But they were very quick with both pickup and dropoff, and overall it was good value for the money.Reviewed 12 Sep 2022
review from
4.0
Just an overall heads up, they don’t have a lot of vehicles so when you go in to pick up your reserved vehicle, they have to wait for someone to drop off their previously rental vehicle. Then, they turn it around immediately-so no cleaning the vehicle at all. Our vehicle had a check engine light on it as well. Customer service is luck luster-they do not care if you have to wait.Reviewed 12 Sep 2022
review from
6.0
Pros:Pick up and drop off was not easy especially drop off. It’s in a mall and I have no idea where is car returns. I haven’t given any directions, all I have is the address. No signs whatsoever about car returns. I have to park in the mall and go around asking people. I found there office inside the mall and the lady said I can park anywhere in the mall. The lady wasn’t friendly. I’m not super happy about the drop off part but the price and car were great.Cons:Better communication towards pickups and drop off locations and more instructions.Reviewed 3 Jan 2021
review from
2.0
Cons:They didn't have any cars, despite me having (and confirming) a reservation.Reviewed 3 Jan 2021
review from
10.0
Pros:The process at both locations was seamless.Reviewed 1 Jan 2021
Top tips for hiring a car from Budget in Washington, D.C.
An important factor when you book Budget car rentals in Washington, D.C. is choosing the right type of car for your trip needs. If you plan to stay within the city and don't need much space, a compact or economy car is a practical choice. It's easier to maneuver in traffic, and parking can be less challenging. This is a good option for solo travelers or couples. If you're environmentally conscious or plan to do a lot of city driving, consider renting a hybrid or electric car. D.C. has charging stations, and you can save on fuel costs.
Budget Car Rental provides a loyalty program known as Budget Fastbreak, offering fantastic advantages to those who book Budget car rentals in Washington, D.C. As a Fastbreak member, you have the opportunity to accumulate reward points for each eligible rental. These points can be later redeemed for complimentary rental days, allowing you to enjoy savings on future bookings. Plus, the program offers flexibility as there are no blackout dates, making trip planning easier. Fastbreak members also enjoy expedited service at dedicated counters, reducing wait times and providing priority service throughout the rental process.
It's essential to keep in mind the cancellation policy when you book Budget car rentals in Washington, D.C. Upon cancellation, Budget will issue a credit to your original payment card within approximately seven business days. Please be aware that if you choose to cancel a prepaid reservation before the rental, a processing fee will apply. Additionally, in the case of an early return of the vehicle before the initially scheduled return date, no payment refund will be provided.
If you plan to book Budget car rentals in Washington, D.C., during the winter months, check if Budget offers vehicles with winter tires. In case of heavy snowfall, consider renting a vehicle equipped with snow chains or traction aids. Ensure the vehicle is equipped with an ice scraper, de-icing fluid, or a snow brush. If you're not accustomed to driving in winter conditions, be cautious. Reduce your speed, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid sudden maneuvers.
Compact car hire from Budget in Washington, D.C. are around 61% cheaper than other car types, on average.
See more tips
FAQs about hiring a car from Budget in Washington, D.C.
Where can I go to pick up a Budget car rental in Washington, D.C.?
When you are planning on taking a flight to the very convenient Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Airport (DCA) that is just to the south of the center of the city, this can be a very convenient place to pick up your rental car. For renters already in the city who do not want to make the trip back to the airport, better options include the locations at 1908 Elm St. NW. and 1072 Wisconsin Ave. NW.
What are some advantages of using Budget car rental in Washington, D.C.?
Budget is known for its competitive pricing in the Washington, D.C. area, which can help you find affordable rental options, especially for longer trips. Budget offers a variety of rental terms, whether you need a car for a few hours, a day, a week, or longer, providing flexibility for your travel plans. Budget offers various add-ons and extras, including GPS navigation devices, child car seats, and different fuel service options, enhancing your rental experience.
Where should I go to park my rental in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. has street parking available throughout the city. Be sure to pay attention to parking signs and meters, as regulations and pricing can vary by location. Some areas offer free parking on Sundays and holidays, but when you have to pay for parking, expect the cost to be about $2.30 for 1 hour. There are many parking garages and lots in and around Washington, D.C., often located near popular attractions and business districts. Prices can vary, with some charging hourly rates and others offering daily rates. Expect to pay more for parking in the city center, with costs running between $10 to $20 for 1 hour of parking.
What is the most popular car hire from Budget in Washington, D.C.?
Compact (Hyundai Veloster or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type from Budget in Washington, D.C..
How many car hire locations does Budget have in Washington, D.C.?
Budget has 6 hire locations in Washington, D.C.. Take a look at our Budget hire location map to find the best car hire near you.
Does Budget have a car hire location at the airport: Dulles Intl airport (IAD)?
No (according to our data)
Does Budget offer shuttle or airport pick-up services from Dulles Intl airport (IAD)?
Yes
Does Budget have a car hire location at the airport: Baltimore/Washington airport (BWI)?
No (according to our data)
Does Budget offer shuttle or airport pick-up services from Baltimore/Washington airport (BWI)?
Yes
Does Budget have a car hire location at the airport: Reagan-National airport (DCA)?
No (according to our data)
Does Budget offer shuttle or airport pick-up services from Reagan-National airport (DCA)?
Yes
See more FAQs
Everything you need to know for your Budget car rental in Washington, D.C.
Search for cheap car hire from Budget in Washington, D.C. with KAYAK and hire a car from Budget that suits you best. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find and book the best Budget car hire deal in Washington, D.C..
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