Tacoma car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in Tacoma
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Tacoma
- Downtown Tacoma is approximately 26 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Driving your rentals from the airport to downtown via the I-5 takes about 30min. Hop on the Airport Expressway once you exit the airport and drive southeast. After about two miles, merge onto the WA-518 E and continue for another mile. Take the exit to I-5 S for just over 20 miles and join I-705 N by taking exit 133, which takes you to the heart of Tacoma.
- Several roads in Tacoma divide the city streets and addresses into either south and north or east and west. Getting familiar with these roads and navigating around town becomes a breeze. Running from west downtown through Titlow Park and Sprague is the 6th Avenue, while Division Avenue runs between Sprague and Stadium Way through downtown. Division Avenue and 6th Avenue divide the streets and addresses from north and south. A street running from north and south divides the city east and west. On the other hand, Commencement Bay separates the north and northeast of Tacoma, while South Tacoma Way divides the south and southeast sections.
- The convenient location of Tacoma along Interstate 5 makes it possible to drive cheap car rentals in Tacoma to several cities. Drive around 35 miles south on the I-5 to Seattle, 143 miles north to Portland, or 293 miles west to Spokane. The I-5 also provides drivers a route to downtown when you take the ramp exit 133 and the Old Town when you drive past downtown using the I-705. The I-5 intersects with WA-18 towards Spokane, which gives a route to cities like Auburn, Covington, and Tiger Mountain. The WA-16 roadway provides a route to Gig Harbor. It intersects with the WA-3, linking Tacoma with Bremerton and Gorst.
- Explore every nook and cranny of Tacoma during your visit and rent a car when you get there. The city has plenty to offer from a casino to a car museum, plus the bay, and the easiest way to tick off everything on your wish list is by having the flexibility of your own four wheels. Travelers who would like to visit Seattle can also reach the city in about half an hour from Tacoma.
- Located in Seattle, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the nearest airport at only half an hour away from Tacoma. The airport operates shuttle buses to a nearby rental car center where agencies like Avis, Budget, and Enterprise offer vehicles for their customers. Pick-up points are either on the north or south end of the main terminal, right after baggage claim.
- Driving in Tacoma can come with some challenges, as the city has steep hills, narrow roads, and icy roads can also occur in winter. When navigating down a steep hill, it is important to shift into a low gear and consider operating the car manually. If visiting Tacoma in the winter, adapt your speed and maybe even opt for snow chains, depending on how severe the weather conditions are.
- Especially on the roads to and from Seattle, such as the I-5, Tacoma can face severely increased traffic during the usual weekday rush hours of 6-9 am and 5-8 pm. Traffic during rush hour tends to get worse the closer the week later in the week it is, with Friday often being the worst. For a hassle-free driving experience, choose to leave for trips outside of peak driving times.
- Book your rental car in Tacoma at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Full-size rental cars in Tacoma are around 99% more expensive than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Tacoma
What type of car is recommended for driving in Tacoma?
As Tacoma has steep hills and narrow roads, a compact car is advised, if possible. Due to these hills and the snowy weather conditions often accompanying the cold months, a 4-wheel-drive car is also a good option. If the weather is very cold, snow chains and an ice scraper should also be in the car.
What’s the speed limit in Tacoma?
Residential areas in Tacoma permit a maximum speed limit of 25 mph, but also look at posted signs, as it may be lower in certain areas. 50 mph is allowed on secondary county roads (though only 40 mph is permitted on Tacoma’s Schuster Parkway), and 60 mph on freeways. As Tacoma often faces precipitation in the shape of snow or rain, it is important to always adjust your speed according to the prevailing weather conditions.
Where are the best places to park in Tacoma?
On-street parking in Tacoma is metered, with rates starting at $1 per hour. Usual time restrictions are between 8 am and 8 pm, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays, on-street parking is free. There are also other parking facilities like garages and lots available, such as A Street Garage on South 11th Street or Municipal Garage and Lot on Market Street.
How much is gas price in Tacoma?
The average gas price in Tacoma is C$ 4.86 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 58 and C$ 78, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Tacoma?
Full-size (Ford Transit or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Tacoma.
How can I find car rentals near me in Tacoma?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Tacoma?
A Full Size car rental in Tacoma costs C$ 249 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Tacoma?
A Mini car rental in Tacoma costs C$ 134 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Tacoma?
An Economy car rental in Tacoma costs C$ 96 per day, on average.
Are car rentals available in downtown Tacoma?
Yes. Renters will not run out of options when renting vehicles downtown. Cheap car rentals in Tacoma are within easy reach, thanks to the many rental counters downtown. Avis and Budget will meet your travel needs at Broadway Street, where their offices are stationed. On the other hand, renters who prefer Enterprise can find their offices along Market Street.
Are there tolls in Tacoma?
Yes. Tacoma car rentals might use toll roads in the city depending on their travel plans. Tolls on the Narrows Bridge, linking Tacoma to Gig Harbor, apply for anyone coming into Tacoma. However, while exiting Tacoma into Gig Harbor, no tolls are applicable. All vehicles, including carpools and motorcycles, must pay for tolls. Good to Go! pass provides more flexible payment for tolls.
Tacoma car rental reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Budget
8.4
Very good
Read 8 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.2
Value for money
8.0
One location in Tacoma
Locations in Tacoma
632 Broadway
+1 253 272 2236
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2023
Intermediate SUV
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Sep 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2021
Pros:
the staff was very helpful and nice. The car was very clean and nicer than I expected10.0 Wonderful
Sophia, Jul 2023
Intermediate SUV
2.0 Poor
Stephanie, Jun 2023
Compact
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Aug 2022
Avis
7.3
Good
Read 3 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.3
One location in Tacoma
Locations in Tacoma
632 Broadway
+1 253 272 1093
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Chris, Apr 2023
Intermediate
3.9 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2021
10.0 Wonderful
John, Sep 2021
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
6.4
Okay
Read 6 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
6.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.7
Value for money
6.9
4 locations in Tacoma
Locations in Tacoma
2602 Pacific Hwy E
+1 253 926 3950
3505 S Tacoma Way
+1 253 475 4500
9249 Pacific Ave
+1 253 531 4552
940 Market Street
+1 253 573 1055
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Passenger Van
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Economy
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2022
6.0 Okay
Kim, Nov 2021
2.0 Poor
Blake, Nov 2021
1.9 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2021
Hertz
6.2
Okay
Read 17 reviewsCleanliness
6.2
Comfort
6.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.9
Value for money
6.0
2 locations in Tacoma
Locations in Tacoma
1306 26th AVE NW
+1 253 853 7742
4802 S Tacoma Way
+1 253 474 6150
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Intermediate SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Economy
2.0 Poor
Ratnanjali, Feb 2024
Compact
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Intermediate
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Supplier choice
2.0 Poor
Kenneth, Sep 2020
Pros:
I did not even get to rent at all.Sixt
7.3
Good
One location in Tacoma
Locations in Tacoma
1201 Pacific Ave, Suite 600
+1 206 454 8256
Filters
No reviews available
Thrifty
7.0
Good
One location in Tacoma
Locations in Tacoma
4802 S Tacoma Way
+1 253 474 6150
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Tacoma
Locations in Tacoma
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Tacoma
Good to know
Most popular car type | Full-size |
|---|
When to book a rental car in Tacoma
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Tacoma
Tacoma car rental information
| Pick-up location | Tacoma |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 9 |
| Airport locations | 0 |