How to find a cheap car hire deal in Bellingham
Whether you need a compact for zipping through the city streets or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Bellingham. Pick from options averaging $142 a day and hit the road for less.
$89 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Bellingham.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from $396 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Here's your clue on when to book. Two weeks in advance gives you better odds at securing the best price on a Bellingham car hire.
Rent your wheels from Hertz, Enterprise or Budget. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
Whether you book with Hertz or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Bellingham car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Bellingham.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Travel without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with average prices of $107 a day.
Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around $104.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly $110 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not sure which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Premium rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type in Bellingham.
Flying to Bellingham? Think about an airport pick-up
Get a head start on your Bellingham trip by picking up a car hire at Bellingham International Airport. The city centre is about 10 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Bellingham
Small: These cheap rental cars in Bellingham may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: A solid choice when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Bellingham car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Bellingham makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're tough, dependable, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Bellingham car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Bellingham.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so check your rental company's terms to find out where you stand.
If the kids are coming with you, check if you should add a car seat to your Bellingham car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll need to show some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And remember to stay on the right side of the road in the United States.
Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.
English is the language that most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Bellingham for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying your stay at Heliotrope Hotel. Around 0.32 kilometres from central Bellingham, it comes with parking, a bowling alley and express check-in.
Oxford Suites Bellingham also works well for a trip built around driving. It features parking, plus Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the range of hotels in Bellingham for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find what works for you. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
It's time to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in Bellingham and your hotel. From Marine Life Centre to Fairhaven Historic District and Whatcom Falls Park, there's plenty to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Bellingham
Everett should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Island Adventure Whale Watching and Bridgecreek Trail. This city is about 88 kilometres south of central Bellingham.
Sunrise Inn and Extended Stay America Suites - Seattle - Everett - North are popular accommodation options with parking in Everett.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Bellingham and then take off to Marysville. Roughly 80 kilometres south of Bellingham, Verda Ridge Park and Northpointe Park are major attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
Take it easy after a day spent exploring Marysville at Hampton Inn Seattle/Everett Downtown or Red Lion Inn & Suites Everett. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Bellevue, around 129 kilometres south of Bellingham. First, swing past Sunrise Park & Trailhead, then follow it up with Lake Sammamish.
Find a room at Hilton Bellevue or Sonesta Select Seattle Bellevue Redmond. They make it a breeze to experience everything Bellevue has to offer. They come with room for your wheels too.
