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ENRonald Reagan Washington National Airport
DCA Rental Cars: Counters, Shuttle and Company List
Seven brands have counters on the first floor of Parking 1 at Reagan National: Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty and Sixt. Avis and Budget are off-airport and send their own shuttles. You can walk from either terminal in about 10 to 15 minutes or ride the free shuttle that runs 24 hours a day.
Your options at a glance
-
Off-airport brand with its own branded shuttle from Terminal 1 (outer curb north of Door 5) and Terminal 2 (first curb at Doors 3 and 8). Phone 800-331-1212. Location: 2600 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202 (company website).
- Hours
- 7:00 am to 11:00 pm daily
-
Off-airport brand with its own branded shuttle from Terminal 1 (outer curb north of Door 5) and Terminal 2 (first curb at Doors 3 and 8). Phone 800-527-0700. Location: 2600 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202 (company website).
- Hours
- 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, returns from 4:30 am
Which rental companies serve DCA
Seven brands rent from the airport itself: Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty and Sixt. Avis and Budget are off-airport brands.
Phone numbers listed by the airport:
- Alamo: 800-462-5266
- Dollar: 800-800-4000
- Enterprise: 800-736-8222
- Hertz: 800-654-3131
- National: 800-227-7368
- Thrifty: 800-541-7044
- Sixt: 888-749-8227
- Avis (off-airport): 800-331-1212
- Budget (off-airport): 800-527-0700
The airport does not publish counter hours, so check with your rental company.
Where the on-airport counters are
The counters sit on the first floor of Parking 1. If you already have a reservation, or want to book on the spot, go straight to the counter.
If you belong to a rental car club, skip the counter and head to the 2nd or 3rd floor of Garage 1 to get your keys.
Getting to Parking 1 by shuttle
Take the free shuttle signed Rental Car / Garage Parking. It runs 24 hours a day and stops at the Parking 1/Rental Car stop.
- Terminal 1: middle curb between Doors 1 and 2.
- Terminal 2: first curb near Door 3 and Door 8, on the Baggage Claim (arrivals) level.
The airport's parking FAQ gives two frequencies: every 5 to 10 minutes for Parking 1, and every 10 to 15 minutes in another answer. The ride takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Walking to the rental counters
Follow signs toward Parking 1. The rental car page says the walk is about 10 to 15 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2. The airport FAQ is more specific: about 10 minutes from Terminal 1 and 15 minutes from Terminal 2. With bags, the shuttle may be easier.
Avis and Budget off-airport shuttles
Avis and Budget do not use the counters in Parking 1. They run their own branded shuttles to their lot at 2600 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202 (both companies list this address, for airline passengers only).
- Terminal 1: outer curb, north of Door 5.
- Terminal 2: first curb at Door 3 and Door 8.
Budget says to follow the purple Off-Airport Shuttles / Rental Cars signs and not to board the airport shuttle. Its shuttle runs for flights arriving during Budget's hours (7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, returns open at 4:30 am). Avis lists 7:00 am to 11:00 pm daily. Hours were checked on October 15, 2026 and can change, so confirm in your reservation.
Arriving or leaving by Uber, Lyft or Alto
Ride app vehicles cannot enter the rental car area. A drop-off and pick-up zone is across from the Rental Car Shuttle Bus shelter on National Avenue. Meet your driver there.
Turo at DCA
Turo is allowed at the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 garages and the Economy Lot. Curbside pick-up and return is strictly prohibited. The airport says free shuttles run 24/7 between the terminals, garages and the Economy Lot.
Returning your car and fees
Returning on-airport rentals: drive to Parking 1 on the west side of the airport and follow the car rental return signs. The return entrance is next to the public entrance to Parking 1. Avis and Budget returns are off-airport at 2600 Richmond Hwy. Budget says its shuttle takes you back to the airport, so ask Avis how its return works.
The airport publishes no rental fees or taxes, so ask the company about airport fees before you pay. To change a reservation, contact the rental company directly.
Questions travelers ask
Where is the rental car center at DCA?
On-airport counters are on the first floor of Parking 1. Ride the Rental Car / Garage Parking shuttle or walk about 10 to 15 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2.
How do I get from the terminal to the rental cars at DCA?
Board the free Rental Car / Garage Parking shuttle at Terminal 1 (middle curb, Doors 1 and 2) or Terminal 2 (baggage claim level, Door 3 or 8). It runs 24 hours a day, every 5 to 15 minutes depending on the airport page.
Which rental car companies are at Reagan National?
Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty and Sixt are on-airport. Avis and Budget are off-airport with their own shuttles.
Can I take Uber or Lyft to the DCA rental car center?
Yes, but the car cannot enter the rental car area. Use the drop-off and pick-up zone across from the Rental Car Shuttle Bus shelter on National Avenue.
Where do the Avis and Budget shuttles stop at DCA?
At Terminal 1 look on the outer curb north of Door 5. At Terminal 2 look at the first curb at Door 3 and Door 8. Both take you to 2600 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202.
Can I use Turo at DCA?
Yes. Pick-up and return is allowed at the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 garages and the Economy Lot. Curbside Turo handoffs are prohibited.
Is there a rental car club shortcut at DCA?
Yes. Club members go to the 2nd or 3rd floor of Garage 1 to pick up keys instead of waiting at the first-floor counter.
How do I return a rental car at DCA?
For on-airport brands, drive to Parking 1 on the west side of the airport and follow the car rental return signs. The return entrance is next to the public entrance. Avis and Budget returns are off-airport at 2600 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202.
Where are Avis and Budget at DCA?
Both are off-airport at 2600 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202, for airline passengers. Take their own branded shuttle, not the airport shuttle.
More at DCA
Sources and last check
Checked by our team on Oct. 15, 2026 against these official sources: