Car Rental Seattle Airport (SEATAC)

All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.

Renting a car at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) gives you the freedom to explore not just Seattle, but also the Pacific Northwest — from scenic national parks to nearby cities and coastal routes. The airport serves as a major hub for car hire services, with most companies operating through a centralized rental facility with shuttle service to and from the terminal.

Location & Pickup

Although all rentals are associated with SEA, the car rental facility is off-site from the terminal. When you land:

Go to the Lower Level / Baggage Claim area outside exit doors.
Look for north and south pickup points near the terminal.
You’ll catch a free shuttle bus that runs 24/7 to the central rental car facility.

Allow an extra 15–30 minutes for shuttle transport and line-ups when picking up or dropping off your vehicle.

Approximate Prices

Rental rates can vary based on company, season, and vehicle type, but typical daily rates at SEA are roughly:

Vehicle Type	Approx. Daily Price*
Economy / Compact	~$24–$33 / day
Standard / Mid-size	~$26–$40 / day
SUV / 4×4	~$36–$46 / day
Minivan / Larger vehicle	~$47–$56 / day
Luxury or Premium	$50+ / day

*Prices are estimates and can vary depending on availability, demand, and booking source.

If you need the car for 25+ hours, some companies might charge for an extra day, so schedule pickup and return times carefully.

Popular Types of Cars Rented

Travelers commonly choose:

Economy and Compact cars (e.g., Chevrolet Spark, Nissan Versa) — cheapest and fuel-efficient.
Standard sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla) — good balance of space and comfort.
SUVs (e.g., Jeep Wrangler, Toyota RAV4) — popular for families or outdoor trips.
Minivans or larger vehicles — ideal for group travel.

If you’re traveling with lots of luggage or passengers, choosing an SUV or minivan can save stress on long road trips.

Popular Driving Destinations from SEA

Renting a car opens up many routes:

Downtown Seattle – ~25 km from the airport, vibrant restaurants, museums and waterfront.
Mount Rainier National Park – scenic nature drive and hiking destination.
Olympic National Park – dramatic coastline and forests (best with an SUV).
Snoqualmie Falls – beautiful short day trip.
Portland, Oregon – ~3 hours south via I-5 for city and cuisine tours.

Plan extra travel time in winter months, especially in mountain regions where conditions may require AWD/4×4.

Understanding Rental Car Insurance

When renting a car, companies will offer several insurance options. These aren’t mandatory but can be helpful:

Common Insurance Types

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)/Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Covers damage to the rental car in many scenarios (but often with a deductible).
Liability Insurance: Covers damage or injury to others if you’re at fault.
Personal Accident Insurance: Helps cover medical costs for you and passengers.
Theft Protection: Helps if the rental is stolen or vandalized.

Important: The rental company may upsell expensive insurance at the counter. Often, your personal auto insurance or certain credit cards already include some coverage — check your policy before deciding.

ake photos of the car at pick up and drop-off to avoid potential damage fees later.

Final Tips for Renting at SEA

Book early — especially in high season to secure better vehicles and rates.
Check age and requirements — many companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old (or charge under-age fees).
Return with a full tank — refueling fees can be expensive.
Match pickup and return times — to avoid paying for extra rental days.