Arriving at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport? Known locally as SEA or “Sea-Tac,” it’s the main gateway to the Pacific Northwest and just 15 miles from downtown Seattle. Hiring a car directly at the airport gives you the freedom to explore Seattle’s neighbourhoods, head into Washington’s mountains and parks, or even road-trip north to Vancouver, Canada. With Rhino Car Hire, booking your Seattle Airport rental car is simple, affordable, and stress-free.
On-airport convenience – collect your car from the Rental Car Facility, linked to terminals by a 24/7 shuttle.
Wide choice of vehicles – economy cars for city driving, SUVs for national parks, and luxury models for added comfort.
Best price guarantee – compare top suppliers at SEA for the lowest rates.
Flexible booking – free amendments and fair cancellation on most rentals.
24/7 customer support – roadside assistance and help whenever you need it.
Downtown Seattle: ~25 mins via I-5.
Mount Rainier National Park: ~1.5 hrs southeast.
Olympic National Park: ~2 hrs west via Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Drive on the right: Seat belts mandatory for all passengers.
Speed limits: 25–35 mph in cities, 60 mph on highways, 70 mph on interstates.
Weather: Rain is frequent; snow tyres or chains may be required in winter for mountain passes.
Tolls: Some express lanes and bridges are tolled electronically.
Parking: Downtown garages are safest – street parking is limited and often metered.
Portland, Oregon: ~3 hrs south.
Vancouver, Canada: ~3 hrs north (passport and rental approval required).
Whether you’re visiting downtown Seattle, hiking in Mount Rainier, or driving north to Canada, Rhino Car Hire makes finding the perfect car at Seattle Airport easy and affordable.
Book online today and start your Pacific Northwest adventure with confidence.
Toyota Corolla
5 Adults, 4 Doors
7 Days rental at 192.89 EUR from 17/11/2025
7 Days rental at 192.91 EUR from 17/11/2025
Kia Rio
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Washington State? Not if your licence is in English. An IDP is recommended if not.
What’s the minimum age to hire a car at SEA Airport? Most suppliers require drivers to be 21+. Under 25s usually pay a young driver surcharge.
How much does car hire at Seattle Airport cost? Economy rentals start from around $40 per day if booked early. SUVs and larger vehicles cost more in peak seasons.
Can I drive my SEA rental into Canada? Yes – many suppliers allow cross-border trips to Vancouver, but confirm in advance.
Are child seats mandatory in Washington? Yes – required for children under 8. Available as an add-on when booking.
Is unlimited mileage included? Most SEA rentals include unlimited mileage – always check your booking terms.
Hiring at Seattle Airport (SEA – Sea-Tac):
✅ Largest choice of vehicles with lower daily rates on average
✅ Collect your car as soon as you land — Rental Car Facility linked by free shuttle
✅ Best option for road trips to Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, or Vancouver
❌ Airport concession fees can increase the total price
❌ Queues at the rental desks during peak flight times
Hiring in Seattle City:
✅ Convenient if you’re already downtown, staying near Pike Place or Capitol Hill
✅ Avoids airport crowds and paperwork delays
✅ Flexible pick-up locations across the city and suburbs
❌ Daily rates are often slightly higher than airport rentals
❌ Parking in Seattle can be limited and costly in the downtown core
Our tip: If you’re flying into Seattle and planning a wider Washington or Pacific Northwest trip, airport car hire is usually best value. But if you’re staying in the city first and only need a car later, picking up downtown saves parking hassle and can be more convenient.
Quick access to downtown – reach central Seattle in around 25 minutes.
National parks nearby – Mount Rainier (1.5 hrs) and Olympic National Park (2 hrs).
Cross-border drives – Vancouver, Canada just 3 hrs north.
Family-friendly options – SUVs, minivans, GPS, and child seats available.
Peace of mind – unlimited mileage, insurance, and roadside support included.
Mount Rainier National Park (2 hrs): Snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and hiking trails with stunning views.
Olympic Peninsula (2 hrs to Port Angeles): Explore Olympic National Park’s rainforests, beaches, and mountain ranges.
Leavenworth (2 hrs 15 mins): A Bavarian-themed mountain town with festivals, breweries, and outdoor activities year-round.
Snoqualmie Falls (45 mins): One of Washington’s most famous waterfalls, featured in Twin Peaks.
Whidbey Island (1.5 hrs): Accessible by ferry, with charming coastal towns and scenic drives.
There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.
SEA handles more than 50 million passengers a year, making it one of the busiest US airports.
The airport is a hub for flights to Alaska and Asia as well as domestic US routes.
The Rental Car Facility is a dedicated four-level building with free 24/7 shuttles.
Seattle Airport was renamed “Seattle–Tacoma International” in 1944.
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