Car rental Seattle

Driving in and around the city is the best way to see everything you have on your itinerary. Rent a car in Seattle and you’ll be treated to something exciting on every road.

With well-connected routes, you’ll find its straightforward to navigate Seattle and the wider state. Interstate-90 (shortened to I-90) is the longest primary interstate highway in Washington, taking drivers travelling from Seattle to destinations further afield, such as Oregon in four hours and Idaho in seven.

To get into the city from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, follow the I-5 N and you’ll be there within 20 minutes. Once you arrive, you’ll find there are many routes that will get you from A to B in no time. Broadway is the major north-south highway through the city, running from Volunteer Park to Yesler Way. Alaskan Way is a scenic waterfront drive which connects the Olympic Sculpture Park and Pioneer Square – two must-see sights.

As this is a city, there is, of course, some traffic to be expected. Aurora Avenue N is one that gets particularly busy during the week, as does the most travelled road in Seattle, West Seattle Bridge. Plan ahead to avoid getting caught up in the queues.

Speed limits are measured in miles per hour throughout the states and vary on road type. The limit can be as low as 20mph (32km/h) in residential areas, increasing to 25mph (40km/h) on arterial roads. On highways, the limit increases to 70mph (112km/h). Be on the lookout for signposts so you’ll always know when the limits change.

Nicknamed the Emerald City for its lush evergreen forests, Seattle has a wonderful combination of woodland trails, ocean breeze and buzzing city life. With such a diverse atmosphere, there’s something here for anyone looking for an adventure.

Seattle’s finest

There are plenty of great places to order a meal in Seattle, but if you want to sample the local produce and have a great experience at the same time, the venue to visit is Pike Place Market. This waterside strip-based market is as exciting as it is delicious – the diverse range of smells, food and people sum up Seattle in one place.

Here you can find a mixture of locally sourced products as well as tastes from around the world. Take your pick of oils, teas, spices, cheese and meats – Pike Place Market has them all and more. Make sure you say hello to Rachel the Market Pig on your way in. This market mascot earns $10,000 from visitors every year, with every penny donated pumped back into the running of Pike Place.

Seafood is a must in this waterside city. Rock Creek is a Seattle favourite, serving eco-conscious seafood from around the globe. Down in the Fremont neighborhood, this lively restaurant serves dinner daily from 4pm until 11pm and offers a spectacular brunch service on weekends. The evening specials include crab, oysters and mussels, so make sure you add them to your order. 

Architectural attractions

An iconic part of the city skyline, Seattle’s Space Needle is a must when visiting. This eye-catching monument was inaugurated in celebration of the 1962 World’s Fair and attracts more than one million visitors each year. Brave the 184m ascent to the observation deck and you’ll be treated with spectacular views and the chance to dine at the rotating restaurant.

Part of Seattle Art Museum, the Olympic Sculpture Park was built in 2007, much to the delight of the locals. The terraced park stretches over the busy railway tracks and overlooks Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Admire the modern architecture whilst you saunter down criss-crossing pathways.

Diverse cultures

Diverse and lively, Seattle is known for being unique. Capitol Hill is the city’s hippest neighbourhood with a rock ’n’ roll vibe. Just east of Downtown Seattle, this is where you’ll find the best of the local nightlife. Park up the car for the night and get into the swing. All the venues are unique and exciting – you’re sure to have a great night in any of them.

Organised in 2009 by Gay City community, the Gay City library further celebrates Seattle’s LGBT pride. Home to more than 6,000 volumes on LGBT topics, the library hosts regular readings and meditations. It’s a welcoming retreat for all that offers an abundance of knowledge.

From outdoor adventures in Old Growth Forest to living it up in the city of music, explore it all with car rental in Seattle.