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Hertz Car Rental Dulles

A prosperous business district thanks to the big-name companies based around its tech corridor, Dulles is also just a short drive from Washington DC so the sights of the US capital are also within easy reach during your stay.

Car rental in Dulles means you can take a break from city sightseeing and head out into Virginia, with the spectacular Shenandoah National Park and historic Manassas National Battlefield Park both within easy reach. If you’re planning to stay around Dulles, there are plenty of attractions on offer, including a Smithsonian museum and a major shopping mall.

We have collection desks conveniently located at various sites throughout the area, including Washington Dulles International Airport, so it couldn’t be easier to collect your car rental when you arrive. Reserve online and our friendly staff will have your vehicle ready and waiting when you arrive.  

Driving in and around Dulles


Dulles is around 40 kilometres from Washington DC. You can drive straight into the capital from the airport via State Route 267 and Interstate 66 heading east. This route will take you through Arlington. You can also take the junction for I-495 and enter the city from the north, crossing the Potomac River at the American Legion Memorial Bridge.

When you rent a car in Dulles, it’s easy to join the I-66 by heading south towards Centerville. This interstate is a major route that connects Washington DC with Middletown in the Shenandoah Valley. Meanwhile, State Route 267 runs north of Dulles towards the historic town of Leesburg in Loudoun County.

From Dulles you can also follow I-66 west to reach Shenandoah National Park. The Front Royal Entrance marks the start of the Skyline Drive, a 170-kilometre route that runs along the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s an easy day trip from Dulles – the route takes about three hours and the speed limit is 35mph (56km/h), so you can really relax and enjoy the scenery.

The rules for driving in Virginia are similar to other US states – you can pass another vehicle when you see a dashed yellow or white line between lanes and, unless otherwise signposted, it’s legal to make a right turn on red after you’ve come to a complete stop and ensured your way is clear.

The speed limit on some rural interstate stretches is 70mph (112km/h) but in other areas this falls to 65mph (104km/h). The speed limit in most business and residential areas is 25mph (40km/h). There are several toll roads throughout Virginia, including the Dulles Toll Road, which runs parallel to the free Dulles Airport Access Road.

A quick guide to Dulles


With iconic monuments and spectacular natural landscapes within easy driving distance, Dulles offers something to suit any visitor. When you rent a car in Dulles, you’ll be able to experience Washington DC and more during your stay.

Historic sights

Just a short distance from Washington Dulles International Airport, you’ll find the Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, a treasure trove of exhibits dedicated to air and space flight. Inside its hangars, you’ll find thousands of artifacts – must-see highlights include the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Gemini VII space capsule. There is also a popular collection of military planes which include the Enola Gay. Entry is free and parking is available on site.

To learn more about the history of this wonderful part of Virginia, take the short drive to Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of two major Civil War battles known as the Battles of Bull Run.

There are trails where you can walk or drive around the battlefield, with many memorials and monuments that tell the story of the Confederate victories. Head to the Henry Hill Visitor Center to learn all about what happened here in 1861 and 1862.

Shopping haven

Less than an hour from Dulles by car, you’ll find Tysons Corner Center, a huge shopping and dining complex just off the Capital Beltway. This is the largest shopping mall in the Washington DC metro area, boasting hundreds of stores ranging from boutiques to big name brands.

Browse the department stores that include Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s or shop for luxury accessories at Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Once you’ve explored the shops, catch a film at the IMAX 3D movie theatre, head to the food court or treat yourself to dinner at one of the upscale restaurants on site.

Scenic drive

Just over an hour from Dulles along I-66 is Shenandoah National Park, home to mountains, forests and plenty of wildlife. Take the Skyline Drive and make sure to park up to take in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range.

If you want to step out of the car and breathe in fresh mountain air, you’ll find hundreds of kilometres of walking trails. Starting from the Skyline Drive, you’ll come across natural waterfalls and lush green forests. The park is also famous for its wildlife, so keep your eyes open for bobcats and American black bears, which can sometimes be seen in the bushes and trees that line Skyline Drive.

Capital sights

It couldn’t be easier to head into Washington DC from Dulles. Visit some of the most famous US landmarks that are unlike any other throughout the country. Head for the National Mall to find perennial favourites including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, as well as the US Capitol building.

In this part of the city there are many of the 19 museums that make up the Smithsonian Institute, such as the National Air and Space Museum. Don’t miss the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall, where you can see the Apollo Lunar Module and the Spirit of St Louis.

You’ll also have to chance to wander through the Space Race Gallery, which tells the story of the race to the moon and the US-Soviet space rivalry. With Dulles car rental, you can experience all this and more during your time in Virginia.