Do You Need a Rental Car in Spokane?

Introduction

If you're planning a trip to Spokane, Washington, one of the first questions many travelers ask is whether they need to rent a car. Spokane is the largest city in eastern Washington and serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful destinations in the Inland Northwest, including Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, Schweitzer Mountain, Mt. Spokane, and numerous lakes and parks throughout the region.

While parts of Spokane are easy to explore on foot, most visitors find that having a rental car makes their trip far more convenient. A vehicle allows you to explore the surrounding mountains, lakes, and outdoor destinations that make this region so unique.

Is Spokane a Walkable City?

Downtown Spokane is relatively walkable, especially near the Riverfront Park area, downtown hotels, restaurants, and shopping districts. Visitors staying in the city center can easily walk between many attractions, including:

• Riverfront Park
• Spokane Falls
• Downtown restaurants and cafés
• The historic Davenport Hotel area
• Spokane Arena and entertainment venues

However, many hotels, shopping areas, and attractions are located outside of downtown. In those cases, transportation options become more limited without a car.

For travelers planning to stay only in the downtown core, it may be possible to rely on walking or short rideshare trips.

When You Definitely Need a Rental Car

Many visitors flying into Spokane International Airport (GEG) rent a vehicle because the most popular destinations in the region are outside the city.

A rental car is especially helpful if you plan to visit:

• Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - Just 40 minutes from Spokane, known for its beautiful lake, outdoor recreation, and waterfront restaurants
• Schweitzer Mountain Resort - Located near Sandpoint, Idaho, about two hours from Spokane
• Mt. Spokane State Park - About an hour from the city, offering skiing in winter and hiking during summer
• Palouse Falls State Park - Roughly two hours south of Spokane, featuring one of Washington's most spectacular waterfalls

Without a rental car, reaching these destinations can be very difficult.

Winter Travel and Mountain Destinations

Spokane is also a popular airport for travelers visiting nearby ski resorts. During winter months, many visitors fly into Spokane and drive to destinations like Schweitzer Mountain, Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass, and Mt. Spokane.

Because mountain roads may have snow or ice during the winter, many travelers choose SUVs or all-wheel-drive vehicles for added safety and comfort.

Having a rental car also makes it much easier to transport ski gear, luggage, and outdoor equipment.

Advantages of Renting a Car in Spokane

Renting a car during your visit offers several benefits:

• the freedom to explore the region at your own pace
• easy access to nearby lakes, parks, and mountain destinations
• space for luggage and outdoor gear
• convenient transportation for day trips and scenic drives
• flexibility to travel beyond downtown Spokane

Many travelers find that having a car allows them to experience far more of what the Inland Northwest has to offer.