BLI Airport Car Rental — Bellingham Airport

Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is located approximately 8 km south of Bellingham downtown and offers car rentals from 8 companies directly in the terminal. The airport is a popular alternative for travelers who want to avoid Seattle-Tacoma and is just 130 km north of Seattle and 30 km south of the Canadian border at Blaine. From here, you can quickly reach Whatcom County attractions such as Chuckanut Drive along the coast, Mount Baker about 90 km east, and Lummi Island by ferry.

Bellingham downtown with its docks and waterfront restaurants along Bellingham Bay can be reached in under 15 minutes by car. Book your car rental in advance during summer months when many Canadians fly via BLI to avoid higher prices in Vancouver. Check whether your rental company allows driving across the border to Canada if you plan to visit British Columbia.

Choose a car with good fuel economy – Mount Baker Highway and Chuckanut Drive are winding country roads that reward smooth driving. How long does it take to drive from Bellingham Airport to Seattle? It's approximately 130 km and takes about 1.5–2 hours depending on I-5 traffic heading south.

Can I drive the rental car from BLI to Canada? It depends on the rental company – some allow it for an additional fee, while others prohibit it. Check the terms carefully when booking.

Are there rental car desks directly in the terminal at BLI? Yes, several of the 8 rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall, while others pick you up by shuttle to a nearby depot.

We compare prices from all major providers at Bellingham Airport so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.