Enterprise
Hertz
Budget
Avis
Sixt
National
Dollar

Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals

No Booking Fees

No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars

Find Low Prices

Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals

Finding a rental car in Annapolis is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers all around Maryland with no reservation fees. Pick up downtown for lower rates or at nearby BWI Airport for round-the-clock service, then drive to the U.S. Naval Academy, Chesapeake Bay Bridge or Washington DC.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 591134
Location Pros Cons
Downtown Annapolis (West Street)
  • Lower rates than airport
  • Close to hotels and attractions
  • Walkable to downtown
  • Limited hours (most open 8AM-6PM weekdays, shorter on weekends)
  • Smaller vehicle selection
  • No 24-hour pickup
BWI Airport (Baltimore)
  • 24/7 operation
  • Largest vehicle selection
  • No need for transportation to rental office
  • 25 miles (40 km) from Annapolis
  • Airport surcharges (approximately 10%)
  • Requires shuttle transfer to rental facility

Additional Notes:

  • Major providers in downtown Annapolis include Enterprise, Avis, Budget and Hertz.
  • Free Downtown Circulator Shuttle connects central parking garages to downtown.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Annapolis?

On average, car rentals in Annapolis cost around $96 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $37 per day.

Saving Tips
  • Compare pick-up spots. Downtown Annapolis counters skip the ~10 % airport surcharge that BWI adds, so they're often cheaper if their 8 AM-6 PM hours fit your schedule.

  • Tweak the dates in our search. Sliding your rental by a day can unlock weekend specials or shoulder-season bargains—prices here jump around a lot.

  • Book early only when it matters. Summer beach traffic and Naval Academy Commissioning Week sell out fast, so reserve in advance then. The rest of the year, watch rates and rebook if they drop (most reservations are free to cancel).

  • Choose a compact. Smaller cars cost less upfront and squeeze into Annapolis's tight colonial streets and $2/hour garages with less stress.

  • Do the toll math. One round trip over the Bay Bridge? Pay the $6 video toll and skip the rental's transponder. Multiple crossings or I-95 runs? The $3-5/day toll package can beat post-trip admin fees.

  • Refuel outside the historic core. Stations on MD-2 and I-97 are typically 10-20¢/gal cheaper than pumps near City Dock or the Naval Academy.

Driving and Parking Tips

Parking Option Rates Hours Tips
City Garages (Gotts Court, Knighton, Park Place, Hillman) See posted rates 24/7 access Safest option for overnight stays
Street Parking See posted rates Enforced 10 AM – 7:30 PM Mon–Sat
Free Sundays and holidays
2-hour limit in many areas; some streets are permit-only for residents
Navy-Marine Corps Stadium Flat daily rate, see posted Allows overnight parking Budget-friendly option including free shuttle to downtown

Local Driving Rules:

  • Right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop unless signed otherwise.
  • School zone speed cameras issue tickets for driving 12 mph or more over the limit.
  • Maryland has cashless tolling statewide; no cash booths.
  • Hands-free phone use only while driving; texting while driving is prohibited.

Seasonal Considerations:

  • Expect heavy eastbound traffic on Friday evenings in summer toward the Bay Bridge.
  • Westbound congestion occurs on Sunday afternoons between 3 PM and 6 PM.
  • During Naval Academy events, some streets close and special rules apply.
  • Snow emergencies may restrict street parking on designated routes to allow plowing.
Why rent a car in Annapolis

Rent a car so you can easily:

  • Baltimore: Inner Harbor, National Aquarium

  • Washington DC: National Mall, Smithsonian museums

  • St. Michaels: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, waterfront restaurants

  • Ocean City: boardwalk, beaches

  • Sandy Point State Park: beach, Bay Bridge views

Driving Distances from Annapolis

FAQs

What documents do I need to rent a car in Annapolis?

You need a valid driver's license and a major credit card. International visitors also need to show a passport. If your license is not in English, we recommend you get an International Driving Permit.

Are there age restrictions for renting in Annapolis?

You usually need to be at least 21 to rent a car. Drivers under 25 have to pay a "young driver surcharge" of about $25-30 per day. Some companies rent to drivers 18 and older under certain corporate contracts.

What happens if I encounter tolls during my rental?

Maryland has cashless tolls. Most rental companies offer you a toll program for a daily fee of about $3.95-5.95. If you opt out and use toll roads, the company will bill you later and add extra administrative fees.

Can I drive my rental to Washington DC or Baltimore?

Yes, you can drive your rental car to Washington DC and Baltimore without any restrictions. These cities are only 32 and 30 miles (52 and 48 km) from Annapolis, which makes for an easy day trip.

Can I take a rental car into Canada?

You can usually drive into Canada, but you should tell the rental company when you pick up the car. They will give you a Canadian insurance card at no extra cost. You cannot drive the rental car into Mexico.

What should I do if I'm involved in an accident with a rental car?

Call 911 for an official accident report, exchange contact details with other drivers, take photos of the damage and location and report the incident to your rental company right away using their 24/7 hotline.

Is it difficult to park in downtown Annapolis?

It's hard to find street parking downtown, but you can find plenty of space in several public garages. You can also use the free Circulator Shuttle from Park Place or the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium to avoid driving on the narrow downtown streets.