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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
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Annapolis (West Street) |
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| BWI Airport (Baltimore) |
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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
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.
Car rental prices in Annapolis 2025/2026
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
Local Rental Locations
- Baltimore, MD
- Bel Air, MD
- Bethesda, MD
- Car Rental Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- Catonsville, MD
- Cumberland, MD
- Frederick, MD
- Gaithersburg, MD
- Glen Burnie, MD
- Hagerstown, MD
- Laurel, MD
- Maryland
- Rockville, MD
- Salisbury, MD
- Silver Spring, MD
- Waldorf, MD
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.
