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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in Baltimore is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers around Maryland with no reservation fees. Choose a 24/7 pickup at BWI Airport or save on surcharges downtown, then cruise to the Inner Harbor, Washington DC or the Chesapeake Bay at your own pace.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Wait Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) | • 24/7 operations including all major brands • Larger fleets and more vehicle choices • Reliable staffing matching flight schedules • Free shuttle from terminal (10 min) |
• Airport surcharges (11-15% higher) • Longer lines at peak times • Need to factor shuttle time |
• Weekday mornings: 5-15 minutes • Peak times (Friday 6pm, Sunday nights): 30+ minutes • Join rental loyalty programs to skip lines |
| Downtown Baltimore | • No airport concession fees (save ~11-15%) • Convenient if staying downtown • Often shorter wait times |
• Limited hours (many close by 5-6pm) • Reduced weekend hours • Smaller inventories • No after-hours pickup |
• Usually immediate or under 10 minutes • Busiest: Monday mornings, Friday midday • Ideal pickup: Weekday opening (8-9am) |
Carriers Available: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis/Budget and Zipcar (short-term) in downtown locations; all major brands at BWI (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, NextCar and Sixt).
Getting to Downtown Rental Locations:
On average, car rentals in Baltimore cost around $60 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Compare BWI vs downtown pick-up: downtown outlets skip the airport's 11-15 % concession fee. Easy add-on—ride the MARC train or Light Rail from BWI, then grab the car in the city.
Lock summer/holiday rentals early: prices in June–August and major holiday weeks climb fast; snagging a deal a few weeks out usually beats last-minute rates.
Test different durations: a 7-day "weekly" price is often cheaper than 5-6 separate days, so play with the calendar before hitting reserve.
Join the free loyalty club: perks like queue-skip and surprise upgrades mean you can pick a cheaper class knowing an upgrade might land.
Bring your own extras: phone GPS, child seat, even toll transponder—saving $10-15 a day on each add-on racks up quickly.
Refuel a few miles from the airport: stations near BWI tack on premium prices; top off in Linthicum or along MD-170 and return full.
Downtown Baltimore Parking:
| Parking Type | Details | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Street Meters | • Hours: 8am-6pm (some until 8pm) weekdays/Saturdays • Payment: Kiosks or ParkMobile app |
• Free on Sundays and holidays • Hard to find open spots in Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Federal Hill • Read signs carefully for time limits |
| City Garages | • Variable cost for first hour and daily maximums • Evening flat rates common |
• Best option for day-long stays • More secure for vehicles bearing belongings • Stadiums have large facilities |
| Residential Areas | • 2-hour limit for non-permit holders • Fines issued for violations |
• Not viable for all-day use • Canton and Mt. Vernon areas strictly enforced |
Local Driving Rules:
Speed Limits:
Get a car so you can see:
Washington D.C. – National Mall, Smithsonian museums
Annapolis – U.S. Naval Academy, harbor district
Chesapeake Bay towns – St. Michaels, Chestertown
Eastern Shore & Ocean City – beaches, boardwalk
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Baltimore? If your license is in English, you usually don't need an International Driving Permit. But if your license is in another language, we recommend you get an IDP to carry along with your license from home.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Baltimore? You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and a passport if you're visiting from another country. Some companies might also ask international renters for proof of their return trip.
Are there any age restrictions for renting in Baltimore? Most companies need you to be at least 21 years old. They will add an extra charge of around $25 to $30 per day for drivers under 25. For some specialty cars, you might have to be 25 or older.
What happens if I get a parking ticket or traffic violation? The rental company will charge the fine to your credit card and add an administrative fee, which is often $25 or more. You should pay any tickets right away to avoid extra fees.
Can I drive to Washington, D.C., or other states with my Baltimore rental? Yes. Most rental companies let you drive throughout the continental United States and into Canada, but not Mexico. You don't need special permission to cross state lines.
What's the process for toll roads around Baltimore? You can't pay Maryland tolls with cash anymore. Most rental companies offer a toll program for about $3.95 to $5.95 per day when you use it. This program charges any tolls to your account. Important tolls are on the Fort McHenry Tunnel, Francis Scott Key Bridge and I-95 north of the city.
Is street parking safe in Baltimore? Street parking is usually safe during the day in tourist areas and business districts. If you park overnight or have valuables in the car, we recommend you use a secure garage.
What should I do if the rental car breaks down? You should call the roadside assistance number for the rental company. You can find this number on your rental agreement. If you have an emergency on the highway, you can also call #77 to reach the Maryland State Police or 410-582-5650 for the MDOT Statewide Operations Center.
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