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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Compare rates and make reservations in one place. We pull real-time prices from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt and more in the airport's 24/7 consolidated rental center, letting you secure the right vehicle before you land. Grab the free shuttle, pick up the keys and be on I-195 to Baltimore, Washington DC or Annapolis within minutes.
BWI Airport features a dedicated Consolidated Rental Car Facility located off-site from the main terminal. All rental operations are centralized in this facility, offering a streamlined experience for travelers.
| Feature | Details | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Available Rental Companies | Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, NextCar, Sixt | Wide selection of both international and local brands |
| Shuttle Service | Free shuttle buses run continuously from airport terminals to rental center | Departs from lower level outside baggage claim (Doors 1, 11 and 16) |
| Shuttle Frequency | Every 8-10 minutes during normal hours; around every 25 minutes between 1am-5am | Allow extra 10 minutes of travel time to reach rental center |
| Facility Hours | 24/7 operations for vehicle pickup and returns | Most counters remain open for reservations on delayed late-night flights |
| After-Hours Returns | Return vehicles anytime; park in designated area and use drop box for keys | Shuttles run back to terminal 24/7 |
Time-Saving Tip: Join rental companies' loyalty programs before your trip (Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred, etc.) to skip the counter and go directly to your car.
On average, car rentals at Baltimore Washington International Airport cost around $55 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Play with pickup and drop times: Sliding your rental window from weekend to mid-week or even by a few hours can shave dollars off BWI rates—run a couple of date combos on our site before you book.
Peak vs off-peak strategy: For summer beach runs, Thanksgiving or Cherry-Blossom week lock in a car 2-4 weeks early. The rest of the year, keep an eye on prices and re-book if they dip—no change fees.
Book the cheapest class, gamble on an upgrade: BWI's lot is huge. Grab an economy rate and there's a decent chance the garage staff hands you something bigger at no extra cost.
Shorten the rental clock: If you're spending a day or two in Baltimore or D.C. first, use rail or rideshare, then pick up the car only when the road trip starts—one less day, one less hit to the wallet.
Refuel outside the airport bubble: Skip the pricey pumps near the return lot. Stations on Aviation Blvd or in nearby Hanover/Linthicum are usually 30-50¢/gal cheaper.
Bring your own E-ZPass: Maryland tolls are cashless. Your own tag dodges the $4-6 daily toll program fee many rental companies tack on.
After you pick up your rental car from the facility, you may need to park during your travels or return to BWI later:
BWI Airport Parking Options:
| Parking Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Hourly Garage | Short-term stays, close to terminal |
| Daily Garage | Medium-length trips (several days) |
| Long-Term Surface Lots | Extended trips |
| Cell Phone Lot | Waiting only, no parking; for picking up arriving passengers |
Local Driving Regulations:
Get a car to see:
Downtown Baltimore – Inner Harbor, Camden Yards
Washington D.C. – National Mall, Smithsonian museums
Annapolis – U.S. Naval Academy, Chesapeake Bay waterfront
Frederick & western Maryland – Civil War battlefields, Catoctin Mountain Park
Ocean City – Atlantic beaches, boardwalk
Philadelphia – Liberty Bell, Old City
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at BWI?
Plan for about 30-45 minutes from landing to driving away in your rental car. This covers a 10-minute shuttle ride and the time it takes to get your paperwork done at the counter. During busy times, it might take over an hour.
Can I pick up a car at BWI and return it elsewhere?
Yes, most companies let you rent a car for a one-way trip to other big cities. If you return the car to an airport in Washington, D.C., you usually pay a small fee or no fee at all. Returning the car to cities farther away, like New York or Philadelphia, might cost you extra.
What happens if my flight is delayed until after midnight?
The major rental companies at BWI watch for flight arrivals and usually keep their counters open for delayed flights. It's a good idea to give them your flight number when you book. If your flight is very late, you should call the rental company to make sure they will wait for you.
Are there electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the rental facility?
Some rental companies at BWI now offer electric vehicles. The rental facility and some airport parking lots have charging stations, but they are not always available. If you rent an EV, you should ask the company about charging and adapters.
What's the minimum age to rent a car at BWI?
Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old and they charge an extra fee for drivers under 25. A few companies will rent to drivers who are 18-20 years old if it's for an insurance claim or if they are in the military, but they charge higher fees.
How does the toll system work around BWI?
Maryland uses an all-electronic toll system. Most rental companies have toll programs where they charge you a daily fee (about $3.95–$5.95) on the days you use a toll road, plus the cost of the tolls themselves. This is an easy option, but the cost can grow if you rent the car for several days.
What should I do if I need to extend my rental?
You should call the rental company as soon as you know you need to extend. They can usually extend your rental if the car is available. However, the new rate might be different from your original one, especially if you are extending into a busy time.
Is there a grace period for returns at BWI?
Most companies give you a grace period of about 30 to 60 minutes before they charge you for another day. If you're running late, you should call the rental company. They might be able to help you avoid extra charges.
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