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Compare car rentals from major providers in Bel Air, Maryland with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up downtown, along the Aberdeen I-95 corridor or at BWI Airport if you need 24/7 service, then cruise to Baltimore, Philadelphia or Gunpowder Falls State Park in under two hours.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 575014
Location Pros Cons
Bel Air Town Center
  • Convenient to downtown
  • No airport fees
  • Close to accommodations
  • Limited operating hours (often 8AM-6PM weekdays)
  • Smaller vehicle selection
  • Limited weekend hours
Aberdeen/I-95 Corridor
  • Extended hours
  • Often better selection
  • Near major highways
  • 10-15 minutes from Bel Air
  • Transportation needed to reach rental location
BWI Airport
  • 24/7 operations
  • Largest vehicle selection
  • Multiple companies to compare
  • 35 miles from Bel Air
  • Airport surcharges
  • Transportation needed to/from airport

Additional Notes:

  • Major rental providers in Bel Air include Enterprise, Hertz and Budget/Avis.
  • Weekend availability can be limited in town; consider booking in advance.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Bel Air?

On average, car rentals in Bel Air cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $42 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Shop the location spread: Town Center pickups dodge airport surcharges, Aberdeen/I-95 offers bigger fleets, BWI has 24/7 hours. Compare all three in one search to see if the extra drive beats extra fees.

  • Time your trip, not just your booking: Winter (Jan-Mar) and mid-week pickups are Bel Air's quiet spots, so shifting dates by a day or two can slash prices more than booking months ahead.

  • Hit the "weekly" sweet spot: Rentals of 5–7 days often unlock a lower weekly rate than paying for 4 separate days. Extend or shorten your trip to cross that threshold.

  • Fill up cheap on US-1 or MD-24: Gas here is usually 10-15¢/gal less than stations at I-95 exits or BWI. Top off before drop-off to skip the rental company's refill markup.

  • Bring (or add) an E-ZPass: I-95 and MD-200 are cashless. Using your own transponder or a low-fee toll option avoids the "per-toll" plate charges that stack up fast on rentals.

Local Parking and Driving

Parking Option Rates Hours Tips
Bel Air Parking Garage (Office Street) Check posted rates 24/7 access Convenient for downtown shopping and dining
On-Street Parking Varies; may be free with time limits Time limits vary Check signs for restrictions
County Office Parking Usually free Weekends and after business hours Good option for weekend visits
Harford Mall Generally free During mall hours Suitable for short-term parking while shopping

Local Driving Rules:

  • School zone speed cameras issue tickets for driving 12+ mph over the limit.
  • Right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop unless signed otherwise.
  • Maryland's Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when passing emergency vehicles.
  • Hands-free phone use only while driving is allowed; texting while driving is prohibited.

Seasonal Considerations:

  • Winter driving may require caution as Harford County can receive more snow than areas closer to the Chesapeake Bay.
  • Summer festivals and events may cause temporary street closures in downtown Bel Air.
  • Fall foliage driving tours are popular in northern Harford County. Expect increased weekend traffic.
Why rent a car in Bel Air

Get a car rental so you can easily:

  • Baltimore – Inner Harbor, Camden Yards

  • Gunpowder Falls State Park – trails, river picnic areas

  • Havre de Grace – waterfront promenade, Concord Point Lighthouse

  • Philadelphia – Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market

  • Lancaster Amish Country – farmers markets, backroads

  • Susquehanna State Park – forest trails, Susquehanna River overlooks

Driving Distances from Bel Air

FAQs

Is there anything special I should know about driving in Bel Air?
Downtown Bel Air has several one-way streets and traffic circles. You should pay close attention to signs, especially around the courthouse. In the winter, hills on roads like MD-24 and US-1 can get slippery.

Where's the best place to get gas before I return my rental car?
You can find several gas stations along US-1 (Belair Road) and MD-24. The ones near the Bel Air Town Center usually have good prices and are easy to get to before you return the car.

Can I drive my rental to nearby states?
Yes, you can usually drive a rental car from Maryland anywhere in the United States and into Canada. Just let the rental company know if you plan to go to Canada. They generally do not allow you to drive into Mexico.

What's the best time to drive to Baltimore or Philadelphia to avoid traffic?
For Baltimore, try to avoid driving south between 6:30-9 AM and north between 3:30-6:30 PM on weekdays. For Philadelphia, you'll usually avoid the worst traffic if you travel on a weekday between 10 AM-2 PM.

Is it easy to find parking in downtown Bel Air?
Yes, the Office Street Parking Garage has plenty of spots for downtown visits and your first two hours are free. You can also find street parking, but it may have time limits.

Do I need an E-ZPass for toll roads in the area?
You don't need one, but an E-ZPass or a rental toll program makes it easier to travel on I-95 and other toll roads. Maryland uses cashless tolling, so if you drive through without a transponder, they bill the tolls to the car's license plate at a higher rate.

What should I do if I run into bad weather while driving?
If you are driving in bad weather like thunderstorms or snow, you should slow down and leave more space between you and the car in front. If you see flooding, never drive through standing water. During winter storms, road crews clear main roads like US-1 and I-95 first. Smaller roads may take longer to clear.