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.
Location | Pros | Cons |
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Bel Air Town Center |
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Aberdeen/I-95 Corridor |
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BWI Airport |
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Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Bel Air cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $42 per day.
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.
Parking Option | Rates | Hours | Tips |
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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:
Seasonal Considerations:
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
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.