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Compare car rental prices from top companies in Frederick, Maryland with Road Genius. From small economy cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Skip airport fees by collecting your car in downtown Frederick or book at BWI or Dulles for a quick 45-60 minute drive into town. A rental car lets you roam Civil War sites, cruise mountain roads and reach Washington DC and Baltimore on your timeline.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frederick City Locations | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Convenient for those already in town • Less crowded - shorter wait times |
• Limited operating hours (often 8am-6pm weekdays) • Smaller vehicle selection • May be closed or limited hours on weekends |
• Enterprise, Avis and Hertz have locations on the outskirts and near Frederick Municipal Airport • NextCar (local Maryland-based company) also operates in Frederick |
| BWI Airport (50 miles away) | • Larger selection of vehicles • 24/7 operations • All major rental brands available |
• About 1-hour drive to Frederick • Airport surcharges increase rates |
• Often the best option for international visitors • Take I-70 West from BWI to reach Frederick |
| Dulles Airport (35 miles away) | • Closer than BWI • Wide selection of vehicles • Extended hours |
• Still requires 45-minute drive to Frederick • Airport fees apply |
• Take VA-267 to VA-28 to VA-7 to US-15 North • Alternative: VA-267 to I-495 to I-270 |
Local Service:
Ideal Pickup Time: Mid-morning Tuesday-Thursday when staff are free and cars freshly returned
Transportation to Rental Offices: Enterprise offers pickup service around town (call ahead to arrange). Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and taxis are available in Frederick.
On average, car rentals in Frederick cost around $65 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Pick up in Frederick, not at the airport City branches avoid the 10-15 % airport surcharge. A quick rideshare from BWI/Dulles or Enterprise's free local pickup still keeps things simple.
Target mid-week pickups (Tue–Thu) Fewer local renters mean better availability and, often, lower prices than the Friday/Monday rush.
Tweak the rental length Weekly rates often beat 4-5 single days. Add or drop a day in our comparison tool and watch the total shrink.
Book early only for peak times Summer weekends and October leaf season sell out, so lock in early. Off-season (Jan–Mar) is quiet—set a price alert and rebook if rates fall.
Bring your own gear Using your phone for GPS and packing a child seat can save $10-15 each per day.
Refuel away from I-270/I-70 exits Gas stations a mile or two inside Frederick are typically 10–20¢ cheaper per gallon than highway pumps.
Frederick Downtown Parking:
| Parking Type | Options | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| On-Street Metered | • Most downtown spaces • 2-hour limit in core areas • Enforced Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm |
• Time-based fee • Free on Sundays and holidays • Some meters accept credit cards |
| Public Garages | • Church Street Garage • Court Street Garage • Carroll Creek Garage • West Patrick Street Garage |
• Daily maximum fee applies • First few hours often discounted • Best option for longer visits |
| Surface Lots | • All Saints Street Lot • South Court Street Lot |
• Similar fees to garages • May fill quickly on weekends |
Local Driving Rules:
Rent a car to get to:
Catoctin Mountain Park – waterfalls, trails
Cunningham Falls State Park – lake, waterfall
Antietam National Battlefield – monuments, museum
Gettysburg – battlefield, museum
Harpers Ferry – park, rivers
Frederick Wine Trail – vineyards, tastings
Is there public transportation between Frederick and nearby airports?
You have a few options. The MARC train's Frederick Line can take you to Washington D.C. (Union Station) on weekdays. To get to Baltimore or BWI Airport, you'll have to transfer to the Penn Line or another service. Private shuttle companies like BayRunner Shuttle go to BWI and Dulles, but you need to book your ride ahead of time. Most visitors, especially those from other countries, find it easiest to rent a car at the airport and drive to Frederick.
What are the must-see attractions accessible by car around Frederick?
By car, you can visit popular spots like Catoctin Mountain Park (where Camp David is), Cunningham Falls State Park, Antietam National Battlefield, Monocacy National Battlefield and many wineries along the Frederick Wine Trail. You can reach all of them in about 30 minutes from downtown.
Are there any driving restrictions I should be aware of?
You won't find any special driving zones or restrictions in Frederick itself. When it snows heavily in winter, road crews might close some mountain roads west of the city or require you to use snow tires or chains. This is not common right in Frederick, though.
What's the parking situation during downtown events?
During big events like the "In the Streets" festival, city officials may close some downtown streets to cars. City garages are your best bet for parking, but try to get there early because they fill up fast. Some events offer parking in other lots and provide shuttles to get you there. You should check the event's website ahead of time to see.
Can I find automatic transmission vehicles in Frederick rental locations?
Yes, almost all rental cars in the United States have automatic transmissions, and Frederick is no exception. It is hard to find cars that have a manual transmission. You would need to ask for one specifically and the rental company may not have any.
Are there any scenic drives recommended around Frederick?
We recommend a drive on the Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway (US-15 north of Frederick) for beautiful views, especially in the fall. You can also take MD-77 through Catoctin Mountain Park to see mountain views and Cunningham Falls. The Historic National Road (Alt US-40) west of Frederick follows the original route pioneers used to travel west.
How is cell phone coverage for navigation in the Frederick area?
You should have good cell coverage in Frederick and on the main highways. Your service might be spotty in some mountain areas west of the city. We suggest you download offline maps if you plan to explore the more remote parts of Western Maryland.
What should I do if encountering farm equipment on rural roads?
Frederick County has many active farming communities. If you get behind a slow-moving tractor or other farm equipment, slow down. You should only pass when you can clearly see it's safe to do so. Please be patient. Most farmers will pull over to let you pass as soon as they can.
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