EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a car rental in Hagerstown is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across Maryland with no reservation fees. Pick up your ride at Hagerstown Regional Airport or a downtown branch and be on I-70 or I-81 within minutes for day trips to Antietam Battlefield, Gettysburg or Washington D.C.. Reserve early to lock in low rates and the vehicle size you want, especially during fall foliage or winter snow season.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) | • Convenient for air travelers • No downtown traffic • Quick pickup process |
• Very limited commercial service • Counter staffed by request only • Limited hours |
• Avis/Budget maintain a counter (often by request) • Hertz available via airport's general aviation facility (Rider Jet Center) • Advance reservation essential |
| Hagerstown City | • No airport fees • Usually better rates • Local pickup sometimes available |
• Limited weekend hours • Smaller selection • May be closed Sundays |
• Enterprise has city office • Primarily serves local replacement rentals • Some agencies offer local pickup service |
| Larger Airports Near Hagerstown | • Better selection • More competitive rates • Longer hours |
• Requires driving to Hagerstown • Airport fees apply • Return trip needed |
• BWI: 75 miles (121 km) (1.5 hours) • Dulles (IAD): 65 miles (105 km) (1.25 hours) • Option if local availability limited |
Service Notes:
Ideal Pickup Time: Weekday morning or early afternoon
Getting There: Limited public transit in Hagerstown. Options include:
On average, car rentals in Hagerstown cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare HGR airport vs downtown pickup – city desks skip airport surcharges and can be cheaper; some will even pick you up if you call ahead.
Price out BWI and Dulles too – bigger fleets and more competition sometimes beat Hagerstown totals, even after the drive back.
Book early only for peak foliage (Oct) – outside that window, watch prices and pounce when they dip instead of locking in months ahead.
Go weekly for 5+ day trips – a 7-day rate can run 30-40 % less than paying the daily price.
Hagerstown Parking:
| Area | Parking Type | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Hagerstown | Metered Street Parking | • Enforced Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. • Free evenings and weekends |
| Public Parking Decks | University District Deck Central Lot Arts & Entertainment Deck |
• Monthly passes available for longer stays |
| Shopping Areas | Free Parking Lots | • Valley Mall • Hagerstown Premium Outlets • Plenty of free spots at retail centers |
Antietam Battlefield Parking (Common Destination):
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car rental so you can get to:
Antietam National Battlefield – visitor center, memorials
Gettysburg National Military Park – museum, cemetery
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park – rivers confluence, town streets
South Mountain State Park – Appalachian Trail trailheads
Frederick – downtown district
Cumberland Valley – mountain viewpoints
Is it necessary to have a rental car in Hagerstown?
Yes, we highly recommend you get a rental car. You'll find very limited public transportation in Hagerstown. The County Commuter buses don't run often and there's no local train service. You can't get to most historical sites, parks and attractions without your own car.
What's the most efficient way to tour Antietam Battlefield?
Most people start at the Visitor Center, watch the film and then take the self-guided driving tour. It's about 8.5 miles (13.7 km) long and has 11 numbered stops. You should plan for 2–3 hours to see everything. The park has marked the driving route well and provides parking at each stop.
Can I easily visit multiple states from Hagerstown?
Absolutely! Hagerstown's location is perfect for visiting several states. You can drive about 5 miles (8 km) north on I-81 to get to Pennsylvania. West Virginia is roughly 15 miles (24 km) south and Virginia is about 35 miles (56 km) south. If you want, you can visit attractions in all three neighboring states in a single day.
Are there any driving restrictions I should be aware of when visiting the battlefields?
At Antietam and other national battlefields, you have to keep your car on the marked roads. Some smaller park roads can't handle large vehicles, so if you're driving an RV, you should check the park's visitor guide first. The park service might temporarily close some battlefield roads during special events.
What kind of vehicle is best for exploring this region?
For most people, a standard sedan or small SUV will work just fine. If you visit in the winter and plan to drive into the mountains west of Hagerstown, you should think about getting a vehicle with all-wheel drive. You can get to the main attractions on paved roads, so you don't need a special vehicle unless you plan to go off-roading.
Is there a scenic route you'd recommend around Hagerstown?
We recommend the South Mountain loop, which is a beautiful drive. You can take Alt-US-40 east from Hagerstown to South Mountain State Park. From there, follow MD-17 south through Burkittsville, a Civil War battle site and then take MD-67 west to get back toward Hagerstown. This drive is amazing when the leaves change color in the fall.
How are the roads in winter?
Hagerstown gets a moderate amount of snow, but the nearby mountains get a lot more. Crews clear the major highways like I-70 and I-81 quickly, but it might take them longer to clear the smaller roads. You might find driving difficult on the mountain passes west of town on I-68. The state and county crews do a great job keeping the roads clear, but if you're traveling in winter, you should watch the weather forecast closely.
Is parking difficult at the major tourist sites?
You can usually find plenty of free parking at the major attractions around Hagerstown. At Antietam Battlefield, you'll find several parking areas along the tour route. In downtown Hagerstown, you can use street parking or public garages. Even when it's busy during the fall or for special events, you will rarely have a problem finding a spot, except at the most popular hiking trails.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support