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Find competitive car rental prices in Laurel, Maryland with Road Genius. Compare rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no reservation fees. Choose a downtown pickup to skip airport surcharges or rent at nearby BWI for round-the-clock service, then head down the Baltimore–Washington Parkway and reach DC or Baltimore in under an hour.
There is no airport in Laurel itself, which is approximately 20-25 minutes from BWI Airport.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel City Locations | • No airport surcharges • Convenient if already in town • Local pickup sometimes available |
• Limited business hours only • Smaller vehicle selection • May be closed Sundays |
• Enterprise (on Baltimore Ave and Washington Blvd) • Avis (at "Theo's Auto Park" on Rt. 1) • NextCar (on Main Street) • Some service through local dealerships |
| BWI Airport (14 miles / 23 km) | • Larger selection of vehicles • 24/7 operations • All major rental brands |
• Airport surcharges • Need transportation to Laurel • Longer wait times possible |
• 20-25 minute drive to Laurel • Free shuttle from terminal to rental facility • Most convenient for air travelers |
| Washington D.C. Airports | • Access to D.C.-based rentals • Alternative if BWI sold out • Multiple companies |
• Further from Laurel • City traffic to navigate • Higher rates for airport locations |
• DCA (Reagan): 30 miles (48 km), 35-50 minutes • IAD (Dulles): 40 miles (64 km), 45-60 minutes |
Service Notes:
Best Pickup Time: Midday or early afternoon on weekdays
Transportation to Rental Offices:
On average, car rentals in Laurel cost around $69 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Compare Laurel city pickups vs. BWI Airport – avoiding airport surcharges can shave 10-15 % off, and the 20-minute rideshare from BWI often costs less than the fee difference.
Shift your dates by a day or two – in Laurel, Friday PM pickups and Monday returns spike for commuter weekend rentals. Starting on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually unlocks lower rates and shorter counter lines.
Check 5-day vs. 7-day pricing – weekly rates often beat a 5- or 6-day total, so a "pay for 7, use 6" trick can save cash for longer stays around the Capital Region.
Use MARC train + local pickup – ride the Camden Line into Laurel, then grab a short taxi to a neighborhood branch. Zero airport fees and you skip Beltway traffic.
Laurel Parking:
| Area | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laurel Shopping Center | Free parking lots | • Plenty of free spaces • Time limits not usually enforced • Laurel Mall and other retail centers |
| Main Street/Historic District | Street parking and municipal lots | • Time limits vary (usually 2 hours) • Free in most areas • Some spots restricted during weekday business hours |
| Laurel MARC Station | Commuter parking | • Daily rates available; check posted signs • Often free on weekends • Good option for rail trips to DC/Baltimore |
| Residential Areas | Street parking with restrictions | • Many neighborhoods have permit requirements • Watch for posted signs • Visitor passes may be available |
Nearby Major Destinations:
| Destination | Options | Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Washington D.C. | Garages and limited street | • Garages can be expensive • Meters vary by area • Consider leaving your car at a Metro station instead |
| Baltimore Inner Harbor | Garages and street | • Garage rates moderate to high • Some street meters available • Event rates often higher |
| Annapolis Historic District | Garages and limited street | • Garages centrally located • Street meters limited • Main garages include Gotts Court and Knighton |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental car so you can get to:
Washington D.C. – National Mall, Smithsonian museums
Baltimore – Inner Harbor, Camden Yards
Annapolis – Maryland State House, waterfront
Chesapeake Bay – beaches, crab houses
Patuxent Research Refuge – trails, wetlands
Columbia – Lake Kittamaqundi, Mall in Columbia
Is it better to rent a car in Laurel or at BWI Airport?
If you fly into BWI, it's easiest to rent your car at the airport even though it costs a little more. If you're already in Laurel or arrive by train, a rental place in the city will save you from airport fees and waiting for shuttles.
How is public transportation from Laurel to Washington D.C. and Baltimore?
You can take the MARC train's Camden Line from Laurel station to both cities on weekdays. But the trains don't run very often, mostly during rush hour. On weekends, only the Penn Line runs and it doesn't stop in Laurel. We recommend renting a car so you can explore more freely.
Is driving into Washington D.C. difficult?
Driving in D.C. can be tricky because of confusing streets, traffic circles and limited parking. Many people prefer to drive to a Metro station like Greenbelt or New Carrollton, park there and take the train into the city. If you decide to drive in, use a GPS and look up parking spots ahead of time.
Are there any toll roads around Laurel?
Yes, the Intercounty Connector (ICC/MD-200) is a toll road a few miles north of Laurel that only uses electronic tolling. You'll also find tolls on I-95 in and north of Baltimore. The Fort McHenry Tunnel, Baltimore Harbor Tunnel and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (when heading east) have tolls too. All tolls in Maryland are now cashless.
What kind of vehicle is best for a visit to Laurel?
Most people find a standard sedan or small SUV works just fine. The roads are in good shape and you can usually find parking easily. You might want an economy car if you plan to drive mostly in cities, or a larger vehicle if you're bringing your family or a lot of luggage.
Can I easily visit both Baltimore and Washington D.C. in one day?
Yes. Because of Laurel's location, you can easily visit both cities in one day. You could spend the morning in Baltimore (about a 25-40 minute drive), then go to Washington D.C. in the afternoon (about 30-45 minutes from Laurel). To save time, try to avoid driving during rush hour.
What's the parking situation like near the major attractions?
In Washington D.C., it's hard to find parking near the National Mall and big attractions and it's expensive, so you might want to take the Metro. In Baltimore, you can expect to pay $20-25 a day for parking garages near the Inner Harbor. Annapolis has a few garages close to the historic area. Attractions in the suburbs usually have free parking.
Is there a scenic drive recommended from Laurel?
The drive to Annapolis on MD-32 and MD-178 is a really nice one, especially in the fall. If you want a longer trip, you could drive to the Chesapeake Bay using US-50. You could also drive north to the pretty countryside of Baltimore County using I-95 and MD-146 (Dulaney Valley Road).
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