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Finding a car rental in Salisbury is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers all around Maryland with no reservation fees. Choose from counters at Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport or downtown branches and hit US-50 to Ocean City, Assateague Island or the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Book early for summer weekends to secure the widest selection and keep prices low.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY) | • Convenient for air travelers • Rental desks steps from baggage claim • Minimal wait times |
• Limited flight schedule impacts counter hours • Smaller vehicle selection • Might require advance arrangements |
• Avis, Budget and Enterprise have counters at terminal • Hertz operates via Rider Jet Center (airport FBO) • Counters staffed to meet scheduled flights |
| Downtown Salisbury | • No airport surcharges • Lower rates possible • May offer pickup service |
• Limited operating hours • Smaller inventory • May be closed Sundays |
• Enterprise has downtown branch • Some local dealerships may offer rentals • Call ahead for local pickup service |
Busiest Times:
Ideal Pickup Time:
Transportation:
On average, car rentals in Salisbury cost around $80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $28 per day.
Price out both SBY Airport and downtown branches. A quick 10-minute rideshare into town can dodge airport facility fees and sometimes nets lower daily rates.
Treat summer weekends like peak season, not the whole calendar. Book early only for June-Aug Fridays/Saturdays; for off-peak or weekday pickups, last-minute deals often pop up.
Traveling 5+ days? Compare the weekly rate. In Salisbury an economy weekly package can cost less than 6 individual days, especially outside July 4th week.
Shoulder season (Apr-May & Sep-Oct) is upgrade season. Demand drops after spring break and Labor Day so ask for quotes on larger cars—you may score a midsize for the price of an economy.
Salisbury:
| Area | Type | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Salisbury | Metered Street | • Enforced Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm • Most meters accept coins or card payment • 2-hour limit in most areas |
| Downtown Salisbury | Public Lots/Garages | • Downtown Parking Garage (E. Market St) • Paid hourly plus daily maximum • Free evenings after 5pm and weekends |
| Salisbury University Area | Limited Street | • Restricted areas require permits • Time limits strictly enforced during school year • Watch for signs indicating restrictions |
| Shopping Centers | Free | • Centre at Salisbury mall • Salisbury Plaza • Time limits rarely enforced |
Ocean City (Common Destination):
| Area | Info | Summer Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Street | • Metered in most areas • Pay stations accept cards |
• Paid hourly in prime areas • Strictly enforced May-September |
| Municipal Lots | • Large lots at inlet and other areas • Payment kiosks |
• Paid hourly or daily • Fill quickly on summer weekends |
| Hotel | • Most hotels provide for guests • May have additional fee |
• Fees vary by hotel • Limited spaces during peak season |
Local Driving Rules:
Rent a car to see:
Ocean City – boardwalk, Atlantic beaches
Assateague Island National Seashore – wild horses, beach access
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge – marsh trails, bird habitats
Historic Eastern Shore towns – Berlin, Snow Hill, St. Michaels
Is there public transportation from Salisbury to Ocean City?
Shore Transit runs a bus between Salisbury and Ocean City, but the schedule is limited. You can't use it for early morning or late evening trips to the beach. For more freedom, we strongly recommend you rent a car.
What's the best strategy for Ocean City parking in summer?
You should get there early (before 10 am) to find a spot on the street or in public lots. You can also park at the Park & Ride on US-50 right before the Ocean City bridge and take the shuttle during busy times. If you're staying at a hotel, ask them about their parking rules before you drive your car into town.
How reliable is GPS/cell service on the Eastern Shore?
You'll usually get good cell service around Salisbury and Ocean City, but it can be hard to get a signal in the more rural parts of Somerset and Worcester counties. You should download maps to use offline if you plan to explore remote spots like Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
Are there any toll roads I should know about?
The main toll you'll have to pay is for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge ($2.50 eastbound if you have an E-ZPass) when you travel between Salisbury and the Western Shore. You won't find any tolls between Salisbury and Ocean City or on most other roads on the Eastern Shore.
Can I take my rental car on Assateague beach?
You can't drive a standard rental car on the beaches at Assateague. Only people with a 4WD vehicle and a proper OSV (Over-Sand Vehicle) permit can drive on special beach-driving areas and many rental car companies don't allow you to drive their cars off-road.
What's the gas station situation on the Eastern Shore?
You'll find plenty of gas stations around Salisbury and along US-50 to Ocean City. Gas prices are usually a little higher than on the Western Shore but stay about the same across the area. In rural spots, gas stations might close earlier in the evening.
Is it worth driving to Virginia's Eastern Shore?
Yes, Virginia's part of the Eastern Shore has charming towns like Chincoteague, Onancock and Cape Charles. You can get there by taking US-13 South. Chincoteague gives you a different view of the wild ponies than you get from Assateague and it's about an hour's drive from Salisbury.
Are there any driving restrictions I should know about in this region?
During bad weather like a hurricane, officials may close bridges like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the Ocean City bridges if the winds get too strong. In the winter, they sometimes put wind restrictions on the Bay Bridge. Otherwise, the area has no special driving zones or rules.
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