Search Car Rental Deals in Baltimore: Ready to find your perfect ride? Use the search form above to compare real-time rental rates across Baltimore. Select your pickup location (whether BWI Airport, downtown Baltimore, or a neighborhood branch), choose your dates, and hit “Search.” In seconds, you’ll see all available cars from our network of multiple rental partners, from budget-friendly compacts to spacious SUVs, all in one place. Book early to snag the best deal, then pick up your car hassle-free and start exploring Charm City!
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and downtown skyline. Baltimore, Maryland, fondly known as Charm City, is a vibrant harbor city that’s easier to explore with a rental car. From the historic waterfront of Fell’s Point to the nearby beaches and countryside, having your own set of wheels unlocks the full diversity of Maryland. Public transit can only take you so far; with a car you can wander Baltimore’s neighborhoods, drive out to the Chesapeake Bay, or even take a day trip to Washington, D.C. on your own schedule. Whether you’re flying into BWI Airport or arriving by train at Penn Station, renting a car gives you freedom and flexibility to make the most of your visit.
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Top Baltimore Car Rental Deals
(Prices vary by date and availability. “From” rates are based on recent bookings in Baltimore and include base rate only. Taxes and fees are extra but shown upfront in our search results. To get the current best price for your dates, hit the search button!)
Driving in Baltimore, Tips for Tolls, Traffic and Parking
Traffic and Tolls: Central Maryland is part of the busy D.C.–Baltimore metro corridor, so plan for traffic during rush hours. The I-95 corridor, the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), and the D.C. Capital Beltway (I-495) all get congested on weekdays from around 6:30–9:30 AM and 3:30–7:00 PM. If you’re driving between Baltimore and Washington during these times, expect delays, or consider using Express Toll Lanes. For instance, I-95 north of Baltimore has express toll lanes that allow a faster ride for a fee (E-ZPass or video toll) if traffic is bad. Similarly, parts of I-495 and I-95 in Northern Virginia have Express Lanes that can save time. Keep an E-ZPass transponder in your rental if you plan to use toll lanes or Maryland’s toll bridges (like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on US-50). Otherwise, the rental company will bill you for tolls (often with an added service fee) if you go through electronic tolls. Many of Baltimore’s major routes, like the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), are toll-free but can be slow in peak periods.
City Driving & Parking: Baltimore’s city streets are a mix of historic and modern, which means driving can have a few quirks. Watch out for narrow one-way streets, especially downtown and in older neighborhoods like Fells Point. Baltimore and D.C. both use traffic cameras for speed and red-light enforcement, if you speed or run a red light, you could get a ticket mailed (via the rental company), so drive cautiously near schools and downtown. When it comes to parking, downtown Baltimore has plenty of paid garages and lots, use them when possible, as street parking can be limited and time-restricted. Meters downtown are usually enforced 8 AM, 6 PM (Mon–Sat), and you can pay via smartphone app. Neighborhoods like Federal Hill or Mount Vernon have residential permit zones, heed the signs to avoid fines. Tip: The city’s parking app (ParkMobile) is very handy for extending your meter time remotely. Also, never leave valuables visible in your car (common city advice), use the trunk, especially if parking on the street.
Beyond the City, Weather and Road Conditions: If you plan to explore beyond Baltimore (maybe a ski trip to Western Maryland or a drive down to D.C.), be aware of seasonal conditions. In winter, Baltimore gets occasional snow. Major highways like I-95 and I-70 are plowed promptly, but secondary roads can be slick. If you’re driving in snow or ice, allow extra braking distance and consider renting an SUV or a car with all-wheel drive for added safety. In summer, watch for beach traffic on Fridays and Sundays on routes like US-50 toward Maryland’s Eastern Shore, it can back up for miles. Always check traffic apps (like Google Maps or Waze) for real-time conditions, they can suggest alternate routes if there’s a big jam on the Harbor Tunnel or Bay Bridge.
Baltimore Road Trip Ideas
Baltimore’s central location makes it a perfect launching point for road trips around Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic. Here are a few exciting drives you can embark on with your rental car:
1. Chesapeake Bay Getaway, Baltimore to Ocean City via the Eastern Shore
Distance: ~150 miles one-way (Baltimore to Ocean City, about 3 hours’ drive without stops)
Route: From Baltimore, take I-97 South to US-50 East across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Continue through Maryland’s Eastern Shore via US-50/US-301, passing towns like Easton and Cambridge, until you reach Ocean City on the Atlantic coast.
Highlights: Start your day in Baltimore with a coffee and a famous Berger cookie for the road. In under an hour, you’ll approach the impressive Chesapeake Bay Bridge, a 4.3-mile span with sweeping bay views, an experience on its own. Once across the bridge, you’re on the rural Eastern Shore. Consider a stop in the historic town of Easton (quaint shops and cafes) or at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels for a dose of local history. As you drive further east, you’ll pass through Cambridge and acres of lush farmland. If you love wildlife, make a detour to Assateague Island National Seashore (just before Ocean City) to see wild ponies on the beach. End your journey in Ocean City, MD, a classic beach town famed for its busy boardwalk, saltwater taffy, and broad sandy beaches, a perfect reward after your drive.
Tips: The Bay Bridge can have traffic backups on summer weekends, so try to head out early (or use the EZPass-only toll lane if you have a transponder). There’s a $2.50 toll for eastbound cars on the bridge. In Ocean City, parking near the boardwalk fills up fast in summer, consider parking a bit further north and taking the shuttle or tram. Also, watch your speed on rural stretches; some areas are patrolled, and small towns drop speed limits suddenly as you enter.
2. Capital Region History Tour, Baltimore → Annapolis → Washington, D.C.
Distance: ~100 miles round-trip (Baltimore to Annapolis to D.C. and back to Baltimore)
Route: Head 30 miles south on I-97 from Baltimore to Annapolis, the capital of Maryland. After exploring, continue 35 miles west on US-50 to reach Washington, D.C. via the New Carrollton area (or take the scenic BW Parkway (MD-295) into D.C.). From D.C., return ~40 miles to Baltimore via the Baltimore-Washington Parkway or I-95 north.
Highlights: Dive into the rich history of the region. First stop: Annapolis, a charming colonial town on Chesapeake Bay. Stroll the brick streets, admire the Maryland State House (dating to 1772), and perhaps grab lunch by the City Dock, crab cakes are a must-try here. Tour the U.S. Naval Academy if time permits, to see naval history and beautiful architecture. Next, drive into Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital. Depending on your interests, you might visit the National Mall’s famous monuments (Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument) or pop into free Smithsonian museums (like Air & Space or American History). History buffs: don’t miss Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was shot, or the National Archives to see the Constitution. As evening approaches, witness the Capitol and White House illuminated at night. Finally, head back to Baltimore, the BW Parkway (MD-295) is a peaceful, tree-lined route (no trucks allowed) that will take you directly home and serves as a scenic finale through greenery.
Tips: Start this trip early to maximize your time in each city, there’s a lot to see! Traffic between these cities is heavy during rush hour, so try to avoid weekday mornings and late afternoons for the driving portions. Parking in downtown Annapolis can be tight; the Noah Hillman Garage or Knighton Garage are good options. In D.C., consider using a parking app to find a garage deal, or park near a Metro station on the outskirts and take the Metro around the National Mall to avoid driving in circles. Keep in mind D.C. traffic rules (no right turn on red at many city intersections, and watch for pedestrians). This loop packs in American history from colonial times to the present, all in one epic day.
3. Appalachian Adventure, Baltimore to Deep Creek Lake (Western Maryland)
Distance: ~200 miles one-way (Baltimore to Deep Creek Lake, ~3.5–4 hours drive)
Route: Take I-70 West from Baltimore for about 110 miles, passing Frederick, MD. At Hancock, MD, switch to I-68 West (also known as the National Freeway) and continue through the mountains of Western Maryland. Take exit 14A for US-219 South toward Deep Creek Lake, entering Garrett County’s lake region.
Highlights: Swap the city skyline for mountain peaks on this journey. In the first hour, you’ll reach Frederick, a historic town, a quick pit stop here on Market Street offers coffee and charming boutiques, plus the town’s Civil War history (Monocacy Battlefield is nearby). Continuing west, I-70 winds through rural Maryland; consider a detour at Greenbrier State Park (near Hagerstown) for a stretch by the lake. As you merge onto I-68, enjoy the scenery of Rocky Gap (stop at Rocky Gap State Park for mountain vistas or a casino resort break). The drive becomes increasingly scenic with rolling hills and valleys. You’ll pass Sideling Hill, where a massive road cut through the mountain reveals fascinating geology, there’s a rest area with an observation platform. Approaching Deep Creek, you might notice the air cooling and the elevation rising. Once at Deep Creek Lake, you’re in Maryland’s alpine playground: lush forests, a beautiful 11-mile long lake, and activities galore (boating, fishing, hiking). Nearby Wisp Resort offers outdoor adventures year-round (skiing in winter, mountain coaster in summer). Enjoy the small-town feel of McHenry and Oakland, and relax by the lake shore as the sun sets over the Appalachians.
Tips: The weather in western Maryland can be quite different, it’s cooler and snowier in winter. If you’re traveling in the colder months, consider renting an SUV or ensuring your car has all-season tires (Deep Creek can get snow even if Baltimore has none). In winter, watch for any snow emergency alerts, Maryland law may require tire chains or 4WD during severe snow. On the drive out, fuel up when you can after Hagerstown, services get sparser in the mountains. Lastly, cell signal can be spotty in the deep valleys, so download your maps offline and enjoy a bit of digital detox in this natural paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maryland has several toll facilities. If you have your own E-ZPass, bring it, it works on all MD tolls (e.g. Fort McHenry Tunnel, JFK Highway on I-95, Chesapeake Bay Bridge) and across many states. If not, the rental company can enroll you in their toll program (typically a daily fee + toll costs) or they will bill you later for tolls plus an admin fee. Some tolls are electronic only (no cash), like the ICC (MD-200) outside D.C. and the I-95 Express Lanes. To avoid surprise fees, ask about the car’s toll policy at pickup. Alternatively, you can pay many Maryland tolls online by license plate by using the state’s website before the bill goes to the rental company.
In downtown and tourist areas like the Inner Harbor, parking can be a challenge at peak times. Street parking is limited and often metered. However, Baltimore has many public parking garages, expect to pay about $15–$25 per day in the downtown garages. On-street metered spots are usually $2/hour (free overnight). Neighborhoods have permit restrictions, so watch signs if you park on residential streets (e.g. Fells Point or Federal Hill areas). We recommend using a garage or lot for peace of mind and to avoid tickets. Parking is easier outside the city center, malls and attractions like the Baltimore Zoo or Fort McHenry have their own lots.
We make it easy, just input your dates above and compare. But to maximize savings: 1) Book as early as possible, last-minute rates can spike, especially in summer or during events. 2) Be flexible with car type, economy cars are usually cheapest and often perfectly suitable. 3) Look out for special deals, sometimes adding a day (weekly rate) or adjusting pick-up timing can reduce price. Also, consider off-airport locations if you’re not flying in; avoiding airport fees might save a few bucks (though you’ll sacrifice some convenience). Finally, always check what’s included, a slightly higher rate that includes a free extra driver or GPS might be more valuable for you than a bare-bones cheap deal.
Absolutely, many of our customers book long-term rentals for several weeks or months. If you enter an extended date range in our search, you’ll see discounted monthly rates. Renting for 30+ days in one contract can be economical (the rate per day often drops). Just be aware that the rental company may require you to return to a location to renew the contract or inspect the vehicle every 30 days. Also, for long-term rentals, check if your credit card insurance or personal insurance covers that long; some cap coverage at 30 days.