Car Rental at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)

Baltimore/Washington International Airport’s rental car facility and control tower. BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is your gateway to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and renting a car here is one of the smartest ways to kick off your trip. BWI is conveniently located about 9 miles south of downtown Baltimore and 30 miles northeast of D.C., making it a strategic pick-up point if you plan to visit both cities or explore the wider Maryland-Virginia region. Upon landing at BWI, a quick shuttle ride (5-10 minutes) takes you to the dedicated Rental Car Facility, where all the major rental brands are housed under one roof. Picking up a car at BWI is designed to be efficient, shuttles run 24/7, counters are well-staffed for the rush after big flight arrivals, and the facility is right by the major highways (I-195 connects you straight to I-95 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway). With a rental car, you can zip up to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in about 15 minutes, or head down to D.C.’s monuments in roughly 45 minutes (traffic permitting). In short, a BWI car rental puts the whole Capital Region at your fingertips, minus the hassle of coordinating multiple transfers or rideshares.

• Competitive Rates & Airport Specials: Car rental rates at airports are often competitive due to the volume, and BWI is no exception. We leverage that by offering exclusive BWI airport deals you might not find elsewhere. Whether it’s a weekend rate (sometimes flying in on a Friday and renting through Sunday night can be surprisingly cheap) or a weekly package with a free extra day, we highlight those bargains. Our prices always include the airport fees and taxes in the quote you see, so while BWI rentals have an 11.5% Maryland rental tax + airport surcharge, you’ll see that in our total. No surprises at the counter. Plus, booking with us often means you get perks like unlimited mileage (standard on virtually all rentals here) and fair fuel policies. We want you to feel confident that you’re getting the best price at BWI for the car you need.
• Fast Pick-Up & Return: Time is precious, especially if you’re catching a flight. The BWI rental car facility is designed for efficiency, and we further smooth the process. By filling in your details in our booking form ahead of time, your info is sent to the rental company, speeding up the paperwork. Many providers at BWI offer self-service kiosks or expedited counters for members, and we’ll send you any info on how to take advantage of that (like signing up for a loyalty program for free). Returning the car is equally easy: the facility is right off Aviation Blvd with clear signage as you approach the airport. Return agents quickly scan the car, and shuttles will whisk you back to the terminal in 5-10 minutes. We also give you clear return instructions in your confirmation (like which gas stations are nearby for that last top-off). The goal: no stress making your flight after dropping off.
• Ideal for Dual-City Trips: BWI isn’t just about Baltimore, it’s a gateway to two major cities. Renting here makes sense even if your primary destination is Washington, D.C. (many travelers choose BWI for cheaper flights or to avoid D.C. airport crowds). With a car, you can land at BWI, drive to D.C. for a few days of sightseeing, then perhaps head to Baltimore for a night of crab cakes and waterfront views, all on your own schedule. We offer unlimited mileage, so go ahead and rack up miles between Baltimore, D.C., Annapolis, or even farther (Philadelphia is ~1.5 hours, an easy drive up I-95!). If your plan is one-way, say, fly into BWI and out of Dulles or Reagan National, we support that too (see below). A BWI rental car truly maximizes your flexibility in the Capital region.
• One-Way Rentals & Multi-Airport Flexibility: The Baltimore-Washington area is served by three major airports (BWI, DCA, IAD). We understand that your travel might involve two different airports. Good news: all the big rental players allow one-way rentals with minimal or no drop fees between these airports. We make booking one-ways simple, just choose a different drop-off location in our search. Want to land at BWI, drive down and drop the car at Reagan National (DCA) before spending a car-free weekend in D.C.? Easy. Or perhaps you’re picking up at BWI, doing a road trip through Maryland and Virginia, and flying out of Dulles (IAD), that’s fine too. We’ll show you any one-way fee upfront (often $0 for intra-region). This flexibility can save you money (no backtracking or extra transit fares) and time.
• Local Insights & Support: We’re not just a booking engine, we want you to have a great trip. Through our platform, you’ll find local driving tips (ever wonder the best route from BWI to downtown during rush hour? We’ll tell you, and we’ve included many tips below!). Need help during your rental? Our customer support knows the area. Locked keys in the car at Arundel Mills Mall? We’ll help connect roadside assistance. Flight delayed and worried about your late pickup? Our 24/7 support can inform the rental counter or adjust your reservation if needed. When you rent with us at BWI, you’re backed by a team that understands both travel logistics and the Baltimore/D.C. area.

BWI Car Rental Deals Right

• Economy Car, From $30/day. Example: Ford Fiesta or similar. Perfect for solo travelers packing light. Found at BWI’s Alamo, ideal for zipping between Baltimore and quick trips to D.C.
• Full-Size Sedan, From $38/day. Example: Nissan Altima or similar. More legroom for the family, steady on the highway. Recent deal from Hertz BWI, great for a comfortable drive down to Virginia.
• Intermediate SUV, From $45/day. Example: Hyundai Tucson or similar (5 passenger). Good ground clearance and cargo space, whether you’re exploring Maryland’s backroads or just want a taller ride in city traffic. A current special at Enterprise BWI (limited availability!).
• Minivan, From $55/day. Example: Chrysler Pacifica or similar (7–8 passenger). Traveling with kids or a group? Minivans at BWI are often priced well below other airports. A deal from Budget BWI right now includes a free extra driver, perfect for long drives.

Rates fluctuate with season and demand. Book early to lock in low prices, especially for summer and holiday periods. All above rates exclude MD taxes/fees; total price shown in search results will include everything. Remember, these are example deals, hit “Search” to see the latest live prices for your dates!

Driving Tips for BWI Airport and Beyond

Getting to/from BWI: BWI Airport is well-situated near several major highways. When you exit the Rental Car Facility, you’ll be on Scott Drive leading to New Ridge Rd and then quickly to I-195. I-195 East takes you straight to I-95 (for Baltimore north or Washington south) in just a couple of miles. You can also take I-195 West which turns into the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295) heading towards D.C., a scenic, often less congested route without tolls (just note: the Parkway has a 55 mph limit and no trucks). To reach Annapolis or the Eastern Shore, you’d hop on I-97 South from the I-195 interchange. Signage from BWI is very clear; just decide your direction (Baltimore? D.C.? Annapolis?) and follow the signs for that route. Tip: Baltimore is north, so follow signs “To I-95 North/New York” initially; D.C. is south, follow “To I-95 South/Washington”.

Traffic Patterns: The beauty of picking up a car at BWI is that you’re already outside the downtown congestion of Baltimore and well north of D.C.’s congestion. However, you will likely encounter traffic on your drives if traveling during rush hour. Rush hour heading towards D.C. (southbound) from BWI starts early, by 6:30 AM the BW Parkway and I-95 get busy, and stays that way until about 9:30 AM. The reverse (heading towards Baltimore in the morning) is generally lighter, with some slowdown near Baltimore itself. Evening rush (3:30–6:30 PM) will see heavy northbound traffic leaving D.C. up I-95/BW Parkway (towards Baltimore) and also some southbound traffic on I-95 approaching the Capital Beltway. Plan your airport runs accordingly, if you have a flight out of BWI at 5 PM on a weekday, leave D.C. extra early (it’s normally 45 min, but could be 1.5+ hrs with traffic). On weekends, traffic is lighter, but summer beach season brings Friday eastbound traffic on US-50 (if you’re going to Maryland’s Eastern Shore/Ocean City) and heavy Sunday return traffic. If you’re headed to the beach from BWI on a summer Friday, try to hit the Bay Bridge before 3 PM or after 7 PM to avoid the worst backups.

Tolls and EZ-Pass around BWI: Maryland has a mix of toll roads/bridges. The Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) and Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) on Baltimore’s east side both charge tolls when heading southbound (tunnel) or inner loop (bridge), you might use these if driving through Baltimore. The Harbor Tunnel (I-895) is an alternate with tolls too. All these Baltimore tolls are fully electronic (no cash), so an E-ZPass or the rental car’s toll program will be needed, otherwise you’ll be billed by plate. If you’re driving north from BWI to e.g. Philly or New York, I-95 has the JFK Memorial Highway toll northeast of Baltimore (also cashless now). BWI to D.C. routes: the BW Parkway has no tolls. I-95 into D.C. has no toll, but if you use express lanes on I-495/I-95 in Northern Virginia, that’s electronic tolling. To Annapolis/Eastern Shore: you’ll likely take US-50 East which includes the Chesapeake Bay Bridge toll (only eastbound, ~$4 for cars, cash or E-ZPass accepted, as of 2025, they are transitioning to cashless). If you head west towards Frederick or Hagerstown, note the ICC (Intercounty Connector, MD-200) is a useful toll road between I-95 and I-270 (E-ZPass only). In summary, Maryland still has a few cash-accepted tolls (Bay Bridge currently), but most are electronic. If you plan to do a lot of driving, consider opting into the rental’s E-Toll device for convenience. Or, to avoid fees, pay online for any tolls you hit (Maryland’s “Video Tolling” allows you to lookup and pay after your trip, to minimize the rental company’s surcharge).

Gas Stations near BWI: If you need to refill before returning your car, there are several options very close to the airport. The most convenient is the Sunoco on Aviation Blvd (BWI Gas Station) which is practically on the way into the rental facility, it’s located at 1 Aviation Blvd, Hanover, MD. Prices there can be slightly higher due to convenience. For potentially cheaper gas, there’s an Royal Farms gas station on MD-170 (Camp Meade Road) a couple miles south of the airport, or a Costco Gasoline (membership required) about 3 miles away in Hanover. If coming from D.C. on I-295, there’s an Exxon as soon as you exit onto West Nursery Road. Plan for a quick stop, it’s easy to fill up within 5-10 minutes of the rental drop-off.

Returning the Car: Aim to be at the Rental Car Facility at least 90 minutes before your flight (or earlier if you have to go through security during peak travel times). Once you arrive at the facility, an agent will check you in (keep your fuel receipt or ensure the tank is full to avoid charges). The shuttle buses depart every 5-10 minutes to the terminals. BWI has multiple airline terminals but the shuttle will stop at each in order (or ask the driver if there are separate shuttles for specific airlines). It’s typically a 10-minute ride to the furthest terminal. The process is generally smooth, but during very early morning hours or late night, shuttles might be a bit less frequent (still 24/7 service though). Factor this in so you’re not rushed.

Road Trips from BWI Airport

One of the great advantages of renting at BWI is you’re starting already outside the city, perfect for jumping on the highway and embarking on a road trip. Here are a few road trip ideas starting from BWI Airport:

1. Chesapeake Bay Coastal Drive, BWI to Maryland’s Eastern Shore & Ocean City

Distance: ~140 miles from BWI to Ocean City, MD (about 2.5–3 hours without heavy traffic).
Route: From BWI, take I-97 South towards Annapolis (about 18 miles). Merge onto US-50 East/US-301 East across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Continue on US-50 through Maryland’s Eastern Shore all the way to Ocean City at the Atlantic coast.
Highlights: This trip takes you from the airport straight to the beach! In under 30 minutes, you’ll reach historic Annapolis, consider a quick stop if time allows. Annapolis offers colonial charm and is home to the U.S. Naval Academy (a walk by the docks to see sailboats is refreshing). Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a thrill, 4 miles of expansive water views as you go over one of the world’s longest over-water bridges. Once on the Eastern Shore, you’ll notice life slows down. You might detour into the quaint town of St. Michaels (about 15 min off Route 50 via Route 33), it has a lovely maritime museum and great seafood (crab cakes, anyone?). Back on US-50, as you pass Cambridge, MD, you could take a short side trip to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (especially if you’re into birdwatching or serene marshland vistas). Farther east, Assateague Island National Seashore is just south of Ocean City, it’s famous for wild ponies roaming the beaches and dunes (well worth a visit, maybe on your second day). Finally, arrive in Ocean City, a classic seaside resort with a lively boardwalk, arcades, and miles of sandy beach. Reward yourself with some Thrasher’s french fries or saltwater taffy on the boardwalk after the drive.
Tips: Summer traffic to Ocean City can be very heavy on Fridays and Saturdays. If leaving BWI on a summer Friday afternoon, expect a potential crawl, especially approaching the Bay Bridge (there’s a toll ~$4 eastbound) and again near Ocean City. To beat the crowds, consider driving early morning or in the evening. Also note: the Bay Bridge has two spans, during peak hours they may reverse one for extra eastbound lanes (check baybridgeupdates on Twitter or MDOT info). In Ocean City, many hotels offer free parking; otherwise, park your car and enjoy walking or the OC Beach Bus along the strip. Don’t forget sunscreen, the ocean breeze can be deceiving on a sunny day!

2. Gettysburg & Amish Country, BWI to Pennsylvania Backroads

Distance: ~90 miles to Gettysburg, PA (about 1.5 hours), then ~60 miles to Lancaster, PA, and ~70 miles back to BWI (a loop total ~220 miles).
Route: From BWI, take I-695 West (Baltimore Beltway) to I-795 North, which turns into MD-140 and leads to Gettysburg, PA. After Gettysburg, take US-15 South briefly then PA-94 North/PA-30 East towards Lancaster, or for more scenery, take PA-116 East through pastoral towns to Hanover, then east to Lancaster County. Return to BWI via US-30 West to York, PA then I-83 South into Maryland (to Baltimore, then I-695/I-95 to BWI).
Highlights: This road trip combines American history with a peek into the simpler life of the Amish. First stop, Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of the Civil War’s turning point. You can easily spend half a day here: start at the Visitor Center to see the cyclorama and exhibits, then drive the battlefield (Auto Tour route) to key spots like Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, and Pickett’s Charge field. It’s a moving and scenic place, and from some hilltops you can see for miles into Pennsylvania countryside. Next, head east into Pennsylvania Dutch Country (Lancaster County). As you drive, especially on the backroads (like PA-116 or PA-30 through New Oxford and Abbottstown), you’ll notice farms with no electric lines, plain-dressed Amish families in horse-drawn buggies, and roadside signs for fresh produce, homemade root beer, or baked goods. In the Lancaster area, consider stopping in Intercourse, PA or Bird-in-Hand, small towns with Amish-owned shops. You can take a short buggy ride tour, visit an Amish farm museum, or simply buy some shoofly pie and hand-stitched quilts. It’s like stepping back in time. Don’t miss trying a soft pretzel from a local bakery or some traditional PA Dutch food (chicken pot pie, chow-chow, etc.). The contrast between Gettysburg’s historical monuments and Lancaster’s living history of a different sort makes this loop really enriching.
Tips: Keep your speed in check on country roads, not only is it safer around buggies and farm equipment, but local police do monitor for speeders. When you see a horse-drawn buggy, pass with care and give ample room (and don’t honk, it could spook the horse). Most Amish businesses are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly if your trip spans a weekend. Gettysburg roads are open dawn to dusk; an overnight in the area could let you do Gettysburg one day and Lancaster the next without rushing. If returning to BWI in the evening, note that I-83 can have construction at night near Baltimore, check traffic or be ready for a detour via I-695. Overall, this drive is especially pretty in late spring (fields lush and green) and autumn (fall foliage and harvest season).

3. Appalachian Mountains & Deep Creek Lake, BWI to Western Maryland

Distance: ~180 miles one-way to Deep Creek Lake (approximately 3.5 hours).
Route: Take I-70 West from the Baltimore area toward Frederick (about 50 miles). Continue on I-70 through Hagerstown. At Hancock, MD, transition to I-68 West (also called the National Freeway) and follow it deep into Western Maryland. Take exit 14 at Keyser’s Ridge to US-219 South, which leads about 20 miles to Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County, MD.
Highlights: If you’re craving mountains and wilderness, this is the trip. Western Maryland is a world apart from the flatlands near BWI. On I-70, you’ll first cross South Mountain, a ridge that was the site of a Civil War battle (there are markers and a lookout at Washington Monument State Park, a short detour near Boonsboro, MD, where an old stone tower stands as the first monument to George Washington). In Hancock, MD, you’re at a unique sliver of the state only a few miles wide between Pennsylvania and West Virginia, stop at the Hancock overlook on I-68 just west of the town for a great vista and a sign explaining the “narrow waist” of Maryland. As you cruise I-68, you’ll climb and wind through the Allegheny Mountains. There’s a cool rest area called Sideling Hill where the interstate cuts through a mountain, exposing multicolored rock layers, a good photo op and small exhibit there. Farther west, consider a pit stop in Cumberland, a historic canal town. Then gear up for a steep ascent over Savage Mountain (yes, it’s called that!) before entering Garrett County, Maryland’s highest elevation region. Deep Creek Lake is the crown jewel, a large freshwater lake resort area surrounded by rolling mountains. Depending on season, activities abound: in summer, go boating, fishing, or take the kids to the lakeside Discovery Center. In winter, Wisp Resort offers skiing, snow tubing, and a mountain coaster. Year-round, check out Swallow Falls State Park, where you can hike to gorgeous waterfalls (Muddy Creek Falls is a 53-foot stunner). If you love rustic charm, grab a meal at a local barbecue or trout tavern, the lake area has some great homey eateries. At night, the stargazing is incredible due to low light pollution.
Tips: This is about as far from BWI as you can go and still be in Maryland, so consider making it an overnight trip. Lodging around Deep Creek ranges from lakeside cabins to hotels, booking ahead in summer or ski season is wise. Weather can vary: Garrett County is cooler and gets significantly more snow in winter (they even have snow emergency routes). If traveling November–March, ensure your car has all-season tires and drive cautiously if roads are snowy (major highways are well-plowed, but secondary roads to parks or vacation rentals can be slick). Along I-68, grades are steep, use lower gear settings when descending to save your brakes. Also note, Garrett County is rural, fewer gas stations; fill up in Cumberland or Grantsville to be safe. Lastly, cell service can be spotty in mountain valleys, have offline maps or a printed atlas as backup. This road trip shows you a side of Maryland most travelers from BWI never see, you’ll return with fresh mountain air in your lungs and perhaps a growler of local craft beer or some maple syrup (a local product) as a souvenir.

Quick Facts, BWI Airport Car Rentals

• Rental Facility Address: 7432 New Ridge Road, Hanover, MD 21076 (All BWI rental returns/pickups happen here).
• Shuttle Info: 24/7 free shuttle, ~5-10 minute ride to terminals. Look for purple shuttle buses labeled “BWI Rental Car Shuttle.”
• Number of Rental Companies: 10+ (every major brand and several smaller ones).
• Average Price: ~$40-60/day for a mid-size in high season; as low as $25-30/day for economy off-peak. Booking ahead yields best rates.
• Peak Times: Monday mornings and Friday afternoons see high demand at counters (business travelers and weekenders). Aim for mid-day or late evening for quicker service, or use loyalty skip-the-counter options.
• Fuel: Nearest gas, Sunoco at BWI Rental Car Facility entrance. Generally ~$0.20 higher than off-airport prices. Alternative: Royal Farms on MD-170 (about 1.5 miles away) for competitive pricing.
• Driving Tip: Leaving BWI, to Baltimore (~15 min) use I-95 North or MD-295 North; to Washington (~35-45 min) use MD-295 South or I-95/I-495 South. MD-295 (Parkway) has no trucks and no tolls, a smoother drive into D.C.
• Toll Reminder: No cash tolls on I-95 tunnels around Baltimore, pay by plate or E-ZPass. Have a plan if you go that way (rental toll program or alternate route like I-895 which is also cashless now, or go through city streets to avoid toll).