Car Rental at Baltimore/Washington International Airport

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Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Baltimore, USA - Maryland
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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700+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Compact
Hyundai Accent or similar
Hyundai Accent
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Dollar
$50.63 per day
Economy
Mitsubishi Mirage or similar
Mitsubishi Mirage
  • 4
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$54.58 per day
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla or similar
Toyota Corolla
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$55.32 per day
Standard
Volkswagen Jetta or similar
Volkswagen Jetta
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
National
$58.85 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Full-size
Toyota Camry or similar
Toyota Camry
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Budget
$59.98 per day
Premium
Ford Taurus or similar
Ford Taurus
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Thrifty
$72.49 per day
Mini Van
Minivan (Chrysler Pacifica) or similar
Minivan (Chrysler Pacifica)
  • 7
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$74.27 per day
Luxury Elite SUV
BMW X7 or similar
BMW X7
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$56.79 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 4:39 PM on 11/29/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Languages
English
Currency
USD
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+1
Average car rental price
$60 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
40 km/h or 25 mph
Speed limit out of town
88 - 104 km/h or 55 - 65 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Rating
10.0 / 10
Average gas price
$0.92 per liter or $3.48 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$0.82 per liter or $3.10 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.02 per liter or $3.86 per gallon
Baltimore/Washington International Airport

Airport travel guide

Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) is a large airport serving two major cities in the United States: Baltimore, the largest city in the state of Maryland and Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States and a major tourist draw for both domestic and international visitors. Some fantastic sites to see in Washington, D.C. are the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, the Capitol building, the Smithsonian museums, and the National Gallery of Art, but there is so much more to explore beyond these few things! Don’t miss out on some of Baltimore’s interesting things to do, such as catching a game at Oriole Park, visiting the Fort McHenry National Monument, or seeing the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum.

Though BWI is slightly farther from Washington than Dulles and much farther from the city than Ronald Reagan National Airport, many travelers still choose to fly into it. This is due both to it being considered a nicer airport and because it is a focus city for Southwest Airlines, a low-cost airline. In fact, BWI has more passenger traffic than the other Washington airports. 

Top international routes

  • Orlando
  • Atlanta
  • Boston
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • Tampa
  • Chicago
  • Denver
  • Charlotte
  • Miami
  • Nashville

Main airlines

Southwest Airlines is by far the largest carrier serving BWI as the airport is a focus city for the airline. Spirit, Delta, American, and United are the other major airlines that fly to and from the airport.

Air Canada Express, British Airways, and Condor are the airlines that fly to international destinations, though Spirit and Southwest both have flights to and from locations in the Caribbean and Central America.

Terminals

There is one terminal at BWI, though it has five separate concourses, only some of which are connected post-security. Concourses A and B are exclusive to Southwest. Southwest also uses Concourse C along with American Airlines. These concourses are all securely connected.

Concourses D and E are the main international concourses, with concourse E handling all international arrivals that are not pre-cleared. They, too, are securely connected.

Unfortunately, the two sides of the airport are not connected after security. The major effect of this is that passengers wishing to use the Club BWI lounge but flying from Concourse A, B, or C must leave time to go through security again before reaching their gate.

Location

BWI is located roughly 10 miles (16km) south of downtown Baltimore via the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

Though it seems like the airport is farther away from Washington than Dulles Airport, it is, in fact, just a few miles farther away. The 30-mile (48km) drive takes roughly 45 minutes in good traffic conditions. Washington is notorious for its traffic congestion, though, so it may take twice as long or more during rush hour.

Most popular types of rental car

  • Convertibles - from $91 per day
  • Large cars - from $52 per day
  • Medium cars - from $51 per day
  • Vans - from $64 per day
  • Premium cars - from $60 per day
  • Small cars - from $51 per day
  • SUVs - from $52 per day

Car rental desks

BWI has a large car rental facility where all of the major companies that serve the airport are located. It is located beside the airport. From the terminal, renters must take one of the frequent free shuttles to the center. And unlike at some other airports, the shuttle is run by the airport and you do not need to wait for a shuttle that is specifically for the company you are renting from. The ride takes roughly ten minutes, so budget your time when returning to the airport to account for this.

Services and facilities

BWI has all of the facilities that one would expect of a major international airport.

A unique amenity to the airport is the Roam Fitness Club located in Concourse E. Though the company plans to expand to other airports, BWI is currently its only location. You can get a workout and then a shower all while waiting for your flight.

Pretty much all national hotel chains have a hotel just outside the airport along Nursery Road. Most will have a free shuttle service, so you can drop your car off the night before if you have an early flight.

Currency exchanges can be found in the main terminal near Concourses C and E. As usual, you are best served exchanging money before flying, using one of the airports many ATMs or exchanging money in the city as any of these options will provide you with a better rate. There are many restaurants of all types and shopping opportunities at the airport, though the selection of such depends on the Concourse from which you are flying.

Nearest gas station

There are two stations located on Dorsey Road, which is right off of New Ridge Road, on which the Rental Center is located. One is a Shell station, the other a Citgo. Both of them have prices that are above normal for the area.

If you have a Costco membership, you can fill up at Costco south of Maryland Route 100, which is only three miles from the Rental Center (unfortunately, you must have a Costco Membership to purchase gas at a Costco).

Another solution is to fill up farther from the airport and use the more expensive stations to top up before returning your rental car.

Popular one-way rentals

  • Washington, D.C. (33 miles / 53 km)
  • Philadelphia (112 miles / 180 km)
  • New York City (197 miles / 317 km)
  • Richmond (147 miles / 237 km)
  • Charlotte (438 miles / 704 km)
  • Pittsburgh (249 miles / 401 km)
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Megan Starr & Aram Vardanyan
This article was reviewed and updated by Megan and Aram, who write at Virginia Travel Tips, a Virginia travel blog that focuses on how to plan an amazing trip to Virginia... and the states they love that surround it! From the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland to blues bars in Memphis, you can find travel guides, weekend itineraries, and day trip options on the blog.

Airport info

Rating
8.2
  • Getting to the airport 8.2
  • Check-in and departures 8.6
  • Terminal facilities 8.2
  • Wi-Fi 7.9
  • Restaurants and car rental services 8.0
  • Lounge 8.0

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)

  • IATA: BWI
  • ICAO: KBWI
  • Name: Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
  • Distance from city: 9 miles / 14.5 km

Map of Car Rental Locations

When are car rental prices the lowest at Baltimore/Washington International Airport?

The cost of renting a car at Baltimore/Washington International Airport varies by season. The table and graph below can help you find the best time of year to save on a rental car.
Average rental costs per day at Baltimore/Washington International Airport
$27.19
January
$45.50
February
$50.22
March
$43.78
April
$37.22
May
$43.44
June
$62.95
July
$60.72
August
$41.75
September
$37.52
October
$48.25
November
$32.29
December
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car at Baltimore/Washington International Airport is January — when rental costs average $27.19 per day. This is 39% cheaper than the yearly average and 57% cheaper than renting a car in July (when prices average $62.95 per day).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

For how long do renters keep their vehicles at Baltimore/Washington International Airport?

How long travelers keep their rental cars varies by the time of year: in May the average rental period is 32 days, while in November, the average rental period is only 7 days.
Average number of rental days at Baltimore/Washington International Airport
13
January
12
February
12
March
13
April
32
May
15
June
8
July
9
August
22
September
11
October
7
November
13
December

What is the most popular time of year to rent a car at Baltimore/Washington International Airport?

Based on how many users search for a car in at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, travelers are most likely to rent a car in December, while they are least likely to rent in in April.
Monthly searches at Baltimore/Washington International Airport by pick-up date relative to the average
79%
January
65%
February
65%
March
42%
April
60%
May
102%
June
167%
July
83%
August
158%
September
107%
October
88%
November
185%
December

Car rental information

Popular suppliers NextCar, Dollar, Thrifty, SIXT, Enterprise
Popular car categories Large cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Small cars
Lowest price $51 per day
Cheapest supplier Dollar

Most popular car models of rental suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
NextCar Hyundai Accent 4 1 Small cars
NextCar Hyundai Accent 4 2 Medium cars
Dollar Mazda 3 2 2 Large cars
Dollar Honda CR-V 5 3 SUVs
Dollar Volkswagen Jetta 2 2 Large cars
Thrifty Mazda 3 5 3 Large cars
Thrifty Volkswagen Jetta 4 2 Large cars
SIXT Compact (Nissan Versa) 4 1 Medium cars
Dollar Honda Civic 4 2 Large cars
Dollar Volkswagen Jetta 4 2 Large cars

FAQ

Can I take a rental car from Maryland to other states?
Yes, in most cases you are allowed to drive to Virginia, Deleware, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia with the rental car.
Are there toll roads in Maryland?
Yes, there are multiple toll roads in Maryland and the D.C. area including I-95.
How can I pay for the tolls in Maryland?
You can either use an E-Z Pass transponder or pay via invoice after having your license plate recorded by camera. If you have an E-Z Pass account, you can add your rental car to it temporarily. Alternatively, most rental companies offer a toll package that includes the use of an E-Z Pass transponder.
How old do I have to be to rent a car in Maryland?
You have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Maryland. You will also be charged a Young Driver's Fee if you are under the age of 25.

Our customers' reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Canada
Honda CR-V
10/13/24
I attended the Annapolis Sailboat Show for the second year and had an absolute blast. The people who attend are amazing, and those who put the show together are unmatched in their performances. I look forward to returning next year.
Photo 1 by Heather G. about renting a Honda CR-V in Baltimore (10/13/24) Photo 2 by Heather G. about renting a Honda CR-V in Baltimore (10/13/24) Photo 3 by Heather G. about renting a Honda CR-V in Baltimore (10/13/24)
United States of America (USA)
Hyundai Accent
11/10/23
I rented the car for a week because my vehicle needed service and I was looking for a replacement. Having the experience of an "extended" test drive was invaluable in comparing new cars. I would definitely recommend renting a car you may want to buy.

Car Rental Statistics

Highest-rated company
SIXT
7.8 / 10
)
Lowest-rated company
Thrifty
6.9 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
2
Total rental companies
8
Average daily price
$60.36
Lowest daily price
$50.63
Total cars available
371

Top 8 suppliers at Baltimore/Washington International Airport in 2024

SIXT
Average 7.8 / 1 review
+18887498227
7434 New Ridge Road, Bwi Car Rental Center
$65 - $209
Working hours
Mon:07:00 - 23:59
Tue:07:00 - 23:59
Wed:07:00 - 23:59
Thu:07:00 - 23:59
Fri:07:00 - 23:59
Sat:07:00 - 23:59
Sun:07:00 - 23:59
NextCar
Average 7.7 / 24 reviews
+14104611500
7440 New Ridge Rd, Hanover, MD 21076
$65 - $209
Working hours
Mon:06:00 - 23:00
Tue:06:00 - 23:00
Wed:06:00 - 23:00
Thu:06:00 - 23:00
Fri:06:00 - 23:00
Sat:06:00 - 23:00
Sun:06:00 - 23:00
Alamo
Average 7.7 / 1 review
8338560898
7434 NEW RIDGE RD,
$55 - $213
Working hours
Mon:00:00 - 23:59
Tue:00:00 - 23:59
Wed:00:00 - 23:59
Thu:00:00 - 23:59
Fri:00:00 - 23:59
Sat:00:00 - 23:59
Sun:00:00 - 23:59
Budget
Budget
Average 7.7 / 1 review
+14106912913
7426 New Ridge Rd, Hanover, MD 21076
$60 - $225
Working hours
Mon:06:00 - 23:00
Tue:06:00 - 23:00
Wed:06:00 - 23:00
Thu:06:00 - 23:00
Fri:06:00 - 23:00
Sat:06:00 - 23:00
Sun:06:00 - 23:00
National
National
Average 7.6 / 0 reviews
+18338560897
7434 New Ridge Rd, Hanover, MD 21076
$58 - $287
Working hours
Mon:00:00 - 23:59
Tue:00:00 - 23:59
Wed:00:00 - 23:59
Thu:00:00 - 23:59
Fri:00:00 - 23:59
Sat:00:00 - 23:59
Sun:00:00 - 23:59
Avis
Avis
Average 7.6 / 3 reviews
+14108591680
Baltimore-Washington Intl Apo
$55 - $128
Working hours
Mon:06:00 - 23:00
Tue:06:00 - 23:00
Wed:06:00 - 23:00
Thu:06:00 - 23:00
Fri:06:00 - 23:00
Sat:06:00 - 23:00
Sun:06:00 - 23:00
Dollar
Average 7.3 / 10 reviews
8664342226
7410 New Ridge Rd
$51 - $114
Working hours
Mon:07:00 - 22:00
Tue:07:00 - 22:00
Wed:07:00 - 22:00
Thu:07:00 - 22:00
Fri:07:00 - 22:00
Sat:07:00 - 22:00
Sun:07:00 - 22:00
Thrifty
Below average 6.9 / 9 reviews
+18772830898
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, 7410 New Ridge Rd, Hanover, MD 21076, United States
$59 - $123
Working hours
Mon:07:00 - 22:00
Tue:07:00 - 22:00
Wed:07:00 - 22:00
Thu:07:00 - 22:00
Fri:07:00 - 22:00
Sat:07:00 - 22:00
Sun:07:00 - 22:00
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