Car Rental at Baltimore/Washington International Airport
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Compact
Hyundai Accent
or similar
$50.24
per day
Economy
Chevrolet Spark
or similar
$58.75
per day
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla
or similar
$61.22
per day
Standard
Standard (Volkswagen Jetta)
or similar
$66.99
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Full-size
Toyota Camry
or similar
$67.82
per day
Luxury
Audi A4
or similar
$77.73
per day
Premium
Chrysler 300
or similar
$79.79
per day
Premium Elite SUV
Audi Q5
or similar
$82.16
per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 4:50 PM on 12/10/24. 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
$68 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%
Average gas price
$0.90 per liter or $3.41 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$0.80 per liter or $3.03 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.02 per liter or $3.86 per gallon
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.
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.
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.
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 $110 per day
- Large cars - from $52 per day
- Medium cars - from $50 per day
- Vans - from $94 per day
- Premium cars - from $68 per day
- Small cars - from $52 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.
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.
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)
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
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
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car at Baltimore/Washington International Airport is January — when rental costs average $26.97 per day. This is 38% cheaper than the yearly average and 57% cheaper than renting a car in July (when prices average $62.44 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.
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
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 July, 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
Car rental information
| Popular suppliers | NextCar, Dollar, Thrifty, SIXT, Enterprise |
| Popular car categories | Large cars, Medium cars, Small cars, SUVs |
| Lowest price | $50 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 |
| Thrifty | Ford Focus | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Thrifty | Volkswagen Jetta | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| SIXT | Compact (Nissan Versa) | 4 | 1 | Medium cars |
| Dollar | Volkswagen Jetta | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Dollar | Honda Civic | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Dollar | Volkswagen Jetta | 2 | 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.
HG
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. 
AK
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
$68.09
Lowest daily price
$50.24
Total cars available
238
Top 8 suppliers at Baltimore/Washington International Airport in 2024
+18887498227
7434 New Ridge Road, Bwi Car Rental Center
$66 - $217
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
+14104611500
7440 New Ridge Rd, Hanover, MD 21076
$66 - $217
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
Budget
+14106912913
7426 New Ridge Rd, Hanover, MD 21076
$60 - $304
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
8338560898
7434 NEW RIDGE RD,
$69 - $211
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
National
+18338560897
7434 New Ridge Rd, Hanover, MD 21076
$70 - $285
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
+14108591680
Baltimore-Washington Intl Apo
$65 - $120
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
8664342226
7410 New Ridge Rd
$50 - $143
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
+18772830898
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, 7410 New Ridge Rd, Hanover, MD 21076, United States
$57 - $109
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
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Trustpilot - Top 10 Car Rental Agencies
SimilarWeb - Top 50 Car Rental Websites
Highly recommended by our customers
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