Rent a car at Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI), Maryland, United States

About Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Maryland

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is a major airport serving the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. Located about 9 miles (14 km) south of downtown Baltimore and 32 miles (51 km) northeast of Washington, D.C., it’s a key hub for domestic and select international travel. Renting a car at Baltimore Airport gives you the freedom to explore Maryland’s cities, countryside, and nearby destinations like Annapolis and the Eastern Shore.

Airport facilities and services

BWI has a single, easy-to-navigate terminal with multiple concourses offering a variety of amenities, including restaurants, shopping, lounges, business services, free Wi-Fi, and accessibility support. Hotels like the BWI Airport Marriott and Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport are located within minutes of the terminal for added convenience.

Transportation to and from the airport

BWI is accessible via the Amtrak and MARC rail station, with free shuttle service between the airport and train station. The Light RailLink also connects BWI to downtown Baltimore. However, for travelers planning to explore the region or continue to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, or Virginia, car rental is the most flexible option.

How to rent a car at Baltimore Airport

All rental services operate from the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, located just off-site and accessible by a free shuttle bus from the lower level terminal. Major providers include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Thrifty. Booking ahead with Rentcars ensures faster service, competitive prices, and access to extras like GPS, toll passes, and full coverage insurance.

Driving tips from Baltimore Airport

• Drive on the right: As is standard in the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Speed limits: Typically 25–35 mph in city areas, 55–65 mph on highways, and up to 70 mph on interstates unless otherwise posted.
• Tolls: Maryland uses E-ZPass for its toll roads, bridges, and tunnels. Most rental cars are equipped with transponders.
• Fuel stations: Easily found near the Rental Car Facility and major roads — most are open 24/7 and self-service.
• Navigation: GPS or apps like Waze and Google Maps are essential for avoiding traffic and planning scenic or efficient routes across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Why book your car rental at Baltimore Airport with Rentcars?

Rentcars allows you to compare rates from top rental providers at Baltimore Airport in one place. With multilingual customer support, secure online booking, and no hidden fees, Rentcars helps you explore Maryland and the broader D.C. region with comfort and confidence.