How to find a cheap car hire deal in Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
Cruise into adventure with a cheap Baltimore Washington International Airport rental car. With prices averaging 62 € a day, it's an easy win for your budget and your plans. From zippy compacts to power-packed SUVs, we'll help you pick the right ride at the right price.
Daily rental prices at Baltimore Washington International Airport start from just 34 €.
Staying on in Washington DC for a while? Grab a weekly rental from 199 € and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap BWI car hire. Book about two weeks before your departure date to score the best price.
Dollar, Thrifty and Budget are some of the most popular providers at Baltimore Washington International Airport.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Baltimore Washington International Airport car hire policy, whether you book with Dollar or another supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in BWI. Providers often have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can lock in some fantastic one-way prices.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Baltimore Washington International Airport with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with average prices of 63 € a day.
Taking second place is this provider, which offers daily rates of around 62 €.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly 68 € a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you're unsure what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most at BWI.
Compare car hire types from Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or just planning a quick trip, this cheap Baltimore Washington International Airport rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this BWI car hire option includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Baltimore Washington International Airport makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different BWI car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. They can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Baltimore Washington International Airport.
Good to know
You generally have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Being younger doesn't always disqualify you — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.
Add a car seat to your BWI car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest approach.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and a second photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
If it's your first time driving in the United States, remember that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. In general that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've collected the keys to your BWI car hire, the next move is up to you. Central Washington DC is about 48 kilometres southwest and a drive of around 40 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
During peak hour, expect the drive from Baltimore Washington International Airport to the centre to take up to 1 hour 20 minutes.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
Don't need a set of wheels right away? Consider grabbing a car hire in Washington DC instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
You'll find car hire at other airports around Washington DC too. For more variety, browse the car hire options at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or car rentals from Washington Dulles International Airport.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
Begin with some of the standout attractions in Washington DC, like Lincoln Memorial and The White House. Whether you take your car or get there another way, you'll want to see these highlights before leaving town.
Around 13 kilometres north of BWI, Baltimore should feature on your itinerary. Tick off must-see sights like National Aquarium and Baltimore Aquarium.
Add Columbia to your holiday plans. About 16 kilometres northwest of the airport, drive there in your Baltimore Washington International Airport car hire to see standout attractions like Verrazano Bridge and DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Take off to Norfolk, about 257 kilometres south of BWI. From Martin Luther King Jr Memorial to The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
