How to find a cheap car hire deal in Baltimore Washington International (BWI)
Whether you need a small car for zipping through the city streets or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap Baltimore Washington International rental car. Pick from options averaging £105 a day and get going for less.
Daily rental prices at Baltimore Washington International start from just £38.
Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from £265 and squeeze in a few road trips from Washington DC.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Two weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a BWI car hire.
Dollar, Thrifty and Budget are some of the top providers at Baltimore Washington International.
Whether you book with Dollar or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Baltimore Washington International car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in BWI by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Baltimore Washington International with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.
Roam without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value deal with this company, with average prices at £91 a day.
Taking second place, this provider offers daily rates of around £132.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly £86 a day.
Want a car that handles just about any journey? The Compact rental category is the top choice for travellers at BWI.
Compare car hire types from Baltimore Washington International (BWI)
Small: These cheap Baltimore Washington International rental cars may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, fuel efficient, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this BWI car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Baltimore Washington International that makes light work of heavy loads. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your BWI car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Baltimore Washington International by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Typically, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Younger drivers aren't always turned away — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.
If the kids are coming with you, check if you should add a child car seat to your BWI car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Stay within local speed limits of about 40kph (25mph) through built-up areas and around 110kph (70mph) on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everything you buy throughout your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to cover you in every situation.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've picked up the keys to your BWI car hire, it's time to create your own itinerary. Central Washington DC is about 48 kms (30 miles) southwest and a drive of around 40 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
Allow roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to travel from Baltimore Washington International to the city centre during rush hours.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
If you're not jumping into the driver's seat immediately, consider picking up a car hire in Washington DC instead of at the airport. Simply collect your ride when it works for you and only pay for the days you need.
Car hire is also offered at other airports serving Washington DC. For more variety, explore the car hire options at Washington Ronald Reagan or car rentals from Washington Dulles.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Baltimore Washington International (BWI)
You'll want to experience the major attractions in Washington DC before you do anything else. Lincoln Memorial and The White House are a great way to kick things off.
Around 13 kms (8 miles) north of BWI, Baltimore easily earns a place on your itinerary. Make a beeline for must-see sights like National Aquarium and Baltimore Aquarium.
Or collect your Baltimore Washington International car hire and drive over to Columbia. About 16 kms (10 miles) northwest of the airport, Verrazano Bridge and DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum are among the highlights that make the drive totally worth it.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Motor on to Norfolk, about 257 kms (160 miles) south of BWI. From Martin Luther King Jr Memorial to The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, your journey will end on a high note.
