Car Rental at Baltimore Airport (BWI)

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in Anne Arundel County has 10 rental car companies and is clearly the best choice for car rentals in the Maryland region. The airport is located 18 km south of Baltimore and 48 km northeast of Washington D.C., perfectly positioned to explore the entire region. BWI is situated at I-195 and I-97 with direct connection to I-95 – the backbone of travel along the East Coast.

From here it's 30 km to Annapolis, 50 km to Washington D.C., and 110 km to Philadelphia, making BWI an ideal base for a broader East Coast trip. With 10 rental companies on site, competition is strong – compare prices on aggregator websites for the best deals. Drive south on MD-3 toward Annapolis instead of I-97 for more relaxed driving with more stops available.

Planning to visit Washington D.C. – park at BWI and take the MARC train directly to Union Station in 35 minutes. Where do I pick up my rental car at BWI Airport?

All rental companies are located in the Consolidated Rental Car Facility – take the free shuttle bus from the terminal, the drive takes about 5 minutes. How long does it take to drive from BWI to Washington D.C.? About 48 km to the south via I-295 or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, typically 40–55 minutes depending on traffic.

Is it cheaper to rent a car at BWI than in Baltimore city center? Generally yes – competition between 10 rental companies at BWI often results in lower prices than the only option in Baltimore city center.

We compare prices from all major providers at Baltimore Airport so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.