Car rental services at BWI Airport
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Car rental booking
Renting a car at the airport is a good idea, especially if your final destination is Washington DC, due to the long distances in the metropolitan area. The rental car facility at BWI Marshall is located at 7432 New Ridge Road, on the west side of the airport property.
All of the rental car companies listed below serve the airport. Passengers can reach the offices via the courtesy shuttle bus that runs between the main terminal and the rental car facility every 8-10 minutes. It can be boarded at the inner curb on the lower level, next to doors 1, 11 and 16.
Advance reservations are recommended. Check for availability HERE.
Car rental companies
- Alamo - Tel +1 410 859 8092 - 24 hours
- Avis - Tel +1 410 859 1680 - 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Budget - Tel +1 410 691 2913 - 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Dollar - Tel +1 410 850 7112 - 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Enterprise - Tel +1 800 325 8007 - 24 hours
- Hertz - Tel +1 410 850 7400 - 6:00 am to 0:00 am
- National - Tel +1 410 859 8092 - 24 hours
- NextCar Rental - Tel +1 410 461 1500 - 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Sixt - Tel +1 888 749 8227 - 7:00 am to 0:00 am
- Thrifty - Tel +1 410 850 7112 - 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
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What to consider before renting a car?
Having a vehicle has its conveniences and advantages. Although the Washington/Baltimore area is well served by public transportation, there are many places worth visiting and long distances are common.
However, as in any metropolitan area, especially in the downtown access area of the nation's capital, you should be aware that during rush hour, traffic is often heavy and bottlenecks can occur. You should also consider the additional costs of renting a car. In addition to the fuel that you will have to replenish before returning the car, keep in mind that many access roads to the different points of the metropolitan area have tolls.
In addition to your valid driver's license (either national or international), be sure to rent a vehicle with full insurance, with an authorized agency present at the airport, and also have a GPS on hand (if the vehicle does not have its own navigation system).
It is imperative to respect all traffic signs, speed limits and not to drink alcohol if you are going to drive. Be aware that the American authorities are usually very strict in the respect of the rules, and consequently, the punishments are usually very severe in case of any infraction.
In downtown areas, try to find private parking lots, especially during business hours, because there is often very little space available. This way you will also avoid unexpected fines.