Visitors intending to reach the official site should visit bwiairport.com
Car rental services at BWI Airport
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What to Expect
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 car rental facilities at BWI Marshall are located at 7432 New Ridge Road, on the west side of the airport grounds.
However, it can be a varied experience depending on the company you choose. A tool that can help you is the following collection of traveler experiences who have used different car rental services at this airport, highlighting both positive aspects and areas for improvement:
1. Alamo
- Positive Experiences: Alamo's service is generally fast and efficient, with many customers praising the friendliness of the staff and the ease of picking up and returning cars. Free upgrades to higher-category vehicles when the requested ones were unavailable were also seen as a plus.
- Negative Experiences: Some users reported that reserved cars were not always available, forcing them to accept less comfortable or worse condition vehicles, sometimes with mechanical issues.
2. Avis
- Positive Experiences: Despite complaints, some customers have highlighted that the pick-up process and the ease of booking online are fast and effective in most cases, with good rates when booked in advance.
- Negative Experiences: However, negative reviews prevail, mainly due to the lack of available vehicles despite reservations, and cleanliness issues with the cars. There were also complaints about long waits and poor customer service.
3. Budget
- Positive Experiences: Some customers found that Budget offers good prices compared to other companies, especially when booked in advance. Additionally, the friendliness of the staff was highlighted in situations where problems were resolved.
- Negative Experiences: However, the company received many complaints about the lack of available vehicles when picking them up, as well as delivering cars in poor condition. Long waits and poor customer service were also pointed out by users.
4. Dollar
- Positive Experiences: Users who had positive experiences mentioned that Dollar offers competitive rates and the car return process is simple. Additionally, in some cases, the staff was quick and efficient.
- Negative Experiences: However, complaints about the lack of vehicle availability, long waits, and problems with the quality and cleanliness of delivered vehicles were prevalent.
5. Enterprise
- Positive Experiences: Enterprise receives praise for its customer service and speed in the pick-up and return processes. Cars are usually clean and in good condition, and the company is known for offering quick solutions in unexpected situations.
- Negative Experiences: Despite being generally well-rated, some customers mentioned that some vehicles were not fully ready for use, with minor maintenance issues, such as faulty entertainment systems.
6. Hertz
- Positive Experiences: Some customers noted that Hertz offers a good variety of vehicles, with options that suit different travel needs, from economy cars to larger vehicles. Additionally, Hertz's loyalty program was positively rated by frequent customers.
- Negative Experiences: Nonetheless, Hertz has faced numerous complaints, mainly due to the lack of available cars and the poor condition of some vehicles. Users also reported long waits and issues with customer assistance.
7. National
- Positive Experiences: National is consistently praised for its Emerald Club program, which allows users to choose cars quickly without going to the counter. Additionally, the staff is described as efficient and friendly, and the cars are usually in good condition.
- Negative Experiences: Regarding negative points, some users mentioned the lack of clarity in billing certain charges, which caused confusion when returning the vehicle.
8. NextCar
- Positive Experiences: NextCar receives positive reviews for its value for money, with affordable rates and a varied fleet. Some customers praised the speed of the return process and the staff's helpfulness.
- Negative Experiences: However, some users reported long waiting times at the counter and communication issues between the reservation platform and the company, which resulted in inconveniences when picking up the car.
9. Sixt
- Positive Experiences: Sixt has some positive reviews, especially for the quality of premium vehicles and the availability of luxury cars. Some customers noted that the pick-up process is fast and efficient.
- Negative Experiences: However, the company received criticism for attempting to charge additional fees and delivering vehicles in poor condition, such as dirty cars or those with unresolved mechanical problems before delivery.
10. Thrifty
- Positive Experiences: Thrifty is praised for the speed of service and the good condition of vehicles when the customer was able to obtain the reserved car without issues. Competitive rates are also a positive point.
- Negative Experiences: However, some users mentioned that the lack of vehicles and poor reservation management led to long waits. There were also issues with the cleanliness of the cars.
Passengers can reach the car rental agency counters via the courtesy bus that runs between the main terminal and the car rental facilities every 8-10 minutes. It can be boarded on the inner curb of the lower level, near doors 1, 11, and 16.
Advance reservations are recommended. Check for availability HERE.
Contact details and opening hours
- 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.