Enterprise Car Hire
Maryland

After collecting your luggage at BWI, look for the prominent overhead signs directing you to "Rental Car Shuttles". Proceed to the lower level of the terminal, where you will find the designated shuttle bus stops outside doors 1A and 1B. These complimentary shuttles run frequently, even late in the evening, and take you on a short ride directly to the consolidated car hire facility. Once you arrive at the facility, you will see the Enterprise desk clearly marked and ready to assist you.

A practical meeting point for your group is inside the terminal on the lower level near the baggage reclaim carousels for your flight. This allows everyone to gather their belongings in a climate‑controlled area with access to toilets and seating. Once everyone is accounted for, the designated driver can proceed to the car hire facility via the shuttle to pick up the vehicle. The rest of the group can then wait at the airport's passenger pickup kerb, which is clearly marked, for the driver to return and collect them.

For a straightforward drive to the Inner Harbour, take MD‑295 North (the Baltimore–Washington Parkway) directly from the airport area. This route is generally well signed and has fewer complex interchanges than I‑95 for this particular trip. As you approach the city, MD‑295 becomes Russell Street; simply continue straight. Follow the signs for Downtown or Inner Harbour, which will guide you onto Pratt Street or Lombard Street, the main thoroughfares bordering the harbour, making for a relatively direct arrival.

During a typical weekday commute, the drive from BWI to Annapolis can take anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour. The primary route, I‑97 South, experiences significant traffic volume, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Outside of peak times, the journey is usually a much quicker 25 to 30 minutes. It's a wise strategy to check a real‑time traffic app on your phone on landing to get the most accurate travel‑time estimate for your arrival.

To reach National Harbor with minimal stress, a good option is to take I‑195 out of the airport to I‑95 South. Rather than navigate the more complex Capital Beltway interchanges, take Exit 4A for I‑295 South (the Anacostia Freeway) toward Washington. From I‑295 South, take Exit 1 for I‑495/I‑95 toward Alexandria/Richmond. The exit for National Harbor will be clearly signed shortly after you merge onto the Beltway, providing a more direct approach than some alternatives.

Most downtown Baltimore hotels have a designated passenger loading and unloading zone directly in front of their main entrance. These are typically marked for short‑term standing, allowing you to pull over safely, check in and unload your luggage with the help of a porter. After you've dropped off your bags, ask hotel staff for directions to their recommended parking garage. This separates unloading from parking, which is much easier than trying to do both at once.

Drivers should be prepared for challenging driving and parking in Baltimore's historic neighbourhoods. Fells Point is known for its narrow cobbled streets and very limited public parking, making a larger vehicle difficult to manoeuvre. Similarly, Federal Hill features steep inclines and permit‑only residential parking on many blocks. Canton and Mount Vernon also have a high density of one‑way streets and tight parking spaces, so it's often best to find a central garage and explore these charming areas on foot.

When driving into Washington, D.C., it's crucial to pay close attention to road signs, as many lanes have time‑of‑day restrictions or are designated for buses or high‑occupancy vehicles (HOV). To simplify your trip, consider driving to a Metro station in a Maryland suburb like Greenbelt, New Carrollton, or Shady Grove, which offer ample visitor parking. From there you can take the train into the city's core, avoiding the stress of D.C. traffic, restricted lanes, and the challenge of finding parking near the National Mall.

A great strategy for a half‑day trip is to drive from your BWI‑area hotel directly to a parking garage near the Inner Harbour. This central location acts as a perfect base camp for exploring many top attractions on foot. You can easily walk to the National Aquarium, the historic ships and the Maryland Science Center. Afterwards, take a short water taxi ride from the harbour over to Fells Point to experience its historic pubs and shops before returning to your car for the simple drive back.

The Baltimore Beltway, I‑695, is a crucial artery that can be intimidating for newcomers. Key interchanges, such as those with I‑95, I‑83 and I‑70, are major choke points that often experience heavy congestion and require attentive lane changes. It's important to know your exit number well in advance and move into the correct lane early to avoid last‑minute manoeuvres. Be particularly mindful of the flow of traffic, as speeds can change rapidly, and always allow extra following distance, especially during peak travel times.

To minimise traffic stress for an Orioles or Ravens game, plan to arrive in the vicinity of the stadiums at least two hours before the event starts. This timeframe allows you to get ahead of the main wave of traffic that builds up on major arteries like I‑95, I‑395 and Russell Street. Arriving early also gives you a much better chance of finding convenient parking in one of the official lots or nearby garages without getting stuck in long queues. Many fans make an afternoon of it to enjoy the pre‑game atmosphere.

A straightforward route from BWI to the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus involves taking I‑195 to I‑95 North toward Baltimore. From I‑95, take exit 53 for I‑395 North into downtown, and stay left to follow the signs for Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Continue on MLK Jr. Blvd, which then becomes Howard Street. Follow Howard Street north until you make a right onto 29th Street, which will lead you directly toward the campus area, bypassing some of the more congested downtown streets.

To visit Fort McHenry National Monument, follow East Fort Avenue all the way to its end, which leads directly to the monument's entrance. The site has its own dedicated and spacious car park, which is typically sufficient for visitors and is free of charge. This dedicated access road and lot keep you separate from industrial port traffic and any unrelated events in the nearby Locust Point neighbourhood. Using the official entrance ensures you won't get caught in local traffic looking for a place to park.

A practical approach is to park your car once for the entire day in a garage located between the two attractions, such as one near Pratt or Lombard Street. Start your day at the National Aquarium, as it can get more crowded in the afternoon. After your visit, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many Inner Harbour restaurants. The Maryland Science Center is just a short and scenic walk around the waterfront from the aquarium, making it easy to visit both landmarks without the hassle of moving your vehicle.

When navigating near the waterfront, especially around I‑95 and Key Highway, it's wise to use your sat‑nav for general direction but rely on road signs for the final approach. Set your navigation specifically to your destination's name, like "Fort McHenry" or a particular restaurant, rather than a general address. Pay close attention to signs indicating "Port Traffic Only" or "Restricted Access", which are common on roads like Broening Highway or Keith Avenue. These visual cues are your best defence against taking a wrong turn into a secure industrial zone.

For a clear and well‑lit route to Towson, take I‑195 out of the airport to I‑95 North. Continue on I‑95 for a few miles and then take Exit 49B to merge onto the Baltimore Beltway, I‑695 North, toward Towson. This is a major motorway that remains well‑travelled and illuminated at night. Stay on I‑695 for about 15 miles and then take one of the several exits for Towson, such as Exit 26 for York Road or Exit 27 for Dulaney Valley Road, depending on your hotel's specific location.

A smart strategy is to use your hire car for the easy motorway portion of the trip on I‑95 North between the two cities. When you reach the outskirts of each city, park your car at your hotel or a long‑stay garage. Then rely on public transport or rideshare services to explore the dense downtown areas. This approach lets you enjoy the freedom of a car for inter‑city travel and for exploring suburbs, while avoiding the navigation, traffic and parking challenges in the historic city centres of both Baltimore and Philadelphia.

To avoid the worst of the beach traffic, especially on a summer weekend, your timing is critical. The ideal plan is to leave the BWI area very early in the morning, aiming to be on the road before 6am on a Friday or Saturday. Alternatively, consider travelling during off‑peak hours, such as mid‑day on a weekday or later in the evening after 8pm. The heaviest jams typically occur on Route 50 approaching the Bay Bridge and again as you get closer to Ocean City, so crossing those points outside peak windows is key.

The drive to Deep Creek Lake involves a significant change in terrain that can surprise first‑time visitors. After the relatively flat journey on I‑70 West, you'll encounter steep mountain grades and winding two‑lane roads on routes like I‑68 and US‑219. Be prepared for slower travel speeds and use lower gears on descents to manage your speed. Additionally, mobile phone service can be spotty in the more mountainous areas, so it's a good idea to download your route map for offline use before you leave the Baltimore–Washington corridor.

A lovely day‑trip loop begins by driving from Baltimore across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge via US‑50 East. Once on the Eastern Shore, exit onto Route 8 South to explore Kent Island before heading to the charming waterfront town of St. Michaels. After enjoying the town, continue south and then take Route 331 and Route 313 through Easton and other scenic areas. To complete the loop without backtracking, take US‑301 North, which offers a different route back toward the western shore, eventually reconnecting you to the Baltimore area.

The drive from BWI to the festival grounds in Crownsville is generally straightforward, primarily using I‑97 South. The main challenge arises in the last few miles on Crownsville Road, a two‑lane road that becomes heavily congested with festival traffic. Expect significant backups and slow‑moving lines as you approach the entrance, especially if you arrive mid‑day. Be patient, follow the directions of the parking attendants, and build at least 30–45 extra minutes into your travel time for that final approach.

To avoid the frustration of searching for limited street parking in historic Annapolis, the most reliable strategy is to head straight to one of the city's main parking garages. The Noah Hillman Garage, located on Gorman Street, is a popular choice as it places you right in the heart of the action. Other excellent options include the Knighton Garage or the Gotts Court Garage, both a short walk from the City Dock, shops and restaurants, allowing you to park once and explore on foot.

For public tours, you cannot drive your vehicle directly onto the U.S. Naval Academy grounds without authorisation. The recommended plan is to park your car in one of the public garages in downtown Annapolis, such as the Noah Hillman Garage. From there, it's a short and pleasant walk to the Visitor Access Centre at Gate 1, located at the corner of Randall Street and Prince George Street. Check the official Naval Academy website for the most current visitor access information before you travel.

A balanced approach is to dedicate a full day to each city. The drive between Baltimore and Frederick via I‑70 West is typically under an hour, making it easy to travel between them. Spend the first day exploring Baltimore's Inner Harbour and historic neighbourhoods. The next morning, enjoy a relaxed drive to Frederick, check into your accommodation, and spend the rest of the day and the following morning exploring its charming historic downtown, Carroll Creek Park and local shops before continuing your journey.

For a more relaxed drive to Gettysburg, consider a route that uses less of the main interstate. From BWI, take MD‑100 West to US‑29 North. Then connect to I‑70 West toward Frederick for a short stretch before taking Exit 53 for US‑15 North. US‑15 is a major road but generally has a more manageable pace than I‑95 or the Baltimore Beltway. This route takes you through scenic Maryland countryside and directly into Gettysburg with fewer complex interchanges to navigate.

To maximise your time at Harpers Ferry, aim to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 10am, to secure a spot at the main National Park Service visitor centre car park. The drive from Baltimore is about 75 minutes via I‑70 West and US‑340 West. After parking, you'll take a mandatory shuttle bus down into the historic Lower Town. This system is efficient and allows you to spend the day walking through historic sites, hiking a trail and enjoying the views without worrying about moving your car.

During heavy rain, visibility on Baltimore‑area motorways like I‑695 and I‑95 can be significantly reduced due to spray from HGVs and other vehicles. It's crucial to reduce your speed, increase your following distance and ensure your headlights are on. Be particularly cautious in low‑lying areas and the nearside lanes, as they are more prone to pooling water or aquaplaning. Allow extra travel time, as even moderate rain can cause substantial traffic delays across the region.

When wintry precipitation is forecast, elevated surfaces are the first to become hazardous. Pay extra attention when driving on bridges, overpasses and motorway ramps, as these structures freeze much faster than ground‑level roads. The interchanges on the Baltimore Beltway (I‑695) and the Jones Falls Expressway (I‑83) are particularly known for developing icy patches quickly. Hilly side streets in neighbourhoods like Federal Hill or Roland Park can also become very slick, so stick to major, treated roads for safety.

For a less hectic beach day, consider visiting one of Maryland's state parks along the Chesapeake Bay. Sandy Point State Park, located just before the Bay Bridge, offers attractive beaches, ample parking and great views of the bridge. Another excellent choice is North Point State Park in Edgemere, which provides a more rustic beach experience with walking trails and plenty of space. These parks are closer to Baltimore and their large, dedicated car parks are much easier to navigate than the street parking and crowded lots of Ocean City.

A smart plan is to pre‑book a parking space in a garage a few blocks away from the arena rather than one immediately adjacent to it. Garages located north of the arena, perhaps near the courthouse or Mercy Medical Center, are good options. This allows you to walk 5–10 minutes to the venue, but after the show you'll be able to exit the garage and access major roads like President Street or I‑83 more easily, bypassing the immediate gridlock at the arena exits.

Navigating Baltimore's one‑way streets requires planning your final approach before you get there. Use your sat‑nav to identify the address of your specific parking garage, not just the Inner Harbour in general. Pay close attention to the last few turns your navigation suggests. Key east‑west arteries like Pratt Street (westbound) and Lombard Street (eastbound) are the main thoroughfares you'll likely use. Knowing which one your garage is on, and the direction of the cross‑street, will prevent you having to circle the block.

The most effective strategy is to group your culinary stops by neighbourhood. For example, park once in a garage in Little Italy to enjoy lunch and a cannoli, then drive to Fells Point and find another garage to explore the pubs and seafood restaurants there. For areas with notoriously difficult parking like Hampden, consider visiting during off‑peak hours, such as a weekday afternoon. This 'park once, explore on foot' method within each neighbourhood is far more enjoyable than trying to find a new street spot for every single stop.

Just a short drive from the BWI car hire facility you’ll find numerous convenient options for a post‑flight break. The area around Arundel Mills shopping centre offers a wide variety of family‑friendly, quick‑service restaurants with toilets and space to stretch. Alternatively, head to a nearby park, such as the Thomas A. Dixon Jr. Aircraft Observation Area, where kids can watch planes take off and land while you get organised for the next leg of your journey. These stops provide a perfect buffer before hitting the motorway.

Maryland's major toll facilities, including the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I‑95), the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I‑895) and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (US‑50), operate with all‑electronic, cashless tolling. This means you will not stop at a booth to pay. Instead, cameras record the vehicle's licence plate and the toll is processed electronically. Hire car companies offer programmes to help travellers manage these tolls conveniently, and you can discuss the specific process for your vehicle when you collect it at the desk.

While sat‑nav shortcuts can sometimes be helpful, it's often wiser to stay on major arterial roads in Baltimore, especially if you're unfamiliar with the city. Many neighbourhood streets are extremely narrow, may be one‑way, or have unexpected stop signs that can slow you down more than the traffic you're trying to avoid. During rush hour or if you're driving a larger vehicle, sticking to main routes like Pratt Street, Lombard Street or Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is generally a safer and less stressful option than navigating tight residential blocks.

The Baltimore Museum of Art has its own paid parking garage, which is the most convenient option for visiting the museum itself. To explore the surrounding Charles Village and Hampden neighbourhoods, it's best to leave your car at the museum. You can easily walk through the scenic Johns Hopkins University campus to reach the shops and cafés in Charles Village. For Hampden, which is a bit further, a short rideshare from the museum will save you the significant challenge of finding street parking in that popular and congested area.

Patapsco Valley State Park has multiple, separate entrance areas, so it's important to choose one based on the activities you want to do. From BWI, the Avalon/Orange Grove area is one of the closest and most popular entrances, accessible via I‑195 and US‑1. This area has several large, designated car parks near trailheads, picnic areas and the swinging bridge. On fine weekends these lots can fill up quickly, so arriving earlier in the day is highly recommended to secure a spot without a long wait.

With a short stopover, your best bet is to visit a destination very close to the airport. A great option is the historic town of Ellicott City, which is only about a 15–20 minute drive from BWI. You can park, stroll its charming Main Street, grab a coffee or a quick bite, and be back at the airport with time to spare. Another quick trip is to Arundel Mills shopping centre for some retail or a meal. Be sure to budget ample time for returning the car, taking the shuttle and clearing security.

A great strategy for a half‑day trip is to drive from your BWI‑area hotel directly to a parking garage near the Inner Harbour. This central location acts as a perfect base camp for exploring many top attractions on foot. You can easily walk to the National Aquarium, the historic ships and the Maryland Science Center. Afterwards, take a short water taxi ride from the harbour over to Fells Point to experience its historic pubs and shops before returning to your car for the simple drive back.

To ensure a smooth return trip during morning rush hour, take MD‑295 South (the Baltimore–Washington Parkway) instead of I‑95. MD‑295 typically has more predictable traffic flow for this route. As you approach the airport, the exit for I‑195 East is well signed and dedicated, leading you directly into the airport loop. From there, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Car Return", which will guide you into the correct lanes for the consolidated facility without any complex merges.

For an early morning flight, the drive to BWI is usually light on traffic, but clear navigation is key. As you get onto the main airport road, I‑195, move into the left lanes and follow the large, clear signs for "Rental Car Return". These signs will direct you to a dedicated roadway that leads straight to the multi‑level rental car facility, separate from terminal departures and arrivals traffic. Programming your sat‑nav specifically for the "BWI Car Rental Return" address, not just the airport, will provide an extra layer of assurance.