National Car Hire
Baltimore

After collecting your luggage at baggage reclaim, look for clear overhead signs marked "Rental Car Shuttles." These will direct you to the designated shuttle stop outside the terminal on the lower level. A complimentary shuttle runs frequently to the BWI Consolidated Rental Car Facility, a short ride from the main terminal. Once you arrive at that building, you will find the National Car Rental desk clearly signed inside.

Even late at night the route to the rental car area is straightforward and well lit. The rental car shuttles operate 24/7, so you can always get to the facility. After leaving baggage reclaim, simply follow the airport signage for "Rental Car Shuttles" to the pickup curb on the lower level. The route is direct and the shuttle will take you straight to the entrance of the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, reducing the chance of confusion.

During busy periods it's sensible to allow roughly 60 to 90 minutes from the time you deplane to driving away. That covers walking from your gate, waiting for and collecting luggage, and the shuttle ride to the rental facility. Collecting your vehicle can also involve queues on busy days. Allowing this buffer helps ensure a relaxed start without racing to your first appointment.

For a relatively straightforward drive to the Inner Harbor, take MD-295 North (the Baltimore–Washington Parkway). It’s generally more direct than I-95 and avoids some complex city interchanges. As you near downtown MD-295 becomes Russell Street, which runs past the stadiums. From there a couple of simple turns onto Pratt Street or Lombard Street will get you to the heart of the Inner Harbor—easily handled by your satnav.

Approaching the Convention Center many first-time visitors find the network of one-way streets—Lombard, Pratt and Howard—confusing. Pratt runs eastbound along the north side of the centre and Lombard westbound; both are busy. Watch for turn restrictions and heavy pedestrian traffic. Using a satnav is highly recommended and review the final few turns before you enter the dense downtown grid.

To reach Harbor East or Fells Point with minimum stress, stay on major thoroughfares as long as possible before turning into the neighbourhood. One good option is I-95 North through the Fort McHenry Tunnel and Exit 55 for Key Highway, or MD-295 to downtown then President Street east. Once you leave the main road, drive slowly and expect narrow cobbled streets, tight turns and a mix of one- and two-way blocks. Having the hotel’s exact address in your navigation is essential for the final approach.

Driving through the Fort McHenry Tunnel means merging onto a busy I-95 corridor and travelling on a multi-lane undersea roadway. Expect steady, fast-moving traffic and turn your headlights on. A common mistake is making late lane changes just before or inside the tunnel to prepare for an exit. It’s safer to get into the correct lane well beforehand, keep a steady speed and follow the overhead lane signals closely.

For a direct route to the Johns Hopkins medical campus, MD-295 North is often the simplest choice. Follow MD-295 until it becomes Russell Street in Baltimore, then continue as it turns into Paca Street. From there your satnav will guide you through a series of turns—likely via Baltimore Street or Orleans Street east—towards the hospital. This avoids some complex motorway interchanges and keeps you on major city arteries for most of the trip.

A day trip to Washington, D.C. is very doable—the drive is typically under an hour without traffic. The most direct route is the Baltimore–Washington Parkway (MD-295 South). The main challenge is traffic, which can be very heavy during morning and evening rush hours and greatly increase journey times. Drivers commonly get held up approaching the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95) and on the final streets into D.C. Travelling outside peak times is the best plan.

The simplest and generally less stressful route to Annapolis is to take I-195 from the airport to MD-170 South, then join I-97 South. I-97 is a well-maintained highway that leads to US-50 East into Annapolis. This avoids the heavier traffic on the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and I-95, and the junctions are usually well signed with adequate space for merging.

To drive to National Harbor from Baltimore you’ll generally take I-95 South. The main choke point is usually the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95) near Washington, D.C. To reduce delays, travel outside peak hours—midday or later in the evening if possible. Once on the Beltway take the exit for National Harbor. Use a real-time traffic app before you set off to check conditions and time your trip to avoid the worst congestion.

The Maryland Zoo offers several large free car parks off its main entrance. On sunny weekends these can fill quickly, so arriving earlier is advisable. The main access road, Druid Park Lake Drive, and nearby sections of I-83 (the Jones Falls Expressway) can become slow on weekends, especially during peak visiting hours. Expect local congestion as you approach the park entrance and follow signs for zoo parking.

On game days the area around the stadiums becomes extremely congested and numerous road closures and altered traffic patterns are put in place. Driving directly to the stadiums is not recommended unless you hold a pre-purchased parking pass for a specific lot. A better strategy is to park in an Inner Harbor garage or nearby neighbourhood and walk to the match. If you must drive close, allow significantly more travel time and follow police directions carefully.

To avoid circling, plan to use one of the large parking garages just off Pratt Street or Lombard Street. A simple approach is to drive towards the Inner Harbor and watch for public parking signs as you near the aquarium. The Lockwood Place Garage and the Harbor Park Garage are conveniently located and well signed. Entering the garage address into your satnav is the most effective way to get turn-by-turn directions straight to the entrance.

When joining I-695 it’s important to be decisive and aware. Use the full length of the on-ramp to accelerate and match the flow of traffic before you need to merge. Check your mirrors and blind spot early to find a gap. Signal clearly and avoid slowing or stopping on the ramp if you can. A confident, steady merge is safer than a hesitant one on a busy motorway.

The most efficient route to Towson from BWI is via the Baltimore Beltway, I-695. From the airport follow signs for I-195 to I-95 North then take the exit for I-695 West towards Towson. This mostly motorway route completely bypasses downtown Baltimore and its traffic. Once on I-695 take the appropriate exit for Towson such as York Road or Dulaney Valley Road.

For areas like Hunt Valley and Timonium you should take the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) counter-clockwise, i.e. west, toward Towson. Leave the airport area and merge onto I-695 West. That route takes you around the west and north sides of the city. Aim to join I-83 North (the Jones Falls Expressway), which will take you directly to the Timonium and Hunt Valley exits. It’s largely motorway driving and avoids city streets.

Driving to Patapsco Valley State Park is practical—several main entrances are a short drive from the BWI area. The park is large with multiple access points, so know which area you plan to visit (e.g. Avalon, McKeldin, Hollofield). Parking is available in designated lots but can fill quickly on fine weekends, sometimes resulting in temporary closures of certain entrances. It’s sensible to arrive early and have a backup area in mind.

To avoid the worst traffic for Sandy Point State Park, plan to leave Baltimore before 9:00am and start your return trip either before 3:00pm or after 7:00pm, especially on a summer weekend. US-50 East is the main artery to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the Eastern Shore and sees heavy beach-bound congestion. Travelling in these off-peak windows will help you avoid the frustrating backups near the bridge.

A common mistake is not having a GPS destination set before pulling out of the garage, which leads to confusion at the first intersections. The exit road from the facility, New Ridge Road, quickly presents choices for major routes like MD-170, I-195 and MD-295. To avoid errors programme your destination while parked and listen carefully to the initial instructions. Also pay attention to the clear overhead signs directing you toward Baltimore, Washington or other main routes.

A great place to wait is the BWI Cell Phone Lot, which is free and just a minute or two from the terminal. This keeps you out of the congested arrivals curb until your friends are ready. Alternatively, shopping centres with cafés and fast-food outlets along Nursery Road or West Nursery Road, a five-minute drive from the airport, offer easy places to park and regroup.

Visitors often find parking in historic neighbourhoods like Fells Point, Federal Hill and Canton challenging. These areas have a mix of residential permit parking, metered spaces with time limits and street cleaning restrictions. Signage can be complex, with multiple rules on a single post. To avoid issues read the posted signs carefully for the specific spot you choose, or opt for a public parking garage for a simpler solution.

When driving near the Inner Harbor, Harbor East and Fells Point at the weekend expect many pedestrians, cyclists and scooter users who may not always use crossings. Drive at a reduced speed and maintain heightened awareness. Be especially cautious when turning, as people may be crossing from unexpected places. Yielding to pedestrians is crucial—adopt a patient, defensive driving approach in these busy areas.

The simplest drop-off strategy at Penn Station is to use the main entrance loop directly in front of the historic station building on Charles Street. This area is designated for passenger drop-offs and pick-ups. Pull up to the kerb, unload passengers and luggage quickly, and depart promptly to keep traffic flowing. Avoid parking or waiting in the loop for any length of time.

The most effective strategy is to park once and explore on foot. Choose a centrally located public garage in the Inner Harbor or Harbor East and leave your car there for the day. From that point you can easily walk between the Inner Harbor and Harbor East. To reach Fells Point or Federal Hill consider the Baltimore Water Taxi—a scenic, convenient way to hop between waterfront neighbourhoods without hunting for parking at each stop.

The most direct route to Columbia is to take I-195 West from the airport to MD-295 South (the Baltimore–Washington Parkway) and then exit onto MD-100 West. MD-100 brings you directly into central Columbia. Alternatively take MD-176 West (Dorsey Road) to join MD-100. During peak commuter times expect heavier traffic towards Columbia in the morning and away from it in the late afternoon, especially on MD-100 and near junctions with I-95 and US-29.

The drive to Arundel Mills is very short and straightforward. From the rental car facility take MD-176 West (Dorsey Road) for a few miles until you see signs for Arundel Mills Boulevard. A common mistake is missing the dedicated right turn for the mall entrance from Arundel Mills Boulevard, as there are several access points. The casino entrance is also clearly signed from the same road. Follow the large, prominent signs for a smooth arrival.

During weekday morning rush (roughly 07:00 to 09:30) allow at least 45 to 60 minutes driving time from downtown Baltimore to the BWI rental return. That accounts for city and motorway congestion. After returning the car you’ll need the shuttle back to the terminal and security. A safe plan is to leave your hotel about three hours before your flight to ensure a relaxed arrival at the gate.

Coming from downtown on MD-295 South, stay in the left lanes as you approach the airport and follow the large signs for I-195 East toward BWI Airport. Once on I-195 move to the right and take the exit marked "Rental Car Return." The airport signage separates rental car traffic from terminal traffic well in advance. Following these dedicated signs helps you avoid last-minute lane changes.

To reduce stress take I-97 South to US-50 East. As you reach Annapolis, rather than heading directly into the congested centre consider the Rowe Boulevard exit and park at the Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. From there you can use a shuttle into the downtown area near the Academy. This avoids navigating narrow, crowded streets and the limited parking in historic Annapolis.

In winter conditions take extra care on elevated surfaces such as bridges, overpasses and motorway ramps as they freeze faster than roadways on ground level. Shaded streets in neighbourhoods like Roland Park or Mount Washington can remain icy long after other areas have cleared. Reduce speed, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Allow extra travel time as traffic will move more slowly.

The most straightforward route to Gettysburg is to take I-695 West to I-795 North. I-795 becomes MD-140 West, which you follow through scenic Maryland countryside. You will eventually join US-15 North in Pennsylvania which leads directly to Gettysburg. The drive is mostly well-maintained motorways and two-lane state roads, offering a pleasant and relatively easy journey.

A day trip to Harper’s Ferry is very doable and makes for a picturesque drive. The common route is I-70 West from Baltimore to Frederick, then US-340 West to Harper’s Ferry. The main challenge is parking, which is very limited in the small historic lower town. The best approach is to follow signs to the National Park Service visitor centre parking lot before you reach the town and use the park shuttle down to the historic area.

Drivers unfamiliar with the area often struggle with one-way streets and the circular traffic pattern around Wyman Park Dell, adjacent to the museum and campus. Charles Street and St. Paul Street are main north–south routes, but the smaller side streets can be tricky. The most common issue is finding the correct entrance to the museum car park. It’s best to set your satnav for the BMA garage entrance to get precise directions for the final turns.

A relatively simple route is to take MD-295 North from the airport, which becomes Russell Street. As you pass the stadiums turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. This wide modern boulevard skirts the most confusing downtown grids. From MLK Jr. Boulevard make a right onto Lombard Street which leads to the B&O Railroad Museum area with fewer one-way complications than routing through the city core.

To avoid the worst traffic plan your drive for the middle of the day, between 10:00 and 14:00, or after 19:00 on a weekday. The primary route is I-95 South and the worst congestion is on the Capital Beltway (I-495) around Washington, D.C. Use a real-time traffic app to check for incidents or delays before you depart. On weekends traffic can still be heavy so an early morning start is often best.

The Baltimore area has several major toll facilities, notably tunnels on I-95 (Fort McHenry) and I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel), and the Francis Scott Key Bridge on I-695. Most use all-electronic tolling so there are no cash lanes. Ask the rental agent about the vehicle’s toll device or payment options at the counter. That way you’ll understand how tolls are processed and can pass through these points smoothly.

A convenient spot to pull over and get organised is the Dixon Aircraft Observation Area, a few minutes from the rental facility on MD-170. It has a dedicated car park where you can safely adjust child seats, sort luggage and give kids a quick break while watching planes. Alternatively the car park at a large shopping centre like Arundel Mills, a short drive away, provides ample space to reorganise before joining the main roads.

Travellers commonly prioritise well-lit, attended car parks—especially for overnight stays. A universal best practice is never to leave valuables, luggage or even charging cables visible inside the vehicle. Before you arrive, stow bags, electronics and shopping in the boot. Always lock the vehicle and take a moment to check all windows are fully closed before walking away.

For a quick layover focus on one central area like the Inner Harbor to maximise your time. Drive there via MD-295 North and park in a single central garage for the duration of your visit. To ensure a timely return use a navigation app with live traffic and plan to leave the Inner Harbor at least 90 minutes before you need to be at the terminal. That buffer covers traffic, the rental return process and the shuttle back to your departure gate.