VERIFIED REVIEWS
About hiring a car in Baltimore
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in Baltimore include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Baltimore, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your hire period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Baltimore.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in Baltimore when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Baltimore are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Baltimore charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the hire partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
What documents do I need to pick up my Thrifty hire car in Baltimore?
To pick up your Thrifty hire car in Baltimore, you must bring all of the following physical documents. Digital copies are not accepted at the counter.
- Original, unexpired driver’s licence in the main driver’s name
- International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic. An IDP is also recommended if your licence is not in English and not issued by an EU/EEA country
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, in the main driver’s name, for the authorisation hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted
- Passport or valid government photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets
The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original licence. It is not a standalone document. If you think you may need one, obtain it in your home country before travelling, as U.S. issuers like AAA do not issue IDPs to non-U.S. licence holders. The Thrifty counter in Baltimore will apply the same document standards as any partner desk.
Is a credit card required to pick up a Thrifty car in Baltimore?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver’s name is required to pick up a Thrifty hire car in Baltimore.
At the Thrifty counter, a temporary authorisation hold will be placed on your card. For standard vehicles in the United States, this hold is typically around US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount depends on the vehicle class, location, and Thrifty’s current policy. The hold reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the hire ends, which can take up to 15 business days.
- The card must be a major credit card (not debit or prepaid) with the driver’s name printed on it
- Virtual or single-use card numbers are not accepted at the counter
- The card must be in the main driver’s name, not a third party’s
- Even if you prepaid your booking online, you must still present a physical credit card at the Thrifty desk in Baltimore
It is advisable to bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined, and to notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent fraud blocks on in-person authorisations.
Are there toll roads near Baltimore that affect my Thrifty hire?
Yes, there are several toll roads in and around Baltimore that will affect your Thrifty hire car.
Maryland operates a primarily cashless toll system using E-ZPass. The main tolled facilities you are likely to encounter include:
- Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95): US$3 to US$6 for standard vehicles
- Baltimore Harbour Thruway Tunnel (I-895): US$3 to US$6
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95 north): US$6 to US$12
- Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (US-301): US$4.50 to US$9
- William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge: US$2.50 with E-ZPass
- Intercounty Connector (MD 200): US$0.07 to US$0.35 per mile
Your Thrifty vehicle in Baltimore will include an electronic toll device. At pickup you can choose an unlimited toll package (typically US$11 to US$25 per day, with some partners capping the total for the hire period) or pay per use, where Thrifty charges you the actual toll plus an administrative processing fee after the hire ends. If you drive through a cashless toll without enrolling in a programme, a camera captures your plate and an invoice is mailed, which Thrifty then passes on to you with fees. Maryland has no congestion charges or emissions zones.
Can I get tolls cashback on my Thrifty hire in Baltimore?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Thrifty hire in Baltimore.
Given that Baltimore has several cashless toll roads, including the Fort McHenry Tunnel on I-95 and the Kennedy Memorial Highway, you are likely to pay tolls during your trip. Here is how to claim your cashback after returning the vehicle:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning your Thrifty car in Baltimore
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the rental agreement signed at the Thrifty counter, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid
The refund is the lesser of the total tolls you paid or 5% of your booking total. For example, if your booking total was US$500, the cap is US$25. If you paid US$18 in tolls, you receive US$18 back. If you paid US$40, you receive US$25. Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions beyond 30 days are not accepted.
What is the minimum age to hire a car from Thrifty in Baltimore?
The minimum age to hire a car from Thrifty in Baltimore without a young-driver surcharge is 25.
Drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire from Thrifty in Baltimore but will be charged a daily young-driver surcharge. For Thrifty, this fee is US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum charge of US$189 plus taxes for the hire period. Drivers under 21 are generally not permitted to hire.
Additional restrictions apply for under-25 drivers in Baltimore:
- Most premium, full-size, luxury, convertible, minivan, and large SUV categories are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older
- Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicle classes are typically available to younger drivers
- A valid driver’s licence and a major credit card in the main driver’s name are still required regardless of age
If you are 21 to 24 and hiring from Thrifty in Baltimore, budget for the daily surcharge and confirm which vehicle classes are available for your age group before completing your booking.
How do I add an additional driver to my Thrifty reservation in Baltimore?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty hire in Baltimore, either at no cost if your booking includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter.
For Thrifty in Baltimore, the additional driver fee is US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum charge of US$189 plus taxes, unless your booking confirmation explicitly states that an additional driver is included at no charge.
To add a driver at the Thrifty counter in Baltimore:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup
- They must present a valid driver’s licence and any required IDP if their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
- Verify the additional driver’s name appears on your paperwork before leaving the counter
Only drivers listed on the hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW. If someone drives who is not named on the contract, cover may be void. If you need to add a driver after pickup, you must visit a Thrifty branch in the Baltimore area to update the agreement. Phone or chat alone is generally not sufficient.
What are the driving quirks in Baltimore I should know before picking up my Thrifty car?
Baltimore has several road features that can catch first-time drivers off guard, especially when picking up a Thrifty hire and navigating the city for the first time.
- One-way street pairs: Baltimore uses paired one-way streets for U.S. Route 40, with uneven pavement widths. Some of these one-way streets on the west side have recently been converted back to two-way traffic, which can create complex intersections with up to 16 vehicle movement sequences
- Fragmented interstate spurs: I-395 and I-170 terminate abruptly without full downtown connections, forcing drivers onto surface streets rather than standard expressway ramps. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd acts as a collector road for these termini and does not function like a typical highway on-ramp
- Left-turn-on-red: Baltimore’s Complete Streets programme permits left turns on red at approved one-way intersections, which differs from the standard UK rule and may be unexpected
- Signal retiming: Citywide traffic signal timing is being adjusted through 2026, which can cause unexpected delays and shifting turn restrictions, such as prohibited left turns from Harford Road onto E. 25th St during 2026 construction
- Holiday restrictions: On 4 July, most commercial vehicles are banned from downtown and the Inner Harbour area from noon to midnight, with additional road and lane closures
Using a GPS or navigation app is strongly recommended when driving a Thrifty hire around Baltimore for the first time.
What fuel policy applies to Thrifty hires in Baltimore?
Thrifty hires in Baltimore follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. You receive the car with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
Here is how to handle fuel correctly during your Baltimore hire:
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the Thrifty agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and gauge
- Use the correct fuel type as shown in the vehicle documentation. Using the wrong fuel is not covered by the fuel policy
- Before returning the car, refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the return location so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
- For after-hours returns, leave the receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone
If you return the Thrifty vehicle in Baltimore without a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner’s refuelling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus an administrative service fee. The fuel policy is separate from the security deposit hold.
Does my Thrifty booking in Baltimore include travel assistance if something goes wrong?
Yes, most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, and this applies to your Thrifty hire in Baltimore as well. However, this benefit does not apply to UK, Australian, or New Zealand residents.
If you are driving your Thrifty hire on Baltimore’s urban interstates or along the I-95 corridor and experience a medical emergency, the coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
To get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Call: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free or collect)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
When you contact them, provide your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your current location in or around Baltimore, and a brief description of the situation. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact coverage terms and limits that apply to your specific reservation. This coverage does not replace CDW/LDW for vehicle damage or third-party liability insurance.
What insurance is included in my Thrifty hire in Baltimore?
The insurance included in your Thrifty hire in Baltimore depends on the rate plan you selected when booking. It is important to review your booking confirmation carefully before arriving at the counter.
The two main protections to look for are:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the Thrifty hire vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero deductible. CDW/LDW does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving. In Maryland, not all hire situations automatically include state-minimum liability, so it is worth confirming this is on your agreement at the Thrifty counter in Baltimore
CDW/LDW does not cover tyres, undercarriage, roof, keys, or personal belongings. Only drivers named on the hire agreement are covered. If you drive outside permitted areas or violate the hire terms, cover may be void. Always review the hire agreement at the Thrifty desk in Baltimore before signing, and confirm which protections are active and what deductible, if any, applies.
Can I return my Thrifty car in a different city after hiring in Baltimore?
Yes, it is possible to return your Thrifty hire to a different city after collecting it in Baltimore, but a one-way drop-off fee may apply depending on your route.
The drop-off fee is route-specific and set by Thrifty. It varies based on the destination city, distance, vehicle class, and season. Here is what to expect:
- Baltimore airport to a nearby city in the same region: a drop-off fee often applies and varies by distance and car class
- Cross-state or long-distance one-ways: typically carry higher fees or may not be permitted for certain vehicle categories
- Cross-border one-ways (for example, into Canada): often restricted or subject to special authorisation
When booking a one-way Thrifty hire from Baltimore on the Hola Car Rentals website, any applicable drop-off fee will be shown on the rate details page under the section labelled as charges due at the destination. This fee cannot be prepaid and is paid directly to Thrifty at pickup or return. If you need to change your drop-off location after booking, be aware that this may reprice the hire and recalculate the fee. Always confirm the one-way terms on your booking confirmation before arriving at the Thrifty counter in Baltimore.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I arrive late for my Thrifty pickup in Baltimore?
If your flight is delayed and you arrive later than your scheduled Thrifty hire in Baltimore, your reservation will generally be held for up to 24 hours from the original pickup time, provided the counter is still open when you arrive.
- Delays under 24 hours: Thrifty in Baltimore will hold your booking. Make sure you arrive during the counter’s operating hours, as after-hours pickup may not be available at all locations
- Delays over 24 hours: Contact Hola Car Rentals as soon as possible via WhatsApp at +1 (786) 999-8312 or by email at [email protected]. Changes are not guaranteed but the team will assist where possible
If you arrive outside the counter’s service hours, your booking may be forfeited with no refund. It is advisable to check the Thrifty counter hours in Baltimore before your trip and to have the contact number from your rental confirmation available in case you need to communicate a delay. Planning your arrival time carefully is especially important at Baltimore, where the Thrifty airport location is at 7410 New Ridge Road in Hanover, separate from the main terminal area.
Where is the Thrifty counter at Baltimore airport and how do I get there?
The Thrifty hire car location serving Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) is at 7410 New Ridge Road, Hanover, MD 21240. This address is off-airport, meaning it is not inside the terminal building.
Because the Thrifty facility in Baltimore is located at a separate address rather than inside the BWI terminal, you should plan for the following after landing:
- After collecting your luggage, look for rental car shuttle signage within the terminal. Rental car shuttles at BWI typically depart from the ground transportation area on the lower level
- Look for the Thrifty shuttle or a shared rental car shuttle that serves off-airport locations on New Ridge Road
- Allow extra time beyond your scheduled pickup time to account for the shuttle ride to the Thrifty facility
The available information does not confirm specific shuttle frequency or walking distances, so it is advisable to contact the Thrifty Baltimore location directly using the number on your booking confirmation for the most current pickup instructions. Having your confirmation and all required documents ready before boarding the shuttle will help speed up the process at the Thrifty counter once you arrive in Hanover.
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