Hertz Car Rental
Maryland

The rental car pickup at BWI is located at a separate, consolidated rental car facility, not inside the main terminal building. After you collect your luggage, you'll follow signs for Ground Transportation to find the designated shuttle bus stop. These complimentary shuttles run frequently, typically every 10-15 minutes, and provide a quick ride directly to the rental center. This centralized location makes the process streamlined and efficient for travelers.

The easiest way to reach the rental car center with luggage and a stroller is by using the free shuttle bus service. Once you have your bags from baggage claim, exit the terminal on the lower level and look for the clearly marked shuttle stops. The buses are designed to accommodate luggage and have low floors, making it easier to board with a stroller. The ride is short, and the shuttle drops you off directly at the entrance to the rental car facility, minimizing the distance you need to manage your belongings.

For late-night arrivals at BWI, the process of getting to the rental car area remains straightforward. The airport's rental car shuttle buses operate 24 hours a day, ensuring you can always get from the terminal to the facility. While the frequency of the shuttles may be slightly reduced during the overnight hours compared to peak times, you can still expect a reliable and timely pickup. The route is well-lit, and the rental facility itself is a bright, active hub even late at night, providing a secure environment for picking up your vehicle.

During weekday commute hours, you should budget approximately 15 to 25 minutes to get from the BWI rental car center onto major highways like I-195 and I-95. The exit from the facility itself is usually quick, but you will merge with airport traffic on the main loop road. The primary variable is the volume on I-195, the short spur that connects the airport to I-95. Morning and evening rush hours can create backups at this interchange, so allowing a little extra time is a wise precaution for your travel plans.

For a first-time visitor, the most straightforward route from BWI to Baltimore's Inner Harbor is via MD-295 North, also known as the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. This major highway offers a direct path into the city with clear signage. As you approach downtown, you'll follow signs for Russell Street, which will guide you past the sports stadiums and directly toward the waterfront. Using your preferred navigation app is always a good idea for the final few turns onto key streets like Pratt or Lombard, which border the Inner Harbor.

If you want to avoid tight city streets immediately after leaving the airport, neighborhoods like Harbor East and the areas around the Inner Harbor are good choices. These districts are directly accessible from major thoroughfares like President Street and Pratt Street, which are wide and relatively easy to navigate. Hotels and parking garages in these areas are often designed for high traffic volume, making entry and exit simpler. This allows you to get settled before venturing into more historic neighborhoods with narrower roads, such as Fells Point or Federal Hill.

Driving from BWI to Washington, D.C. during rush hour can be very challenging, with significant delays being common. The most direct route, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), often experiences heavy congestion. For a potentially less stressful, though not necessarily faster, alternative, consider taking I-95 South and then transitioning to the I-495 Capital Beltway. Using a real-time traffic app is essential to gauge conditions and decide on the best approach as you drive, as one route may be significantly better than the other on any given day.

When traveling north or south past Baltimore, you have two main tunnel options. The Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) is the more modern and wider of the two, with more lanes, and is the primary route for most through-traffic. The Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) is an older route that can sometimes be less congested during peak times, but it has tighter lanes and lower height restrictions. Your GPS will typically route you via I-95, but checking traffic conditions might make I-895 a worthwhile alternative if there's an accident or major backup on the main highway.

When heading from BWI toward Annapolis and the Eastern Shore, the primary route involves I-97 South. A common point of confusion is the interchange where I-97, MD-32, and US-50/301 all converge near the Severn River. It's a large, multi-lane interchange where you need to be in the correct lane well in advance to continue onto US-50 East towards the Bay Bridge. Pay close attention to your GPS and overhead signs to ensure you don't accidentally take an exit for a local road or head back toward Baltimore.

For easy, relatively flat access to the Annapolis waterfront, the best parking options are the city's public garages. The Noah Hillman Garage, located right off Main Street, is a popular choice that places you in the heart of the historic district. From there, it's a gentle downhill stroll to City Dock and the waterfront shops and restaurants. Another excellent option is the Gotts Court Garage, which also provides convenient access to the downtown area without requiring a strenuous uphill walk upon your return.

To avoid traffic when driving from BWI to the Naval Academy, it's best to travel outside of standard weekday commute hours, specifically avoiding 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Additionally, always check the Naval Academy's public calendar for major events like Commissioning Week, home football games, or parents' weekends. These events draw large crowds and can cause significant traffic backups on roads leading into Annapolis, such as US-50 and Rowe Boulevard. A mid-morning or early afternoon arrival on a non-event weekday is typically your smoothest option.

The drive from BWI to National Harbor or Alexandria is quite manageable, as it primarily uses major highways and avoids the most intense parts of downtown D.C. driving. You will take the I-495 Capital Beltway, which is a large, multi-lane highway. The key is to stay alert and give yourself plenty of time to make lane changes for your exit. The exit for National Harbor is well-marked, and the roads within the complex are modern and easy to navigate, making it a relatively low-stress destination for drivers unfamiliar with the region.

Driving on I-495, the Capital Beltway, requires planning as it is known for heavy traffic. Predictable backups occur during morning and evening commutes, especially around major interchanges like the I-270 spur in Maryland and the bridge crossings between Maryland and Virginia (the American Legion Bridge and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge). The section in Northern Virginia near Tysons Corner is also consistently congested. It's wise to use a real-time traffic app and consider traveling during off-peak hours, such as mid-day or later in the evening, for a smoother journey.

The most common and comfortable route to Ocean City from BWI is taking I-97 South to US-50 East. This route is a multi-lane divided highway for nearly the entire journey, making it a smooth and straightforward drive. It offers numerous opportunities for stops, with plenty of towns and service areas directly off the highway, especially after you cross the Bay Bridge. This makes it easy to find restrooms, gas, and food options without significant detours, which is ideal for traveling with children.

Once you cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on US-50 East, you'll find several convenient places to take a break. The Kent Narrows area, right after the bridge, has multiple waterfront restaurants and fast-food options with large parking lots. Further east, the towns of Easton and Cambridge are located just off the highway and offer charming downtowns with cafes and shops, as well as larger shopping centers with familiar chain restaurants. These spots are well-equipped for travelers and provide a good midway point for a rest.

To beat the worst of the summer weekend beach traffic to Ocean City, you should aim to be on the road very early. If leaving on a Friday, departing before 7 a.m. is highly recommended to get ahead of the initial wave of travelers. For a Saturday trip, leaving by 6 a.m. is even better. The main bottleneck is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, where backups can start forming by mid-morning and last for hours. An early start can make the difference between a smooth drive and a long, frustrating crawl.

Driving the Chesapeake Bay Bridge for the first time is a memorable experience, as the structure is over four miles long and rises high above the water. For some drivers, the height and open spans can feel intimidating, particularly on windy days when authorities may issue travel advisories. During peak travel times, especially summer weekends, expect significant traffic backups and plan your trip accordingly. The key is to maintain a steady speed, stay focused on your lane, and be prepared for potential slowdowns, while passengers can enjoy the spectacular views.

For a day trip to the Eastern Shore, towns like Easton or St. Michaels serve as excellent bases. Easton is centrally located on US-50 and offers ample public parking, making it easy to explore its historic downtown before driving to other nearby locations. St. Michaels, while more of a destination itself, has several large public lots on the edge of town, allowing you to park once and explore the charming waterfront, shops, and restaurants on foot. Both towns provide a relaxed atmosphere and are good starting points for scenic drives.

Arriving mid-morning near the National Aquarium means you'll be competing with crowds, but there are several reliable parking options. The official Aquarium garage is conveniently located, though it can fill up quickly. Numerous large, multi-level public garages are situated along Pratt Street and Lombard Street, just a block or two away from the waterfront. Using a parking app to reserve a spot in advance at one of these nearby garages can save time and guarantee you a space, which is especially helpful when coordinating a group.

Driving to a game at Camden Yards requires planning for significant traffic congestion before and after the event. The official stadium lots are convenient but can be slow to exit. A popular strategy is to park in a commercial garage slightly further away, such as one in the Inner Harbor or near the convention center, and walk the remaining 10-15 minutes. This often allows for a much faster departure after the game, as you avoid the immediate gridlock around the stadiums. Arriving early is key to finding the best parking spots.

Driving and parking in Fells Point on a weekend night can be very challenging due to its popularity and historic, narrow streets. On-street parking is extremely limited and highly sought after. Your best bet is to use one of the public parking garages, such as the one on Caroline Street, which provides easy access to the main square. Arriving earlier in the evening increases your chances of finding a spot. Alternatively, consider parking in nearby Harbor East and enjoying the scenic 15-minute waterfront walk over to Fells Point.

Visiting Fort McHenry is made easy by its dedicated and spacious parking lot, which is free for visitors. The fort is located at the end of a peninsula, away from the dense city grid, so traffic is generally light on the approach road. You can drive directly to the visitor center, park your car, and walk the grounds without any of the usual stress of city parking. This accessibility makes it a great choice for a quick and historically significant stop that won't consume too much of your day with logistical hassles.

A popular and highly effective strategy is to drive to a Metro station with ample parking and take the train into the city. From the BWI area, the Greenbelt station on the Green Line is an excellent choice, as it's easily accessible from the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and has a large parking garage. Another good option is the New Carrollton station, which serves the Orange Line. Parking your rental car at one of these suburban hubs allows you to bypass downtown D.C.'s notorious traffic and expensive parking, making for a much more relaxed day trip.

To avoid getting stuck in D.C.'s evening rush hour, plan to either leave the city before 3:30 p.m. or stay until after 7:00 p.m. If your schedule allows, enjoying an early dinner in the city is a great way to wait out the worst of the traffic. Another effective strategy is to park at a Metro station like Greenbelt or New Carrollton. This allows you to take the train out of the city center and retrieve your car from a location that offers a more direct and less congested route back toward BWI.

First-time drivers in Baltimore are often surprised by the prevalence of one-way streets, especially in older neighborhoods like Federal Hill and Mount Vernon. The city also features several traffic circles and multi-road intersections that can be confusing, so it's important to follow signs and lane markings carefully. In the downtown core, be prepared for lanes that abruptly end or become turn-only lanes. Using a GPS with lane guidance can be extremely helpful in navigating these urban quirks and making your drive less stressful.

For travelers needing easier access, the Harbor East neighborhood is an excellent choice. It features modern infrastructure with wide sidewalks, numerous valet parking options at hotels and restaurants, and parking garages with elevators. The Inner Harbor promenade is also largely flat and accessible, with many attractions located close to parking garages. Visiting Fort McHenry is another great option, as its large, free parking lot is situated right next to the visitor center, requiring minimal walking to begin the tour.

The best strategy for picking up friends is to use BWI's Cell Phone Lot. This is a free waiting area located just a few minutes from the terminal where you can park until your friends have collected their luggage and are standing at the arrivals curb. Once they call you, you can drive over to the designated passenger pickup zone without having to circle the busy terminal roads. This system is efficient and helps reduce congestion at the arrivals level.

For a practical first-night stop that avoids city driving, consider heading west from BWI toward Frederick. The drive is primarily on major highways like I-70 and is generally less congested than the routes toward Baltimore or D.C. Frederick has a charming, walkable historic downtown with great restaurants and hotels, but it's much smaller and easier to navigate than a major city. This allows you to ease into your road trip in a more relaxed setting before continuing your journey the next day.

Under normal conditions, the drive from BWI to Frederick takes about one hour. The route typically involves MD-100 West to I-70 West. The main traffic pattern to be aware of is the evening commute, when I-70 West can become congested as people head home from Baltimore and its surrounding suburbs. To ensure a smooth drive, try to avoid traveling between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on weekdays. Outside of those hours, the journey is usually straightforward and pleasant.

A visit to Antietam National Battlefield is primarily a driving tour, which is ideal for exploring the expansive grounds. You'll start at the visitor center, which has a large parking lot, and then follow a well-marked, self-guided driving route with numerous stops at key locations. Each stop has its own parking area, but be prepared for some walking on trails and fields to see the monuments up close. The rural roads in the area are generally well-maintained, but it's wise to drive cautiously and be mindful of cyclists and farm equipment.

To efficiently visit both cities, start your day early in Annapolis to enjoy the historic district before it gets too crowded. You can explore the waterfront and State House area on foot. Then, in the early afternoon, make the 30-40 minute drive north to Baltimore. Focus your Baltimore visit on a concentrated area like the Inner Harbor, where you can park once and access the National Aquarium, historic ships, and restaurants. This plan minimizes driving during peak rush hour and allows you to experience the distinct character of each city.

Winter driving in Maryland requires caution, especially near the water. Bridges and overpasses, like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, can freeze before other road surfaces, so always reduce your speed in cold conditions. Dense morning fog is common in coastal and low-lying areas, severely reducing visibility. The weather can also change quickly near the Chesapeake Bay, with sudden snow squalls or freezing rain possible. It's essential to check the forecast before you travel and be prepared for changing road conditions.

Summer thunderstorms in Maryland can be intense and develop quickly, significantly impacting driving conditions. They often bring heavy downpours that can cause flash flooding on low-lying roads and reduce visibility to near zero on highways. High winds are also a concern, especially on major bridges like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which may have temporary restrictions during severe storms. If you encounter a thunderstorm, it's safest to slow down, increase your following distance, and pull over if visibility becomes too poor.

There are several convenient shopping centers just a few minutes' drive from the BWI rental car facility. The areas along Arundel Mills Boulevard and Nursery Road have numerous options, including large grocery stores, big-box retailers, and pharmacies. These shopping centers feature expansive parking lots, making it easy to park your rental car and load up on snacks, drinks, and any other supplies you need for your trip. This allows you to get everything you need before hitting the major highways.

During the weekday morning rush, it's wise to allow extra time for your car return. Plan to arrive at the BWI rental car facility at least 30-45 minutes earlier than you would during off-peak hours. This buffer accounts for potential traffic delays on the roads leading to the airport, a possibly longer line for the return process, and waiting for the shuttle to the terminal. Building in this extra time helps ensure a low-stress end to your trip and gives you plenty of time to check in for your flight.

To manage luggage and car seats efficiently, have one adult stay with the children and bags in a designated waiting area while another adult retrieves the rental car. Once you have the vehicle, you can drive it to the passenger pickup area of the rental facility. Many facilities have a specific, short-term loading zone for this purpose. This approach prevents you from having to haul everything to the parking spot and allows you to load your family and gear in a less congested space.

The drive from the BWI rental car center to Arundel Mills is very simple and takes only about 10 minutes. The most direct route is to take MD-176 West (Dorsey Road) to Arundel Mills Boulevard. Traffic around the mall and the adjacent casino can be heavy, especially on evenings and weekends. Be prepared for multiple traffic lights and busy intersections as you navigate the large complex, but the roads are wide and well-marked, making it easy to find your hotel or a parking area.

For a quick stop between flights, consider visiting the Inner Harbor, which is about a 20-minute drive from BWI without traffic. It offers a classic Baltimore experience with waterfront views and numerous attractions. Parking is straightforward, with many large public garages located right off major roads like Pratt Street, so you won't waste time searching for a spot. This allows you to maximize your limited time by parking once and exploring the immediate area on foot before heading back to the airport.

A great 2-3 day loop starts at BWI and heads first to Annapolis for a day of exploring the historic capital and waterfront. Spend the night there, then drive east over the Bay Bridge to the charming coastal town of St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore for your second day. On day three, you can enjoy a scenic drive back, perhaps stopping in the Kent Narrows area for a seafood lunch, before returning to BWI. This itinerary provides a wonderful mix of history, city life, and relaxed coastal scenery without excessive driving time.