From gorgeous Chesapeake Bay to the urban edge of Baltimore, Maryland is a state that packs in a whole spectrum of flavors for you to sample.
Experience city life in all its glory, tour the Civil War battlegrounds to uncover America’s past, or explore the famed Underground Railroad. Here you can be mingling with fishermen in port towns one day and then talking with mountaineers tackling the Appalachians the next.
Car rental in Maryland lets you travel one of the smallest states in the US, meaning you can tick off the main sights at a pace that suits you. Check out our car collection now and you choose the vehicle that’s right for your trip.
Pay in advance or on collection and we’ll make sure you’re on the road in no time, no matter which of our Maryland pick-up locations you collect your car rental from.
The state of Maryland has one of the more interesting borders in the US. The south is a wavy coast filled with interesting inlets and bays, while the north is one long, flat line bordering a number of neighbour states.
That coast and the Appalachians to the north-west make driving here a real pleasure, with wonderful vistas around every corner. There are scenic byways where you can really appreciate the bounty of nature, such as the Roots and Tides with their maritime focus or Falls Road, which takes you from Maryland to Pretty Boy Reservoir.
Most of the interstates run out from Baltimore on the coast. The I-95 continues north-east towards Philadelphia, or south-west to Virginia, while the I-70 runs west for Frederick and Hagerstown. This is the way to go for the famed Appalachian Trail.
A chunk of the vast Route 50, which has come all the way from California, runs through the state. Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge onto the Eastern Shore region, it’s one of the US’ greatest drives. There are several toll roads, tunnels and bridges to watch out for – our staff will be happy to advise on how best to pay to use them.
Speed limits on rural interstates vary and are measured in miles per hour. The limit is generally 65mph (104hm/h), but there are now some stretches where you can go up to 70mph (112km/h). Urban interstates vary between 55mph (88km/h) and 60 mph (96km/h). Downtown areas will have a limit of 30mph (48km/h) and all limits will be well signposted.
The Old Line State is a delightful place to discover with car rental. Nicknamed Little America, Maryland mixes the very best of the US in a compact package. You’ll find beaches next to thriving ports, the buzz of the city as well as quaint towns, rugged mountains and serene stretches of unchanged America. With just 540km separating its eastern coast from western edge, you can easily fit it all in during a single vacation.
For many years, Baltimore was defined by its port - but it has diversified in recent years. The museums are brilliant and often surprising, the food scene has been boomed, and there’s a vibrant sports following as well.
For family fun, look no further than the National Aquarium, regarded as the country’s best. It’s a stunning building with a glass pyramid atop seven floors and is home to thousands of creatures. The shark tank is a huge part of the attraction taking up several stories, while the indoor waterfall and reef are filled with varied species from around the world.
Museums tend towards the eclectic here - the Walters Art Museum has medieval armour and weaponry, while the American Visionary Art Museum includes spectacular exhibits of art outside. Look for the huge matchsticks model ships here, before heading to see the real deal. There are four historically important ships to tour, including the impressive USS Constellation.
Beyond Baltimore, you can see the importance of the sea to Maryland all along its varied coastline. The US Naval Academy HQ is in Annapolis, where students fill the town and boats decorate the harbour. The town itself is attractive, with gorgeous colonial buildings and the lip-smacking tang of the sea in every mouthful of fresh crab at one of the many shacks.
Head for the barrier islands like Assateague, where wild horses roam. It’s home to numerous outdoor pursuits, such as kayaking, hiking and cycling. Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Kent Island, studded with marinas, beaches, woodland trails, romantic lighthouses and seafood restaurants.
This corner of America has a history of tumultuous events and Maryland car rental will let you criss-cross the state to tease out the links.
The Antietam battlefield was the scene of the American Civil War’s biggest battle, while bugle signs alert you to Civil War exhibits.
Maryland is also home to parts of the Underground Railroad, a pipeline that helped slaves escape from the south to freedom. Drive to Church Creek for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park to get real insight into the era, its characters and the deadly risks they ran.
As a state, Maryland adds to the rich tapestry of US culture and history, and you can see it all with Hertz car rental. Book online now to start your adventure.