This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Bethesda with a pick-up date of 5/31 and drop-off date of 6/30. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car rentals in Bethesda
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
Useful Info
Good to know
Most popular agency
NextCar
Most popular car type
Standard
Average price
$52/day
Good deal
$40/day
KAYAK’s insights & trends for Bethesda car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Bethesda with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Bethesda?
You should book your rental car in Bethesda around 73 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Bethesda?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Budget ($22.55/day), Thrifty ($23.53/day) and Hertz ($23.84/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Budget 5151 Pooks Hill Road (2.5 mi from city center).
What is the best rental car company in Bethesda?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Bethesda are Budget (9.6, 2 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.7, 5 reviews), and Avis (7.6, 5 reviews).
Full-size rentals (Class Commercial Truck or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Bethesda. Full-size rentals in Bethesda cost $109/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $61/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Bethesda?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Bethesda is February at an average cost of $37/day. December is the most expensive month to rent a car in Bethesda when prices are $68/day on average, which tends to be 36% above the yearly average rental price for Bethesda.
What rental car company in Bethesda has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 5 locations in Bethesda, more than any other rental company.
This location is slightly out of the way, but still reasonable.
Verified travelerJul 2023
If you’re planning a last minute rental the car you selected may or may not be available.
Verified travelerJul 2023
They setup of the parking garage is not the best, but the location is convenient.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Bethesda
Car rentals in Bethesda promote convenient trips in and outside the city, allowing you to reach attractions in different areas. You can unwind through a show at Glen Echo Park, a visual and performing arts venue about 3 miles from the town's center. Using a rental vehicle from Bethesda car rentals, you can drive approximately 8.7 miles to Arlington and pay homage to fallen heroes. The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, Pentagon Memorial, and John F. Kennedy's gravesite are all within driving distance of one another.
Bethesda has several airports nearby, including the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and the Washington Dulles International Airport. The airport closest to Bethesda is the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), situated approximately 9.4 miles away. Washington Dulles International (IAD) is about 18.9 miles from central Bethesda, while the Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI) is around 27.1 miles away. BWI offers car rentals in Bethesda via NextCar, Thrifty, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, and Alamo. You can locate the rental facility on New Ridge Road and Stoney Run Road, accessible via the airport's free shuttle service. This bus operates every 10min, and you can find it on the lower-level terminal. IAD features several companies that present car rentals provisions, including Dollar, Sixt, Thrifty, and Budget. Each company has a free shuttle that transports you from the terminal to the pick-up area. You can reach this shuttle at Curb 2D or Curb 2C from the Baggage Claim Level by exiting down the ramp to Doors 2 and 4. DCA also has a rental car center on Terminal Garage A's first floor, consisting of options from Thrifty, Budget, Dollar, and Hertz. To get here, you can take a short walk by following the signs or utilize the Rental Car Shuttle at Door 4 on the Ticketing Level.
Multiple streets, such as Wisconsin Avenue and busy highways like Interstate 270, ensure you can conveniently reach your preferred destinations. Additionally, you can modify your rented vehicle by including a GPS to confidently maneuver the interconnected avenues, lanes, streets, drives, and freeways. Be aware of jaywalkers because pedestrians can cross mid-block as long as one of the adjacent intersections lacks traffic signals.
Bethesda has morning traffic from around 7:30am while the evening jam starts at about 5pm. Interstate 270 can experience heavy congestion during rush hours as it links to Interstate 95. It is a good idea to stay indoors at these times since the jam extends to other major avenues and streets around the town center. The snowy conditions in winter require you to drive extra carefully to maintain control along the slick pathways.
These are some major local roads you should know before getting cheap Bethesda car rentals. A major local road crucial for getting around is Wisconsin Avenue, which runs north-south through the heart of the town and is home to many shops, restaurants, and businesses. Another important road is Old Georgetown Road, which runs parallel to Wisconsin Avenue and intersects with major east-west roads, including Democracy Boulevard and Montrose Road. Rockville Pike (also known as Route 355) runs through Bethesda and provides access to nearby towns and communities. Other important local roads in Bethesda include Bradley Boulevard, River Road, and Massachusetts Avenue.
If you are getting electric Bethesda car rentals, there are several free EV charging stations in Bethesda. One example is the charging station located at the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, which provides free charging for up to four hours. Another option is the charging station at the Montgomery County Parking Garage on Old Georgetown Road, which provides free charging for up to three hours. Finally, the charging station located at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center provides free charging for guests of the hotel and for a fee for non-guests. The Montgomery County Parking Garage is the most convenient location since it is centrally located and easily accessible from many parts of town.
A good way to reach your destination faster is to use the HOV lanes in Bethesda. Bethesda's HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes are primarily located on Interstate 270 and the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495). These lanes are designated for vehicles with a certain number of occupants (usually two or three, depending on the time of day and direction of travel) during peak hours. HOV lanes can be used by any vehicle with the required number of occupants during the designated hours. This includes cars, vans, buses, and motorcycles.
25% of our users found rental cars in Bethesda for $40 or less
Intermediate rental cars in Bethesda are around 41% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Bethesda
What type of car is recommended for driving in Bethesda?
You do not have to consider ground clearance when renting a car because Bethesda has developed infrastructure. For this reason, your choice of vehicle depends on your requirements. For example, you can rent a van if you are traveling with family or a group of friends.
What’s the speed limit in Bethesda?
The six-lane Interstate 270 has a speed limit ranging between around 55mph and 65mph, while along River Road at Interstate 495, the limit is from about 35mph to 45mph. Roads within business districts have a speed limit of approximately 20mph to 30mph. School zones have around a 15mph limit, and residential areas operate from about 15mph to 25mph.
Where are the best places to park in Bethesda?
The Elm Garage on Bethesda Avenue operates at an hourly rate of about $1.25, permitting continuous stay for up to 24h. Parking at Bethesda Metro Center offers convenient access to the surrounding restaurants, retail stores, and offices, making it suitable for business meetings or leisure tours. It comes with a maximum daily charge of around $12 per day. You can park at Garage 35 on Woodmont Avenue, which charges about $1 per hour with a 24h maximum stay.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Bethesda?
On average a rental car in Bethesda costs $52 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Bethesda found in the last 2 weeks is $36.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Baltimore/Washington airport (BWI)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Baltimore/Washington airport to off-airport locations include NextCar, Avis, National, Thrifty, and Dollar.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Dulles Intl airport (IAD)?
The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Dulles Intl airport to off-airport locations is Budget.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Reagan-National airport (DCA)?
The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Reagan-National airport to off-airport locations is Budget.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Bethesda?
A Standard car rental in Bethesda costs $101 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car rental cost in Bethesda?
A Special car rental in Bethesda costs $40 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Bethesda?
A Full Size car rental in Bethesda costs $100 per day, on average.
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Bethesda?
Most car rental providers in Bethesda offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Bethesda, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Bethesda?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 4 car rental agencies in Bethesda.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Bethesda?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Bethesda?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Bethesda so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What road trips can I take from Bethesda?
One popular destination is Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, about 2 hours away from Bethesda. The park is known for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. For a coastal getaway, Rehoboth Beach in Delaware is about 2.5 hours away from Bethesda and offers a variety of beaches, restaurants, and shopping options.
What should I know when driving in rural Bethesda?
Firstly, these roads may be narrow and winding, so it's important to drive at a safe speed and be prepared to encounter other road users. Wildlife like deer and other animals may also be present on rural roads. Finally, rural roads may have fewer gas stations and services, so ensuring that your vehicle has enough fuel is important.
Car rear right tire was very low on tire pressure -- I was alerted to it halfway through the drive
8.4 Very good
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Pros:
Counter attendants were nice and pickup and drop off were quick and efficient.
Cons:
The car was not as clean as expected. There was splashed coffee on the roof of the car and the driver side visor when pulled down.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Jul 2020
Pros:
Staff was efficient and friendly; transfers were easy.
Cons:
I have no comment on how the experience could have been better, but this was a short, uneventful rental in which the staff did not have to display any extraordinary efforts.
Everything went smoothly from pick up to drop off.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Supplier choice
They called me the morning of my reservation and told me they had no car for me, and in fact that they were 8 cars short of what had been reserved. They had no solution to offer me and did not seem particularly concerned that I was stranded without a way to get to see my sick friend to whom I was supposed to be driving. Will not rent from them again.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Compact
The counter attendant, Victor, is very good. Professional and courteous.
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