Bethesda car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car rentals in Bethesda

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Small car
Small
M
Medium car
Medium
M
Large car
Large
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
M
Booking Insights

Good to know

Most popular car type

Small

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Bethesda car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire 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 72 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best car hire company in Bethesda?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Bethesda are Budget (9.6, 19 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (9.2, 6 reviews), and Avis (7.6, 14 reviews).

What is the most popular rental car in Bethesda?

Hires in the Medium category (Toyota RAV4 or similar) are the most popular option in Bethesda, costing ₹ 5,789/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as ₹ 1,866/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Bethesda?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Bethesda is January at an average cost of ₹ 3,340/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Bethesda when prices are ₹ 5,713/day on average, which tends to be 10,886% above the yearly average hire price for Bethesda.

What car hire company in Bethesda has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 4 locations in Bethesda, more than any other car hire company.

Bethesda car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who rented a car in Bethesda 
Verified travelerDec 2023
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.

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.

  • Which hire car agencies are at Reagan-National airport (DCA)?

    The only car hire company onsite at Reagan-National airport is Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

  • Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Dulles Intl airport (IAD)?

    Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Dulles Intl airport to off-airport locations include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National and Budget.

  • Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Baltimore/Washington airport (BWI)?

    Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Baltimore/Washington airport to off-airport locations include Alamo and Thrifty.

  • Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Reagan-National airport (DCA)?

    Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Reagan-National airport to off-airport locations include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National and Budget.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Bethesda?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Small car rental cost in Bethesda?

    A Small car hire in Bethesda costs ₹ 5,646 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Large car rental cost in Bethesda?

    A Large car hire in Bethesda costs ₹ 4,101 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Medium car rental cost in Bethesda?

    A Medium car hire in Bethesda costs ₹ 6,748 per day, on average.

Bethesda car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Budget

9.6

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

9.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.2

Value for money

9.6

3 locations in Bethesda

Show locations

Locations in Bethesda

4400 Connecticut Avenue Nw

+1 202 686 2890

Monday07:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday07:00 - 18:00
Saturday07:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 18:00

5151 Pooks Hill Road

+1 301 828 1126

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 18:00

7103 Democracy Boulevard

+1 301 469 4707

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:00 - 15:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2025

Passenger van

KAYAK
12 passenge van I reserved wasn’t available. Said it would be available three hours after schedule reservation then it wasn’t. The woman at the counter was lovely and it wasn’t her fault but Customer line is worthless. Never answered. Just terrible service.

2.0 Poor

Max, Jun 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Abominable. Firstly, they closed the pick up location for the day before my pick up time, leaving me stranded. Then they told me to pick up from another location but in modifying the reservation they mistakenly put same drop off as pick up when original drop off was in NY. When I brought this up they said that a one way fee of $200 would then apply if I have a different drop off. After three hours on the phone I was finally able to sort it out by sending them the original contract showing that my drop off was always meant to be NY. Still, I had to close the contract with the one way fee in it, and I’m told in 7 days they will reverse the charge to honor the original agreed upon rate. Fingers crossed

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Economy

KAYAK
The facility is terrible. And I had to wait a long time to be seen even though I was next in line.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
It was very good. Bethesda Marriot very easy. The representative there was very good. Do not remember his name.

8.0 Very Good

Scott, Sept 2022

KAYAK
The car was a little dirty and hadn't been thoroughly cleaned. We also ended up with an SUV instead of a compact car as requested (I don't like driving big cars). I didn't have to pay extra for it (most people would consider it a bonus I guess). But they were very quick with both pickup and dropoff, and overall it was good value for the money.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Sept 2022

KAYAK
Just an overall heads up, they don’t have a lot of vehicles so when you go in to pick up your reserved vehicle, they have to wait for someone to drop off their previously rental vehicle. Then, they turn it around immediately-so no cleaning the vehicle at all. Our vehicle had a check engine light on it as well. Customer service is luck luster-they do not care if you have to wait.

1 out of 7

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

9.2

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

9.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.7

Value for money

8.8

4 locations in Bethesda

Show locations

Locations in Bethesda

10401 Motor City Dr

+1 301 469 6100

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 18:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

5455 Butler Rd

+1 301 657 0095

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

6711 Democracy Blvd

+1 301 469 6100

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 18:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

6826 Wisconsin Ave

+1 301 907 7780

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 18:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2025

Economy

KAYAK
The manager there is excellent. Car was clean and in good condition. No wait this time.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2025

Full-size SUV

KAYAK
Darius was great. Went out of his way to communicate all possible options, and ultimately set me up with the best one.

8.0 Very Good

William, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly and helpful staff!

Cons:

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

KAYAK

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.

1 out of 2

Avis

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

7.2

2 locations in Bethesda

Show locations

Locations in Bethesda

4400 Connecticut Avenue Nw

+1 202 686 5149

Monday07:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday07:00 - 18:00
Saturday07:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 18:00

5151 Pooks Hill Road

+1 301 828 1124

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2025

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Everything went smoothly from pick up to drop off.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
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.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Awful.

4.0 Mediocre

Apoorva, Feb 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
I reached there to find out that they didn’t have any cars left. Why would you book people when you know you won’t have cars. If you don’t have cars then atleast do the courtesy to call and notify ahead of time. It can ruin trips. Had to wait for almost half an hour for a customer to bring back the car and then they gave us the car with half the tank. On top of that they never have the kind of car available that was in the original booking. I booked a Sedan this time and I got a giant RAM truck with lot less fuel efficiency thereby costing me more for the trip. I think this should be fixed.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Dec 2023

Compact

KAYAK
The counter attendant, Victor, is very good. Professional and courteous.

10.0 Wonderful

Pamela, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly and efficient staff both in Washington and Queens.

Cons:

Nothing.

1 out of 5

Hertz

4.6

Cleanliness

4.0

Comfort

4.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.6

Value for money

4.0

2 locations in Bethesda

Show locations

Locations in Bethesda

6711 Democracy Blvd

+1 301 530 0247

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 18:00

7335 Wisconsin Avenue

+1 301 215 5912

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes! The staff was friendly and helpful

Cons:

The car needed cleaning, especially on the outside

1 out of 1

Free2Move

6.0

Okay

One location in Bethesda

Show locations

Locations in Bethesda

4326 Wisconsin Ave NW, Wisconsin Ave NW

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

20 travellers who rented a car in Bethesda gave the car agency they used an average rating of 7.7

Car hire locations in or near Bethesda

Bethesda car hire information

Pick-up locationBethesda
Car types
Hire locations9
Airport locations0

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