$94 Car Rental Kensington, MD

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Kensington

Renting a car in Kensington, Maryland, provides you the freedom to explore at your own pace, making it an ideal choice for family travelers, business professionals, and weekend adventurers. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans. The convenience of having your own vehicle allows you to visit key attractions such as the University of Maryland, College Park, and Howard University, both located within 8 miles, perfect for cultural experiences. You can also appreciate the stunning architecture of the Washington National Cathedral, just 7 miles away. Beyond Kensington, a short drive will take you to Downtown Washington D.C., only 9 miles away, where you can explore significant landmarks like the White House and the National Mall. Additionally, neighborhoods like Rock Creek Hills and South Kensington offer a range of nearby sites to discover. Whether you seek city experiences or outdoor adventures, renting a car in Kensington ensures you can navigate the area effortlessly and make the most of your trip.

Most popular car rentals in Kensington

• Economy: This car type is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families, fitting up to 5 passengers and accommodating up to 2 medium suitcases. It's a popular choice in Kensington due to its affordability and easy maneuverability, making it ideal for navigating the city and surrounding areas. With the economy car, you can enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace while managing your luggage efficiently.
• Midsize SUV AWD: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, this vehicle fits 5 travelers and has space for up to 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV is especially popular among those who appreciate a bit more room and comfort during their travels. Its all-wheel drive capability is a bonus for those looking to venture into outdoor experiences, providing a smooth ride whether you're in the city or heading towards nature.
• Compact: The compact car is a versatile choice, accommodating 5 travelers and up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is well-suited for solo travelers, couples, or families seeking a balance of space and efficiency. Its smaller size makes it easy to park in urban areas while still providing enough room for luggage, making it a favored option for those exploring Kensington and its surroundings.

Top rated car suppliers in Kensington

• Nextcar: As the most popular car rental supplier in Kensington, Nextcar has a rental location conveniently situated in the area. Travelers appreciate the flexibility it provides, allowing you to explore local attractions at your own pace. The most booked options with Nextcar include Economy and Midsize SUV AWD vehicles, perfect for managing your luggage and adjusting your itinerary as needed.

Where to go in and around Kensington

• Downtown Washington D.C.: Located 9 miles away from Kensington, Downtown Washington D.C. is perfect for those seeking a vibrant city experience. Visitors flock here for family outings, outdoor activities, and cultural exploration. Key attractions include the historic White House, the expansive National Mall, and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The area experiences peak visitor numbers from March to April and July, making it an exciting time to explore the urban parks and shopping venues.
• Rock Creek Hills: Nestled around Kensington, Rock Creek Hills offers a mix of family-friendly and cultural experiences. With a steady influx of visitors, especially from July to August and in October, this neighborhood features attractions like the University of Maryland, College Park and the Strathmore cultural center. Enjoy the local theater and music concerts, as well as access to beautiful urban parks and shopping centers that enhance the community vibe.
• South Kensington: Also close to Kensington, South Kensington is an inviting neighborhood for those interested in outdoor activities and family experiences. Visitor numbers peak during the summer months of July and August and in October, providing ample opportunities to explore local parks and golf facilities. Key highlights include the University of Maryland, College Park and Howard University, alongside cultural venues like Strathmore, making this area a blend of education and leisure.

10 tips to save on your Kensington car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by selecting the vehicle type and features that suit your needs. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also impact renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Other agreements may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at the airport, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Kensington

The best value period to rent a car in and around Kensington is January and February, when prices and demand are both slightly low. March also offers reasonable rates with average demand. As spring approaches, April and May see moderate prices and demand. However, June through August become the most expensive months, with high demand and rental rates peaking in August. After this busy season, September returns to a calmer atmosphere with average prices and slightly low demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	33.6°F (0.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	36.9°F (2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	44.2°F (6.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	64.4°F (18.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	73.2°F (22.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	78.4°F (25.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	70.0°F (21.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Kensington

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Kensington into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Kensington and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Kensington

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Kensington. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Kensington

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $94.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals