With hundreds of miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, mountain ranges, Chesapeake Bay and state parks, driving in Maryland promises a scenic view around every corner. Well served by interstates, especially around the largest city, Baltimore, Maryland also has a large chunk of the historic US Route One cutting through it, with famous stops and landmarks along the way.

The main driving rules to be aware of – other than driving on the right side of the road, overtaking on the left – can vary from state to state. However, speed limits will be signposted, seatbelts are compulsory and you can’t use a mobile phone while driving. You can, however, make a right turn on a red light unless there’s a sign prohibiting it. You should come to a stop before making the turn, however, and always give right of way to pedestrians.

There are several toll roads in Maryland, many for tunnels and bridges including the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, Fort McHenry tunnel and Chesapeake Bay Bridge. If you have any questions about the tolls or how to pay them, our branch teams will be delighted to help.

Driving through Baltimore, you can bisect north-east to south-west on the I-95, which runs through Aberdeen and Baltimore, and on to Laurel. The I-695 acts as a ring road for Baltimore city, while the I-70 runs east to west, connecting the coast with Frederick and Hagerstown before heading into neighbouring Pennsylvania.

The scenic byways of Maryland are the perfect way to enjoy bucolic scenery and get a history fix – you’ll drive past key locations from the American Civil War as well as the Underground Railroad, the secret network of safe houses and routes established to help African-Americans escape slavery. You can browse the rich choice of scenic byways online and discover them at your leisure.

Tour the coast here and you’ll find secluded sandy bays and working ports. Head inland and you’ll see lakes, forests, state parks and the Appalachian Mountains. Head offshore to find pretty resorts like Kent Island, or opt for city life in vibrant Baltimore. Wherever your travels in Maryland take you, you’ll find things to delight you.

Bold Baltimore

Call it Baltimore, call it Charm City or just call it B-More, this is a city that has played a key role in American history. As a port town, it’s importance cannot be underestimated and as you wander the waterfront here you’ll be stepping back in time. Tread the cobbles of Fell’s Point or make a beeline for Fort McHenry where Francis Scott Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner’.

The Inner Harbor is a lovely place to stroll and dine, with plenty of seafood restaurants. Sport lovers should book ahead and get a ticket for the three-time World Series winning Baltimore Orioles. Even if you don’t understand baseball, the experience is one not to be missed.

The Underground Railroad

Visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park and Visitor Centre in Cambridge. You’ll learn about her life and the risks she took to help almost 70 enslaved people to freedom. For more about her life, drive the Harriet Tubman byway which covers 125 miles and takes you to relevant museums, safe houses, waterways and churches.

Another moment in American history is captured at the Antietam battlefield in Western Maryland – home of the largest and deadliest battle of the American civil war. There’s a visitor centre and numerous plaques and graves that tell a deeper story of US life.

Onshore and off

The sea looms large in Maryland life. Head to state capital Annapolis, home of the US Naval Academy, and you’ll see naval students everywhere, while the docks are full of different ships. This is a picturesque coastal town full of perfectly preserved colonial buildings and crab shacks where you can get your hands dirty tucking into a crustacean fresh from the sea.

There’s more fun offshore, where you can head out to Assateague Island, which spans a couple of states including Maryland. Chill on the beach here and keep an eye out for beautiful wild horses. At Kent Island, you’ll find 19^th century buildings and part of the American Discovery Trail. Park up and eat up at The Narrows Restaurant with yet more crab cakes, oysters and lobsters.

Coastal towns with seafood shacks. Cities with world-class sport teams. Mountains capturing the sun’s rays just so. Car hire in Maryland gives you the freedom to head in your own direction and discover just what makes this state so charming.