Budget Car Rental Introduce
For residents and visitors in Howard County and the greater Mid-Maryland region, having a reliable and accessible car rental option is essential, whether for weekend travel, a business trip, or a necessary replacement vehicle. Budget Car Rental at the Owen Brown Village Center in Columbia, MD, is positioned to serve this active local community. Located at 7290 Cradlerock Way, this branch offers the competitive pricing and brand recognition of a major national provider, combined with the convenience of a neighborhood location nestled in a local shopping hub.
This location is not just a typical car rental agency; it also functions as a dedicated van rental agency, providing much-needed solutions for larger groups, family events, or local businesses that require temporary cargo or passenger transport. The ability to book vehicles ranging from economical compact cars to spacious 12- or 15-passenger vans makes it a versatile resource for a wide array of transportation needs in Maryland. Furthermore, the agency is committed to accessibility and proudly offers perks like active military discounts, demonstrating a focus on serving key segments of the local community.
It is important for potential renters to have a complete picture of their rental experience. While some customer feedback for this location has been highly positive, particularly regarding staff pleasantness in unexpected circumstances, other experiences highlight challenges with vehicle availability, particularly when a specific size is requested with advance notice. This detailed overview provides factual information on the services, features, location, and key considerations for choosing the Budget Car Rental on Cradlerock Way.
The Budget Car Rental branch is situated in a convenient, neighborhood-centric location in Columbia, a planned community known for its careful integration of residential and commercial spaces. This positioning offers distinct advantages for local Maryland customers seeking easy access without the stress of an airport terminal.
Address: 7290 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
The location within the Owen Brown Village Center means it is easily identifiable and provides a familiar community context. The 21045 zip code is centrally located within Howard County, making it a viable option for renters coming from nearby areas like Laurel, Ellicott City, and Jessup. The branch is strategically located off Broken Land Parkway, providing quick connections to US Route 29, which links straight to Baltimore and Washington D.C., facilitating regional travel across the Mid-Atlantic corridor.
A significant highlight of this branch's physical presence is its commitment to serving all community members. The facility features a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and a Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, ensuring a more convenient and welcoming experience for customers with mobility challenges. Additionally, for the convenience of all renters, the location offers a Pick-up Service Available during operating hours, though customers must call the branch directly to arrange this free service.
The Budget Car Rental location at Cradlerock Way functions as a dual-service agency, catering to both standard car rental needs and specialized group transportation.
- Diverse Car Rental Fleet: Provides a range of vehicle classes, including economical compact cars for cost-effective local commuting, intermediate and full-size sedans, and various SUVs for family or comfort travel.
- Van Rental Agency Services: Specializes in multi-passenger vehicle rentals, offering spacious options such as minivans (7-passenger) and larger 12- or 15-passenger vans, perfect for sports teams, church groups, or large family gatherings across Maryland.
- Flexible Payment Options: Accepts a variety of payment methods, including major Credit Cards, Debit Cards (subject to specific rental policies), and modern NFC Mobile Payments for a quick transaction at the counter.
- One-Way Rentals: As part of the national Budget network, one-way rentals (picking up in Columbia and dropping off at another location) are generally available, but renters should always check with the local branch for specific vehicle types and associated fees.
- Fastbreak Membership Services: Offers the Fastbreak program for members, allowing for a more streamlined, quicker check-out process upon arrival by proceeding directly to the counter for a pre-printed contract and keys.
Choosing this specific Budget location provides access to several unique benefits and notable customer experiences that are valuable to the Maryland renter.
- Active Military Discounts: The branch honors Budget’s commitment to providing special rates and discounts for Active Military service members and veterans, a significant value-add for the large military community in the surrounding region.
- High Staff Pleasantness (Reported): Despite operational hurdles, some customers have highlighted the staff's professionalism, noting the "ladies here were pleasant and provided service I needed" when faced with an "unexpected car situation," suggesting an ability to handle stressful circumstances with courtesy.
- Accessibility Commitment: Features a fully Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and designated Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, prioritizing ease of access for all customers, which is a key consideration for many local users.
- Wide Hours of Operation: Offers consistent availability with weekend hours (Sunday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM) in addition to weekday hours (Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), providing flexibility for weekend renters.
- Convenient Neighborhood Location: Being situated in the Owen Brown Village Center means easy access for residents to combine a necessary car rental pickup with other errands or shopping in the local area.
For current operating hours, vehicle availability, and to make arrangements for the complimentary pick-up service, customers are advised to contact the branch directly using the numbers below.
Address: 7290 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
Phone Number: (410) 312-5198
Mobile Phone: +1 410-312-5198
Please note that published operating hours are generally: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM, and Sunday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Always confirm these hours, especially around holidays, to ensure a smooth pick-up or return process.
For the local Maryland renter in the Columbia area, choosing the Budget Car Rental at 7290 Cradlerock Way is most worthwhile when the need aligns with the branch's specific strengths: competitive pricing, dedicated van rental options, and accessibility features. The presence of an active military discount and a central location in a local village center are significant conveniences that make the rental process easier for certain customers. For those needing a 12- or 15-passenger van—a more specialized vehicle type—this location’s dual agency status makes it a primary consideration in the region. The ability to use the free pick-up service also removes a major hurdle for customers without immediate transportation.
However, potential renters should factor in the reported inconsistencies regarding guaranteed vehicle types, as highlighted in one candid customer review. This suggests that while the staff can be "pleasant," it is absolutely vital to call the branch days in advance of pickup, even after a web reservation, to confirm the specific car class (like a compact car) is physically available and not subject to unexpected allocation issues. When choosing this location, it is beneficial to maintain flexibility on the exact vehicle model and to communicate directly and proactively with the Cradlerock Way staff, using their direct phone number, to ensure your rental expectations are met, particularly if you are on a tight schedule or require a specific vehicle size for an immediate out-of-town trip.
Budget Car Rental Details
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Budget Car Rental Photos




Budget Car Rental Location
Budget Car Rental
7290 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
Budget Car Rental Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I was hesitant on renting from here due to reviews. Due to an unexpected car situation needed a rental in a hurry and the ladies here were pleasant and provided service I needed. There are of course things left to be desired, however I was happy with how my rental experience was conducted in my circumstances.
September 05 · M JDO NOT RENT HERE! I reserved a car 2 weeks in advance on the website, a small compact car. I called 3 days before to confirm the car type and to make sure the compact car or something similar would be available. I get there Saturday morning as soon as they open and was told that they only have one car available which was a huge truck! I was told that all the cars were not working or being used for Uber. No one apologized. No talk about compensation as a large truck would take a lot of gas. I refused to take the truck as I requested a small car. No one from the company called me to inform me that there were no cars available. Mindful, I was on my way out of town. I caught a Lyft there with all my bags. The lady at the front called several different locations and she was told that there were no cars anywhere in the company available. A RENTAL COMPANY WITH NO WORKING OR AVAILABLE CARS! She never apologized. Luckily a lady came in to return a smaller SUV. Still bigger than what I requested but WAY SMALLER than the one I refused to take. The rep or no one never clean the car out, just gave me the keys after signing papers to a dirty car. Upon return the next few days another rep was being weird about providing me with a receipt. I had to tell her that I needed one. She said I was free to leave after handing her the keys. WORST COMPANY!! Horrible staff.
March 30 · IkeThe customer service is terrible. They refused to take the Maryland state 30 days drivers license cards. I found this out at the location after I spent my money on Uber. The customer service for Budget this was ok the the temporary paper but the customer service person at the Columbia location denied my state issues document. I have to end up paying for another Uber.
April 08 · Fatima KabbaI had booked a rental from Budget online. Well ahead of time less than 1 hour prior to the pickup of my rental. I got a phone call from the agent at this location letting me know that she did not have a rental available for me. She offered me no support, any sort of assistance in helping to coordinate my trip. She told me to contact the main office for assistance and did not even have the courtesy to connect me.Once I contacted the main office, they offered me the option to rebook and pay more money to rent a car. The whole situation was disappointing and defeated the point of booking a car ahead of time.It's not worth dealing with this company when we're better car rental options available like Sixt.
December 26 · Sasha JosephI wish that I could give this location 0 stars. My mother recently passed and I needed a rental ASAP. I thought that I made a reservation but I didn’t. This location did not have the vehicle that I needed. They also require 24 hours to request a specific vehicle. That’s cool. This was clearly my error. I asked the associate if she could call and check another location for me. Her response was “No. What’s the difference if you call or I call?”My husband and I were shocked by her response so we asked her to confirm that she was indeed not going to make a call for us. She had the audacity to repeat herself. We will never visit this location again. I rent vehicles at least 4 times a year. They lost a customer for life. I will visit the location in Enchanted Forest. The manager at this location was extremely helpful. His service was superior.
April 09 · L Ott
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