# Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

> Baltimore, US · 9 mi (14 km) south of downtown Baltimore

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/bwi
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/bwi.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: BWI
- **ICAO**: KBWI
- **Timezone**: America/New_York
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Hub for**: Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, American Airlines
- **Official site**: https://bwiairport.com

## Overview

## Welcome

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) may not have the headlines of other East Coast giants, but its easy rail access and compact, walkable layout make it a strategic choice for travelers looking to avoid the madness of Washington D.C.'s larger airports. It's a favorite for Southwest red-eyes and budget international flights departing Concourse E. Despite its reputation as a ‘secondary’ airport, BWI provides a less stressful alternative to DCA and IAD, especially for those caught in the initial crush of early morning flights.

## At a glance

Located 9 miles south of downtown Baltimore, BWI is a hub for Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and American Airlines. With a single terminal building divided into five concourses (A to E), it services a mix of domestic and international flights. The airport's two runways handle a significant volume of traffic, yet its efficient design keeps things moving smoothly — a hallmark many frequent travelers appreciate. Parking is diverse, ranging from $10 daily for long-term lots to valet services.

## Terminals & layout

BWI's terminal is arranged in a logical fashion, with Southwest Airlines primarily occupying Concourses A, B, and C. Concourse E serves international flights with carriers like British Airways offering lounges here. For those self-connecting, the airport’s compact layout allows for relatively quick transfers, though trekking from one end to another can still eat up time, especially during TSA peak hours.

## Getting to and from the city

Transportation to and from BWI is convenient; options include the MTA Light Rail which takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes between BWI and downtown Baltimore, and the MARC Train, which connects to DC’s Union Station in 35-40 minutes. Amtrak's service adds further connectivity along the Northeast Corridor. The airport also offers ride-share options, shuttle services, and a taxi fleet via BWI Airport Taxi Service. Rail passengers can take a free shuttle to the airport from the BWI Rail Station, but expect crowding during peak hours.

## Traveller essentials

The Wi-Fi at BWI is variable, with some areas better equipped with power outlets than others. While the cell phone lot is free, it tends to get congested during peak hours. Parking options include the affordable off-airport lots along New Ridge Road and Aviation Boulevard, offering rates as low as $4 per day with advance booking. Public transit late at night is limited, so for late arrivals Uber or Lyft might be necessary.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Food choices cluster primarily in Concourses A and B, favored by Southwest travelers. Options like Silver Diner, Phillips Seafood, and Flying Dog Tap House are popular picks. For those in Concourse D, Vino Volo provides a quieter escape. Shopping needs are met with stores such as Hudson News, Tumi, and Tech on the Go positioned across the terminal.

## Lounges

BWI offers a selection of lounges spread across its concourses. Concourse D hosts both The Club BWI, available for $50 per visit, and the more budget-friendly Airspace Lounge at $17.50. The British Airways Lounge is exclusive to the international Concourse E, while airline-specific options like the American Airlines Admirals Club provide additional havens for eligible members.

## Insider tips

- **Time:** Build in extra walking time if connecting on Southwest flights across A, B, and C, as early-morning connections can be a brisk trek.

- **Money:** Consider off-airport parking on New Ridge Road for budget-friendly rates as low as $4/day with 24/7 shuttles.

- **Local:** Try the A/B concourses for the best dining variety, even if you're on a different airline.

- **Quiet:** The BWI rail station waiting area is a quieter spot for train-to-plane connectors with quick shuttle access to/from the airport.

- **Avoid:** Avoid arriving late to catch public transit; MARC service ends in the evening, and Light Rail runs thin after 11 p.m.

- **Insider:** Fly through the D/E security checkpoint for less busy lines compared to the A/B Southwest side.

- **Time:** Allow 90 minutes for self-connections with carry-on only; checked bags or cross-concourse treks need more time.

## Terminals (1)

- **One terminal building split into five concourses A–E** — Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines
  The terminal is well-equipped with various amenities.

## Dining (22)

- **Arby's** — $
- **Brixx Wood Fired Pizza** — A-B · $$
- **Chick-fil-A** — $
- **Chipotle Mexican Grill** — $$
- **Dunkin'** — $
- **Einstein Bros. Bagels** — $
- **Flying Dog Tap House** — A-B · $$
- **Gachi House of Sushi** — A-B · $$
- **Harbor Grill** — A-B · $$
- **Harbor Grille** — $$
- **Jersey Mike's Subs** — $
- **McDonald's** — $
- **Obrycki's A-Bar** — A-B · $$$
- **Peet's Coffee** — $
- **Phillips Seafood** — A-B · $$$
- **Potbelly Sandwich Shop** — B-C · $
- **Silver Diner** — A · $$
- **Sky Azure** — $$$
- **Starbucks** — $
- **Subway** — $
- **Vino Volo** — D-E · $$$
- **Wendy's** — $

## Lounges (8)

- **Airspace Lounge** — Concourse D · Concourse D, day pass · $17.50
- **American Airlines Admirals Club** — Concourse D, airline
- **British Airways Lounge** — Concourse E, airline
- **Delta Sky Club** — Concourse D, airline
- **Southwest Airlines Lounge** — Concourse A, invite only
- **The Club BWI** — Concourse D · Concourse D, Priority Pass · $50
- **United Club** — Concourse D, airline
- **USO Lounge** — Main Terminal, military

## Shops (13)

- **Brookstone**
- **Destination Maryland**
- **Duty Free Americas**
- **Fire & Ice**
- **Hudson News**
- **InMotion Entertainment**
- **Pandora**
- **Relay**
- **Sunglass Hut**
- **Tech on the Go**
- **Travel+Well**
- **Tumi**
- **Under Armour**

## Parking (11)

- **Amtrak/MARC Station Parking** — Rail station
- **Cell Phone Lot** — Waiting area · $0/day
- **Daily Garage** — Long stay · $12.00/day · 0.3 mi
- **Express Parking** — Short stay · $15.00/day · 0.5 mi
- **Hourly Garage** — Short stay · $30/day, $4.00/hr · next to terminal
- **Long Term Parking** — Long stay · $10.00/day · 1 mi
- **Long Term Parking A** — Economy lot · $11/day
- **Long Term Parking B** — Economy lot · $11/day
- **Off-Airport Parking Aviation Boulevard** — Private lot · $4.50/day
- **Off-Airport Parking New Ridge Road** — Private lot · $4/day
- **Valet Parking** — Premium

## Ground transport (25)

- **Amtrak** — Train · About 30 min BWI Rail Station–DC Union Station on Northeast Corridor trains
- **Amtrak Acela** — Train
- **Amtrak Northeast Regional** — Train
- **Anne Arundel County BWI Express** — Bus
- **BayRunner Shuttle** — Coach
- **BWI Airport Taxi** — Taxi · Roughly 20–30 min BWI–downtown Baltimore in light traffic per user reports · Taxis generally available whenever flights are arriving
- **Rental Cars** — Other · About 10 min shuttle ride between terminal and rental car center
- **App-Based Ride Services** — Rideshare
- **Hotel and Off-Airport Parking Shuttles** — Shuttle
- **BWI Airport Taxi Service** — Taxi
- **Local and Regional Transit** — Bus
- **Greyhound Bus** — Coach
- **Hotel Courtesy Shuttles** — Shuttle · About 10 min between most BWI hotels in Linthicum Heights and the terminal per guest reviews · Free for hotel guests (included in room rate) per multiple hotel reviews · 20-30
- **Lyft** — Rideshare · On-demand, subject to driver availability
- **MARC Penn Line** — Train · Around 35 min BWI–DC Union Station per user reports
- **Megabus** — Coach
- **MTA Commuter Bus 201** — Bus
- **MTA Commuter Bus 320** — Bus
- **MTA Light Rail** — Train · Roughly 30–40 min BWI–downtown Baltimore per rider reports
- **MTA Light RailLink** — Train · Roughly 30–40 min BWI–downtown Baltimore per rider reports
- **MTA Local Bus 107** — Bus
- **MTA Local Bus 75** — Bus
- **MTA MARC Train** — Train · About 35–40 min BWI–DC Union Station on MARC Penn Line per user reports
- **Off-Airport Parking Shuttles** — Shuttle · Roughly 5–10 min shuttle ride from most off-airport lots to BWI per user reviews
- **Uber** — Rideshare · Around 20–30 min BWI–downtown Baltimore in light traffic per user reports · On-demand, subject to driver availability

## Insider tips

- _Time_: Build in extra walking time if connecting on Southwest flights across A, B, and C, as early-morning connections can be a brisk trek.
- _Money_: Consider off-airport parking on New Ridge Road for budget-friendly rates as low as $4/day with 24/7 shuttles.
- _Local_: Try the A/B concourses for the best dining variety, even if you're on a different airline.
- _Quiet_: The BWI rail station waiting area is a quieter spot for train-to-plane connectors with quick shuttle access to/from the airport.
- _Avoid_: Avoid arriving late to catch public transit; MARC service ends in the evening, and Light Rail runs thin after 11 p.m.
- _Insider_: Fly through the D/E security checkpoint for less busy lines compared to the A/B Southwest side.
- _Time_: Allow 90 minutes for self-connections with carry-on only; checked bags or cross-concourse treks need more time.