Skip to content
EN| ES
+1 855 577 9836
Airport Transportation

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Also known as: BWI Airport, Baltimore Airport, Baltimore Washington Airport, BWI Marshall Airport, Thurgood Marshall Airport. Formerly Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Friendship International Airport.

BWI · KBWI · Baltimore

Airport facts

Name
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
IATA code
BWI
ICAO code
KBWI
City
Baltimore
Country
United States of America
Address
7050 Friendship Road, Baltimore, MD 21240, United States
Coordinates
39.1754, -76.6683
Time zone
America/New_York
Terminals
One terminal with five concourses, A to E; Concourse E handles international flights

About Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) serves Baltimore, Washington, DC, and the rest of Maryland in the United States. It stands in Anne Arundel County, about 9 miles (14 km) south of downtown Baltimore and about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Washington, at the southern end of I-195.

Southwest Airlines runs one of its largest operations here and carries most passengers, on routes across the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. American, Delta, United, Alaska, Frontier and JetBlue add domestic flights, while British Airways flies to London Heathrow, Icelandair to Reykjavík and Copa to Panama City. The airport handled about 25.2 million passengers in 2025.

One terminal holds check-in on the upper level and baggage claim on the lower level, with five concourses, A to E. Southwest uses Concourses A, B and C, most other domestic airlines use D, and international flights use Concourse E.

From the airport, most travelers head to downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor, to Annapolis and the Naval Academy, to Columbia and Fort Meade, or on to Washington, DC. A free shuttle links the terminal with BWI Rail Station for Amtrak and MARC trains, and a Light RailLink station sits beside Concourse E.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Maryland Aviation Administration (MDOT MAA)

Passengers per year

About 25.2 million in 2025

Runways

Three; the longest, 10/28, is 10,503 ft (3,201 m)

Largest airline

Southwest Airlines, with about 71% of passengers from September 2023 to August 2024

Opened

July 23, 1950, as Friendship International Airport

Arrival tips for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

If you land on an international flight, you clear US passport control and customs in Concourse E, collect your bags inside the inspection area, and then exit to the lower level. Visitors need an approved ESTA or a US visa, and eligible travelers can use Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control to shorten the line.

On a domestic flight, follow the signs to Baggage Claim on the lower level of the terminal. All concourses lead to the same lower level, so you never change terminals.

Outside baggage claim, the Arrivals/Lower Level roadway has the taxi stands, near Doors 5 and 13, and the zones for hotel and parking shuttles. Free shuttles to BWI Rail Station for Amtrak and MARC trains also leave from the lower level, about every 10 minutes. App-based rides pick up on the Departures/Upper Level, along the outer curb between Doors 5 and 12. Pre-booked drivers meet you on the lower level, as described in your confirmation.

Information desks staffed by the airport's Pathfinders are usually open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Maryland is on Eastern Time.

Ground transportation

The train or Light Rail suits light travelers; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage or for addresses away from the stations.

  • Taxi from BWI Airport

    Taxi stands are on the Arrivals/Lower Level roadway just outside baggage claim, near Doors 5 and 13. Taxis use the meter, so the fare to Washington, DC, is much higher than to downtown Baltimore.

  • Uber and Lyft

    App-based rides pick up along the outer curb of the Departures/Upper Level between Doors 5 and 12. Waits can be longer at busy times.

  • Light Rail to Baltimore

    The Light RailLink station is beside Concourse E and runs north to downtown Baltimore. It is the cheapest option but makes many stops.

  • Amtrak and MARC trains

    A free shuttle runs from the lower level to BWI Rail Station about every 10 minutes. MARC Penn Line and Amtrak trains run to Baltimore Penn Station and Washington Union Station.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked driver meets you on the lower level and takes you door to door to Baltimore, Annapolis, Columbia or Washington, DC. The easiest option with luggage, groups or late flights.

  • Rental cars

    Shuttles from the lower level run to the rental car facility, a short ride from the terminal.

Compare providers for your exact address

Enter your hotel to see the price and every provider serving it.

Book a transfer from BWI

Terminals

One terminal: check-in and security on the upper level, baggage claim on the lower level. Concourses A, B and C are linked airside, as are D and E.

Concourse A

Southwest Airlines gates, linked airside with Concourses B and C.

Concourse B

Southwest Airlines gates, linked airside with Concourses A and C.

Concourse C

Southwest Airlines and American Airlines flights, and some smaller carriers.

Concourse D

Most domestic airlines other than Southwest and American, including Delta, United, Alaska, Frontier and JetBlue.

Concourse E

The international concourse, with US customs and border control for arriving international flights.

Airlines and destinations

Southwest uses Concourses A, B and C, and its international arrivals clear customs in Concourse E.

Alaska Airlines Concourse D

Seattle/Tacoma, Portland (seasonal)

American Airlines Concourse C

Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami

Avelo Airlines

New Haven (seasonal), Wilmington NC (seasonal)

BermudAir

Bermuda, Anguilla (seasonal)

Breeze Airways

Burlington VT, Vero Beach

British Airways Concourse E

London Heathrow

Contour Airlines

Macon/Warner Robins

Copa Airlines Concourse E

Panama City

Delta Air Lines Concourse D

Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Salt Lake City

Frontier Airlines Concourse D

Atlanta, Cancún, Charlotte, Chicago Midway, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, San Juan, Denver (seasonal), Tampa (seasonal) and more

Icelandair Concourse E

Reykjavík Keflavík

JetBlue Concourse D

Fort Lauderdale, San Juan

Southwest Airlines

Atlanta, Aruba, Boston, Cancún, Chicago Midway, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Montego Bay, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, Punta Cana, San Juan, Tampa and more

Sun Country Airlines Concourse D

Minneapolis/St. Paul (seasonal)

United Airlines Concourse D

Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Houston, San Francisco

Facilities

  • Wi-Fi

    Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building and on the airport shuttles.

  • Information desks

    Staffed by the airport's Pathfinders, usually from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

  • Currency exchange

    Available on the upper level and in the D/E connector.

  • Duty-free shops

    In the connectors between Concourses B and C and between D and E.

  • Nursing stations

    In Concourses A, B, C and D, and in the play area of the D/E connector.

  • Children's play area

    In the D/E connector, past security.

  • Family restrooms

    In many locations throughout the terminal.

  • Animal relief areas

    Four in all: two before security and two after security.

  • Lost and found

    The airport and TSA run separate lost and found offices.

Airport lounges

  • The Club BWI (Concourse D)

    Near gate D10, open daily from 4:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. A shared-use lounge open to Priority Pass and LoungeKey members and to day-pass buyers, up to three hours before departure.

  • USO International Gateway Lounge

    Next to Baggage Claim 17, before security, for eligible US military members and their families.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Contact your airline for wheelchair assistance before you arrive at BWI, ideally when you book and at least 48 hours before you fly.

  • Hidden disabilities

    BWI is part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Free lanyards are available at any staffed information desk, daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Service animals

    Animal travel rules are set by each airline, so check with yours. There are four animal relief areas, two before and two after security.

  • Family restrooms

    Family restrooms are available in many locations throughout the terminal.

Parking

Courtesy shuttles from the Daily Garage, Express and Long Term lots run about every 10 to 15 minutes, around the clock. Parking cannot be reserved in advance.

Hourly Garage

The closest parking, a covered garage with the fastest access to the terminal.

Daily Garage

Covered parking with frequent courtesy shuttles to the terminal.

Express Parking

A surface lot with eight covered shelter stops and a free shuttle to the terminal.

Long Term Lots A and B

Lots for longer trips, with covered shelter stops and frequent shuttles to the terminal.

Cell Phone Lot

A free waiting area for drivers picking up arriving passengers, who should wait there until the traveler is ready at the curb.

Frequently asked questions

How far is BWI airport from downtown Baltimore?

BWI Marshall Airport is about 9 miles (14 km) south of downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor, in Anne Arundel County. The drive follows I-295 or I-95 and depends on traffic. The Light RailLink runs from beside Concourse E to downtown, and MARC and Amtrak trains from BWI Rail Station reach Baltimore Penn Station.

How far is BWI airport from Washington, DC?

BWI is about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of downtown Washington, DC. MARC Penn Line and Amtrak trains run from BWI Rail Station, reached by a free airport shuttle, to Washington Union Station. By road, the trip on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway or I-95 depends heavily on traffic, especially at rush hour.

Is BWI the same as Dulles or Reagan National?

No. The Washington area has three main airports. BWI, in Maryland, is between Baltimore and Washington. Dulles (IAD) is in Virginia, about 26 miles west of downtown Washington, and Reagan National (DCA) is in Arlington, just across the Potomac from the city. Check the code on your ticket before you travel.

What does BWI stand for?

BWI stands for Baltimore/Washington International, the name the airport took in 1973. In 2005 it was renamed Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, after the Baltimore-born Supreme Court justice, so it is also called BWI Marshall. It opened in 1950 as Friendship International Airport.

How many terminals does BWI airport have?

BWI has one terminal with five concourses, A to E. Southwest uses Concourses A, B and C, most other domestic airlines use Concourse D, and international flights use Concourse E. Check-in and security are on the upper level, and baggage claim for every concourse is on the lower level.

Where do international flights arrive at BWI?

International flights arrive at Concourse E, where you clear US passport control and customs and collect your bags before exiting to the lower level. Visitors need an approved ESTA or a US visa. Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control can shorten the line for eligible travelers.

Which airlines fly from BWI airport?

Southwest Airlines carries most passengers at BWI, with routes across the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. American, Delta, United, Alaska, Frontier, JetBlue, Breeze, Avelo and Sun Country add domestic flights, and British Airways, Icelandair, Copa and BermudAir fly to London, Reykjavík, Panama City and Bermuda.

Can I take a train from BWI airport?

Yes. A free shuttle runs from the lower level of the terminal to BWI Rail Station about every 10 minutes. From there, MARC Penn Line commuter trains and Amtrak trains run north to Baltimore Penn Station and south to Washington Union Station. Check the timetable, as MARC runs less often on weekends.

Is there a Light Rail from BWI to Baltimore?

Yes. The Baltimore Light RailLink station is beside Concourse E on the lower level, and trains run north through Linthicum to downtown Baltimore and beyond. It is the cheapest way into the city, but it makes many stops, so travelers with heavy luggage often prefer a taxi or a pre-booked car.

Where do I find taxis and Uber at BWI?

Taxi stands are on the Arrivals/Lower Level roadway just outside baggage claim, near Doors 5 and 13, and taxis use the meter. Uber, Lyft and other app-based rides pick up on the Departures/Upper Level, along the outer curb between Doors 5 and 12.

Is there a lounge at BWI airport?

Yes. The Club BWI, near gate D10 in Concourse D, is a shared-use lounge open daily from 4:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., for Priority Pass and LoungeKey members and day-pass buyers. The USO International Gateway Lounge, next to Baggage Claim 17 before security, serves eligible military members and their families.

Where can I park at BWI airport?

BWI has an Hourly Garage closest to the terminal, a Daily Garage, an Express lot and Long Term Lots A and B, with free courtesy shuttles from the Daily, Express and long-term lots about every 10 to 15 minutes. Parking cannot be reserved in advance, and drivers meeting arrivals can wait in the free Cell Phone Lot.

Does BWI airport have free Wi-Fi?

Yes. BWI Marshall offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building and on the airport shuttles, and charging points are spread through the concourses. Information desks staffed by the airport's Pathfinders are usually open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. if you need help finding your way.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from BWI