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Baltimore Washington Airport BWI

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BWI Airport Insights & Guide

Key BWI Airport Topics:

Getting to Know BWI Airport

Welcome to the online guide for Baltimore Washington Airport, a bustling hub serving the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. BWI is known for its efficient six-terminal layout, including a dedicated international terminal, making it a popular choice among both domestic and international travelers. One of the unique features of this airport is its dedication to Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States, who was born in Baltimore. For those with a more extensive travel itinerary, our comprehensive guide to worldwide airports can provide useful information about other airports you may be visiting.

WATCH VIDEO: Take a journey through the departure process at Baltimore’s BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, from the Rental Car Center to the plane:

Airport News

Baltimore Washington Airport, also known as BWI, has recently announced exciting developments that are set to enhance the passenger experience. The airport is set to introduce a new direct flight route to London via British Airways in 2023. This development is aimed at easing international travel for passengers and boosting tourism in the Baltimore-Washington region. Additionally, BWI has embarked on a major renovation project, which includes a new concourse and terminal enhancements. The project, funded by the Airport Improvement Program, will provide passengers with more modern facilities and improved services. Furthermore, BWI has launched a new parking guidance system to improve the parking experience for travelers. The system uses smart sensor technology to provide real-time information about available parking spaces, thus reducing the time and stress of finding parking at the airport (sources: BWI Airport News, Baltimore Sun, Travel Weekly).

Baltimore Washington Airport has a total of six terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, and the Main Terminal. Concourse A has 9 gates, Concourse B has 14 gates, Concourse C has 14 gates, Concourse D has 20 gates, Concourse E has 10 gates, and the Main Terminal has 52 gates. Major airlines such as Southwest, American, Delta, and United use Concourse A, B, C, and D for their departure gates. Concourse E is used for international flights.

To navigate the airport terminals, passengers can follow the signs that indicate the gate numbers and the airline names. The Main Terminal is the central hub of the airport, and passengers can access all the concourses from there. The airport also offers shuttle services to transport passengers between the terminals.

For passengers who need to grab a bite to eat or shop for souvenirs, there are plenty of options available in each terminal. Concourse A offers fast food options such as McDonald's and Dunkin', as well as sit-down restaurants like Silver Diner. Concourse B has a variety of options, including Chipotle, Auntie Anne's, and Hudson News. Concourse C has a Starbucks, a Subway, and a CNBC News store. Concourse D has a Potbelly Sandwich Shop, a Phillips Seafood restaurant, and a Duty-Free store. Concourse E has a Dunkin' and a Duty-Free store. The Main Terminal has a food court with a range of options, including Chick

Connecting Between Terminals

If you need to connect between terminals at Baltimore Airport, there are several options available. The airport has a total of six concourses (A-E) and a main terminal. To get between concourses, you can use the free shuttle bus service that operates 24/7. The shuttle buses run every 5-10 minutes and provide easy access to all concourses.

If you prefer to walk, there are several pedestrian walkways that connect the concourses. The walk times vary depending on the distance between the concourses, but you can expect to walk around 5-10 minutes to get from one concourse to another. If you are connecting between the main terminal and the concourses, there is an underground pedestrian walkway that connects the two areas.

Frequent Flier Tips

To help make your experience at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from BWI-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"BWI has five concourses: A, B, C, D, and E. Concourse A and B are primarily for Southwest Airlines, while Concourse C is used by American Airlines. Concourse D and E handle international flights. Make sure to check your gate number in advance to avoid any confusion." — John M., Glen Burnie, MD, July 2023

"If you’re connecting between Concourse A/B and Concourse D/E, give yourself extra time. The walk can be quite long, and the shuttle service isn’t always quick. Plan accordingly, especially during peak hours." — Maria P., Annapolis, MD, August 2023

Getting To/From the City

"For a hassle-free trip to downtown Baltimore, consider taking the MARC Train from the BWI Rail Station. It's affordable and avoids the traffic on I-95. The station is accessible via the free shuttle from the airport." — David K., Columbia, MD, September 2023

"If you're heading to Washington, D.C., the BWI Express Metro bus is a great option. It connects directly to the Greenbelt Metro Station, making it easy to get into the city without dealing with parking." — Lisa T., Laurel, MD, October 2023

Parking

"The Daily Garage is a good balance between cost and convenience. It’s cheaper than the Hourly Garage but still close enough to the terminals. The shuttle service is frequent and reliable." — Mike S., Ellicott City, MD, November 2023

"For long-term parking, the Express Lot is a great choice. It’s the cheapest option and the shuttles run every 5-10 minutes. Just make sure to note your parking section to avoid any confusion when you return." — Karen L., Hanover, MD, December 2023

Inside the Airport

"If you have some time before your flight, check out the Observation Gallery between Concourses B and C. It’s a great place to relax and watch planes take off and land." — Alex J., Linthicum, MD, January 2024

"For food options, the Maryland-themed restaurants in Concourse A/B are a must-try. Phillips Seafood and Obrycki’s are local favorites that give you a taste of Baltimore right at the airport." — Rachel D., Severna Park, MD, February 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"BWI can get quite busy during peak travel times, especially around holidays. Arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before international flights to avoid any last-minute stress." — Tom H., Crofton, MD, March 2024

"Utilize the TSA PreCheck lanes if you have access. They are usually much faster and can save you a lot of time, especially during busy periods." — Emily R., Odenton, MD, April 2024

iFly Tip: Discover what you need to know before you fly with our comprehensive airport guide.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At the airport, there are designated areas for picking up and dropping off passengers. Curbside parking is restricted to active loading and unloading only. Drivers are not allowed to leave their vehicles unattended at any time. Violators may be subject to fines or towing.

If you need to wait for your arriving passenger, there are cell-phone waiting areas available. These areas are free of charge and provide a convenient location for drivers to wait until their passenger has arrived and retrieved their luggage. The cell-phone waiting areas are located near the airport's terminals, and drivers can wait in their vehicles until their passenger is ready to be picked up.

Parking Facilities & Options

Baltimore Washington Airport offers a range of parking options for travelers. There are several on-site parking lots and garages located near the airport terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, and the Main Terminal.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available. These areas are free to use and provide a convenient place to wait until your party has arrived and is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all on-site parking lots and garages. These designated spaces are located near the shuttle bus stops and airport terminals for easy access.

Off-airport parking is also available as an economical option. These parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport terminals and can be a cost-effective alternative to on-site parking.

Get details about BWI parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

When traveling to Baltimore Airport (BWI), there are several ground transportation options available to passengers. Whether you prefer to rent a car, take a taxi, use a shared ride service, or take public transportation, BWI has you covered.

For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental facilities located at the airport. Major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are available to choose from. The rental car facility is located off-site, but a shuttle bus is available to transport passengers to and from the facility.

If you're looking for a taxi, they are readily available at BWI. The taxi stand is located outside of the baggage claim area on the lower level of the terminal. Fares are based on the meter, and there is a flat rate fee for trips to downtown Baltimore. Passengers should expect to pay around $35 for a one-way trip to downtown Baltimore.

Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at BWI. Passengers can be picked up on the lower level of the terminal at the designated ride share pickup area. It's important to note that some restrictions may apply, such as the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed in the vehicle.

For those who prefer an airport shuttle, there are several options available. The SuperShuttle service is available for both shared and private rides. The pickup area for SuperShuttle is located outside of the baggage claim area on the lower level of the terminal. Fares vary depending on the destination, but passengers can expect to pay around $35 for a one-way trip to downtown Baltimore.

Finally, public transportation is available for those who prefer a more budget-friendly option. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates bus and light rail services from BWI. The bus stop is located outside

iFly Tip: Enhance your flying experience by learning from a pilot's perspective on our flight process page.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered! Whether you're after luxury accommodations with all the amenities or budget-friendly options that offer the basics, we have something for everyone. Many of these hotels are located within a short distance of the airport and offer complimentary shuttle services for easy and hassle-free transportation. Don't delay, check out our comprehensive list of BWI Airport Hotels today!

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Traveling can be a tiring experience, but Baltimore Airport has got you covered with its wide range of restaurants and shops. From local favorites to international cuisines, the airport offers a variety of dining options to satisfy your cravings. Some of the most popular restaurants include Obrycki's Restaurant & Bar, Gachi Sushi, and Vino Volo. And when it comes to shopping, you can find everything from high-end men's clothing at Johnston & Murphy to tax-free luxury goods at Duty Free.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at BWI can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, plan your visit using this guide.

Passenger Services

BWI (BWI) is committed to providing a comfortable and convenient travel experience for all passengers. Here are some of the services available:

Wifi Access: Complimentary wifi is available throughout the airport. Connect to the "BWI-Free-Wi-Fi" network to stay connected during your travels.

Lost and Found: If you have lost an item during your travels, visit the Lost and Found office located in the baggage claim area of the Main Terminal.

Children's Areas: BWI offers several play areas for children to enjoy before their flight. These areas are located in Concourse A, B, C, and D.

Special-Needs Services: The airport provides a range of services for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and TTY phones. Contact your airline in advance to arrange for any necessary accommodations.

Banking: There are several ATMs and currency exchange kiosks located throughout the airport. Full-service banking is also available at the PNC Bank branch located in the Main Terminal.

Medical Help: If you require medical assistance during your travels, the airport's medical clinic located in the Main Terminal is staffed by medical professionals and is open 24/7.

Flight Status Info

For air travelers flying out of BWI Airport, it's important to stay up-to-date on the status of their flight. One way to do this is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Another way to stay informed is by downloading the mobile app of the airline you are flying with. This app can send you push notifications, text messages, or emails about any changes to your flight status, including departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. It's a convenient way to stay informed while on the go.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

iFly Tip: Get the inside scoop on airline hubs and how they make long-distance travel easier.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) is located in the United States, serving the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area.
  • Terminals: The airport features six terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, and the Main Terminal.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines serving the airport include Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. For a complete list of airlines, visit the BWI Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: On average, Baltimore Washington Airport handles around 27,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport operates approximately 550 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from BWI are Atlanta, Orlando, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and Chicago.
  • Hub Status: BWI serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines, which operates the most daily flights from the airport.

Airport History

Baltimore Airport, also known as BWI, is a major airport located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States. The airport is named after Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States, who was born in Baltimore.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1950: The airport was opened as Friendship International Airport.
  • 1973: The airport was renamed Baltimore/Washington International Airport.
  • 1980: A new terminal building was opened, which increased the airport's capacity to handle more passengers.
  • 1997: A new international terminal was opened, which allowed the airport to handle more international flights.
  • 2005: A new runway was opened, which increased the airport's capacity to handle more flights.
  • 2010: The airport was renamed Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in honor of the civil rights leader.
  • 2013: A new concourse was opened, which added more gates and increased the airport's capacity to handle more passengers.

Today, BWI is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of passengers each year and connecting them to destinations around the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: BWI
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 410-859-7111
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, P.O. Box 8766, BWI Airport, MD 21240, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Baltimore Washington Airport Q&A

The airport has a total of six terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, and the Main Terminal.
Concourse E is dedicated to international flights.
The MARC train and Amtrak services are reliable and cost-effective options for getting to Washington, D.C., or Baltimore. The train station is connected to the airport by a free shuttle service.
The Express Lot offers a great balance between cost and convenience for long-term parking. Shuttle buses are frequent, and it's much cheaper than the hourly or daily garages.
Yes, there are cell phone waiting areas available for free. They are located near the terminals and provide a convenient place to wait until your passenger is ready to be picked up.
The airport has a variety of restaurants and shops, including Obrycki's Restaurant & Bar in Concourse B, Starbucks in Concourse C, and many more options in each terminal.
To avoid long security lines, try to fly mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays. The busiest times are early mornings and late afternoons, especially on Mondays and Fridays.
Yes, downloading the BWI app can provide real-time updates on flight statuses, security wait times, and parking availability.
Passengers can use the free shuttle bus service that operates 24/7 or pedestrian walkways to connect between terminals.
Yes, the airport provides a range of services for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and TTY phones. Contact your airline in advance to arrange for any necessary accommodations.