BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport
Complete Guide to Baltimore-Washington International Airport
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport serves Anne Arundel County and the greater Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. This comprehensive guide covers everything travelers need to know about BWI, from terminals and airlines to parking, dining, and ground transportation.
Quick Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | BWI |
| ICAO Code | KBWI |
| Location | Linthicum, MD 21240 |
| Distance from Annapolis | 25 miles |
| Distance from Crofton | 15 miles |
| Distance from Severn | 15 miles |
| Terminals | 4 (A, B, C, D) |
| Airlines | 15+ carriers |
| Annual Passengers | 25+ million |
| Runways | 4 |
Airport Overview
History & Namesake
Named After:
- Thurgood Marshall: First African American Supreme Court Justice
- Service: 1967-1991 on the Supreme Court
- Baltimore Native: Born and raised in Baltimore
- Legacy: Civil rights icon, legal pioneer
Airport Name Changes:
- Original: Baltimore-Washington International Airport
- 1997: Renamed BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport
- Recognition: Honoring Justice Marshall’s legacy
Airport Facilities
Terminals:
- Terminal A: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines
- Terminal B: Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways
- Terminal C: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines
- Terminal D: International flights, charter airlines
Amenities:
- WiFi: Free throughout airport
- Charging Stations: Throughout all terminals
- Lounges: Multiple airline lounges
- Shopping: 100+ retail stores
- Dining: 50+ restaurants and bars
- Art: Extensive art collection throughout terminals
Airport Services
Traveler Services:
- Concierge: Personal shopping, assistance
- Lost & Found: 410-859-7300
- Medical: First aid stations in terminals
- ATMs: Throughout all terminals
- Currency Exchange: International terminal
- Pet Relief Areas: Designated areas in each terminal
- Nursing Rooms: Family-friendly facilities
Airlines & Routes
Major Airlines
Domestic Airlines:
American Airlines:
- Terminal: A
- Destinations: Dallas, Charlotte, Miami, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago
- Frequency: Multiple daily flights
- Website: aa.com
Delta Air Lines:
- Terminal: A
- Destinations: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York (JFK)
- Frequency: Multiple daily flights
- Website: delta.com
Southwest Airlines:
- Terminal: B
- Destinations: Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago (MDW), Baltimore
- Frequency: Extensive network
- Website: southwest.com
JetBlue Airways:
- Terminal: B
- Destinations: Boston, New York (JFK), Fort Lauderdale, Orlando
- Frequency: Multiple daily flights
- Website: jetblue.com
United Airlines:
- Terminal: C
- Destinations: Newark, Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), San Francisco, Washington (DCA)
- Frequency: Extensive network
- Website: united.com
Alaska Airlines:
- Terminal: C
- Destinations: Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego
- Frequency: Daily flights
- Website: alaskaair.com
Spirit Airlines:
- Terminal: C
- Destinations: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Las Vegas
- Frequency: Multiple daily flights
- Website: spirit.com
Frontier Airlines:
- Terminal: C
- Destinations: Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa
- Frequency: Daily flights
- Website: flyfrontier.com
International Airlines:
- Air Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
- British Airways: London (Heathrow)
- Lufthansa: Frankfurt, Munich
- Air France: Paris (CDG)
- KLM: Amsterdam
- WestJet: Calgary, Vancouver
Flight Routes
Popular Domestic Routes:
- BWI to NYC: 15+ daily flights
- BWI to LA: Multiple daily flights
- BWI to Chicago: 10+ daily flights
- BWI to Dallas: 8+ daily flights
- BWI to Miami: 8+ daily flights
- BWI to Atlanta: 15+ daily flights
- BWI to Las Vegas: 6+ daily flights
- BWI to Orlando: 10+ daily flights
Popular International Routes:
- BWI to London: 2 daily flights
- BWI to Paris: Daily flights
- BWI to Frankfurt: Daily flights
- BWI to Toronto: Multiple daily flights
- BWI to Amsterdam: Daily flights
Flight Search & Booking
Where to Book:
- Airline Websites: Best for direct booking
- Online Travel Agencies: Expedia, Kayak, Priceline
- Travel Agents: Personalized service
- Airport: Last-minute bookings (expensive)
Flight Search Tips:
- Book Early: 6-8 weeks for domestic, 2-3 months for international
- Flexible Dates: Use flexible search tools
- Compare Airlines: Check multiple carriers
- Price Alerts: Set up alerts for route
- Loyalty Programs: Join airline frequent flyer programs
Parking & Transportation
Parking Options
Short-Term Parking:
- Location: Terminal A/B (adjacent to terminals)
- Cost: $4/hour, $28/day maximum
- Best For: Pickups, drop-offs, quick trips
- Distance: 0-5 minutes walk to terminal
Terminal Parking (Long-Term):
- Location: Adjacent to terminals
- Cost: $32/day
- Best For: 2-7 day trips
- Distance: 0-5 minutes walk to terminal
Economy Parking:
- Location: 1 mile from terminals
- Cost: $20/day
- Best For: Extended trips
- Shuttle: Free 24/7 shuttle service (5-10 minutes)
- Distance: 10-15 minutes to terminal
Valet Parking:
- Location: Terminal A/B
- Cost: $45-60/day
- Best For: Convenience, business travelers
- Service: Door-to-door service
Reserved Parking:
- Online Booking: Reserve spaces in advance
- Cost: Similar to economy rates
- Guarantee: Guaranteed space available
- Website: bwiairport.com/parking
Parking Reservations:
- Online: Book in advance
- Phone: (410) 859-7254
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Rainy Days: Covered parking available (premium)
Getting to BWI
By Car:
- From Annapolis: 35-45 minutes (25 miles)
- From Crofton: 20-25 minutes (15 miles)
- From Severna Park: 25-30 minutes (18 miles)
- From Glen Burnie: 15-20 minutes (10 miles)
- Route: MD-295 south to I-70 west, follow signs to airport
- Toll: No tolls to BWI
Parking at Home:
- Airport: Use BWI parking
- Off-Airport: Private lots ($10-20/day)
- Hotel Parking: Many hotels include parking
- Friends/Family: Arrange drop-off
Rideshare & Taxis:
- Uber/Lyft: Designated pickup areas at each terminal
- Taxis: Available 24/7 at terminals
- Cost: Varies by distance
- From Annapolis: $60-100
- From Crofton: $40-60
- From Severna Park: $45-65
Public Transit:
- Route 95: MTA bus from BWI to Annapolis
- BWI Rail Station: MARC train to DC/Baltimore
- Shuttle Services: Private shuttles to Annapolis area
Airport Shuttles
Shared Shuttle Services:
- Wingz: Door-to-door service
- Go Airlink: Shared van service
- SuperShuttle: Shared rides (limited service)
- Cost: $25-50 per person
- Booking: Required in advance
- Website: wingz.com
Hotel Shuttles:
- Airport Hotels: Many offer free shuttles
- Reservations: Call hotel directly
- Frequency: Usually on-demand
Terminals & Gates
Terminal A
Airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines Gates: A1-A20 Features:
- American Airlines Admirals Club
- Delta SkyClub
- US Bank ATM
- Currency exchange
- Multiple dining options
Amenities:
- WiFi: Free throughout
- Charging: USB ports and outlets
- Restrooms: Clean, well-maintained
- Family Rooms: Nursing rooms available
- Pet Relief: Outside security
Terminal B
Airlines: Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways Gates: B1-B30 Features:
- Southwest Airlines hub
- JetBlue focus city
- Multiple food courts
- Shopping areas
Amenities:
- WiFi: Free throughout
- Charging: USB ports, outlets
- Lounges: None (Southwest/JetBlue don’t have lounges)
- Restrooms: Multiple locations
- Family Rooms: Available
Terminal C
Airlines: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit, Frontier Gates: C1-C40 Features:
- United hub
- Most flights depart from Terminal C
- Extensive shopping
- Multiple dining options
Amenities:
- WiFi: Free throughout
- Charging: USB ports, outlets throughout
- Lounges: United Club, American Express lounge
- Restrooms: Clean, well-maintained
- Family Rooms: Multiple locations
Terminal D
Airlines: International carriers, charter airlines Gates: D1-D10 Features:
- International flights
- Customs and immigration
- Limited domestic flights
Amenities:
- WiFi: Free throughout
- Charging: USB ports, outlets
- Customs: International arrivals processing
- Dining: Limited options
- Currency Exchange: Available
Terminal Connections
Between Terminals:
- Airside: Post-security connections available
- Landside: Pre-security connections via shuttle bus
- Walking: Some terminals connected airside
- Time: Allow 30-45 minutes for terminal changes
Security & TSA
TSA Checkpoints
Security Locations:
- Terminal A: 2 checkpoints
- Terminal B: 2 checkpoints
- Terminal C: 3 checkpoints
- Terminal D: 1 checkpoint
TSA Checkpoint Hours:
- Terminal A: 4 AM - 12 AM
- Terminal B: 4 AM - 1 AM
- Terminal C: 4 AM - 12 AM
- Terminal D: Varies by flight schedule
Security Wait Times:
- Peak Hours: 6-9 AM, 4-7 PM (20-40 minutes)
- Off-Peak: 10 AM - 3 PM (10-20 minutes)
- Weekends: Generally lighter
- Holidays: Expect longer waits
TSA Guidelines
What to Bring:
- ID: Government-issued photo ID required
- Boarding Pass: Digital or printed
- Liquids: 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz bottles in 1 quart bag)
- Electronics: Large electronics out of bags
- Shoes: Remove shoes at checkpoint
- Jackets: Remove and place in bin
TSA PreCheck:
- Benefits: Dedicated lane, keep shoes/laptop on
- Cost: $78 for 5 years
- Application: Online, in-person appointment
- Enrollment Centers: Available at BWI
- Website: tsa.gov/precheck
Global Entry:
- Benefits: Expedited customs for international travel
- Cost: $100 for 5 years
- Includes: TSA PreCheck
- Application: Online, interview required
- Website: globalentry.gov
Dining & Shopping
Dining Options
Quick Service:
| Restaurant | Terminal | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetgreen | All | Salads, bowls |
| Dunkin’ | All | Coffee, donuts |
| Starbucks | All | Coffee, pastries |
| McDonald’s | A, B, C | Fast food |
| Subway | A, B, C | Sandwiches |
| Chipotle | C | Mexican |
| Panda Express | C | Chinese |
Sit-Down Dining:
| Restaurant | Terminal | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| Joe’s Crab Shack | A | Seafood |
| Rainforest Cafe | B | Family dining |
| The Capital Grille | C | Steakhouse |
| Yard House | C | American |
| Baltimore’s Crab House | C | Seafood |
| Smith & Wollensky | C | Steakhouse |
Cafes & Bakeries:
| Name | Terminal | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Bruegger’s | A, B, C | Bagels |
| Baked & Wired | A, B, C | Pastries |
| Tim Hortons | B, C | Coffee, donuts |
| Tully’s | C | Coffee |
Shopping
Luxury & Fashion:
| Store | Terminal | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Neiman Marcus | C | Department store |
| Tiffany & Co. | C | Jewelry |
| Coach | A, B, C | Fashion |
| Kate Spade | C | Accessories |
| Polo Ralph Lauren | C | Clothing |
| Brooks Brothers | C | Clothing |
News & Gifts:
| Store | Terminal | Type |
|---|---|---|
| CVS/pharmacy | All | Pharmacy, convenience |
| Walmart Travel | C | Travel essentials |
| BWI Gifts | All | Souvenirs |
| Local Markets | A, B, C | Maryland products |
Electronics & Tech:
| Store | Terminal | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Micro Center | C | Electronics |
| Apple Store | C | Apple products |
| Best Buy | C | Electronics |
Shopping Hours
Retail Hours:
- Most Stores: 5 AM - 11 PM
- Duty-Free: International terminal hours
- Convenience Stores: Open early (4 AM)
Lounges
Airport Lounges
Admirals Club (American Airlines):
- Location: Terminal A
- Access: American Airlines first/business class, Admirals Club members
- Amenities: Food, beverages, WiFi, showers, business center
- Hours: 5 AM - 11 PM
- Cost: $59 day pass or $650 annual membership
United Club:
- Location: Terminal C
- Access: United first/business class, club members
- Amenities: Food, beverages, WiFi, showers, business center
- Hours: 5 AM - 11 PM
- Cost: $59 day pass or $650 annual membership
American Express Centurion Lounge:
- Location: Terminal C
- Access: Amex Platinum cardholders
- Amenities: Food, beverages, WiFi, showers, business center
- Hours: 5 AM - 11 PM
- Cost: Complimentary for Platinum cardholders
Delta SkyClub:
- Location: Terminal A
- Access: Delta first/business class, SkyClub members
- Amenities: Food, beverages, WiFi, business center
- Hours: 5 AM - 11 PM
- Cost: $59 day pass or $650 annual membership
Serenity Lounge:
- Location: Terminal C (pre-security)
- Access: All travelers, fee required
- Amenities: Quiet space, showers, WiFi, snacks
- Hours: 4 AM - 12 AM
- Cost: $25-45 per visit
Lounge Benefits
Common Amenities:
- Comfortable Seating: Quiet, comfortable space
- Food & Beverages: Complimentary snacks, drinks
- WiFi: High-speed internet access
- Showers: Freshen up before flights
- Business Center: Computers, printers, phones
- Flight Information: Dedicated screens
Ground Transportation
Rental Cars
Rental Car Center:
- Location: Off-terminal, shuttle required
- Access: Shuttle buses from all terminals
- Shuttle Time: 5-10 minutes
- Operating Hours: 24/7
Rental Companies:
- Avis: Aisle 3
- Budget: Aisle 3
- Dollar: Aisle 2
- Enterprise: Aisle 1
- Hertz: Aisle 1
- National: Aisle 3
- Alamo: Aisle 2
- Thrifty: Aisle 2
- Sixt: Aisle 1
- Payless: Aisle 2
Rental Car Tips:
- Book Early: Better rates, availability
- Compare Prices: Multiple websites
- Membership Discounts: AAA, Costco, corporate
- Fuel Policy: Full-to-full best value
- Insurance: Check coverage through credit card
Train & Bus
MARC Train (BWI Rail Station):
- Connection: Same location as airport
- Shuttle: Free shuttle to terminals
- Destination: DC, Baltimore
- Website: marctrain.com
Amtrak:
- Connection: Same as MARC station
- Services: Long-distance and regional
- Website: amtrak.com
MTA Bus:
- Route 95: BWI to Annapolis
- Frequency: Hourly
- Cost: $2.00 cash, $1.50 CharmCard
- Website: mta.maryland.gov
Rideshare
Uber & Lyft:
- Pickup: Designated areas at each terminal
- Cost: $40-80 from Anne Arundel
- Booking: Through app
- Wait Time: 5-10 minutes
Taxis:
- Location: Curbside at each terminal
- Cost: Metered
- Availability: 24/7
- Wait Time: 5-15 minutes
Travel Tips & Services
Before You Fly
Arrival Time:
- Domestic: 2 hours before
- International: 3 hours before
- Peak Times: Add 30-60 minutes
- TSA PreCheck: Can arrive 1.5 hours early
Online Check-in:
- Website: Airline website
- App: Airline mobile app
- Mobile Boarding Pass: Save to phone
- Baggage Drop: Faster process
Baggage:
- Carry-on: Check airline size restrictions
- Checked Bags: $30-35 first bag, $40-50 second
- Oversized: Additional fees
- Special Items: Sports equipment, pets
At the Airport
Finding Your Gate:
- Boarding Pass: Gate number printed
- Airport Displays: Flight information screens
- Apps: Airline mobile apps
- Ask Staff: Information desks available
Security Tips:
- ID Ready: Have ID and boarding pass ready
- Liquids Bag: Keep accessible
- Electronics: Large electronics out of bags
- Remove Belt: Take off belt, jacket
- TSA PreCheck: Keep shoes/laptop on
Connecting Flights:
- Minimum Connection: Allow 45-60 minutes
- Terminal Changes: Allow extra time
- Gate Locations: Check displays for updates
- Security: May need to re-clear security
After Your Flight
Baggage Claim:
- Carousels: Check flight information screens
- Lost Baggage: Report at baggage service office
- Wait Time: 15-30 minutes typical
- Delivery: Baggage can be delivered to hotel
Ground Transportation:
- Plan Ahead: Know your pickup location
- Rideshare: Designated pickup areas
- Rental Cars: Shuttle to rental center
- Public Transit: Bus/train schedules
Special Services
Traveler Assistance:
- Wheelchair Service: Request in advance
- Unaccompanied Minors: Airline-specific policies
- Medical Equipment: Battery restrictions, documentation
- Pets: Documentation, crate requirements
- Special Meals: Request at booking
Airport Lost & Found:
- Phone: (410) 859-7300
- Location: Security office
- Hours: 5 AM - 11 PM
- Online: bwiairport.com/lost-found
Emergency & Medical
Airport Emergency
Medical Services:
- First Aid: Located in each terminal
- Emergency: Call 911
- Airport Police: (410) 859-7400
- Hours: 24/7
Emergency Contacts:
- Emergency: 911
- Airport Police: (410) 859-7400
- Medical: First aid stations
- Lost & Found: (410) 859-7300
Health & Safety
COVID-19 Guidelines:
- Check Before Travel: Current requirements
- Masking: Recommended but not required
- Social Distancing: Available seating
- Hand Sanitizers: Throughout airport
Safety Tips:
- Stay Aware: Watch belongings
- Emergency Exits: Know locations
- Evacuation Routes: Follow staff instructions
- Report Suspicious: Airport security
Frequently Asked Questions
Common BWI Airport Questions
Q: How far is BWI from Annapolis? A: BWI is about 25 miles from Annapolis, approximately 35-45 minutes by car.
Q: What’s the best parking option? A: Economy parking ($20/day) for extended trips. Terminal parking for shorter trips.
Q: Can I get TSA PreCheck at BWI? A: Yes, TSA PreCheck kiosks and enrollment on-site at BWI.
Q: Is WiFi free at BWI? A: Yes, free high-speed WiFi throughout all terminals.
Q: What time should I arrive? A: 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international.
Q: Are there lounges at BWI? A: Yes, Admirals Club, United Club, Amex Centurion, and Serenity Lounge.
Q: How do I get to BWI from Annapolis? A: By car (35-45 min), MTA bus Route 95, or rideshare ($60-100).
Q: Can I park long-term at BWI? A: Yes, economy parking at $20/day, terminal parking at $32/day.
Verified Sources & References
- BWI Airport: bwiairport.com
- MARC Train: marctrain.com
- Amtrak: amtrak.com
- MTA Maryland: mta.maryland.gov
- TSA PreCheck: tsa.gov/precheck
- Global Entry: globalentry.gov
This guide was last updated: May 2026. All information verified from official sources. Contact us with corrections or updates.