Getting into Washington DC from BWI (Baltimore-Washington International Airport)
/In the first iteration of Tools for Getting Around, we are looking at how to get to and from Washington DC from Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (quite a mouthful - everyone calls it BWI). Most recently updated February 22, 2020.
Public Transit to Washington DC
BWI Concourse B Check In Hall - CC: Matt H Wade
The Train - MARC Penn Line or Amtrak to Union Station (Washington Metro - Red Line) or New Carrollton (Washington Metro - Orange Line)
B30 Metrobus to Greenbelt Metro Station (Washington Metro - Green Line)
Cabs, Ride-sharing, and other options
Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing
Cabs from BWI
BWI Airport is the busiest airport (but not by much) in the greater Washington DC region. Just like the name suggests, BWI is significantly closer to Baltimore (9 miles) than it is Washington (32 miles). However, it is less than 10 miles further from downtown Washington DC than Washington Dulles. If you're flying Southwest Airlines to DC, odds are that you will be flying into BWI, as they serve more than 70% of BWI's traffic.
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Public Transit to Washington DC
BWI has a number of public transit options that will get you to Washington DC. However, the variety of options that are running or the fastest one depends on the time of day. I suggest you use Google Maps, or the timetables below, to determine which lines up best.
The Train - MARC Penn Line or Amtrak
Connect to Washington Metro: New Carrollton (Orange Line) or Union Station (Red Line)
MARC Train at BWI Airport Station - CC: Ryan Stavely
The MARC Train is a commuter rail serving numerous locations in Maryland and Washington DC. The MARC Penn line runs between Union Station in Washington DC, Baltimore, and points north, to include a stop near BWI.
To get to the MARC train, you need to catch a shuttle to the BWI Amtrak Station. These shuttles are located outside baggage claim and run approximately every six minutes (theoretically - I've definitely waited longer) except between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. when they operate every 25 minutes. The shuttle drops you off right at the station. Be aware, for the trains to Washington DC, you will need to use the elevator (or stairs) to cross the tracks.
Once you have arrived at the train station, but before you cross the tracks, be sure to buy a ticket - a one-way ticket to Union Station costs $7, but if you buy the ticket onboard, it will cost an additional $5. You can either go to the counter or use one of the machines, if you use a machine, make sure to select MARC tickets - Amtrak tickets are often much more expensive.
Once at Union Station, it is an easy transfer to Metro, if necessary. A trip between BWI and the Farragut North Metro Station downtown taking the MARC train takes about 80 minutes, and costs between $9 and $9.25.
For the Amtrak, follow the same directions, but but a ticket and board an Amtrak Train. It also takes you to Washington Union Station. It will save you about 15-20 minutes on the train, but will likely cost you starting from $14, but can often cost more than $30. For prices and availability, please go to www.amtrak.com.
B30 MetroBus
B30 bus stop sign at BWI Airport - CC: M01229
WMATA, the regional transportation agency that runs the Metro as well as a large number of Bus lines, runs a bus from BWI airport to Greenbelt Metro Station, on the Green Line.
The B30 has two stops at BWI, both outside on the arrivals level, one at the A/B terminal, and one at the E terminal. Follow the signs that say "Public Transit." The bus runs Monday to Friday between 7AM and 10 PM and generally departs hourly, give or take a few minutes.
Once at Greenbelt, you can take the Green Line downtown to connect to wherever you need to go. A trip between BWI and the Farragut North Metro Station downtown taking the B30 takes about 80 minutes. If you have a SmartTrip card, the trip will cost between $10.85 and $11.95 - it will be more expensive if you have to pay cash for the Bus.
Cabs and Ride-Sharing
Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing from BWI
Lyft, Uber, or other app-based ride services pick up and drop off passengers at the terminal curbs on the Departures/Ticketing Level between doors 9 and 11. The base fare for Uber or Lyft is about $60, before tipping; as always, beware of surge pricing.
Cabs from BWI
The taxi stands are located just outside of the baggage claim area on the Lower Level of the BWI Marshall Airport terminal near doors 5 and 13. A taxi will likely cost you $90 to downtown Washington DC.
Bottom Line
Because of the distance and the less frequent public transportation, taking mass transit, cabs, or ride sharing into Washington DC from BWI will likely take longer and be more expensive than either Washington Dulles or Reagan/National. However, it is pretty easy and a generally comfortable ride. All things being equal, BWI would be my last choice, but when you get a good price on airline tickets and want to come visit Washington DC, there is no reason to shy away from flying into BWI.
(Headline Photo: Check-In Area of A/B Terminal at BWI - CC: UpstateNYer)
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