Baltimore/Washington International Airport [BWI] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) features 1 terminal that offers extensive dining, shopping, and 4 lounges across 5 concourses.
• The airport provides excellent ground transportation options, including MARC and Amtrak trains, MTA light rail, buses, and shuttle services.
• Amenities at BWI include free Wi-Fi, pet relief areas, baby facilities, and children’s play areas.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is the busiest airport serving the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. BWI is a focus city for Southwest Airlines, with the airline holding sole occupancy of Concourses A and B.

Also known as Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, BWI is named after Baltimore-native Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Quick Info

Airport: Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
Terminals: 1 terminal with 5 concourses – A, B, C, D, and E
Airport Address: 7050 Friendship Rd., Baltimore, MD 21240
Distance From Downtown Baltimore: Approximately 10 miles (16 km)
Website: bwiairport.com
Phone Number: 410-859-7111
Passengers Served: 27 million
Destinations Served: 80 domestic and 13 international destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed online

Airlines Operating From BWI

Hot Tip: BWI has a useful search tool to check which destinations you can fly to from the airport and the airlines that operate the route.

BWI Airport Terminal

BWI has a main terminal building and 5 concourses. The terminal is a U-shape with the parking garage in the center and the airport road system and ground transportation services surrounding the parking garage.

The ticketing area is located on the upper level along with the security checkpoints that lead into the airside concourses. The main terminal building consists of 2 levels.

Terminal Upper Level

The upper level of the main terminal building houses the ticketing desks and a selection of restaurants and cafes, including Sky Azure, with an observation gallery.

Passengers can reach the upper level directly from the daily parking garage by walking across the skywalk bridges or from the lower level curbside by riding the elevator or escalators.

Access to the 4 security checkpoints is from the upper level with 3 checkpoints available for Concourses A, B, and C and 1 for Concourse D. Keep in mind that Concourses D and E are not linked airside with Concourses A, B, and C.

Terminal Lower Level

Arrivals for all concourses are located on the lower level, with international arrivals located near Concourse E.

A few cafes and shops are located on this level, along with the USO Lounge. The lower level of the terminal is accessible from the hourly parking lot via an underground tunnel, and ground transportation is located outside of the terminal buildings in designated areas.

Concourses A, B, and C

Concourse A has 16 gates numbered A1 to A16 and Concourse B has 15 gates numbered B1 to B15. Flights from both concourses are solely operated by Southwest Airlines.

Concourse C has 14 gates numbered C1 to C14 with flights operated by Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Contour Airlines.

The 3 concourses are accessible from any of the 3 security checkpoints located on the same side of the terminal building, and all have a good selection of shops, bars, and restaurants.

Concourses D and E

Concourse D has 22 gates numbered D1 to D5, D7, D8, D10 to D16, D20 to D26, and D29. Many airlines operate from Concourse D, including Alaska Airlines, Boutique Air, and Spirit Airlines.

Concourse D is accessible through the D/E security checkpoint, so passengers have access to the amenities of both Concourses D and E. The Club at BWI is located in Concourse D near gate D10 and a Roam Fitness gym is just after the security checkpoint. If you’re flying Southwest or American, you can’t access the Club at BWI without going through security at Concourses D or E, so keep this in mind if you wish to visit the lounge.

Concourse E is the main international concourse with flights from British Airways, Condor, and Southwest Airlines. The concourse has 5 gates numbered E1, E3, E4, E6, and E8, and a small selection of cafes and restaurants (more available to passengers in Concourse D).

The Chesapeake Club Lounge is for eligible Oneworld passengers and is located on the upper level.

Inter-terminal Transport

Walking

Baltimore/Washington International Airport is not a huge airport, so there are no trains or airside shuttles for connections. Passengers are required to walk from the main terminal to their concourse, and if connecting between the A/B/C concourses to the D/E concourses, they must re-clear security.

BWI promotes its cardio walking trails around the airport (with defibrillators on route) and has 2 1-kilometer routes — 1 from either end of the main terminal and 1 that runs the full length of Concourse A to Concourse B.

Security and Customs at BWI

BWI has 4 security checkpoints – 3 that provide passenger access to Concourses A, B, and C and 1 for Concourses D and E.

• Checkpoint A: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Checkpoint B: 4 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
• Checkpoint C: 4 a.m. to 9:30 p.m
• Checkpoint D/E: 4 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Hot Tip: The airport states that depending on passenger levels, any one of the A, B, or C checkpoints may be closed to increase efficiency at the open checkpoints. 

TSA PreCheck

BWI has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at every checkpoint that are in operation during these hours:

• Checkpoint A: Open only during operational needs
• Checkpoint B: 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Checkpoint C: Open only during operational needs
• Checkpoint D/E: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Global Entry

BWI has Global Entry kiosks for eligible passengers that have been approved through the program.

Applicants that have been conditionally approved may arrange an interview at BWI’s Enrollment Center, located on the lower level of the International Terminal. The Enrollment Center is open from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (office closed from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.).

BWI also participates in Enrollment on Arrival and conditionally approved applicants may opt to conduct their interview when arriving at BWI. Enrollment on Arrival is processed Monday to Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Hot Tip: Looking for more information about Global Entry? These are the most frequently asked questions for Global Entry and our expert answers.

Mobile Passport

BWI accepts Mobile Passport Control for international flight arrivals into the U.S.

Once passengers arrive at BWI, they must complete the “new trip” information within the app and present their passport and electronic receipt to a CBP agent.

Clear Security Program

CLEAR lanes are available at every checkpoint at BWI, along with the ability to enroll. These are open daily:

• Checkpoint A: 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Checkpoint B, C, D, E: 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.

BWI Airport Lounges

Baltimore/Washington International Airport has a few lounges available for passengers, and one of these is a fitness and wellness center. Only 1 standard lounge allows passengers to purchase day pass entry (The Club at BWI), and the Chesapeake Club Lounge is only available for eligible Oneworld passengers.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Want to avoid paying for a day pass? These are the best credit cards with lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

Passengers are admitted into The Club at BWI 3 hours before their flight departs with Priority Pass, subject to capacity allowances. Those with a paid Priority Pass membership (not a membership that comes as a credit card benefit) also have access to ROAM Fitness.

Find out more about Priority Pass memberships and the best credit cards for Priority Pass.

Dining and Drinks at BWI Airport

BWI has 60 restaurants, cafes, and food stations with a few located outside of the secure area at the north end of the terminal. With Concourses A, B, and C interlinked, passengers can freely move between the dining options located within the secure area of each concourse.

Passengers can plan where to eat and drink by viewing available eateries on the airport’s website.

BWI Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for all guests by connecting to the network service “_BWI Free WiFi.” Guests can contact support@slicewifi.com for any connectivity issues or support.

Charging Stations: Free charging stations are free to use throughout the concourses.

Hot Tip: If you find yourself without Wi-Fi on your travels, check out the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to make sure you’re always connected.

BWI Airport Lost and Found

If a passenger misplaces an item on an aircraft or in the ticketing or boarding areas, they must follow up with the applicable airline.

For any items lost at the security checkpoint, passengers need to contact the TSA lost and found office at 410-689-3620 or visit the office on the lower level of the terminal opposite door 9.

For items lost in any other areas, passengers must submit a claim to the airport lost and found office or email maalostandfound@bwiairport.com. Passengers may also visit the lost and found office located at the entrance of Concourse C on the upper level.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

BWI has information desks located at:

• International Concourse arrivals area
• Lower level of Concourse C and D
• Southwest Airlines baggage claim 1-5 area
• Ticketing area before Concourse A/B and D

Children’s Play Areas

Unfortunately, BWI does not rank as one of the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S. But it does have a children’s play area located in the D/E connector with a large airplane and rocking chairs.

Baby Facilities

BWI has nursing stations within each concourse. These Mamava units are located at:

• Concourse A near gate A7
• Concourse B near gate B2
• Concourse C near gate C7
• Concourse D near gate D2
• D/E connector in the children’s play area

Traveling With a Pet

While BWI doesn’t rank among the top 10 pet-friendly airports, it has pet relief areas located inside and outside of the secure areas:

• In front of the hourly garage (outside security)
• At the entrance of Concourse C (inside security)
• Within the D/E connector just beyond security (inside security)

Duty-Free

BWI has 2 duty-free stores located in the B/C connector and the D/E connector.

Smoking Areas

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside of the terminal buildings. These are located within the center islands on the upper and lower levels.

Prayer

BWI has a meditation room that can be used for prayer and quiet reflection. The room is located behind the Delta ticketing desk, and passengers may access the room by calling 410-859-7736.

Money

BWI has 2 currency exchange locations – 1 is located on the upper level of the main terminal, near the American Airlines ticketing desk, and the other is within the D/E connector.

ATMs are located throughout the airport.

BWI Important Phone Numbers

Airport Information: 410-859-7683

Lost and Found: 410-859-7387

Travel to and From BWI Airport

Transport Options

Train

• Amtrak: For travel to Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Wilmington, and more, passengers can ride the free shuttle bus from BWI to the MARC/Amtrak station. Airport shuttles operate from the lower level outside baggage claim every 10 minutes (excluding 1 a.m. to 5 a.m when the service is every 25 minutes).
• MTA MARC Train: The MARC train service operates from the MARC/Amtrak station, located just a short distance from the airport. As the station is the same as the Amtrak station, the airport shuttle information applies, as above.
  • Services operate to and from downtown Baltimore, Prince George’s County, Harford County, Washington, D.C., and more.
• MTA Light Rail: Passengers can ride the light rail service from BWI to downtown Baltimore, Timonium, and Hunt Valley, with connections also possible to Penn Station. A single fare costs $1.90.
  • The light rail station is located adjacent to Concourse E on the lower level outside of the terminal. Trains operate Monday to Friday from 4:45 a.m. to 12:40 a.m., Saturday from 5:05 a.m. to 12:45 a.m., and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:35 a.m. to 8:40 p.m.

Bus

• MTA ICC Bus: Bus Route 201 operates to and from BWI from the Gaithersburg Park and Ride lot, with stops at Shady Grove Metro, Georgia Avenue Park and Ride, and Arundel Mills Mall. The 201 runs from outside the terminal building near Concourses A and E, dropping passengers off on the upper level and picking them up from the lower level.
  • Buses operate hourly on weekdays from 5:05 a.m. to 11:05 p.m. and from 9:05 a.m. to 11:05 p.m. on weekends and public holidays.
• MTA Bus: Route 75 operates to and from the airport and Parkway Center, Airport 100, Arundel Mills Mall, Park, and the Patapsco Light Rail Stop. Route 107 is a peak weekday service bus that operates between BWI and the Old Court Metro Subway Station.
• RTA: Route 501/Silver runs from Columbia Mall to the airport via Anne Arundel County and Northern Prince George’s County. The service operates daily and costs $2 per ride.

Shuttles

BWI has dedicated stopping points for courtesy shuttles in order to manage vehicle traffic:

• Zones 1 and 3: Hotel shuttles
• Zone 2: Off-airport parking shuttles
• Zone 4: Hotels and off-airport parking shuttles

BayRunner Shuttle: Passengers may book onto this scheduled van service that operates regularly between Ocean City to Grantsville, stopping at the airport along the way.

Taxis

Taxi stands can be found outside doors 5 and 13 on the lower level of the terminal. Airport taxis are not permitted to charge flat rates, but an approximate metered rate to downtown Baltimore is $35 and to downtown Washington, D.C. is $90.

Ride Services

App-based ride services such as Uber or Lyft may pick up and drop off passengers curbside on the upper level of the terminal.

Directions by Car

Arriving From Downtown Baltimore

Take MD 205 South and then exit on I-195 East towards BWI Airport. Continue onto I-195 until you reach the airport road system.

Arriving From Washington, D.C.

Take New York Avenue/US-50 and then the left 2 lanes towards the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Merge onto the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and continue until the I-195 East exit towards BWI Airport. Continue onto I-195 until you reach the airport road system.

BWI Car Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

Short-term Parking

The hourly parking garage offers the closest and most convenient parking to the main terminal building.

The garage uses smart parking technology that guides drivers to a space with a green light, and once parked, passengers can access the terminal via the climate-controlled bridges. Parking is $4 per hour and $22 per day.

Long-term Parking

The daily parking garage is located on Terminal Road and Scott Drive opposite the express lot. Shuttles operate between the parking garage and the airport every 8 to 10 minutes. Daily parking costs $12.

The express parking lot is the second cheapest option available at BWI at $10 per day.

Once passengers have parked, a shuttle bus will collect you and your luggage from your parking bay and transport you to the terminal building. The express lot is located opposite the daily garage at Terminal Road and Scott Drive.

The A and B long-term parking lots offer the most cost-effective parking at the airport ($8 per day) and are located at MD 162 (Aviation Boulevard) between S. Camp Meade Road and Andover Road. Courtesy shuttles run between the airport and the parking lots.

Pick-up or Drop-off Parking

Visitors picking up passengers may use the cell phone waiting lot until the passenger is ready for curbside pick-up. Visitors may wait in the lot for up to 1 hour and may not leave their vehicles during this time.

The cell phone waiting lot is located on Scott Road, next to the daily parking garage entrance.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

It’s pretty standard to be able to get cheaper airport parking with off-site parking lots, but at BWI, there’s not much savings to be had!

Daily parking starts at around $7 by booking with a third-party site such as airportparkingreservations.com. With official long-term parking available for just $1 more per day, we think it’s worth saving yourself the journey and parking on airport property (unless you’re booking a hotel and parking deal).

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Disabled parking is available in all of the official airport parking lots, and all parking shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.

Parking Contact Number

General Parking Inquiries: 800-468-6294

Car Rentals at BWI

BWI’s rental car center is located on airport property, located a short distance from the terminal. Courtesy shuttles transport passengers to and from the rental car center and depart from the lower level of the terminal.

The shuttle journey between the rental car center and the terminal takes 10 minutes with the facility located on Stoney Run Road and New Ridge Road.

These rental car companies are based at the facility:

Hot Tip: To avoid paying expensive insurance through the rental agency, check out these credit cards with rental car insurance.

BWI Airport Hotels

Although there are no hotels on airport property, there’s a good selection of 3- to 4-star accommodations within a 3-mile radius, with the closest cluster of hotels located just 1.2 miles away.

Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Westin Baltimore Washington Airport – BWI is less than 3 miles from the Baltimore/Washington International Airport and offers a free airport shuttle for your convenience. The hotel also offers a fitness center and indoor pool, and Marriott Bonvoy members with Platinum Elite status or higher can enjoy free breakfast in the executive lounge. The points needed will largely depend on the time of year that you visit, but expect 20,000 to 30,000 points per night.

The DoubleTree by Hilton offers close proximity to the airport, a free shuttle, an onsite restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. For award nights, keep in mind that Hilton no longer publishes an award chart and uses a dynamic pricing model for all of its hotels. Nights at this hotel often cost between 25,000 and 30,000 points per night.

An indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a bar/lounge, a free airport shuttle, and complimentary breakfast are available to all guests of the Hyatt Place Baltimore/BWI Airport. Better yet, the hotel is just a Category 1 hotel in the World of Hyatt program so it costs just 3,500 to 6,500 points for a free night!

If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, or Hilton Honors points.

Final Thoughts

With Southwest Airlines accounting for over 70% of BWI’s passenger traffic, it’s not surprising that the airport has recently expanded its A terminal to the tune of $60 million. The expansion, which opened in May of 2021, includes 5 new gates, new restrooms, retail stores, and restaurants.

BWI was previously ranked as one of the top 10 best U.S. airports in the Condé Nast Traveler’s 2018 Readers’ Choice awards. The accolade was due to the airport’s convenient transit access, efficiency, and amenities, such as bicycle rental to accompany a 12-mile cycling trail around the airport, restaurants, and an observation deck. While BWI no longer holds this honor, it is the busiest airport in the Washington D.C. metro area — a testament to the volume of passengers that choose the airport for its services and options.