Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) serves as a strategic gateway to two key US metropolitan areas simultaneously, offering travelers a convenient alternative to the often-congested hubs of the capital. Located in the picturesque suburb of Linthicum, this airport is renowned for its efficiency, friendly atmosphere, and unique approach to passenger comfort. Here, you can not only quickly complete pre-flight formalities but also recharge by using the cycle path around the airfield or visiting the gym right inside the terminal.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

BWI Airport stands out among regional air hubs for its attention to passenger health and services that are unconventional for transport centers.

• Unique Leisure Infrastructure: The famous BWI Trail cycle path encircles the airport territory and connects to the Dixon Aircraft Observation Area park, offering excellent views of the runway.
• Transport Accessibility: It was the first airport in the US to be connected to an intermodal railway station, from where Amtrak and MARC trains quickly transport passengers to downtown Washington D.C. or Penn Station in Baltimore.
• Low-Cost Carrier Base: As a key hub for Southwest Airlines, the airport offers a huge selection of destinations at affordable prices, making it a favorite among budget-conscious tourists.
• Fitness and Comfort: The terminal features the ROAM Fitness gym, allowing you to work out and shower before your flight, as well as a spacious observation gallery with historical aviation exhibits.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

• Official Website: www.bwiairport.com — here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (410) 859-7111. Available 24/7 for general inquiries.
• Airport Address: 7050 Friendship Rd, Baltimore, MD 21240, USA.
• Email: A direct email address for general questions is not provided. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official airport website for communication.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on social media:
  • Twitter (X): @BWI_Airport
  • Facebook: BWI Marshall Airport
• Lost and Found: If you have lost items in the public areas of the airport (not on the plane), contact the BWI Lost and Found office at +1 (410) 859-7387. For lost checked baggage, please contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance or consultation, you can use the 24-hour information desk phone or the feedback form on the website.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington D.C., making it a popular transport hub for travelers heading to either of these cities. You can get from the airport to the town of Linthicum and other points in Maryland and beyond in the USA in several ways, suitable for any budget and preference.

Public Transport is one of the most convenient and economical methods. The airport has its own railway station, BWI Rail Station, which is served by a free shuttle from the terminals around the clock. Departing from here are:

• Amtrak trains, connecting the airport with major cities of the Northeast Corridor, including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York.
• MARC commuter trains (Penn Line), which are an excellent and affordable option for traveling to Union Station in Washington D.C. (travel time about 35-40 minutes) or Penn Station in Baltimore (about 20 minutes).
• MTA Light RailLink (light rail tram) is the most budget-friendly way to get to downtown Baltimore. The station is located right at the international terminal. The trip takes about 30 minutes.
• MTA Buses also serve the airport, connecting it with surrounding areas.

Taxis, Shuttles, and Ridesharing are comfortable options, especially if you are traveling with heavy luggage. Official taxi stands are located at the exits of the arrivals area. A taxi ride to downtown Baltimore will take 20-30 minutes, and to downtown Washington D.C. — 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available and have designated passenger pick-up zones. Shared-ride vans can be a more cost-effective alternative to taxis for solo travelers.

Car Rental is the ideal choice for those planning to travel extensively around the region. The car rental center is located in a separate building, serviced by regular free shuttles from the terminals. All leading rental companies are represented here. It is recommended to book a car online in advance to secure the best rates.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own vehicle, several parking options are at your disposal: Hourly Garage directly at the terminal, Daily Garage, and several Long-Term parking lots, from which free buses run to the terminals. To save time and money, parking can also be booked online.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) has a well-thought-out and passenger-friendly structure. Technically, there is one main terminal here, which is divided into five concourses (piers), designated by letters: A, B, C, D, and E. This organization makes navigation intuitively simple, even if it is your first time here.

The terminal building is U-shaped. All check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and security screening zones are located on the upper level (departures level). Baggage claim areas and exits to ground transportation are on the lower level (arrivals level). Clear separation of flows helps avoid confusion. It is easy to orient yourself inside the terminal thanks to numerous signs.

A major advantage of BWI Airport is that concourses A, B, C, and D are connected to each other in the "airside" zone, after passing security control. This means you can move freely between them without going through screening again. This is particularly convenient if you have time before your flight and want to visit specific shops or restaurants in another concourse. Concourse E, serving international flights, stands apart and does not have direct access from other concourses after the security zone.

Each concourse has its own specialization:

• Concourses A, B, and C: Primarily used by Southwest Airlines, which is the largest carrier at BWI. It is always lively here.
• Concourse D: Serves flights of other major American airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta, United, as well as budget carriers like Spirit and Allegiant.
• Concourse E: This is the Governor William Donald Schaefer International Terminal. International airlines, including British Airways and Icelandair, are based here. It is equipped with everything necessary for customs and border control.

It is recommended to allow standard time for check-in and security: about 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international ones. During peak hours, such as early morning or holidays, waiting times may increase, so it is better to arrive with time to spare. To simplify navigation, check in advance your airline, flight number, and departure gate. The central location of all concourses relative to the main hall makes moving between them quick and easy.

The history of Baltimore/Washington International Airport is a story of constant growth and transformation. The airport was officially opened on June 30, 1950, under the name Friendship International Airport. The opening ceremony was attended personally by US President Harry Truman, emphasizing the national importance of the new aviation hub, which replaced the outdated Baltimore Municipal Airport.

A key stage in development came in 1972, when the airport was purchased by the State of Maryland. The very next year, in 1973, it was renamed Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). This was a strategic decision aimed at attracting passengers not only from Baltimore but also from the Washington capital region. In the late 1970s, large-scale modernization and expansion of the terminal began, laying the foundation for future growth.

A truly revolutionary event for BWI was the arrival of the low-cost airline Southwest Airlines in 1993. This moment turned the airport into one of the largest hubs for budget travel on the US East Coast and triggered explosive growth in passenger traffic. Subsequent decades were marked by the continuous construction of new terminals and infrastructure upgrades to meet the ever-increasing demand.

In 2005, the airport received its current full name — Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. It was renamed in honor of Thurgood Marshall, a Baltimore native and the first African American to serve as a US Supreme Court Justice. Interesting facts from the airport's history include its original, very symbolic name "Friendship," as well as its key role in the success of budget air travel in the region. Today, BWI is known not only for its rich history but also for its reputation as one of the most convenient and efficient airports in the country.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. In the terminals, you will find everything you need — from diverse restaurants and shops to specialized services for business travelers and families with children.

For those looking to grab a bite or do some shopping, BWI presents a large selection of establishments. There are full-service restaurants as well as popular fast-food chains, cozy coffee shops, and cafes. Retail outlets include duty-free shops, souvenir stalls, bookstores, and electronics stores where you can buy travel essentials.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. For charging gadgets, there are numerous charging stations conveniently located at boarding gates and in rest areas. Passengers seeking enhanced comfort can use the services of lounges, such as The Club at BWI, offering snacks, beverages, and a quiet atmosphere away from the main bustle of the terminal.

For financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points operate within the airport. In case of necessity, medical assistance can be sought at a dedicated first aid station. For passengers with small children, there are equipped nursing rooms and family restrooms, as well as play areas to help pass the time before the flight.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, specially equipped restrooms, and parking spaces. Airlines provide escort services, which are recommended to be booked in advance. For those who need to stay overnight or hold a business meeting, hotels are located right on the airport grounds and in the immediate vicinity, many of which offer conference rooms and full-service business centers.

At Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), passengers are offered a wide selection of establishments to suit every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full lunch, you will easily find a suitable option.

For those in a hurry, the departure zones (airside) after security control host many popular fast-food chains and cafes. Here you can find establishments such as Chick-fil-A, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and Shake Shack. They are perfect for grabbing a sandwich, salad, or burger to take on board. Coffee shops, including Starbucks, are also available at several points throughout the airport.

If you have time for a leisurely meal, BWI will delight you with full-service restaurants. A main gastronomic attraction that is definitely worth trying is the famous Maryland crab cakes. You can enjoy this local seafood delicacy at restaurants such as Obrycki's Restaurant & Bar and Phillips Seafood, which are located in the departure zones. For those interested in hearty American cuisine, The Flying Dog Tap House is an excellent choice.

Most dining establishments are located in the airside zone, distributed across Concourses A, B, C, and D/E. In the landside zone, before security control, the choice is more limited but includes a food court with several main options. Regarding opening hours, most restaurants and cafes open early in the morning and operate until late evening, aligning with flight schedules. However, there are few 24-hour establishments, so it is worth checking operating hours in advance if you have a night flight.

Many restaurants offer dishes for passengers with special dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options — it is best to confirm this information in the menu of the specific establishment. The price range varies from budget options in fast-food chains to mid-range and above in full-service restaurants. Overall, at BWI it is easy to find both an economical snack and a quality lunch in a pleasant setting.

To ensure your journey through Baltimore/Washington International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these useful tips. They will help you save time, money, and stress, making the start or end of your trip more comfortable.

Arrival Time at the Airport. For domestic flights within the US, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to arrive 3-4 hours in advance. During peak hours (early morning and evening) or on public holidays, it is worth allowing extra time for completing all procedures.

Check-in and Security. The fastest way to check in is online on your airline's website 24 hours before departure. This allows you to go straight to baggage drop or, if you are traveling light, to the security checkpoint. When passing through security control, be prepared to remove laptops and large electronics from your hand luggage, as well as liquids in a separate bag.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. If the airline allows you to choose a seat, consider your preferences. A window seat is for those who enjoy beautiful views. An aisle seat is for those who want the freedom to stand up easily. Seats in the front of the cabin usually allow for a quicker exit from the plane upon arrival.

Hand Luggage. The US has strict rules regarding the transport of liquids: containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz) packed in a single transparent resealable bag are permitted. Sharp objects, flammable substances, and weapons are prohibited. Always check current requirements on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website and your airline's rules regarding hand luggage weight and dimensions.

Connecting Passengers. BWI is a fairly convenient airport for transit. Immediately upon arrival, find information about your next flight on the screens to know the boarding gate number. The airport has clear navigation, but if you need to transfer from one terminal to another, estimate the time required for this in advance.

Customs Control. When entering the US from another country, you will have to pass through passport and customs control. Be prepared to answer the officer's questions about the purpose of your trip and present necessary documents. Declare all goods subject to declaration to avoid fines.

Saving Time and Money. Book parking online in advance to get the best price. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — after security, it can be filled at drinking fountains for free. Instead of an expensive taxi, consider getting to the city via the Light Rail tram or MARC train.

In Case of Flight Delay. First, contact your airline representative to find out the flight status and possible options (for example, rebooking). BWI Airport has many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as free Wi-Fi, which will help pass the waiting time.