Baltimore Washington International Airport parking

So you’re flying from Baltimore Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI)? And you need to find the best BWI airport parking?

If you’re nodding your head vigorously, you’re in good hands. Because we’ve got all the latest and greatest parking tips and lots of useful information on airport facilities, amenities, food, and shopping.

But if you’re driving into BWI from further afield (and can spare the time) you might want to bookend your travels with some time exploring Baltimore and Washington. And there’s plenty to see and do in both of these welcoming cities.

Take Baltimore for example. You can explore the heart of the city at Inner Harbor and see popular attractions there including the USS Constellation, Maryland Science Center, and National Aquarium. And if history’s your bag, national monument Fort McHenry is the site of the 1812 Battle of Baltimore and the old Fell’s Point neighborhood is packed with great bars, cafes, and shops.

For anyone partial to American Gothic literature, the Edgar Allan Poe museum is must-see. And if you like your art a little more dynamic, catch a Broadway show or dramatic performance at the Hippodrome Theatre.

And Washington DC has more than its fair share of attractions too. For a start, there’s the White House (official residence of the POTUS and FLOTUS) and the Capitol Building, where the US Congress sits. Meanwhile, at Arlington Cemetery, the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier is always a moving ceremony to witness.

If you’re a culture vulture, tasty pickings in DC include the Smithsonian Museums (19 in all) and the Kennedy Center for performing arts – the ideal venue to immerse yourself in a live music concert or blockbuster show.

What if you want to spend a night or two in these cities? In Baltimore, the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore is a plush Inner Harbor hotel with stunning city views. Alternatively, the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore is in the Mount Vernon area, a stone’s throw from the city’s main tourist hotspots. And another exquisite Mount Vernon establishment is the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore.

In Washington meanwhile, the Willard InterContinental Washington is nestled in the heart of downtown – an ideal base for seeing the White House and other iconic government buildings. And if shopping and dining are your sweet spots, the Ritz-Carlton is perfectly placed, while the chic, boutique Hotel Palomar is in the hip Dupont Circle neighborhood, which is great if you want to be near night spots and let your hair down.

Find the best deals at Baltimore Washington International Airport

If you’re dedicated to getting the best BWI parking deal possible, there are a few solid tips that stand you in good stead.

Firstly, it’s always good form to grab a great rate by booking your BWI parking as far in advance as possible. And if you’re willing to try off-airport parking, these types of lots are usually cheaper and you can catch a shuttle into the airport.

It’s also a good idea to scour travel sites and magazines for promo codes and coupons and always compare rates and benefits to weigh up what’s best for your requirements.

Compare parking at Westchester County Airport

With over 25,000 parking spaces across 12 different garages, you won’t waste energy circling around BWI (provided you plan ahead).

And a first-rate parking provision’s part and parcel of an air hub that’s had sky-high ambitions since it opened for business (as Friendship International Airport, in 1950).

By 1959, TWA and American Airlines had started transcontinental 707 flights from the new airport, and it was named Baltimore/Washington International Airport in 1973. BWI improved its facilities further in 1980 by opening the BWI Rail Station (connecting to the Northeast Corridor via Amtrak), and the Governor William Donald Schaefer Terminal opened in 1997. The dedication of the new Terminal A/B followed in 2005 and the BWI Marshall Airport Light Rail station in 2016 (connecting BWI to the Baltimore Light Rail System).

Now the busiest airport in the Baltimore-Washington megalopolis, it typically processes 27 million passengers annually and pumps billions into the regional economy.

What parking is there at Baltimore Washington International Airport?

Another avenue worth exploring when you’re looking for a great BWI parking deal is comparison sites. For example, APH offers discounts for booking in advance, as well as other discounts for AAA members and military members. And Looking4Parking offers discounts for students as well as these groups, plus a reduced rate if you book your parking for a period over a set amount of days.

However, if you want to book your parking directly with the airport, here are your official options:

Hourly garage

The BWI hourly garage does exactly what the sign says: with over 4,000 spaces charged on an hourly basis, it’s close to the terminal and ideal for short-term parking. Please note though – this is the most expensive parking option.

Daily garage

Located west of the terminal, the BWI daily garage has 8,400 covered spaces. So your vehicle’s protected from the elements and although it’s further out than the hourly garage, it’s still not too far away.

Express Parking

Situated across from the daily garage, BWI express parking has 1000 covered spaces and it’s the best option if you want to get to the terminal quickly and conveniently.

Long-term parking

As you might expect, BWI long-term parking is the most economical option at the airport and it comprises two garages located off MD 162 (Aviation Blvd) between S. Camp Meade Road and Andover Road.

Economy parking

Spread across several surface lots near the airport, the economy lots are cheaper than garage parking but also further out from the terminal.

Getting to Baltimore Washington International Airport

Baltimore Washington International Airport is also easy to drive to from nearby towns and cities.

From Towson, take I-695 north to MD-162 east, then drive on for 4.5 miles to the airport.

Driving in from Annapolis, take I-95 south for 14 miles to MD-162 east and continue to the airport.

From Severn, take I-95 north to MD-162 west and continue 3.5 miles to the airport.

From Washington DC, take the I-95 south to MD-165 south, follow that road for 14 miles to MD-162 east and then continue for 4.5 miles to the airport.

And if you’re rolling in from Baltimore, take I-95 north to MD-162 west and continue for 3.5 miles to BWI.

Facilities at Baltimore Washington International Airport

For most of us, airports are portals for passing through, not destinations in themselves. All the same, it’s reassuring when the facilities, amenities and food and drink provision is satisfactory – especially if you’re traveling with kids or older people.

So you’ll be glad to know that everything’s in place at BWI for a pleasant pre-flight experience, whether you’re hanging around for an hour or so, or a little longer.

As we’ve already intimated, transportation links at BWI are good, with the BWI Rail Station and BWI Marshall Airport Light Rail Station in place. There are also several airport lounges (including The Club BWI) where you can get away from the busy concourse and relax in plush chairs, with Wi-Fi connectivity and complimentary food and drink. Meanwhile, other amenities include a spa, gym and children’s play area.

How about eating, drinking, and shopping though? You’re in luck here too, because BWI has over 50 eateries and over 100 shops of all stripes.

Need some specific examples?

Bistro Burger serves classic burgers as well as fresh salads, sandwiches, and fries. Cava Mezze is the right choice for Mediterranean fare including wraps, salads, and bowls. And The Flying Dog Tap Room has an astounding selection of craft beers, tasty pretzels, pizzas, and sandwiches (with no high-velocity canines, as far as we can see).

There’s also Ledo Pizza for fast Italian cuisine and Gachi Sushi for exclusive raw fish treats.

If your credit card’s burning a hole in your pocket, the duty free shops at BWI sell high-end tobacco, liquor, and cosmetics, while Hudson News is the best place to pick up your regular newspaper or a page-turner novel for your vacay. At Paradise Shop, you’ll find souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. And There’s also a Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Apple.

Whew. Just be sure to save enough for your trip if you’re tempted to go on an all-out, no-holds-barred BWI shopping spree!

And there you have it – your comprehensive guide to BWI parking and a lot more. Bon voyage!