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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is the primary international airport serving the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, located about 10 miles south of downtown Baltimore in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Originally opened in 1950 as Friendship International Airport, it was renamed in 1981 to honor Thurgood Marshall, the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice and a Maryland native. BWI is a major hub for Southwest Airlines and consistently ranks among the busiest airports on the U.S. East Coast.
💡 Local Tip
If you have a longer layover, take the free shuttle to the BWI Rail Station and grab a 10-minute light rail ride to Baltimore's Camden Yards area for an authentic local experience—you can be at Orioles or Ravens games or at the Inner Harbor in under 30 minutes.
🚖 Getting There
The BWI Rail Station, located between the terminal and the parking lots, offers Amtrak, MARC commuter rail, and connections to Baltimore via the MTA Light Rail, making it one of the best-connected airports in the region. For road travel, I-195 directly connects the airport to I-95 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Taxi, rideshare, and shuttle services are available at the terminal curbside, and rental car facilities are consolidated in a nearby garage.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is BWI from Washington, D.C.?
A: BWI is approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown Washington, D.C. Accessible by train, bus, and major highways including I-95 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
Q: What airlines operate from BWI?
A: BWI is dominated by Southwest Airlines, which maintains a major focus city here, along with service from Delta, American, United, Spirit, and several international carriers.
Q: Does BWI have public transit options?
A: Yes, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Light Rail connects BWI to downtown Baltimore, and Amtrak and MARC trains serve the adjacent BWI Rail Station.
Q: How many terminals does BWI have?
A: BWI has one main terminal building with five concourses labeled A through E, all connected airside.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 14, 2026 · MiniMax-M3