Three Reasons To Love the Baltimore Airport
Baltimore's airport is modern, growing and, best of all, convenient.
Located just nine miles south of Baltimore—and 32 miles from Washington, D.C.—Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) offers travelers more than 500 flights daily on 36 airlines to and from cities across the U.S., as well as Toronto, Reykjavik and Punta Cana, among its 13 international destinations.
Beyond its central location, though, we think BWI has a lot to offer area visitors. Here are our top three reasons why you’ll love flying in and out of the Baltimore airport.
1. Customer Service
BWI Airport regularly gets top marks in passenger satisfaction surveys for its easy access, a variety of dining and shopping choices, and recreational opportunities. BWI also offers free COVID-19 testing courtesy of FirstCall Medical Center, so you don’t have to scramble to find a test before takeoff! Despite becoming busier every year, with more flights and more airlines, this Baltimore airport maintains its customer-first attitude.
BWI has been regularly setting new monthly passenger records with millions of passengers using the airport each year. Southwest is by far the biggest and most active carrier but United, Delta, Spirit and American airlines have a significant presence here as well. Plus, airlines add new routes to and from the airport all the time! Check their website regularly for up-to-date information regarding partners, direct flights and international travel.
2. Food, Retail and Amenities
The Baltimore airport continually works to improve the visitor experience by adding dining and shopping options with more local flair. DuClaw Brewing Company and Flying Dog Tap House offer locally made beers while Obrycki’s and Phillip’s give you a taste of Baltimore staples like crab cakes and steamed crabs before you get to the city. And, you don’t have to worry about insane airport meal fees — BWI does not add premium pricing at their restaurants, so you can enjoy delicious eats on a dime.
After your meal, peruse the options at local jewelry company Pandora or other luxury items at places like MAC, Brooks Brothers, Kiehl’s and Johnston & Murphy.
Need to move your body after a long flight? BWI offers an in-airport gym with showers and access to cardio equipment, stretching space, free weights, medicine balls, stability balls, a TRX system and yoga props. If you want to stretch your legs outside, there is a 12.5-mile trail that surrounds the entire airport, perfect for walking or biking with rented bikes.
If traveling with young children, be sure to stop by one of several play areas scattered throughout BWI. Watch the planes arrive and depart from the Observation Gallery play space, or let your kids exert some energy in the D/E Connector playground.
3. Convenient Access to the Baltimore Area
Once in the area, travelers have easy access to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. with Amtrak and MARC commuter trains. Convenient and frequent shuttle buses take rail travelers to and from their airport gates. Baltimore’s Light Rail also serves BWI with routes into the city and beyond. Learn how to get to downtown Baltimore from the airport.
The hotels surrounding BWI offer all the luxuries of staying in the city with the convenience of being close to the airport. Many hotels offer shuttles to get you settled into your room quickly with cheap and easy transportation options to get your day of sightseeing, shopping and dining in Baltimore started quickly.
Need help planning your day in Baltimore? We’ve got you covered. Check out our suggestions for what to do and where to eat in Charm City.
