Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore, US 🇺🇸 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
KBWI
IATA
BWI
Elevation
146 ft
Region
US-MD
Local Time
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GPS Code: KBWI
Local Code: BWI
Location: 39.1754° N, -76.668297° E
Continent: North America
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: WAS United States Marshall
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) receives mixed but generally positive reviews from recent travelers, often praised for its convenience and ease of navigation compared to other major airports in the region. While some travelers express frustration with specific aspects like baggage handling and staff demeanor, BWI consistently ranks well in overall passenger satisfaction among large airports in North America. The airport served over 27 million passengers in 2024, indicating its significant role as a transportation hub.
What Travelers Love
- Ease of Access and Navigation: Many travelers find BWI easy to get to and navigate, with a well-laid-out terminal that is not overly cavernous.
- Convenient Parking and Transportation: BWI offers various parking options, including Hourly Garage, Daily Garage, Express Parking, and Long Term Parking, with frequent shuttle services to the terminal. The airport is also well-connected with public transportation, including MARC and Amtrak trains and MTA light rail.
- Variety of Dining and Shopping: The airport provides an extensive range of dining and shopping choices across its five concourses, with Concourses A, B, and C being interlinked for easy access to options within the secure area.
- Security Wait Times (Generally): While peak times can see longer waits, TSA wait times at BWI are often around 15 to 30 minutes, with less crowded periods typically between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Real-time wait times are available on the BWI website and through apps.
- Amenities: BWI offers free Wi-Fi, pet relief areas, baby facilities, and children's play areas. There are also quiet areas for resting, including soft benches and plush armchairs with outlets in Concourse D.
Common Complaints
- Baggage Claim Delays: A recurring complaint is the slow baggage delivery, with some travelers reporting waits of up to an hour.
- Rude and Hostile Staff: Several reviews mention negative experiences with airport staff, including TSA and ground crew, describing them as rude, hostile, and unhelpful.
- International Terminal and Lounge Options: The international terminals have been criticized for a lack of variety in food options, limited operating hours for establishments in the early morning, and subpar lounges.
- Carpeted Terminals: Some travelers find the carpeted terminals difficult for maneuvering wheeled suitcases and describe the carpet as sometimes appearing mildewed.
- Shuttle Services to Rental Car Area/Parking: Issues with shuttle frequency and capacity to the rental car area and parking lots have been noted, with some experiencing long waits.
Overall, BWI is frequently seen as a user-friendly airport with good transportation links and a variety of amenities, making it a preferred choice for many travelers in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. However, improvements in baggage handling, staff customer service, and international terminal offerings could significantly enhance the traveler experience.
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Airport Routes
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) offers 119 flight routes operated by 9 airlines. Major carriers include Southwest, NetJets Aviation, Spirit and others. Popular destinations from Baltimore include Houston Bush Int'ctl, Chicago O'Hare Intl, Los Angeles Intl, Minneapolis/St Paul Intl and Hartsfield-Jackson Intl.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Houston Bush Int'ctl (IAH) 4
- Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) 4
- Los Angeles Intl (LAX) 3
- Minneapolis/St Paul Intl (MSP) 3
- Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL) 3
- Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) 3
- Miami Intl (MIA) 3
- Fort Lauderdale Intl (FLL) 2
- Burke Lakefront (BKL) 2
- Denver Intl (DEN) 2
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) 2
- Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW) 2
Newly Discovered
- Boston Logan Intl (BOS) new
- Cancun Int'l (CUN) new
- Charlotte/Douglas Intl (CLT) new
- San Diego Intl (SAN) new
- Sarasota/Bradenton Intl (SRQ) new
- Indianapolis Intl (IND) new
- Jacksonville Intl (JAX) new
- Muhammad Ali Intl (SDF) new
- Dallas Love Fld (DAL) new
- Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL) new
- Palm Beach Intl (PBI) new
- Miami Intl (MIA) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Southwest
SWA
/ WN
|
60 | 166 | 60 | Jan 17, 2026 |
NetJets Aviation
EJA
/ 1I
|
9 | 16 | 9 | Jan 17, 2026 |
Spirit
NKS
/ NK
|
7 | 13 | 7 | Jan 17, 2026 |
Air Transport International, Inc.
ATN
/ 8C
|
3 | 10 | 3 | Jan 17, 2026 |
Delta Air Lines
DAL
/ DL
|
4 | 10 | 4 | Jul 24, 2025 |
United
UAL
/ UA
|
4 | 10 | 4 | Jul 26, 2025 |
Republic
RPA
/ YX
|
2 | 5 | 2 | Jan 17, 2026 |
|
21 Air
CSB
/ 2I
|
2 | 4 | 2 | Jul 26, 2025 |
American Airlines
AAL
/ AA
|
3 | 4 | 3 | Jan 17, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
04/22 |
6000 ft | 150 ft | ASP | Closed Lighted |
10/28 |
10502 ft | 200 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
15L/33R |
5000 ft | 100 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
15R/33L |
9501 ft | 150 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | POTOMAC APP | 119.0 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 115.1 MHz |
| CLD | CLNC DEL | 118.05 MHz |
| DEP | POTOMAC DEP | 126.75 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.9 MHz |
| RDO | LEESBURG RDO | 122.2 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 119.4 MHz |
| UNIC | UNICOM | 122.95 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxi stands are located on the Lower Level of the terminal, just outside the baggage claim area. Fares are metered. App-based ride services like Uber and Lyft are also available, with designated pickup zones on the Upper Level/Departures roadway.
Rental Cars
A consolidated Rental Car Facility is located a short distance from the main terminal. Free, 24/7 shuttle buses transport passengers between the terminal's Lower Level and the facility. Major companies including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National operate from this location.
Public Transportation
BWI Airport is well-connected to public transit. The MTA Light RailLink station is located at the airport, providing direct service to downtown Baltimore. For connections to Washington, D.C. and other regional cities, free shuttles transport passengers to the nearby BWI Rail Station, which serves both MARC commuter trains and Amtrak.
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External Links & Resources
Official Resources
Public Transportation