Owais Crawford
There are several ways to travel from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) to Washington, DC. The most common methods include travelling by train, bus, taxi, shuttle, or private car service. Taking a train is the fastest way to get from BWI to Washington, DC, with the Amtrak train journey taking 30 minutes and the MARC train taking 40 minutes. Travellers can also opt for ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft, which offer convenience and flexibility but can be more expensive, with prices ranging from $67 to $110.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance | 31.5-34 miles |
| Travel time | 40 minutes to 1 hour and 38 minutes |
| Transport options | Car, taxi, train, bus, shuttle, ride-sharing services |
| Car travel time | 40-80 minutes |
| Taxi cost | $90 |
| Ride-sharing services | Uber, Lyft |
| Ride-sharing cost | $60-$110 |
| Shuttle services | MTA Commuter Bus 201, SuperShuttle, The Airport Shuttle, GO Airport Shuttle |
| Shuttle cost | $8 per person |
| Train options | MARC, Amtrak |
| Train cost | $2-$550 |
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What You'll Learn
By train
The BWI Marshall Rail Station is located near Baltimore/Washington International Airport, and there are free shuttle services connecting the airport terminal with the rail station. The shuttle runs approximately every 10-15 minutes and the journey takes about 11 minutes.
From the rail station, you can take the MARC train southbound to Washington Union Station. Tickets for the MARC train can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at the rail station. They cost $8 and the journey takes about 40 minutes. The MARC train is the local commuter train that shuttles passengers from Washington, D.C., to other parts of Maryland.
Amtrak also services this route, providing a more luxurious journey, but at a higher cost, with prices starting at around $7 when booked in advance, and $15 on the day of travel. High-demand times such as rush hour or holidays are usually even more expensive, so reserve tickets in advance if possible.
Once you arrive at Union Station, you can board a WMATA Red Line train to access dozens of stops around the Washington, DC metro area.
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By bus
There are several bus options to get from BWI Airport to Washington, DC. The BWI Airport recommends taking the MTA Commuter Bus 201. To do this, board at the Lower Level, Door #2, Location #6 or Lower Level Door #18, Location #62. Exit at the Shady Grove WMATA station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Another option is to take the B30 bus to Greenbelt Metro Station, and from there, take the Green Line to your stop in downtown DC. The bus costs $8 and the Metro train costs between $3.50 and $5. This route does not run on weekends.
There is also a private bus service from BWI to Washington, D.C., which takes around 50 minutes and costs $22.
Please note that there is no direct bus from BWI Airport to Washington, DC. All bus journeys will require at least one change.
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By taxi
Taxi stands are located on the baggage claim level at BWI Airport. While taxis are one of the more expensive methods of transportation from BWI Airport to Washington, D.C., they are a convenient option for passengers who want door-to-door transportation and to avoid the hassle of using the train. Official cabs typically cost about $90 from the airport to downtown Washington, D.C., but all taxis are metered so the price varies. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft tend to be cheaper, with rides starting at about $60 to $67 depending on demand, the time of day, and traffic.
If you're travelling with a family or group, a taxi may be more affordable than purchasing four or five individual train tickets. However, if your group is too large to fit in one taxi, booking a van may be the most cost-effective and time-efficient option.
The drive from BWI Airport to Washington, D.C., takes about 40 to 80 minutes depending on traffic and your destination in the city. If you arrive during rush hour, the journey can take over an hour due to heavy traffic on routes such as I-95 South and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
If you're driving your own vehicle, you'll also need to consider the hassle of parking in Washington, D.C., which is limited to private parking garages and can cost upwards of $30 per day.
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By ride-share
If you're looking for a convenient way to get from BWI Airport to Washington, DC, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a good option. These services offer rides from the airport to the city, with Uber rides costing around $67 and taking approximately 55 minutes. You can request a ride through the Uber or Lyft apps, which allow you to schedule a ride in advance or request one on-demand.
Ride-sharing services are typically cheaper than taxis, with prices starting at about $60, depending on factors such as demand and the time of day. When using a ride-sharing service from BWI Airport, your driver will pick you up from the outermost curb at the lower level, outside the baggage claim area. It's important to specify which door you're waiting next to so that your driver can find you easily.
While ride-sharing services offer convenience and flexibility, it's worth noting that they can be more expensive than other options, such as taking the train. The cost of a ride-share from BWI Airport to Washington, DC, can be around $70, so it's a good choice for small groups or individuals with luggage.
If you're travelling in a larger group, you may want to consider alternative options like shuttle services, which offer shared rides in vans or buses. Companies such as GO Airport Shuttle provide 24/7 transportation from BWI Airport to Washington, DC, and you can reserve a seat in a shared van or book an entire van for your group.
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By car
Driving from BWI Airport to Washington, D.C. takes about 40 to 80 minutes, depending on traffic and your destination in the city. The distance between the airport and the city centre is approximately 32 to 34 miles. If you arrive during rush hour, the journey could take over an hour due to heavy traffic along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
If you are driving your own vehicle, you will need to find parking in the city. Parking in Washington, D.C. is limited to private parking garages, which can cost upwards of $30 per day.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a direct and convenient way to travel from BWI Airport to Washington, D.C. The average trip duration is around 55 minutes, and the price is typically around $100 to $110, depending on demand and the time of day. You can schedule a ride in advance or request one on-demand through the app, which will suggest the most efficient route to your driver.
If you are travelling in a large group, you may want to consider booking a private van or shuttle service, which can be more cost-effective and time-efficient than multiple taxis or ride-sharing services. Companies like GO Airport Shuttle offer transportation services 24/7 from BWI to D.C., with the option to reserve a seat in a shared van or book an entire van.
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Frequently asked questions
BWI Airport is located about 45 miles north of Washington, DC.
The cheapest way to get to Washington, DC, is by taking the MARC commuter train to Union Station. Tickets cost $8 and the journey takes about 40 minutes.
The fastest way to get to Washington, DC, is by taking the Amtrak train, which costs around $16 and takes about 30 minutes.
You can also take a bus, taxi, ride-share, or drive yourself. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft typically range from $60 to $110, while taxis charge about $90. Driving yourself will take 40-80 minutes depending on traffic.
