
College Park Airport, located in the City of College Park, is the closest airport to the University of Maryland. It is the world's oldest continuously operated airport, established in 1909 by the US Army Signal Corps. The airport is home to many firsts in aviation, including the first military pilot to solo in a government airplane and the first woman to fly in a powered aircraft in the United States. For those flying in to attend a football game at the University of Maryland, the airport is conveniently located near the stadium, with parking options available on and off-campus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports | College Park Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) |
| Distance between BWI and IAD | 60 miles |
| Suggested airport for Baltimore | BWI |
| Suggested airport for Washington, DC | DCA |
| College Park Airport's location | City of College Park, Prince George's County, Maryland, US |
| College Park Airport's code | CGS |
| College Park Airport's history | World's oldest continuously operated airport, established in August 1909 |
| College Park Airport's size | 70 acres |
| College Park Airport's runways | 1 (Runway 15/33: 2,980 by 60 feet, Surface: Asphalt) |
| College Park Airport's facilities | A museum with rotating exhibits, special events, lectures, workshops, and programs for the public, schools, and groups |
| University of Maryland Athletics stadium | SECU Stadium |
| University of Maryland Athletics stadium's facilities | Parking, restrooms, concessions, water fountains, ATM's, closed captioning, and seating areas accessible to guests with disabilities |
| University of Maryland Athletics stadium's location | Take I-95 South to exit 25B, College Park/U.S. Route 1 South. After approximately one mile, take a right-hand exit off of U.S. 1 and onto Route 193 West. Go to Stadium Drive and make a left. |
| University of Maryland Athletics parking | On-campus parking for buses and RVs is no longer available. Cherry Hill Park is located 10 minutes from campus and requires reservations. Single-game parking permits are $20-$40 in advance, and parking on the day is $25-$45. |
| University of Maryland Athletics transportation | Quickbus is a free service that transports people from parking lots or the College Park Metro Station to the Maryland Stadium. |
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What You'll Learn
- College Park Airport is the world's oldest continuously operated airport
- BWI is the best airport for football games in Baltimore
- IAD is far from Baltimore and DC, but good if renting a car
- DCA is a better option than IAD for a Baltimore or DC trip
- The Hilton Baltimore is a 10-minute walk to the Ravens stadium

College Park Airport is the world's oldest continuously operated airport
College Park Airport, located in the city of College Park, Maryland, is the world's oldest continuously operated airport. It was established in August 1909 by the United States Army Signal Corps to serve as a training ground for Wilbur Wright to teach two military officers how to fly the government's first aeroplane. The first aircraft, a Wright Type A biplane, was assembled on October 7, 1909, and civilian aircraft began flying from the airport as early as December 1911.
College Park Airport has been the site of many historic firsts in aviation. It was here that Lieutenants Frederic Humphreys and Frank Lahm received their training, with Humphreys becoming the first military pilot to fly solo in a government aeroplane. In the same year, on October 27, Wilbur Wright flew Mrs Ralph Henry Van Deman, who became the first woman to fly in a powered aircraft in the United States. The airport was also the site of the first-ever controlled helicopter flight in 1924, made by Emile and Henry Berliner, and the testing ground for the first radio navigational aids for use in bad weather flying. The original airmail hangar still remains at the airport, a testament to its history as an airmail station in the 1930s.
The College Park Aviation Museum, established in 1981, showcases the rich history of the airport and aviation in Maryland. The museum features rotating exhibits, special events, lectures, workshops, and programmes for the public, schools, and groups. It also houses an extensive library and archives with materials relating to aviation history and aeronautics. The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is owned and operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
Today, College Park Airport covers 70 acres and has a single runway. While it continues to operate as an airport, its operations have been restricted since the 9/11 attacks due to its proximity to the national capital. Civilian pilots can still use the airport after undergoing a one-time background check procedure.
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BWI is the best airport for football games in Baltimore
BWI, or Baltimore/Washington International Airport, is the best airport for travellers looking to attend a football game in Baltimore. This is because BWI is conveniently located close to the city of Baltimore, whereas the alternative airport, IAD, is far west of DC.
Travellers heading to Baltimore for a football game may be visiting the city specifically for this purpose, and so will want a conveniently located airport to fly into. BWI is the best option for this. While IAD may offer cheaper fares, it is not a good choice for those travelling to Baltimore, as it is inconveniently located for the city. If you are planning to rent a car, then IAD could be a good option, but for travellers who do not want to hire a car, BWI is the best choice.
For those visiting Baltimore to watch a Ravens game, BWI is the best airport to fly into. The Hilton Baltimore hotel is a mere 10-minute walk from the Ravens stadium, so this is a good option for those looking for convenient accommodation. The Hilton brand is also known for its quality, so visitors can be assured of a comfortable stay.
For those visiting the University of Maryland for a football game, BWI is also a good option. From the airport, visitors can take the I-195 West to the I-95 South, and then follow signs to the SECU Stadium. This stadium is designed with excellent facilities for guests, including parking, restrooms, concessions, water fountains, ATMs, closed captioning and seating areas that are accessible for guests with disabilities.
In conclusion, BWI is the best airport for travellers heading to Baltimore for a football game. It is conveniently located close to the city, and visitors to the Ravens stadium or the University of Maryland can easily access their destinations from the airport.
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IAD is far from Baltimore and DC, but good if renting a car
If you're planning to attend a football game in Maryland, there are a few airports to consider. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located in Baltimore, Maryland, and is a good option if you are staying in the city. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is another option, but it is further away from both Baltimore and Washington, DC.
IAD is situated about 45 miles from Baltimore and 44-45 miles from Washington, DC. While it is not the most convenient airport for a trip to either city, it could be a good option if you are planning to rent a car. The driving distance from IAD to Baltimore is approximately 58 miles, and the travel time is about 1 hour and 17-18 minutes.
If you choose to fly into IAD and drive to Baltimore or Washington, DC, you may want to consider the traffic conditions when planning your trip. The drive between IAD and these cities can take closer to two hours during peak travel times. Additionally, keep in mind that parking may be limited or expensive near the football stadiums in both cities.
Another airport option is College Park Airport (CGS), which is located in the city of College Park, in Prince George's County, Maryland. This airport is the world's oldest continuously operated airport and is home to many "firsts" in aviation. However, it is a smaller airport and may not have as many flight options as BWI or IAD.
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$129.95

DCA is a better option than IAD for a Baltimore or DC trip
If you're planning a trip to Baltimore or DC, it's worth considering flying into DCA instead of IAD. Here are several reasons why DCA could be a better option:
Proximity to Baltimore and DC
Firstly, IAD is located west of DC, whereas DCA is situated closer to the city centre. This means that travelling to Baltimore or DC from IAD will likely take longer, especially during peak hours when traffic congestion may occur.
Convenience for Ravens and Nationals Games
If you're attending a Baltimore Ravens game, choosing DCA over IAD is recommended. The Hilton Baltimore, which is a popular hotel choice due to its proximity to the stadium, is just a 10-minute walk from the Ravens stadium. Additionally, if you're interested in catching a Washington Nationals game, DCA is a more convenient option than IAD.
Accessibility and Transport Options
DCA offers a range of transport options to and from the airport. The College Park Metro Station is accessible via the DCA's Metro Loop, providing easy connections to various locations. Additionally, Shuttle-UM offers a free service called Quickbus, which transports passengers from the College Park Metro Station to the Maryland Stadium. This can be especially useful for those who need assistance with the longer distance between parking lots and the stadium.
Parking Options
For those driving to football games, parking options are available at both the IAD and DCA airports, as well as near the stadiums. However, it's important to note that parking on campus for buses and RVs is no longer available, and off-campus parking, such as Cherry Hill Park, may be necessary. Pre-booking is required for some off-campus parking options.
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The Hilton Baltimore is a 10-minute walk to the Ravens stadium
If you're looking for a hotel near the Ravens stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, then the Hilton Baltimore is a great option. It's located in the Inner Harbour district, which is a prime business, historic, and cultural hub in downtown Baltimore. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the Ravens' M&T Bank Stadium, making it an excellent choice for those in town for a game.
The Hilton Baltimore is a newly opened property designed to impress and accommodate the needs of modern travellers. It offers an indoor pool, free wifi, and an on-site restaurant. There is also a fitness centre and a sauna for guests to use during their stay. The hotel provides convenient access to many of Baltimore's leading tourist attractions, including the Inner Harbor, Harborplace, and The Gallery. It is also adjacent to Camden Yards and the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
The Hilton Baltimore is a popular choice for travellers, with many positive reviews on TripAdvisor. It is ranked among the top 30 hotels in Baltimore on the website. Guests have praised the hotel's cleanliness, comfort, and convenient location. The staff at the hotel have also been described as friendly and helpful.
If you're flying into Baltimore for a Ravens game, the Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is the closest airport to the city. It is recommended over the Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which is located further west in Virginia. The Hilton Baltimore hotel is accessible from the airport via a 9-minute drive or through the light rail at Camden Station, which is a 3-minute walk from the hotel.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are staying in Baltimore, BWI is the best airport to fly into. IAD is quite far west of DC and is inconvenient for a Baltimore-based trip.
The closest airport to the University of Maryland is College Park Airport. However, it is unclear if this airport caters to commercial flights. The closest major airport is Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI).
From BWI, take I-195 West to I-95 South. Take I-95 South to exit 25B, College Park/U.S. Route 1 South. After about a mile, take a right onto U.S. 1 and then a right onto Route 193 West. Go through two traffic lights and make a left onto Stadium Drive. The stadium will be in front of you.






































