Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is one of the three main airports serving the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. Located 14 kilometres south of downtown Baltimore and 51 kilometres north-east of Washington D.C., it is commonly referred to as BWI. The airport, a central hub for Southwest Airlines, saw over 23 million passengers arrive and depart in 2015.
Although there is much to see and do from a shopping and dining perspective inside the terminal building, the main attractions are outside. The picturesque area of Inner Harbour is the jewel of Baltimore and home to a myriad of shops, attractions and restaurants. Take a walk and explore charming architecture, specialty stores, and a lively café culture by the waterfront. Alternatively, see the city of Baltimore from a different perspective on a harbour cruise. Gliding across the water, visitors can view major sites, including Fort McHenry, Key Bridge and the iconic Domino Sugar sign. Baltimore Zoo or the National Aquarium are fun for all the family, or if staying near the airport, take a trip to the National Electronics Museum. Ease of public transport also allows visitors to access Washington D.C. In the U.S. capital, the big-ticket attractions are endless. Take a tour of the White House, the U.S. Library of Congress or the U.S. Capitol Visitor Centre and the Senate. Walk to Capitol Hill as many dignitaries and high-ranking officials have before, and enjoy spectacular vistas of the Washington Monument and the city skyline.
Reaching both Baltimore and Washington D.C. from the airport is relatively easy. A rail service operates into Union Station in 35 minutes and Baltimore Penn Station in 20 minutes. There is a regular and reasonably priced bus service into both cities. Commuter shuttles run to smaller towns and cities in Maryland. Visitors preferring to drive will find the airport and both cities well signposted and easy to access. BWI has a bicycle sharing scheme for energetic travellers. Cyclists can connect from terminal buildings to the nearby BWI Trail. Taxis and Uber are also available.
The airport was named after Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American man to serve on the United States Supreme Court. It has been named as the world’s top ranking airport in the 15-25 million passenger category and is in the top 10 U.S. airports for ease of access. BWI operates hundreds of domestic and International flights offering a mix of charter and budget airline options each day.