Getting There & Away: Baltimore

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Baltimore

Baltimore is accessible via several airports, each with its own characteristics.

Airport Details

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Baltimore, main airport.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): ~40 miles (64 km) south of Baltimore, domestic flights focus.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): ~55 miles (88 km) southwest of Baltimore, major international hub.

Airlines & Routes

Each airport serves different airlines and offers various routes.

Carrier Information

BWI: Major hub for Southwest Airlines, also served by American, Delta, United, Spirit, Frontier.
International carriers at BWI: British Airways (London), Condor (Frankfurt), Icelandair (Reykjavik), Play (Reykjavik).
DCA: Mainly domestic, focus city for American Airlines. IAD: Major international hub for United Airlines.

Seasonal Flight Prices

Highest prices during summer (June-August) and major holidays. Lower in winter (excluding holidays) and shoulder seasons.

Booking Advice

Book several months in advance for peak travel times. Use flight comparison websites like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner to monitor prices.

Airport Facilities

All major airports (BWI, DCA, IAD) offer dining, retail, car rental agencies, free Wi-Fi, and currency exchange.

Transfer Options from Airports to City

From BWI to Downtown Baltimore

MARC Train (Penn Line): Cost-effective, 15-20 min to Penn Station, free shuttle from terminal.
Light Rail: Connects BWI directly to downtown (Inner Harbor), ~30-40 min, $2.00 fare.
Taxi/Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): $30-45 to downtown, readily available at designated stands.
Car Rental: Major companies operate at BWI, shuttles to consolidated facility.

From DCA/IAD to Baltimore

DCA to Baltimore: Metro (D.C. Subway) to Union Station, then MARC train or Amtrak to Baltimore Penn Station.
IAD to Baltimore: Airport shuttle/bus to Metro, then to Union Station for MARC/Amtrak.
Direct bus services are available from IAD to BWI for transfers.
Plan travel time carefully; these routes take longer.

Direct Flight Options

From Europe to BWI

Direct flights from London (British Airways), Frankfurt (Condor), and Reykjavik (Play, Icelandair) are available.

From Asia/Middle East/Africa

Most flights land at major U.S. Hubs (IAD, JFK/Newark, ORD), requiring a connecting flight or ground transport.

From Canada to BWI

Direct flights are available from Toronto (Air Canada, Flair Airlines).

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Baltimore is a stop on the Northeast Corridor for train travel.

Rail Services

Amtrak: Baltimore Penn Station on Northeast Corridor, connecting to D.C., Philadelphia, NYC, Boston.
MARC Train: Budget-friendly commuter service between Baltimore and Washington D.C. (Penn Line, Camden Line).
MARC trains operate mainly on weekdays, limited weekend service on Penn Line.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bus services present an economical option for intercity travel.

Bus Companies

Greyhound/FlixBus: Operate from Baltimore Greyhound Bus Station, connecting to cities across the U.S.
Megabus: Offers express services to major East Coast cities like NYC and Philadelphia.
Megabus departure stop is typically near White Marsh, outside the city center.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements & Tips

Valid driver's license, International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-English licenses.
Major credit card in renter's name. Minimum age 21, surcharges for under 25.
Book car rental in advance for availability and better rates. Compare prices at DiscoverCars.com.

Road Conditions & Parking

Awareness of driving conditions and parking options is important.

Driving Info

Roads are generally well-maintained. Urban traffic congestion occurs during rush hours.
Tolls on some highways/tunnels (E-ZPass system, rental cars often equipped).
Parking in downtown/Inner Harbor can be expensive and challenging. Numerous garages are available.

Important Driving Laws

Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelt use is mandatory for all occupants.
Speed limits are posted and enforced.

A right turn on red is generally permitted after a full stop, unless prohibited by signage.
Urban driving in Baltimore requires awareness of pedestrians and cyclists.
Some historic areas, like Fells Point, have narrow, cobblestone streets.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Baltimore's waterfront mainly caters to cruise passengers and local water taxi services.

Maritime Access

Port of Baltimore (South Locust Point Cruise Terminal): Homeport for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line.
International cruise arrivals undergo U.S. Customs and Border Protection at this terminal.
Inner Harbor Water Taxi: Seasonal operation for local transport between waterfront attractions within Baltimore.

River Transportation

The Patapsco River provides recreational opportunities, but not regular passenger transport for city arrivals.

No Intercity River Travel

The Patapsco River and its tributaries allow recreational boating.
No regular passenger river transportation exists for arriving in Baltimore from other cities.
Focus on cruise lines or water taxi for water-based city access.

Seaport Immigration

Standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures apply for international cruise arrivals.

Land Connections

The Cruise Terminal offers taxi, ride-share, and pre-arranged shuttles to downtown or BWI Airport.

Border Crossing Info

This section is not applicable for travel within the U.S. Standard U.S. Customs apply if arriving from Canada/Mexico by land.

Airport Departure Tip

For international flights from BWI, arrive at least three hours before scheduled departure. For domestic flights, two hours typically provide sufficient time.

Getting There & Away