Chesapeake Bay Maryland, USA Travel Guide
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): The main airport for the Chesapeake Bay region in Maryland. It sits conveniently just south of Baltimore and north of Annapolis, making it a gateway to both urban centers and the Bay's western shore. BWI stands out for efficient operations and an extensive domestic network.
Southwest Airlines is a significant presence at BWI, with numerous domestic routes. International Airlines: BWI and IAD are entry points for many international carriers. British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines are examples. IAD specifically features a very extensive network of direct international connections.
MARC Train, MTA Light Rail, Taxi/Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft), Shuttle Services, Rental Cars. A free shuttle connects the terminals to the BWI Rail Station.
DCA: Direct access to Metrorail (Yellow and Blue lines). IAD: Silver Line Metrorail connection. Washington Flyer Coach Service connects to Wiehle-Reston East Metro.
Flexibility with travel dates can reduce costs. Traveling during shoulder seasons (April, November) or low season (winter, excluding holidays) often lowers prices.
Southwest Airlines holds a strong presence at BWI, offering many routes often with competitive pricing. Check for deals on Dollar Flight Club.
IAD features extensive direct international connections to nearly every continent. BWI also has direct flights from several international cities.
Use platforms like Skyscanner to compare prices across various airlines and find the best routes for your trip.
Amtrak, the national passenger rail service, serves major cities in the region: Baltimore (Penn Station), BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington D.C. (Union Station). These stations connect to Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, offering routes to Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and beyond.
Several long-distance bus companies offer affordable intercity services connecting Baltimore, Washington D.C., and other major cities in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.
Driving offers the greatest freedom. You need a valid driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is advised if your domestic license is not in English. The minimum age for renting a car is generally 21, though surcharges for drivers under 25 may apply. A major credit card in the renter's name is also necessary.
Drivers operate on the right side of the road in the U.S. Seatbelts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Cell phone use while driving is restricted; hands-free operation is generally necessary. Be aware of deer in rural areas, especially at dawn and dusk, as they pose a collision risk.
While not as common for international arrivals as air travel, sea and river transportation play a role in both regional connections and recreational travel within the Chesapeake Bay.
Public river transportation options for general travel stay limited throughout the Chesapeake Bay's tributaries. The network of rivers and creeks feeding into the Bay is mainly used for recreational boating, fishing, and private charters.
For international cruise arrivals at the Baltimore Cruise Terminal, standard U.S. Immigration and customs procedures apply. Passengers clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon initial entry into the U.S.
Upon disembarkation at Baltimore Cruise Terminal, taxis, ride-shares, and pre-arranged shuttle services are available for transfers to downtown Baltimore, BWI Airport, or other local accommodations.
The Crisfield-Tangier Island Ferry connects you to an isolated island community known for its distinct dialect and waterman culture, offering a truly unique Bay experience.
No specific departure taxes or exit fees are levied directly on travelers departing the U.S. By air. These types of fees are generally included in the airfare price. For international flights from BWI or IAD, plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure.
Major airports like BWI, DCA, and IAD present a variety of facilities and services for departing travelers. These include duty-free shops (for international travelers), restaurants and cafes, airline lounges or pay-per-use lounges, and retail outlets. Currency exchange remains available for any remaining local currency needs.
For consumer visa application services, visit IVisa or direct visa and passport services at VisaHQ.
Find adventurous travel insurance at World Nomads, digital nomad insurance at SafetyWing, or medical/travel coverage for U.S. Visitors at Insubuy.
If your flight gets delayed or canceled, AirHelp assists passengers in receiving compensation (up to €600).
Plan ahead for airport arrival times, especially for international flights and when crossing the Bay Bridge.
