Baltimore airport (BWI)

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), opened on June 24, 1950, is one of the premier air terminals serving the Baltimore–Washington D.C. metropolitan region and the primary aviation gateway to the state of Maryland. It functions as a vital operational hub for domestic flights across the United States and offers an extensive network of international routes to the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Canada, and Europe.

Official Website: bwiairport.com

Phone: +1 410 859 7111 / +1 800 435 9294

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport operates through a single integrated main terminal that remains open 24 hours a day, arranged across two floors (Upper Level for Departures and ticketing, and Lower Level for Arrivals and baggage claim). The facility encompasses 73 boarding gates distributed across five concourses:

• Concourses A and B: Fully integrated with each other and utilized primarily as a major operating base by Southwest Airlines.
• Concourse C: Connected airside to Concourses A and B, handling domestic flights operated by American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
• Concourse D: Accommodates extensive domestic services from several carriers and connects post-security with Concourse E.
• Concourse E: Designated as the Governor William Donald Schaefer International Terminal, where international arrivals and departures are processed through customs and border protection.

For additional details regarding terminal layouts, you can consult this guide.

Annual Traffic (2025): 25.2 million passengers.

Information Desks

Airport Pathfinder volunteers assist travelers at information desks situated at key locations:

• Upper Level (Departures): Desk next to Door 3 (near Southwest check-in) and next to the United Airlines ticket counter (Concourse D exit).
• Lower Level (Arrivals): Between baggage claims 3-4, between doors 8-9, between doors 12-13, and near door 18 in the international area.

Primary information counters typically provide passenger support between 5:00 am and 9:00 pm.

 Location

The airport is located in Anne Arundel County, 9 miles (14 km) south of downtown Baltimore and 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Washington, D.C.

Parking services at Baltimore airport (BWI)

The airport offers more than 25,000 parking spaces operated by SP+ Parking, encompassing everything from direct-terminal covered parking to economical long-term lots. All facilities are monitored 24 hours a day and provide continuous courtesy shuttle transit.

Hourly Garage (Short Term)

The covered garage located immediately opposite the terminal building, connected via climate-controlled Skywalks on Levels 4 and 6.

• Technology: Smart guidance system with LED availability indicators and EV charging points on Level 3.
• Rates: USD 6.00 per hour / USD 30.00 daily maximum.

Daily Garage (Multi-Day Parking)

A multi-level covered facility with over 8,400 stalls, situated between Terminal Road and Scott Drive.

• Transit and Amenities: Complimentary shuttle buses run every 10–15 minutes 24 hours a day, alongside vehicle locators and Level 1 EV charging.
• Rate: USD 16.00 per day.

Express Parking

A 1,400-space surface lot featuring personalized pick-up and drop-off service right at your vehicle, with shuttles operating every 10–15 minutes.

Payment: Credit card only (no cash). Rate: USD 14.00 per day.

Long Term Parking A & B

Over 10,000 outdoor parking spaces across two large surface lots, representing the airport’s most cost-effective option for extended trips.

Transit: Continuous 24/7 complimentary shuttle buses operating every 10 to 15 minutes. Rate: USD 11.00 per day.

BWI Rail Station Garage: Parking facility located at the regional rail station with a daily rate of USD 12.00.

Cell Phone Lot

A free waiting area for motorists waiting for arriving flights, located to the right of the Daily Garage entrance. Stays are limited to one hour with engines turned off, and the lot features fast EV charging stations.

For additional details and real-time space tracking, review this guide.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Baltimore–Washington Airport is fully committed to universal accessibility for passengers with physical, sensory, or hidden disabilities. Travelers requiring special assistance or wheelchair service should make arrangements through their airline at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Mobility and Physical Accessibility

The entire terminal is equipped with ramps, accessible elevators, moving walkways, and compliant restrooms across public and airside concourses. All airport-operated shuttle buses (connecting parking facilities, the train station, and the rental car center) are equipped with wheelchair ramps or hydraulic lifts.

Family Restrooms and Adult Changing Facilities: Private companion care restrooms are located throughout the terminal, featuring specialized adult changing tables in Concourses A (gates A1, A4, A12), B (gates B3 and B8), the B/C connector, C (gates C2 and C9), D (gates D7, D11, and D23), and E (gate E6).

Hidden Disabilities

BWI participates in the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative. Travelers with non-apparent disabilities (such as autism, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or hearing conditions) can obtain a free sunflower lanyard at information desks daily between 5:00 am and 9:00 pm, subtly signaling to staff that additional assistance or extra time may be required.

Visual and Hearing Support

• ReBokeh and Aira: BWI is recognized as a certified ReBokeh All Access location, allowing low-vision travelers to use the free iOS app for real-time contrast, color, and zoom customization. In addition, the airport connects with the Aira network for remote visual navigation.
• Hearing Assistance: TTY/TDD phones at information desks (+1 410 859 7227) and a dedicated Purple Video Relay Service (VRS) station near Dunkin' Donuts in the central lobby.
• Braille Signage: Major directional signage throughout the terminal features raised Braille text.

Service Animal Relief Areas

Four designated pet relief stations are available:

• Pre-security: Level 3 of the Hourly Garage (between towers C and D) and Lower Level outside Door 19 (near the Light Rail station).
• Post-security: Dedicated facilities inside Concourse C (near the entry) and in the D/E concourse connector.

Security Screening Assistance

TSA Cares: For specialized assistance during TSA checkpoint screening, passengers may contact the TSA Cares helpline at +1 855 787 2227 approximately 72 hours ahead of travel.

For more detailed accessibility guidance, consult this guide.