This post compares the different ways of reaching Washington, DC from Baltimore/Washington International Airport. We have ordered the various transportation options from cheapest to most expensive with some analysis of each option to help you choose which one is best for you.
And since you are coming to the nation’s capital, then why not let us show you around with one of our pay-what-you-like tours and much sure you know Things to Do in DC.
- Train: MARC & Amtrak (least expensive & most popular)
- BWI Metrobus
- Airport Shuttles
- BWI Airport Taxi / Uber
- Rental Car Service (most expensive)
Train from BWI to DC
Though BWI is not as convenient as DCA/National Airport (Reagan), there are still many easy ways to travel from BWI into the city. Taking the train from BWI to downtown DC is probably the most popular public transportation option. Both regional (Amtrak) trains and suburban commuter (MARC) trains connect BWI to Union Station, DC. From the BWI train station, the airport offers free and frequent shuttles to get to the terminal. The shuttles run 24/7 at 6-minute intervals (except 1am-5am when it is 25 minutes)
MARC
MARC is an easy and efficient way to travel between Baltimore and DC. Many use the Penn Line for transport to and from BWI airport.
- Trains depart from Union Station and make 4 additional stops before arriving at BWI.
- The total length of the journey from DC to BWI is approximately 35 minutes, thus making the MARC a very quick and efficient way to travel between BWI and Washington, DC.
- There is service on both the weekdays and weekends.
- Weekday trains run very frequently as so many commuters utilize the Penn Line. The first train departs from BWI at 4:40 am and the first from Union Station departs at 5:50. Trains continue to run every 20 minutes during rush hour and then every hour during the rest of the day until 9:30 and 10:30 pm, when the last trains depart from BWI and Union Station, respectively.
- Saturday trains run between 9am-10pm and depart every hour during rush hour and every few hours throughout midday. On Sundays, trains run even more infrequently, with only 6 departures from either BWI or Union Station throughout the day.
One way fares cost just $7 each way (as of Feb 2018) and can be purchased from Amtrak Quik-Trak ticket vending machines or the ticket office. Passengers may also purchase tickets on the train, however, there is a $5 surcharge added to the price of the ticket.
Pros: Quick, efficient, and affordable. The MARC is extremely reliable and very cheap as long as tickets are purchased at the station before boarding the train.
Cons: Weekend trains run somewhat irregularly, especially on Sundays. Sometimes passengers will have to wait several hours before the next train departs. Also, there is no late night service.
Amtrak Train
Amtrak also has a train that runs from the BWI Marshall Rail Station to Union Station in DC. Free shuttle service is provided between the airport and the BWI Rail Station. The cost of the train ticket into Union Station varies depending on the time of your travel, but expect to pay between $15-$45 for a one-way ticket. Tickets purchased at the last minute or during rush hour are typically much more expensive.
Passengers can also choose between 4 different types of tickets: Saver, Value, Flexible, and Premium.
- Saver, the cheapest option, is non-refundable and does not recognize discounts for students, senior citizens, or AAA members.
- Value tickets allow refunds in certain situations and do recognize all discount programs.
- Flexible is 100% refundable and also recognize discount programs.
- Finally, Premium tickets are 100% refundable, recognize discount programs, and allow guests to have access to Business Class and First Class.
The length of the journey on Amtrak is between 21-27 minutes, making this the fastest way for guests to travel between BWI and Union Station. Trains depart every 10-60 minutes, depending on the time of day. The first trains depart at 3 am, while the last depart at 10 pm. Some Amtrak trains do not allow passengers to bring any checked bags, so be sure to check baggage allowance according to your needs.
Visit the Amtrak website to book tickets in advance!
Pros: Very fast and efficient service. Amtrak is the quickest transportation service between BWI and Washington, DC.
Cons: Though it is possible to find reasonably priced Amtrak tickets, this is often one of the more expensive ways to travel.
BWI Metro Bus to DC
Another option is to take the Metrobus service that operates between Greenbelt (the metro stop the furthest north on the Green line) and BWI Airport. The metro ride from Union Station to Greenbelt is approximately 32 minutes, and then the MetroBus ride from Greenbelt to BWI is 35 minutes.
- BWI Metrobus (B30) trains depart every hour from 6am-9pm on weekdays. There is no longer any weekend service.
Be sure to read our post on mastering the DC Metro subway system.
The fee for transport is $6 each way, plus the cost of the metro ride from your starting location to Greenbelt Station. At this rate, BWI Metrobus is just as expensive as the MARC train.
Pros A very affordable option that runs regularly throughout the weekdays.
Cons: This is one of the slowest transportation options, as passengers need to take both the Metro and Metrobus.
Airport Shuttles
GO Airport Shuttle offers 24/7 airport pick up and drop off with private cars and shared vans – you can even get a limousine! With upfront pricing, you’ll know how much your trip will be when you book. You can also request a car seat or a kennel.
Pros: Door to door service. Good choice for those with luggage or want direct service for a lower cost. Offers car seat or kennel if traveling with children and pets. You can also choose to tip in advance when reserving.
Cons: Can take a lot of time depending on traffic and how many others in the van get dropped off before you.
Rates vary immensely depending on your destination and type of SuperShuttle service. Those traveling as a family or group receive a discounted rate as compared to those traveling on their own. For example, a single ticket for the shared-ride SuperShuttle is $37 per person (Viator offers a deal for $24/person), whereas the non-stop SuperShuttle is $125. Additionally, those interested in traveling via SUV ExcuCar will pay $113. A family or group of 5, on the other hand, can travel by shared-ride SuperShuttle for a total of $85, by non-stop SuperShuttle for $125 in total, or the SUV ExcuCar for $113 in total. For a complete list of their prices, please see their website for more details.
Though the ease of a door-to-door shuttle service is appealing, always consider the time at which you will be traveling as trips taken during rush hour can take well over an hour.
Pros: Easy travel option that is ideal for larger families or those with young children who do not wish to use public transportation.
Cons: A very expensive alternative for those traveling on their own or as a couple (though Viator offers a deal for $24/person). The shared-ride SuperShuttle can take a very long time, especially when traveling during rush hour.
BWI to DC Airport Taxi / Uber / Lyft
It is also possible to hire a taxi from the airport straight into the DC. Taxis are available 24/7 and are located just outside baggage claim. The estimated cost for a trip to downtown DC is $90, though rates do vary. Uber/Lyft taken without any added surcharge fees usually cost between $41-$55, though the price can increase during rush hour.
Though personal taxis might seem like one of the quickest ways to travel between Washington, DC, and BWI, the length of the journey very much depends on the time of day. Taxis that operate during rush hour can take significantly longer than other transportation services.
Pros: Door-to-door transportation. Extremely easy, especially for families. 24/7 availability.
Cons: Expensive for single travelers and can take more than an hour if traveling during peak times.
CAR SERVICE TO AND FROM BWI
If you are looking for peace of mind that you will be picked up from the airport on time, and taken to your destination in a timely manner, DCAcar car service is an excellent choice. You can make the reservation ahead of time, and give the company your flight information so they know whether you’ll be early or late.
At BWI your driver will meet you at baggage claim, and help you with your luggage. You can get a rate estimation and make a booking with this highly rated car service company here.
Pros: Luxury personalized service
Cons: Costly - but DCByFoot guests get a 5% discount by using the promo code: dcbyfoot.
Rental Car Service
Finally, visitors can also opt to travel between BWI and DC via a rental car service. If you only require a car for transportation to and from the airport, then you should certainly look into other options. However, for those already planning to rent a car during their visit to DC, this is an easy way to get to the airport.
Of course, prices vary immensely depending on the length of rental, the company, and the quality of the vehicle. Also, guests should factor in the cost of fuel, which can dramatically increase the cost of renting a car.
As is the case with guests using taxis or the SuperShuttle, those who opt for renting a car should always consider the time at which they will be traveling between BWI and DC as traffic can get very congested during rush hour.
Pros: Freedom to travel at any time and directly to/from your destination.
Cons: This is the most expensive option and only one that visitors should consider if they want a rental car for other purposes.
