BWI airport parking is the most overlooked of the three DC-area airports — and that’s exactly why it’s worth knowing.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport consistently has cheaper parking than Reagan National, often has cheaper flights, and has more on-site parking options than most people realize.
Here’s everything you need to know about parking at BWI in 2026.
On-Site Parking Options at BWI
BWI has four main on-site parking options ranging from ultra-convenient to budget-friendly.
Hourly Garage
- Rate: $6 per hour, daily maximum around $22
- Best for: Quick drop-offs, short pickups, or trips under 5 hours
- Location: Directly across from the terminal — closest parking to check-in
- Note: At $22/day max, anything longer than a day trip makes the Daily Garage a better deal immediately
Daily Garage
- Rate: ~$12 per day
- Best for: Trips of 2-4 days where covered parking matters
- Location: Terminal Road and Scott Drive, free shuttle service to terminals
- Why it’s popular: Covered parking protects your car, frequent shuttles, reasonable daily rate
Express Lot
- Rate: ~$10 per day
- Best for: Travelers who want cheaper than the garage but closer than long-term
- Location: Across from the Daily Garage, uncovered
- Shuttle: Every 5-10 minutes, driver will assist with luggage — leave your trunk open so they can spot you
Long-Term Lots A and B
- Rate: $8 per day / $56 per week
- Best for: Anything over 3-4 days — this is where the real savings are
- Shuttle: Runs every 8-10 minutes, picks up at covered bus stops throughout the lot
- Note: Over 10,000 spaces — this is your best bet for guaranteed availability on busy travel days
Off-Site Parking Near BWI
Off-site lots near BWI are genuinely competitive — rates start around $4-$8 per day with free shuttle service included. For a week-long trip the savings over on-site can add up to $30-$50.
Several hotel-based park-and-fly options exist near BWI as well. Hotels like the Westin BWI and others offer parking packages — sometimes including a night’s stay — that work out cheaper than long-term on-site parking for extended trips.
Best way to compare: Search SpotHero or SpotAngels for BWI before booking. You’ll see current off-site rates, shuttle details, and reviews side by side.
Getting to BWI
From DC by Train (Best Option)
MARC Penn Line trains run from Union Station in DC directly to BWI Marshall Airport station. The ride takes about 30-40 minutes and costs significantly less than driving and parking. If you’re coming from downtown DC without a car, MARC is the smartest move — no parking stress, no traffic.
Note: The DC Circulator was discontinued in 2024 and no longer serves airport routes.
By Car from DC
BWI is about 30 miles northeast of downtown DC. The most direct route is I-295 North. Expect 45-60 minutes depending on traffic — longer during morning and evening rush hours on weekdays.
By Metro and Light Rail
You can take Metro to Greenbelt station (Green Line), then transfer to the B30 bus to BWI — but this is slower and less convenient than MARC. Most DC travelers driving to BWI skip this option.
BWI vs. Reagan National vs. Dulles
| Factor | BWI | DCA | IAD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from DC | ~30 miles | 3 miles | ~26 miles |
| Cheapest daily parking | $8/day (Long-Term) | $19/day (Economy) | Check flydulles.com |
| Off-site options | From ~$4/day | From ~$8.50/day | Available |
| Train from DC | MARC from Union Station | Metro (Blue/Yellow) | Silver Line |
| Best for | Budget travelers, longer trips | Quick domestic trips | International flights |
BWI wins on parking cost by a significant margin. If your flight options are comparable and you have a car, the savings on parking alone can justify the longer drive for multi-day trips.
Tips for Parking at BWI
Book Long-Term Lots A or B for anything over 3 days. At $8/day they’re the best value on the property and availability is rarely an issue with 10,000+ spaces.
Reserve in advance when possible. BWI’s official lots can fill on busy holiday travel days. Booking online through bwiairport.com locks in your spot.
Check off-site rates first. For trips over 5 days, off-site lots at $4-$6/day can save you $20-$30 over BWI’s Long-Term rate. Shuttle service is comparable.
Take MARC if you’re coming from DC. Union Station to BWI is fast, cheap, and removes the parking decision entirely.
Leave your trunk open in the Express Lot. Shuttle drivers look for open trunks to spot passengers needing pickup. Small tip that saves time.
Quick Reference
| Option | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Covered? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Garage | $6/hr (~$22 max) | N/A | Yes |
| Daily Garage | ~$12 | ~$84 | Yes |
| Express Lot | ~$10 | ~$70 | No |
| Long-Term Lot A or B | $8 | $56 | No |
| Off-site (varies) | From ~$4 | From ~$28 | Varies |
BWI parking info: bwiairport.com
Off-site comparisons: SpotHero, SpotAngels
MARC train info: mta.maryland.gov
→ See also: Airport Parking in DC: Reagan National and Dulles
→ For everything else about parking in DC, see our Complete DC Parking Guide.