Getting Around DC
BWI Airport Parking: Rates, Options, and How to Save in 2026
Baltimore/Washington International consistently has cheaper parking than Reagan National, often has cheaper flights, and has more on-site parking options than most people realize.
On-Site Parking Options at BWI
Hourly Garage — $6/hour, ~$22 daily max
Directly across from the terminal — closest parking to check-in. Best for quick drop-offs, short pickups, or trips under 5 hours. At $22/day max, anything longer makes the Daily Garage a better deal immediately.
Daily Garage — ~$12/day
Covered parking, free shuttle service, frequent departures. Best for trips of 2–4 days where covered parking matters. Located on Terminal Road and Scott Drive.
Express Lot — ~$10/day
Uncovered, across from the Daily Garage. Shuttle every 5–10 minutes — driver will assist with luggage, leave your trunk open so they can spot you. Good middle ground between Daily Garage price and long-term savings.
Long-Term Lots A and B — $8/day / $56/week
The real savings are here for anything over 3–4 days. Over 10,000 spaces — best bet for guaranteed availability on busy travel days. Shuttle runs every 8–10 minutes from covered bus stops throughout the lot.
Off-Site Parking Near BWI
Off-site lots near BWI 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. Hotel-based park-and-fly options also exist near BWI — sometimes including a night’s stay — that work out cheaper than long-term on-site parking for extended trips.
Compare BWI Parking on SpotHero →
See current off-site rates, shuttle details, and reviews side by side. Book before you leave home to lock in your spot.
Getting to BWI
By MARC Train from DC (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. Check schedules at mta.maryland.gov.
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.
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 |
| 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 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. Book online through bwiairport.com.
- Check off-site rates first. For trips over 5 days, off-site lots at $4–$6/day can save $20–$30 over BWI’s Long-Term rate.
- 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.
Quick Reference: BWI Airport Parking Quick Reference
- Hourly Garage $6/hr, ~$22 daily max — closest to terminal, covered
- Daily Garage ~$12/day — covered, free shuttle
- Express Lot ~$10/day — uncovered, frequent shuttle
- Long-Term Lots A & B $8/day / $56/week — best value for 3+ days
- Off-site From ~$4/day with free shuttle
- BWI parking info bwiairport.com
- Train from DC MARC Penn Line from Union Station — ~30-40 min
- Compare off-site SpotHero, SpotAngels
📘 DC Parking & Towing Survival Guide
If you’re driving to BWI from DC, know the parking rules for the roads you’ll navigate on the way back.
Bottom Line
BWI is the cheapest parking of the three DC-area airports by a significant margin. Long-Term Lots A or B at $8/day for anything over 3 days. MARC train from Union Station if you’re coming from downtown DC without a car — it removes the parking decision entirely.
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