How to get from downtown Washington to Baltimore-Washington (BWI) airport without a car

Baltimore/Washington International Airport is located in Linthicum, Maryland, about 10 miles south of Baltimore and 30 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. It is a focus city of both Southwest Airlines and Airtran Airways. BWI is about as close to downtown Washington as Dulles Airport, and can offer good deals on flights for people traveling to and from Washington. Getting to and from Washington from BWI is pretty simple without a car, and there are several options depending on how much money you are willing to spend.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. The MARC train to and from BWI Rail Station and Union Station (D.C.) is probably the most efficient option for your buck. Union Station is located in downtown Washington and has its own metro station. Starting February 8, 2009, the light rail will operate Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., Saturday 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., and Sundays/Holidays 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. The train ride lasts about 40 minutes. It costs $6 one-way.

2. Take the Airport Shuttle, Inc. or the Super Shuttle. These are privately-owned enterprises. This is an expensive option but will take you to and from the airport and drop you off/pick you up from your hotel. The cost is $60 one-way and you have to share a large van with several other people.

3. 1Use the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority bus service. The bus is less than $3 dollars one-way. It can be a bit of a hassle because you have to take the metro train to get to and from the bus stop. This can take 1 hour + and is generally less convenient than the MARC train, but sometimes the best option when MARC is not operating.
   
   Metro offers BWI Express Metro bus service between BWI and the Greenbelt metro station. The service provides a direct connection between BWI and the Greenbelt Metro Station. The BWI Express/B30 service runs every 40 minutes, 7 days a week to the Greenbelt Metro Station, which is located on the Green Line of the Washington Metro System. Buses run 25 times each weekday and 21 times on Saturdays and Sunday, every 40 minutes.

4. Take a taxi. This is more expensive than a shuttle service, but generally pretty convenient if you are willing to spend the money. The rate to travel to and from Washington/BWI is $90.

5. Take Amtrak. This a good option when MARC is not operating. The Amtrak train goes faster than the MARC train, but generally costs $20. Amtrak trains travel to Union Station in D.C. and the BWI Rail Station.