Baltimore Airport to Downtown

How to get from Baltimore Airport to Downtown Baltimore

Baltimore Airport (BWI) is just 16 km (10 mi) from downtown Baltimore. To get from Baltimore Airport to downtown Baltimore, you have four options: taxi, airport transfer, tram, or train. 

Taking a Baltimore Airport taxi or a private Baltimore Airport transfer is the fastest and most convenient way to travel, taking just 20 minutes in normal traffic conditions. 

Alternatively, for travelers on a budget, the Light Rail tram heads directly Downtown taking 30 minutes, and the Amtrak train runs from the airport station to Baltimore city center in 15 minutes.

Read on for a deep dive into each option.

4 options to go from Baltimore Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€89 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€27 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Tram
€3.40 30min 04:45–00:40
Convenience
Read more
Shuttle + Train
€12 15min 04:52–22:33
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Baltimore airport to downtown Baltimore by taxi

Taking a Baltimore Airport taxi from BWI Airport to downtown Baltimore is a great way to travel. Local cabs are safe and reliable and provide 24/7 door-to-door services, taking just 20 minutes to reach your accommodation.

Taxi fare from Baltimore airport to Baltimore

Taxis in Baltimore calculate their fares using a taximeter. However, you’ll find that most cabs offer a fixed rate for popular routes. Therefore your taxi fare from Baltimore Airport to downtown will likely cost $30 (€27).

Where do I get a taxi from?

You can find Baltimore’s taxi ranks outside the baggage claim area on the Lower Level near doors 5 and 13.

Convenience

Choosing a taxi for your Baltimore Airport transportation to downtown is the perfect way to travel. Taxis not only provide safe 24/7 door-to-door transport, but they are also convenient, comfortable, and take care of your luggage.

Useful Tips

Most cabs in Baltimore accept card payments; however, it is advised to ask your driver beforehand.
Note that fixed fares only apply to popular routes. When you’re traveling around Baltimore city, taxis will use the taximeter to calculate your fare.
Please note that a fixed price of $30 (€27) is charged when traveling to and from Baltimore Washington Airport.
Baltimore taxis are known to be safe. However, you can request a receipt as proof of your journey if you’d like to make a complaint.

How to get from Baltimore Airport to downtown Baltimore by tram

The airport’s Light Rail is an excellent option for a cost-savvy travel alternative. The tram from BWI Airport to downtown Baltimore only takes 30 minutes. The service is available from 04:45 to 00:40 on weekdays. On Saturdays, it’s available from 05:05 to 00:45. The most limited service is on Sundays and public holidays when trams only run from 10:35 to 20:40. In terms of frequency, you can expect the tram to depart every 30 minutes or so.

How much is a ticket on the airport's Light Rail?

A one-way ticket on the Light Rail costs $2 (€1.70) per traveler. Moreover, if you are visiting Baltimore and plan to use the tram throughout your stay, different prices exist, such as a one-day pass costing $4.40 (€4) or a week-long pass which costs $21 (€19).

Cost
$2 (€1.70)
Trip Duration
30 Min.
The Light Rail runs from BWI Airport to downtown Baltimore every 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Light Rail is available Mon-Fri from 04:45 to 00:40, Saturdays from 05:05 to 00:45, and Sundays and holidays from 10:35 to 20:40.

Where do I get the tram from?

The BWI Marshall Airport Light Rail Station is located outside the lower level of the terminal building, adjacent to Concourse E.

Convenience

Taking the Baltimore Airport tram is a very convenient travel option as the Light Rail has great operating hours and minimal waiting times. Nevertheless, public transport is popular amongst travelers, meaning the tram can get full during rush hours. So for those traveling with luggage, children, or in a big group, it would be easier to take a taxi or airport transfer to downtown Baltimore.

Timetables

Light Rail Schedule

Useful Tips

Timetables are subject to change—particularly during holiday season. Therefore, we recommend checking the website before you fly for the most up-to-date schedule.
Please note that the tram stops many times along the way, which is great for travelers wanting to explore various parts of town.
Use Google Maps to determine which stop is the closest to your final destination, as multiple stops pass through downtown Baltimore.
You can purchase your ticket from the tram station at Baltimore Airport.
Though there are no luggage limits on the tram from Baltimore Airport to downtown Baltimore, bear in mind that you’ll need to arrange further transport once you exit the tram.
Make sure to check the tram's operating times when arriving early in the morning or late at night, as schedules differ depending on the day of the week.

How to get from Baltimore Airport to downtown Baltimore by train

The Amtrak train from Baltimore Airport to downtown Baltimore takes just 15 minutes. However, the train station isn’t located on the airport premises. You will need to catch the airport shuttle beforehand as the train station is further away, taking an extra 12 minutes.

BWI Marshall Airport offers free, frequent, and convenient airport shuttle services between the MARC/Amtrak station and the airport terminal, with shuttles running 24/7. It departs every 25 minutes between 01:00 and 05:00, and every 10 minutes between 05:00 and 01:00. 

The Amtrak train service runs every 30-60 minutes from 04:52 to 22:33 every day.

How much is a ticket from BWI to downtown Baltimore?

The airport shuttle bus to the Amtrak station is free. However, a one-way train ticket to downtown Baltimore costs $7 (€6) for economy class or $24 (€21) for a business class seat.

Cost
$7 (€6)
Trip Duration
15 Min.
The BWI Marshall Airport shuttle runs every 10 minutes throughout the day and every 25 minutes between 01:00 and 05:00. The Amtrak runs every 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The airport shuttle is available 24/7, and the Amtrak from BWI to downtown Baltimore is available daily from 04:52 to 22:33.

Where do I get the train from?

The Baltimore Airport shuttle pickup is at BWI’s lower level, outside the baggage claim at four designated stops and will drop you off directly in front of the MARC/Amtrak station. Once in the city, you can alight at “Baltimore MD Penn Station”.

Convenience

Although a great travel alternative, taking the airport shuttle and Amtrak train from Baltimore Airport to downtown Baltimore can be tedious, especially when traveling in a larger group or with children. Moreover, once you are in Baltimore’s city center, you will need to find another way to get to your hotel.

Timetables

Amtrak Website

Useful Tips

Economy, business and 1st class can be chosen for different prices when traveling on the train.
You can purchase your train tickets on the Amtrak website or at the airport train station.
Each traveler can carry on 1 small bag and 2 suitcases.
Amtrak services are accessible to those with reduced mobility. However, it’s worth booking your ticket in advance to ensure you get a priority seat.
Wi-Fi and air-conditioning are available on Amtrak services.

How to get from Baltimore Airport to downtown Baltimore by private transfer

Taking a private Baltimore Airport transfer from Baltimore Airport to downtown is the best way to travel. This is because you get to skip the taxi queue and have the peace of mind of a fixed rate fare paid in advance. 

If you book your transfer with Welcome Pickups, you’ll also get great perks, like:

  • Meet and greets
  • Trained English-speaking drivers
  • Flight monitoring
  • Guaranteed fixed fares
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Flexible cancellation

If you want a seamless travel experience with zero wait times and top customer service, you can’t go wrong with an airport transfer from a reputable transfer company.

How much is an airport transfer from Baltimore Airport to downtown Baltimore?

When you book your transfer from Baltimore Airport to downtown in advance, you’ll secure a fixed rate fare. That means no hidden fees or extra charges for luggage or tolls. This is all included in your quote.

With that in mind, our rates are the following:

  • Sedan (up to 3 passengers) = €89
  • Minivan (up to 6 passengers) = €119

You can book your transfer via our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). Just put in your personal details, flight number, destination, and vehicle requirements and we’ll generate a custom quote. Then, follow the instructions to confirm your booking by paying securely using your debit or credit card. 

Cost
€89
Trip Duration
20 Min.
*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from BWI.

Where do I get an airport transfer from?

Your allocated driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall at Baltimore Airport when you land. You’ll see them holding a sign with your name on it. After a friendly meet and greet, your driver will help you carry your luggage to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

It doesn’t get more convenient than taking an airport transfer from BWI Airport to downtown Baltimore. With Welcome Pickups, you will have a driver waiting for you as soon as you land and enjoy reliable door-to-door services while eliminating any hassle on the day.

Useful Tips

Your driver would be delighted to give you a mini tour of Baltimore and share some local tips so you can get the most out of your vacation.
If you’d like to tip your driver, you are welcome to do so via our app.
We provide child boosters and baby seats on request. Simply let us know when you book online.
You can contact your driver via the Welcome Pickups app if you need to.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from BWI Airport to downtown Baltimore?

There are four transportation options to get from BWI to Downtown Baltimore; you can take a taxi, airport transfer, the Light Rail tram or a combined shuttle and train trip.

How far is downtown Baltimore from the airport?

How much is a taxi from Baltimore Airport to downtown?

Olivia De Santos

Olivia De Santos is a seasoned travel writer and adventurer with bylines in Lonely Planet and A Way Abroad. With over ten years of professional writing experience and a degree in Linguistics, she blends cultural insight and personal storytelling to help travelers see the world in a new light.

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