Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Baltimore, Maryland · ICAO KBWI
Southwest Airlines' largest East Coast operation, BWI serves both Baltimore and the Washington D.C. metro area from five concourses (A through E) in a single terminal.
BWI Airport Overview
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (IATA: BWI / ICAO: KBWI) is located in Baltimore, Maryland. Southwest Airlines' largest East Coast operation, BWI serves both Baltimore and the Washington D.C. metro area from five concourses (A through E) in a single terminal.
Hub for: Southwest Airlines
bwiairport.com ↗ · Wikipedia ↗
💡 BWI Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from BWI, especially during peak hours when TSA waits can reach 39 minutes.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: BWI is a hub for Southwest Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the inter-terminal train or people mover to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
BWI TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at BWI average about 16 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Tuesday around 11 PM and the busiest is Friday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~3 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at BWI
- Concourse A: Concourse A Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck
- Concourse B: Concourse B Checkpoint
- Concourse C: Concourse C Checkpoint
- Concourse D: Concourse D Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck
- Concourse E: Concourse E Checkpoint
BWI Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has 5 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Concourse A
Concourse B
Concourse C
Concourse D
Concourse E
Airlines at BWI — Terminal & Gate Directory
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is served by 9+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest AirlinesHub | Concourse A | A1–A12 |
| Delta Air Lines | Concourse C | C1–C10 |
| United Airlines | Concourse C | C1–C10 |
| American Airlines | Concourse D | D1–D20 |
| JetBlue | Concourse D | D1–D20 |
| Spirit Airlines | Concourse D | D1–D20 |
| Frontier Airlines | Concourse E | E1–E10 |
| International carriers | Concourse E | E1–E10 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve BWI:
Where to Eat at BWI — Dining & Food Guide
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has 6+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From BWI — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Baltimore from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport:
- Amtrak & MARC Train — BWI Rail Station connected via free shuttle, Amtrak to DC Union Station (~35 min)
- MTA Light Rail — service to downtown Baltimore from BWI Business District station
- MTA Bus — routes to surrounding areas
- Ride-share & taxi — Lower Level arrivals
BWI Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Hourly Garage
Adjacent to terminal
Express Lot
Shuttle service
Daily Garage
Covered parking, shuttle
Airport Lounges at BWI
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- The Club BWI (Concourse D)
BWI Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Obrycki's, Starbucks, Charley's Philly Steaks.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. BWI has 1 lounge option.
- Explore the terminals. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 5 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
BWI Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at BWI?
Typical TSA security wait times at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) average around 16 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest tuesday around 11 pm and longest friday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our BWI TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from BWI. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at BWI are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of BWI?
BWI is served by carriers including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines and others. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines.
How many terminals does BWI have?
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has 5 terminal areas: Concourse A; Concourse B; Concourse C; Concourse D; Concourse E. Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from BWI to downtown Baltimore?
Popular ways to reach downtown Baltimore from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport include Amtrak & MARC Train; MTA Light Rail; MTA Bus. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does BWI have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like BWI also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at BWI?
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Obrycki's, Starbucks, Charley's Philly Steaks, Phillips Seafood, Chesapeake Grille, Hudson Market. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is BWI located?
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is in Baltimore, Maryland (MD). Its IATA code is BWI and its ICAO code is KBWI. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.