What is the most convenient airport from Baltimore: BWI, Reagan, etc.? (train, car)

[E18]

From downtown Baltimore, is it easier to fly from BWI or go to Reagan? I am thinking the advantage of Reagan is that there would be no need to pay for parking, which I imagine is expensive at BWI. On the other hand, maybe that would be false economy because of the extra time it would require. Thoughts? Is there a cheap/easy way to get to BWI? I figured Dulles was the least convenient, but definitely let me know if that is a bad assumption!

[rudy_d]

From downtown Baltimore, BWI is much closer and more convenient. You could take the light rail if you don't want to pay to park. What little parking there is at Reagan certainly isn't free.

[Lumerian Feast]

BWI, by far. Light rail or car will get you from downtown to the airport in 20 minutes. Reagan's on the other side of DC.

[mrboltonman]

Long term parking at BWI is $8/day. That isn't very expensive. It's the closest airport from Baltimore.

Dulles is far away but sometimes the tickets are cheaper and it's worth the drive.

[computerblue20]

Yes, I agree. The light rail runs you about $2 each way. The problem with Reagan is that it takes you 1.5+ hours to get down there and, if you take Amtrak/MARC and then the Metro, it just becomes a hassle. Dulles should only be used for a SUPER cheap domestic fare or an international flight.

[carolott]

Just an FYI -- there is no supershuttle service between Baltimore and the DC airports. So if something happens (say, your car breaks down) -- you're stuck in DC with no way to get home, depending on the time of day and amount of luggage you have.

At least in Baltimore, you could take the light rail and not worry about how you're getting back to Baltimore.

[thomr]

Originally Posted by E18

From downtown Baltimore, is it easier to fly from BWI or go to Reagan? I am thinking the advantage of Reagan is that there would be no need to pay for parking, which I imagine is expensive at BWI. On the other hand, maybe that would be false economy because of the extra time it would require. Thoughts? Is there a cheap/easy way to get to BWI? I figured Dulles was the least convenient, but definitely let me know if that is a bad assumption!

Is this a serious question? Parking at National Airport is not free.

[jonjj]

"Is there a cheap/easy way to get to BWI?"

Yes-the light rail.

[sobo16]

If it's a weekday, the MARC train is a fast, inexpensive option to get to BWI airport. From Penn Station, the fare is $4.00 and the train will get you to the BWI rail station in about 20 minutes (check the schedules at mtamaryland.com). There is a free shuttle from the rail station to the terminal.

[E18]

Just to clarify, I knew it was expensive to park at Reagan. I was planning to take the train/subway to get there. The light rail definitely sounds easier--I just didn't know it went to the airport. Thanks for all the advice!