Things to do at Baltimore-Washington International Airport
Baltimore/Washington International Airport is an international airport serving Baltimore and Maryland and, along with Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is one of three major airports serving the Baltimore–Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The airport is located 9 miles (14 km) south of downtown Baltimore and 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Washington D.C.
Whether you only have an hour to spare before your flight or you are spending at long layover at the airport, Baltimore/Washington International Airport has an option for you.
Things to do at BWI
Spend your airport downtime relaxing at The Club. Put your feet up and relax in the resting zone or get some work done in the productivity zone while enjoying complimentary snacks and beverages.
Access to the lounge costs $40.
After passing through security for the D Concourse, follow signage to Gate D10. The lounge is adjacent to Dunkin Donuts and is on the right as you approach the gate. Open Monday to Sunday from 04:15 to 22:30.
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Don’t let travel disrupt your fitness routine. Get in a good workout at the airport at ROAM Fitness. The gym is located in the airport terminal, after security so you can workout without worrying about missing your flight.
Showers are available so you can freshen up after your workout.
Sanctifly premium members can use points to visit ROAM Fitness at BWI.
ROAM is located after security, next to gate D1, D/E Connector. Open Monday to Sunday, from 05:00 to 21:00.
Download the Sanctifly app to explore all the facilities available to Sanctifly members.
Free things to do at BWI
The Meditation Room is a great spot to enjoy a few moments of stillness and contemplation before continuing your journey. Choose one of our guided meditation videos, which you can find over on the ‘Videos’ tab and use your airport downtime to relax and centre yourself.
Open Monday to Sunday from 06:00 to 22:00.
You can find this hidden gem in the hallway behind the Delta ticket counter on the side closest to the D/E Security Checkpoint. Access the room by calling BWI Landside Operations at 410-859-7736.
Get some fresh air on the Observation Gallery
The Observation Gallery offers a great view of the planes taking off and landing. Escape the hustle and bustle of the airport crowd and take a moment to relax in the rocking chairs before your flight.
The BWI Marshall Airport Observation Gallery is adjacent to the B/C security checkpoint on the upper level. It is open to the public and located prior to the security checkpoint.
Walk the terminals on the BWI Marshall Airport Cardio Trail
Why not spend your airport downtime walking the BWI Cardio Trail? Walking is a great way to enjoy some exercise, relieve stress, and maintain a healthy heart.
The Trail offers two different loops in the airport terminal, both of which are elected American Heart Association Walking Paths. It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete the walks.
The Terminal Loop is a 1K round-trip walk along the public side of the terminal’s upper level. Start anywhere you like along the upper level of the terminal and walk to the end of Concourse A, circle back to the end of Concourse E, and return to your starting point.
The Concourse A/B Loop is a 1K round-trip walk inside the secured area of Concourse A and B. Start anywhere along either A or B Concourse. Walk to the end of Concourse A, circle back to the end of Concourse B, and return to your starting point.
Simply follow the BWI Marshall Airport Cardio Trail logos positioned on the walls or directories along the trail. Follow the logos and they will loop you back to your starting point. Maps also are available at the BWI Marshall Airport information desks.
Best Eats at BWI
Smoothie King offers nutritional fresh-blended smoothies for every taste. Get a quick nutritional boost to take with you on the plane. Open Monday to Sunday from 04:30 – 22:00. Smoothie King is located next to Gate D5.
If you have more time, Obrycki’s has everything to offer, from tasty crab-cakes to soft-shells and crab soup and more. It is regarded as one of the top restaurants in Baltimore for steamed crabs. The restaurant was recently renovated, with new furniture and an expanded patio. Open Monday to Sunday from 04:30 to 22:00. Obrycki’s have two locations at the airport. One of the restaurants is located between Gates B-9 and B-11, while the other is situated next to Gate A-10.
Luggage storage at BWI
As with most airport in the US, there are no luggage storage facilities available at Baltimore/Washington International Airport. If you have layover at BWI and want to store your luggage try these options:
Ask at the airport information desk for recommendations on nearby luggage storage facilities.
If you are heading downtown, check for luggage storage lockers at bus and train terminals
Use Google to find a luggage storage service. There are lots of apps and websites that offer luggage storage options on large cities across the US.
Long Layover at BWI
Get out of the airport and get some fresh air by walking or running the BWI Trail. Start the trail near the Express parking lot, and loop around the airport to complete an 11 mile walk or run. The trail passes through Friendship Park's young pine forest which is very pleasant and offers beautiful scenery to enjoy. At the north side of the airport, Andover Park provides a great view of the general aviation runway.
Afterwards, you can freshen up with a shower at ROAM fitness. These are the only showers available at the airport and require you paying for a gym pass to access them. Towel and toiletries are provided. Sanctifly premium members can use points to access ROAM Fitness at BWI.
Rent a bike at Zagster Bike Share
Rather than sitting around waiting for your flight, take advantage of the 11-mile BWI Hiker-Biker Trail around the perimeter of the airport. You can rent a bike from Zagster and use it to get in a good workout on the trail. There is a total of ten self-serve, reservable bikes available outside of the airport’s international terminal, near the BWI Marshall Airport Light Rail stop. Rent a Zagster bike for $2 per hour. You can use the bicycles by downloading the Zagster Mobile App, available for iPhone and Android, or online at bike.zagster.com/bwi.
The bikes are located by Gate 19.
If you have a 6+ hour layover at Baltimore why not get out of the airport and enjoy the surrounding area? The trip into Baltimore takes approximately 30 minutes however, depending the on the time of day traffic can be heavy so make sure you give yourself enough time to get back to the airport and through security before your connecting flight. Head to the inner harbour where there are plenty of tourist options, from visiting the Maryland Science Center’s planetarium and observatory, to visiting the National Aquarium.
Only 7 miles away and connected by bus is the Arundel Mills outlet shopping mall. movies, shops and greater food options, this is a great option close to the airport to enjoy a few hours.
Transport Options
Bus: The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates two buses from BWI Airport. The No. 75 connects to Parkway Center, Arundel Mills Mall, Airport 100 Park, and the Patapsco Light Rail Station. The No. 107 connects to the University of Maryland Baltimore County and Community College Baltimore County-Catonsville, however, please note that it only runs during weekday peak hours.
Light Rail: The Light Rail departs directly from the airport and it travels all the way to Timonium and Hunt Valley, with stops at Camden Yards, the Convention Center in the Inner Harbor, and other parts of the city. The BWI Marshall Airport Light Rail Station is located immediately outside the lower level of the terminal building, adjacent to Concourse E. View schedule here.
MARC Train: The MARC train is a commuter train that runs between Baltimore and Washington. It stops at the BWI Marshall Rail Station. Free shuttles go from the airport to the station 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The MARC train will bring you to Baltimore's Penn Station.
Taxi: The taxi stands are located just outside of the baggage claim area on the Lower Level of the BWI Marshall Airport terminal near doors 5 and 13.
Overnight Layover at BWI
If you have an overnight layover at BWI, there are a number of hotels located close to the airport where you can get a good night's sleep. The Aloft BWI Baltimore Washington International Airport and the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport are two great options located within 5 minutes of the airport. Visit the hotel website for rates. A free shuttle is available from the airport to both hotels.
To discover everything there is to do at Baltimore/Washington International Airport download the Sanctifly app today and start exploring!
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