How to get from BWI Airport to Washington DC for CHEAP

[@mannyistheman2221]

Some changes to MARC 1. The fare is now 8 dollars FROM BWI Amtrak to Union Station DC. 2. You cannot go to an Amtrak ticket agent anymore to purchase Marc Tickets. You cannot use the quic track machine for Marc Tickets. You have to go to the MARC ticket machine.

[@TripHacksDC]

Yep. This video needs an update. May make one the next time I go to BWI but no idea how soon that might be.

[@pfcbradford20]

I almost picked up my little brother at BWI...then heard about the MARC train. He had no trouble finding his way and I picked him up at Union Station...way more convenient!

[@TripHacksDC]

Nice!

[@davesaia5335]

This looks super helpful! Love that you include photos of the signage at the airport! Thank you.

[@TripHacksDC]

Happy to help.

[@va3nh]

Love using the MARC, been using it for years heading back and forth from BWI to Union Station. The bus trip from the terminal to the train station and then again from the train station to the terminal isn't hard, the whole process and ride is pretty easy, cheaper and pretty relaxing taking about a 1/2 an hour to make the trip.

[@TripHacksDC]

Yeah it's really not too bad.

[@PGHammer21A]

@@TripHacksDC Driving to Marshall BWI isn't bad, either - Interstate 195 (via the B-W Parkway, US 1, or I-95) services all the parking lots, and you can take the free airport shuttle bus (this service is operated by RTA of Central Maryland - I used it my own last trip to Marshall BWI).

[@eiloma8602]

Going to DC and was overwhelmed how to get to my destination from BWI. You are an amazing tour guide judging from this clip. Keep more videos coming

[@alisah2570]

Wow thanks i know this video is old as heck lol but the info was great i wasnt to take the Amtrax to Washington Dc didn't know about the Marc which is way faster. Think the Amtrax was going to be 45 to a hour. I have been binge watching all of your Washington dc videos thank you for taking the time to make these very resourceful information.

[@dustind6453]

Thanks for the tips! I did this today on my 1st trip to DC and it was a really easy and cheap way to get to and from DC for cheap!

[@TripHacksDC]

Nice!

[@nieves394]

Is there any app I can use to buy the tickets? I’m planning to travel on Christmas eve and I don’t know how crowded it can be

[@pilargarza4192]

this is genius and it worked out perfectly! We had to ask someone there for help since there was construction going on. Thanks Rob! 'Saved $46 on this deal as opposed to Uber. The shuttle for 2 people was charging 230 round trip and I almost scheduled it until i found this video. I listened to more of your videos and they are all very helpful.

[@TripHacksDC]

Wow, $230 is crazy!

[@antoniomontana4417]

This video is great! It was a lifesaver in learning how to catch the train without any problems. THANK YOU!

[@TripHacksDC]

Glad it helped!

[@thomasbrennan3767]

I have used the MARC and also the Amtrak to Union Station. Was very convenient.

[@MariaRivera-bu1zz]

Oh my goodness I cant thank you enough for this!! I've been sitting here googling what the cheapest most efficient way to get from BWI to DC and I've been so confused haha thank you THANK YOU!! you rock!!

[@TripHacksDC]

It's not too hard. Havefun!

[@michellelopez5264]

Me too, I almost purchase 3 $42 Amtrak tickets before I went back and double checked and then searched KZbin cause I remembered this guys videos.

[@junitolopez3762]

Thank you so much for video. Still relevant today……

[@tishreni5183]

Thanks,I'll be there on the 13th.My sister doesn't want me coming right now so I'll have to find a way to make things less of a hassle for her.This will be my first trip over there,I hope I dont get lost.

[@valavelettie]

Had no clue MARC existed. I was about to buy an Amtrak ticket and accept my fate, but did last minute researching and found this video! MARC ticket for both passengers round trip is still cheaper than *one way* with the Amtrak! Score. Thanks!!!

[@TripHacksDC]

Nice! Glad you found the MARC in time.

[@chadpettingillslp8033]

Your tour of the process to get from BWI to DC was spot on! I wish I would have watched it before I had to do the same thing. I could not figure out how to purchase a MARC ticket until someone told me that I had to look at the bottom of the screen. I wish they had better signs at the BWI Station for people like me :-)

[@TripHacksDC]

The ticket machine is designed for Amtrak so unfortunately the MARC tickets are kind of an afterthought.

[@Ace-ht1is]

2021 Labor Day week trip update: ticket is $8 one-way. There are no MARC trains on national holidays, I had to ride Amtrak after purchasing a MARC ticket to BWI on Labor Day. DC Union Station is fairly close to Capitol. Walk outside, you can see it like half a mile away right in front of you. I recommend e-scooters! DC is so lovely. omg I want to live there but it's quite expensive lol

[@CrazyEagle29]

Wow! Never knew it was only $7! Awesome video! Thank you!

[@TripHacksDC]

Happy to help!

[@evancortez2]

Have not flown out of BWI in years since Southwest started flying out of Dulles, but I do realize that Spirit only flies out of BWI so perhaps next time I might seriously consider it since airfares just keep going higher and higher

[@TripHacksDC]

I personally don't love to use Spirit but healthy competition in the airline industry is definitely a good thing.

[@Wallydaft]

I shall be taking this journey shortly. I am visiting relatives in Glen Burnie MD and will visit DC for a day...Looking forward to it.

[@TripHacksDC]

Enjoy your trip!

[@Wallydaft]

I will. I have not been in DC since 2008. So looking to see what's new. I assume the Smithsonian attractions are still free of charge. I need to go back to Georgetown and the Union Station food court.

[@Wallydaft]

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll look elsewhere.

[@13Mikestar]

Thanks, going to D.C tomorrow.

[@TripHacksDC]

Have fun

[@boatlover1875]

I moved from the area about 9 years ago. The tickets for MARC and Amtrak from there to DC used to be interchangeable at least for the local Amtrak trains. BWI is no further from DC than Dulles and the fares tend to be cheaper though you don't have anywhere near the level of international service. There also used to be regular Metro bus service from the terminal to the Greenbelt Metro station, not sure if that is still there.

[@connierahim9259]

the B30 was discontinued during the pandemic. it is no more.

[@boatlover1875]

@@connierahim9259 I'm sure it wasn't very useful then. Maybe they'll bring it back if Metro ever gets its ridership back up to former levels.

[@michellelopez5264]

Omg thank you! All these dang trains are so confusing.

[@TomNashTV]

Hey Rob, I loved this video. So much good value in this video. I had no idea that you can go this cheap! I just subscribed and looking forward to more videos!;)

[@TripHacksDC]

It is quite a deal!

[@TripHacksDC]

Washington, DC has three major airports, so make sure to check out our Airport Guide video to make sure BWI is the best option for your trip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5fceqykap6casU

[@pratforyou]

Hi, I would be staying at a hotel near BWI on the day I land at BWI. Next day, can I comeback to the airport for taking MARC train to Washington? If not, then which station should I go to for avail MARC train to Washington?

[@andresdelgadillo2259]

hi, i hope someone answer my question. Maybe i will travel to baltimore and arrive on may 15th, you think is sure to walk since the international airport to the rail station at the 7AM. Thank

[@Dorbandfamily]

Super helpful video! I'm planning on going from the airport to DC in a few weeks and this is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!

[@TripHacksDC]

Happy to help!

[@Creativefrugalfun]

Yes - this seems like the cheapest way to do it. However in our case we had 4 people with 5 suitcases and several backpacks. We ended up using Super Shuttle to get from the airport to our hotel (mediocre but did the job). Then we used a private shuttle service to get from DC to Baltimore (BT Shuttle) and then a private shuttle to get from our Baltimore Inner Harbor hotel to BWI (Apollo Shuttle). Both of the private shuttles cost about the same as Super Shuttle but were so much nicer and we were the only passengers (not by luck or an accident). Give these guys a try - they were great

[@yogaflirt7]

Thanks so much Rob!!

[@TripHacksDC]

No problem!

[@Sean-cb8qb]

Good job. On a plane NOW from SFO to BWI. I land in 2 hrs. I will try MARC but I do have a few bags and it will be rush hour....I probably should take Amtrak. Not sure yet but either way, great video!

[@TripHacksDC]

Yes, MARC is best when you don't have a lot of luggage.

[@assumedplains8173]

Sean, how did MARC work out for you?

[@Sean-cb8qb]

AssumedPlains Rob, it all worked out. Smooth experience. Fast service. Best way to travel from BWI to D.C.

[@assumedplains8173]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@reneerobinson6726]

Thank you so much🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@patstiehm]

I think Metro still offers express bus between BWI and the Greenbelt Metro Station. That can be a much better alternative under some circumstances.

[@TripHacksDC]

Yes, the Metrobus B30. However it only runs once an hour and weekdays only. It's less useful than it was in the past.

[@andycohn2801]

I was a bit confused on how to get back to BWI airport, and how to get my tickets back at union station. Can you do a video explaining that

[@TripHacksDC]

Look for the MARC ticket machines at Union Station. The MARC trains will show up on the board so you know which track to use.

[@JJR93]

@@TripHacksDC And catch the same shuttle bus back to the airport. Just cross the street when exiting the station, there is a bus stop waiting area built into the parking garage structure.

[@sue_m]

this video was so helpful for my recent washington trip! thanks! about the only thing i wanted to know that wasn't in this video is that the train takes about 35 minutes to go between the airport and union station. i joked with my friends that to get home on my last day, i had to take a cab to a train to a bus to a plane to another cab... didn't they make a movie about that once? :D

[@TripHacksDC]

I think there's something with a plot like that.

[@sami86don]

Verrryyy Helpful! Clear instructions. Bravo

[@TripHacksDC]

👍👍👍

[@Larksparrow]

I've looked at the MARC site and it is only showing about 4 northbound trains to BWI on Sundays. Am I reading that correctly? My flight would leave BWI at 6:30pm...so what I'm reading means I'd have to catch a 2:30 train out of Washington, correct? Unfortunately that means spending 3.5 hours at BWI.

[@TripHacksDC]

There are usually 6 trains each way on Sundays. MARC is mostly a commuter service and it was only a few years ago they opened up weekend service. Sunday has the fewest number of trains. Unfortunately if you're traveling on a Sunday you can either get to the airport really early or see if there is an Amtrak train at a more convenient time.

[@Larksparrow]

Thanks for the reply@@TripHacksDC. I did see there was an additional one that will work for me assuming nothing changes before August.

[@arodriguez167]

Until what time is the last train?

[@ignasakssportslivestreamsa705]

If we arrive at BWI at 900am, could we make the MARC station for the 930am train? We won’t be checking luggage so we can go straight to the shuttle once we land.

[@TripHacksDC]

Probably

[@michellelopez5264]

You make it sound so easy but when I go to the website for Marc I'm so lost! Is it easier to just catch the shuttle and figure out where to go when you get to Penn station?

[@TripHacksDC]

Do you mean Union Station? Penn Station is in Baltimore.

[@jugatsu23nichi]

Do you have any advice for how to get from Dulles to BWI airport, train station, or car rental? i have intl visitors who fly into Dulles but hate driving to Dulles. I mostly pick up family and friends from BWI car rental whenever possible

[@TripHacksDC]

I would avoid Dulles-BWI transfers if at all possible. Otherwise it's an expensive cab ride between the two airports. There is not a convenient public transit connection.

[@sebastianjoseph2828]

In case this still applies, this week (Nov 15) the Silver Line extension of the DC metro opened, connecting Dulles airport to the rest of the DC metro system. It's about a 40 minute ride to downtown DC (Metro Center station). If you get to Union Station (on the metro red line) you can take a MARC train for $8 to BWI airport train station, and from the train station a free bus will take you to the terminals in 5 minutes.

[@nieves394]

Hi!! Is there any app I can use to buy the tickets in advance? I’m planning to travel and my flight will depart from Baltimore on Christmas eve and I don’t know how crowded it can be

[@TripHacksDC]

CharmPass

[@cherryblossims226]

Any suggestions for people arriving at BWI at 11PM?

[@TripHacksDC]

Taxi. rideshare or check the Amtrak overnight schedule.

[@m4rk05R5]

WOw. Thank you for this!!

[@TripHacksDC]

Happy to help!

[@danielfenner2168]

Hey, I’m flying 1 way from DC to San Diego next August. I’m British and know nothing about flying domestic in the US. What do you suggest I do, and how should I get the best fare?

[@TripHacksDC]

Definitely check all 3 airports. There are nonstop flights from Dulles and BWI. They might not be the cheapest but you could save a lot of time not having a connection. Summer is the busiest/most expensive travel time in the U.S. but August is when a lot of kids go back to school, so if your trip is at the end of the month you'll probably have better luck.

[@erichoffman3752]

Thanks - this is very helpful!

[@andycohn2801]

How long is the ride from BWI to union station?

[@TripHacksDC]

The train ride is 40 minutes, plus the time it to takes to ride the shuttle to the station and wait for the train.

[@naveenkumar4032]

Superb info👍

[@TripHacksDC]

Thanks!

[@justjustice8968]

Thank you!:) The same method works when going back, right? (DC->BWI)

[@TripHacksDC]

Yes

[@rodrigueadohoe7466]

Thanks for saving my life 🙏🏾

[@TripHacksDC]

Happy to help.

[@donnelladams8362]

What train do you catch from downtown Baltimore to BWI airport

[@TripHacksDC]

MARC Penn line or the Baltimore light rail.

[@jasmineh4458]

SO Helpful! Thank you!

[@TripHacksDC]

Happy to help.

[@127mvm]

god bless you

[@JJR93]

I did this for Otakon 2021. Easy peazy.

[@JJR93]

Well, not EXACTLY this....I went with AmTrak. I was a nervous nellie and bought my AmTrak ticket in advance, too. This was a mistake. I should've waited to buy it at the station and hopped on the next available train, MARC or AmTrak. On my return trip out of DC, I did actually change my ticket at the AmTrak counter to get an earlier train to get me to BWI sooner, just to give me peace of mind. I'd rather wait around at the airport than Grand Central Station. You can also buy DC Metro cards in advance of your trip if you allow them enough time to physically mail them to you....that way you can activate them on arrival and just hop on the Metro when you disembark from your train (MARC/AmTrak)....I took the red line, changed to the green line, and exited right at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. My hotel was only a couple of blocks away from there. No cab, no rental car, no hassle. Really convenient.

[@JJR93]

Airfare into BWI from HOU on SWA makes this my best, most affordable route to DC. Flying into Reagan National would be simpler but the airfare is more.

[@benjaminoconnor1687]

Is the BWI Airport Amtrak/Marc Station safe (crime-wise)?

[@TripHacksDC]

Yes

[@JoshDoesTravel]

Yes, very safe. BWI is not directly in Baltimore, and there is nothing around there other than the airport and a Northrop Grumman office. There are a few cab drivers that stand around look for people to take, but other than that, it’s a very safe area

[@eg8652]

Hey Rob, I’m gong to DC in December, but I’m arriving at the Dulles airport. Could you tell me which is the cheapest way to go to Downtown? Thanks man.

[@TripHacksDC]

Check out this video for your options: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5fceqykap6casU

[@esterajileye2345]

Bless your heart. Thank you

[@TripHacksDC]

No problem!

[@riagreen9294]

Thank you so much!

[@TripHacksDC]

You're welcome!

[@TheSayd007]

Does the MARC train have delays often?

[@TripHacksDC]

Sometimes yes. I don't know if I would consider ot often.

[@wowheonjin]

This is really helpful =) thank you!

[@TripHacksDC]

No problem!

[@janmarismarin9255]

Hi Rob! I'm going to Baltimore in 2 weeks, and I am arriving to BWI. What would be the cheapest way to get there?

[@TripHacksDC]

There is a Baltimore light rail stop within walking distance of the terminal. Only a couple bucks to get downtown.

[@lilisevilla895]

How long does it take from the marc train to the union station?

[@TripHacksDC]

40 minutes on the train + shuttle ride + waiting time.

[@Awesome_1789]

Great video helped me a lot .

[@TripHacksDC]

Happy to help.

[@sonalagrawal1806]

I read that there is a free shuttle from bwi to union station

[@TripHacksDC]

Free shuttle to the BWI train station. No free shuttle all the way to DC.

[@Yghtfgy9]

Hi, does this work if I am in DC and I want to fly out of BWI?

[@TripHacksDC]

Yes. It works in reverse.

[@debralindsey9270]

I need to Know exactly how to get from Washington DC union station to the BWI airport

[@JoshDoesTravel]

Same thing, but in reverse. Hop on a MARC train towards Baltimore Penn Station, or an Amtrak train that stops at BWI, get off at BWI Airport Station, walk across the street to get on the airport shuttle, and arrive at the airport

[@dorij.2418]

When driving to BWI to take the MARC train to DC, is there a dedicated parking lot?

[@TripHacksDC]

Yes. There is a big garage at the BWI rail station.

[@MrGoree]

nice information

[@TripHacksDC]

Thanks

[@SoCalKel]

Thank you!

[@TripHacksDC]

Happy to help.

[@cwl2735]

We are 3 travelling to DC. Each ticket to BWI is $50 cheaper than to DCA or IAD. The Uber trip is estimated as $60. However, I had some trips to airport (like JFK) refused by Uber driver. Do you know if it is common Uber driver refusing trips at BWI to DC?

[@TripHacksDC]

Uber drivers are technically not supposed to refuse any rides but it is up to Uber to enforce their policies and I am not sure if they are. Since BWI is between DC and Baltimore, a driver who lives in Baltimore (or north) probably does not want a ride that takes them all the way to DC and a driver who lives in DC (or south) does not want a ride that takes them to Baltimore. So I would not be surprised if it happens but cannot comment on the frequency. Saving $50 per ticket is substantial but DCA is much more convenient if you are staying downtown, so remember to value your time as well.

[@amfan_17presentations87]

Going to the Presidential Inauguration! Thanks for the tip!

[@aaronjackson1849]

Still works in 2023??

[@TripHacksDC]

The MARC ticket machine looks different now but otherwise yes this still works in 2023.

[@TSquared2001]

MARC is $8.00.

[@ЕфимияБобрикова]

4405 Bernice Courts

[@umgauchoemnevada9112]

thank you so much this was so helpful

[@TripHacksDC]

Glad it helped!

[@jewelminor5526]

Thank you !!