Definitely take the light rail. The station is directly connected to the E Pier (International terminal) and you won't need to transfer. The light rail follows Howard Street downtown; get off at the Convention Center and walk one block west to Eutaw Street, which runs parallel to Howard. The Marriott Inner Harbor is on Eutaw between Pratt (south side) and Lombard (north).

The heavy rail that serves BWI Rail Station is the MARC Penn Line/Amtrak Northeast Corridor, which can only take you to Baltimore Penn Station downtown, from which you'd have to backtrack by light rail or taxi. Should your plans take you to Washington, however, the MARC Camden Line can take you from Camden Yards to Union Station and back.

This topic has morphed from UA Experiences at BWI to a more general discussion of transportation alternatives, TSA issues and the greater Washington, DC area. This will be moved into the proper forum, Travel and Dining: Washington, DC (including Baltimore).

Thanks for your understanding

iluv2fly
Moderator, UA

Saw this at washingtonpost.com:

After Five Years, BWI Refurbishment and Inconveniences End

I have just taken a trip out of BWI. I usually fly out of DCA/IAD, but I must admit, it was a much better experience than at IAD. The daily garage was a breeze, and yeah, the TSA lines are really long but they move much faster than any other airport I've ever been in. And no moon buggies! Upgrades on UA seem easier since the planes are not full of 1Ks. :)

The one thing that really keeps most Washingtonians like myself from using BWI on a regular basis is the lack of dedicated rail service right to the terminal. The current situation where you have to take Amtrak/MARC and then get on a shuttle (that seemingly takes forever to arrive) to the airport is a real pain, especially during peak times. And MARC doesn't run on the weekends, so you have to ride the more expensive Amtrak service.

In the article they mention cutting the proposed monorail--This seems very short sighted. At least with Dulles, you have a dedicated road to get the airport (and someday, the Metrorail). Unless you are driving at 6 in the morning, the trek up the BW parkway or 95 can vary wildly with travel times.

Up bwi parkway to balt is part of my normal commute. the morning drive delays north on the parkway are usually limited only by accidents. A work zone just north of md 197 may be set up. there is an erosion control project.

there is a considerable presence of md state police on the airport concorse drives. they do not have much to do during the slow hours, so they set up speed traps. the speed limit is 15mph on the few signs I have seen.