BWI to DC
 

What are my options to get from BWI to DC? Any of the Metro stops in DC would do as a destination.

Thanks!

You can take the B30 Bus from BWI to the Greenbelt Metro Station (Greenline)

Or, you can take the Marc train from the BWI rail station to Union Station in DC. There are shuttles outside the airport. Look for the ones that say Amtrak/Marc Rail Station. One note: The Marc train doesn't run on weekends, but you can take an Amtrak train down in the schedules work. You might want to check here to see if the train option is a good one for you:
http://www.bwiairport.com/ground_tra...on/marc_train/
www.amtrak.com


You can also find some more info at the WAS airport forum - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=573731

Thanks so much! I made the mistake of letting Boyfriend make flight reservations and he didn't understand the difference between BWI and Washington National. He figured as long as it had Washington in it, he was good to go.

Thanks again.

Uh Oh
 

That is unacceptable .. you need to replace the boyfriend ASAP with one of the eligible single flyertalkers so mix-ups like this don't occur anymore :D

WiscBader, welcome to Flyertalk.

Always good to have another UW fan on the board.

You can also take Super Shuttle for ~$30/person to downtown; however with 2 people a taxi is probably cheaper or would cost marginally more and you get your destination nonstop.

This is all good advice. I'll add that the B30 bus costs ~$2/person; MARC about $6/person; Amtrak between $12-19, depending on the time.

Just one word of caution on the Amtrak. Make sure you do not sign up for the Acela or the Metroliner from BWI to WAS. That will cost you $36 instead of the $16. I only now of one Amtrak train from BWI for $12, and that is the one that leaves BWI at 9:11 AM.

You can find the schedule for MARC's Penn line (from BWI to WAS) here: http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/...0for%20web.pdf

Hope that helps!!!

Please continue to follow this thread in the FT Washington D.C./Baltimore Forum.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

B30 to Greenbelt Metro
Runs 7 days once every 40 min or so until 10 pm, takes 30-40 min
Costs $3


MARC
Runs workdays only, once every 40-60 min until about 9 pm, takes
up to 40 min
BWI to New Carrollton $5
BWI to Union Station $6

Amtrak
Runs daily, once an hour or so
BWI to New Carrollton or Union Station $12-19, takes 30 min
BWI to New Carrollton or Union Station via Acela, $29-42, takes 25 min

more than just the facts
 

You received excellent detailed advice. While the Metro ride from DCA to downtown DC is the most convenient airport-big city connection I have experienced, the BWI to DC options are also excellent. Anything is better than having to deal with Dulles.

I would add two more things - First, both the MARC train and the Amtrak train have an added dimension - they are really nice rides. They are not subway trains - but 'real' trains. You know, more like choo-choos. I just love riding either of them. If you can look past the sometimes slow response and cool reception of the ticket sellers at the BWI train station, the rest is really pleasant. I take either of them each time I go to DC (8-10 times a year), and always look forward to the train ride. Just a great way to wind down after dealing with the airlines.

Second, you have to take a shuttle bus (maybe a five minute ride?) from the airport to the train station. It is free and where to get it is clearly marked outside of baggage claim. The same shuttle will take you back from the train to BWI - I have never had to wait more than a few minutes for a shuttle.

Don't dump the boyfriend. That is an easy mistake. Now, if he booked you into Dulles - THAT would be a different story.

You'll need correct change for the bus
 

i agree with everyone who has posted here; on the weekends the cheapest way into DC is the metrobus that goes to the Greenbelt station on the metro (the green line).

please make sure you have correct change for the bus ride. so many tourists don't realize that is this a city bus and the driver doesn't make change. you can use coins or bills. and you can pay with a $5 and $1 bill for you and your bf. when that happens i usually just mention to the driver that i'm paying for two...

I'm doing the opposite
 

I am doing the opposite. I booked a flight into DCA, but out of BWI. I will be at the US Capitol building on my last day, which is a Thursday. What time do I need to leave the Capitol to make it to BWI for a 5:51pm flight on CO. From reading the posts I would prefer to take the MARC train.
Is there a Metro stop near the Capitol that can take me to Union Station? I will need to get to BWI in time to check a bag before I go through security. (btw is there an Elite Access security line at BWI? or something equivalent?)

If I just took a taxi, would the extra cost save me much time at that time of day?

thanks

I'm guessing that if you're going to be in the Capitol building, you
won't have an enormous amount of luggage. You can walk to
Union Station easily in 15 minutes, and public trans will take
longer than that. If you are going to cut things close, a taxi
to Union Station might be sensible.

There are trains at 3:34 (arriving BWI at 4:12) and 4:20
(arriving 4:45). I'd say the latter would give you enough
time, even though there is no elite security at Pier D.

Just to further clarify, I've always considered Union Station to be the closest stop to the Capitol building. There are some streets to cross and stuff, but 15 minutes is being generous. A taxi is a waste, pretty much. It's really just a few blocks away. By the time you walk to where you can get a cab, you'd be halfway there if you just walk in the direction of the station. BTW, no, do not take a cab to BWI if that's what you meant. Cost a mint and won't save you much if any time.

Expect the trains to be crowded at that time of day, but Union Station is the end of the line so at least you should be able to get a seat. Make sure you get on the right train for the Penn Line. (There are three MARC lines that leave from Union Station, and anytime you go in there in the afternoon there are likely to be several different MARC trains sitting there waiting to go.)

I think arriving 4:45 sounds awfully iffy, especially with needing to check a bag! There's a several-minute bus ride from BWI Rail Station to the terminal, and you may have to wait a few for the next bus. I'd go for the earlier train mentioned above. But if you're okay cutting it closer, the later one should still work.

You should be able to be at the Capitol until around 20 minutes or so before train departure and still have plenty of time to get to the station and buy a ticket. You can buy the MARC ticket from the same machines as sell the Amtrak tickets.

Very helpful guys, thanks for the info.

drnp

Keep in mind though, the MARC train does not stop right at BWI. You will need to take a shuttle or cab from the train station to the airport.

It is, if you are on the Senate side. The closest stop to the House side is Capitol South on the Orange and Blue Lines, right next to the Cannon Building and across from the RNC. From there it would probably be easiest to take the Orange out to New Carrollton-- though not all trains stop at NCR-- than to backtrack on Metro to Union Station.

I've done this timing (taking the Marc that arrives at 4:45 for a flight around 5:45), and while I've never missed my flight, it can be quite stressful. Also, I haven't checked a bag when doing this.

Just got back from DC yesterday, and everything went smooth. I ended my meetings on the House side of the Capitol in the CHOB (Cannon Building) around 245pm. I walked to Union Station from there in plenty of time get my bag out of storage, buy a ticket, and catch the 3:34 Marc to BWI. Train was crowded, but I boarded early and got a seat. Checked my bag and cleared security by 4:40pm, plenty of time for my 5:51pm flight to IAH.

Thanks again guys,

drnp