BWI Long Term Parking Open Now: 2026 Rates & Full Guide

Back to BWI Long Term Parking A | Complete BWI Airport Parking Guide

BWI Long Term Parking is a 24/7, open-air lot operated at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, offering the lowest on-airport daily rate at $11/day with a free shuttle to the terminal. If you're asking whether BWI long term parking open now applies to your trip — yes, both Lot A and Lot B operate around the clock, every day of the year. The lots sit within the airport's roughly 22,000-space parking campus managed by the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA). Off-airport alternatives start as low as $7.50/day, so you have real options before you arrive.

• Always open: BWI Long Term Lots A and B run 24/7, 365 days a year — no restricted hours.
• Lowest on-airport rate: $11/day, per official MAA published rates (effective July 1, 2024 — first increase since 2009).
• Free shuttle included: The on-airport shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes, or every 25 minutes between 1–5 AM.
• Off-airport lots start at $7.50/day — up to 32% cheaper than the on-airport Long Term rate.
• Advance booking recommended for holidays and summer peak season — lots fill faster than most travelers expect.
• All payment types accepted: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, and contactless pay.

Is BWI Long Term Parking Open Right Now?

Yes — BWI Long Term Parking is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Both Lot A and Lot B accept vehicles at any hour. The free shuttle to the terminal also runs continuously, with pickups every 10-15 minutes during normal hours and every 25 minutes during the overnight window of 1–5 AM.

The lots are part of BWI's full parking campus, which holds roughly 22,000 spaces across all on-airport facilities, according to official airport data. Real-time availability is posted on the BWI long term parking page — you'll see a live percentage-available indicator before you leave home. If the lots show low availability, the sections below cover your best backup options.

The $520 million Concourse A/B Connector — the largest capital project in BWI history — opened January 9, 2026 and is fully operational. Parking operations were not disrupted, and all lots remain fully accessible via their standard entrances off Aviation Boulevard (MD Route 170).

Compare BWI long term parking rates from $7.50/day on Triply — lock in your spot before you fly.

How Much Does BWI Long Term Parking Cost Per Day?

BWI Long Term Parking costs $11 per day at the official on-airport lots, per MAA published rates verified June 2026. That's the most affordable on-airport option. Here's how all the on-airport lots stack up side by side:

Rates above are per official MAA data, effective July 1, 2024 (verified June 2026). Note that some third-party booking platforms list a lower rate — that reflects a prepaid online discount, not the walk-up cash rate. For the full breakdown of all pricing tiers, see our guide to Baltimore Washington Airport parking rates for 2026.

Where Are BWI Long Term Parking Lots A and B Located?

Long Term Lot A and Lot B are located on the south and west sides of the BWI terminal campus, accessible via Aviation Boulevard (MD Route 170). Both lots are open-air, surface-level, and well-lit. Follow signs from the main terminal roadway — dedicated signage guides you to Long Term from all major airport entry points.

The primary access road to BWI is Interstate 195, which connects directly to Interstate 95. Drivers coming from Annapolis use Interstate 97, and those from D.C. typically take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295). Before you leave, check real-time traffic on Waze — especially during morning rush hours when I-195 can back up.

Once parked, note your lot section and row number. The Long Term lots use numbered shuttle stops — note your stop number before walking away from your car. The shuttle will return you to that same stop when you land.

How Does the BWI Long Term Parking Shuttle Work?

The free BWI shuttle picks up at numbered stops throughout Long Term Lots A and B and drops you at the terminal's lower level. Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes during normal operating hours, and every 25 minutes between 1–5 AM, per official BWI shuttle data.

The shuttle is free — no tip required, no separate ticket needed. Just board at your numbered stop and tell the driver if you have oversized luggage. On your return, pick up the shuttle from the ground transportation level at the terminal. It will loop back to your lot.

For a deeper look at shuttle routes, stop maps, and step-by-step instructions, our article on BWI long term parking shuttle maps and routes has everything you need.

How Do You Reserve BWI Long Term Parking in Advance?

You can prepay and reserve BWI Long Term Parking online through third-party booking platforms, often at a lower rate than the $11/day walk-up price. Booking ahead guarantees your spot — especially important during busy travel periods.

Here's how to reserve in three steps:

1. Search your dates on a booking platform like Triply's BWI parking search — enter your arrival and departure dates to see live pricing.
2. Compare rates across on-airport Long Term lots and off-airport options side by side. Prepaid rates are often $1–2/day lower than walk-up.
3. Book and save your confirmation — most platforms send a QR code or confirmation number you show at the lot exit gate.

Advance booking matters most around Thanksgiving, Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and the last two weeks of August. During these periods, Long Term lots can reach capacity by mid-morning. If you're planning a summer trip, don't assume space will be available when you arrive.

If you want to save even more, check our guide to BWI long term parking coupons and deals for 2026 — discounts can drop your rate below $9/day with the right code.

BWI Long Term Parking vs. Off-Airport Parking: Which Is Cheaper?

Off-airport lots are cheaper than BWI Long Term Parking — sometimes by more than 30%. Here's how the verified options compare (rates verified June 2026):

Based on our analysis, parking at FastPark 2 or either Parking Spot location saves you up to 32% compared to the on-airport Long Term rate — and the shuttles run just as frequently. FastPark 2 also offers covered parking, which matters if you're leaving your car during a summer storm or winter weather. For the full breakdown of nearby options, see our guide to airport parking near BWI for 2026.

What Should You Do If BWI Long Term Parking Is Full?

If BWI Long Term Parking is full, your best immediate alternatives are the BWI Rail Station Garage ($12/day) or Express Parking ($14/day) — both offer free shuttles and are rarely at capacity when Long Term lots fill up.

Here's your priority order if Long Term is showing full:

• BWI Rail Station Garage ($12/day): Just $1/day more than Long Term. Free shuttle to the terminal runs 24/7.
• Express Parking ($14/day): Located near the Cell Phone Lot on Scott Road. Free shuttle included.
• Off-airport lots ($7.50–$10/day): The Parking Spot, FastPark, and hotel lots almost always have availability — and they're cheaper anyway.
• Daily Garage ($16/day): On-airport fallback if you need to park immediately with no advance search time.

The safest move is to book off-airport before you arrive. Lots like FastPark 2 and The Parking Spot typically have more inventory and offer free cancellation — so you lose nothing by booking early.

Tips for a Smooth BWI Long Term Parking Experience

A little preparation goes a long way at BWI Long Term Parking. These tips are based on current lot conditions and traveler reports as of 2026:

• Photo your row and stop number the moment you park. Long Term lots are large and every row looks the same when you return tired.
• Add 20-30 minutes to your departure window. Factor in the shuttle wait (up to 15 minutes) plus the ride time plus clearing TSA security screening.
• Check availability online before you leave home. The BWI Long Term Parking page shows live capacity percentages.
• Enroll in TSA PreCheck if you haven't already. TSA PreCheck cuts security time significantly — especially useful when you're already adding shuttle time to your commute.
• Book prepaid when possible. Prepaid rates through third-party platforms are often lower than the $11/day walk-up rate.
• Bring your parking ticket with you. If you lose it, be prepared for potential delays at the exit gate. Our sibling article on BWI long term parking lost and found explains exactly what to do if a ticket goes missing.
• Use contactless payment at exit gates to speed up checkout — all major cards and mobile pay are accepted.
• For peak travel dates, book at least two weeks in advance. Thanksgiving and the July 4th window are the highest-demand periods at BWI.

BWI long term parking open now means you can show up any hour and find operational lots — but "open" doesn't always mean "available." Booking ahead is the single best thing you can do for a stress-free trip. Search current BWI parking rates on Triply and reserve your spot from $7.50/day — no guesswork, free cancellation on most options.