BWI Long Term Parking Ticket: 2026 Complete Guide

A BWI long term parking ticket is the entry receipt you receive when pulling into Long Term Lot A or Lot B at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport — it records your arrival time and is scanned at the exit to calculate your total charge. BWI Long Term Parking costs $11 per day (verified June 2026), making it the most affordable on-airport option. Keep your ticket safe: a lost ticket triggers a replacement fee and can slow your exit. This guide covers rates, lost ticket procedures, shuttle details, violation payment, and how off-airport lots compare.

• Rate: $11/day for BWI Long Term Parking (Lots A and B), per the Maryland Aviation Administration — effective July 1, 2024.
• Lost ticket fee: If you lose your ticket, expect to pay the maximum daily rate for your stated stay. Report to a parking attendant before exiting.
• Shuttle frequency: Free shuttles run every 10–15 minutes during normal hours (every 25 minutes between 1–5 AM).
• Off-airport savings: Off-site lots like The Parking Spot (East) and FastPark 2 start at $7.50/day — up to 32% cheaper than the on-airport Long Term rate.
• Capacity: BWI has roughly 22,000 total parking spaces across all on-airport facilities, per official airport data.
• Violation tickets: BWI parking summons can be paid through the airport's official parking management process — see the section below.

Back to BWI Long Term Parking A: 2026 Rates, Lots & Tips | Complete BWI Airport Parking Guide

What Is a BWI Long Term Parking Ticket and How Does It Work?

A BWI long term parking ticket is a time-stamped paper receipt dispensed automatically at the entrance gate when you drive into Long Term Lot A or Lot B. The machine prints the date and exact time you entered. You keep it with you — on the dashboard is fine, but taking it inside the terminal with you is safer.

When you return from your trip, you have two options. You can pay at one of the Pay-on-Foot machines located near the lot exits before you get back in your car. Or you can pay at the exit lane itself. Either way, the attendant or machine scans your ticket, calculates the days parked at $11/day, and you pay the total. Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and contactless payment are all accepted, per official BWI parking data.

One important detail: your ticket is the only proof of when you arrived. Without it, the system cannot verify your actual entry time. That's why protecting your ticket matters for a smooth, accurate exit.

Compare BWI off-airport parking rates from $7.50/day before you book — search available BWI lots on Triply and lock in your spot in minutes.

How Much Does BWI Long Term Parking Cost Per Day?

BWI Long Term Parking costs $11 per day, per the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA). These rates took effect on July 1, 2024 — the first rate increase since 2009. Before that increase, long-term parking had held the same price for roughly 15 years.

Here's how all on-airport options compare, based on current official BWI parking rates (verified June 2026):

For a 7-day trip, Long Term Parking costs $77 total. That's $35 less than the Daily Garage for the same trip. There is no weekly or monthly flat rate published by BWI — you pay the daily rate for however many days you park.

For tips on using discount codes and coupons to reduce your BWI long term parking costs, see our guide on BWI long term parking coupons and best deals for 2026.

What Happens If You Lose Your BWI Long Term Parking Ticket?

Losing your BWI long term parking ticket is stressful, but there's a clear process to handle it. Do not try to exit through the automated lane without a ticket. Instead, pull to the side or approach a staffed exit booth and tell the attendant you've lost your ticket.

The attendant will ask you to state when you arrived. Because there's no way to verify your claim without a ticket, BWI will typically charge you the maximum daily rate for the number of days you declare. This protects the airport from undercharges. If you parked for five days at $11/day, you owe $55 — but without your ticket, the process depends on the attendant's manual override and your stated entry date.

Here's what to do if you lose your ticket:

1. Do not attempt to exit through an unmanned lane — it won't work without a valid ticket.
2. Pull up to a staffed exit booth or press the intercom button at an automated lane.
3. Tell the attendant you have a lost ticket. They will open a manual process.
4. Provide the date and approximate time you parked. A receipt or photo on your phone from arrival day helps verify your claim.
5. Pay the calculated total. Keep your exit receipt for your records.

Pro tip: The moment you park, photograph your ticket with your phone. Store it in your photos app or text it to yourself. This takes five seconds and eliminates the lost ticket problem entirely.

For questions about lost tickets or general parking issues, SP+ manages on-airport parking operations at BWI. You can also contact BWI's general parking line through the official BWI parking page.

How Do BWI Long Term Parking Shuttles Work (and How Often Do They Run)?

The free BWI shuttle is the link between Long Term Lots A and B and the main terminal. Shuttles run every 10–15 minutes during normal hours, and every 25 minutes between 1 AM and 5 AM, per official BWI shuttle data. The average shuttle ride from the Long Term Lots to the terminal takes roughly 10 minutes depending on traffic and stops.

When you arrive at the lot, follow the signs to the designated shuttle bus stop for your section. Each stop is covered and clearly marked. The shuttle drops passengers at the terminal's lower level, where you can head straight to check-in.

On the return trip, after baggage claim, go to the lower level ground transportation area and look for the Long Term Parking shuttle stop. Shuttles circulate continuously. Budget at least 20–25 minutes from the terminal to your car, accounting for wait time, the ride, and the walk to your parking space.

For a deeper look at shuttle tracking and real-time updates, our BWI long term parking bus tracking guide covers every detail of the shuttle system in 2026.

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

Both Long Term lots sit close to the terminal, just off MD Route 170 (Aviation Boulevard) near the primary airport approach. The easiest way to reach them is via Interstate 195, which is the main airport access road off I-95. Follow the brown-and-yellow "Long Term Parking" signs once you exit I-195.

• Long Term Lot A: Located on the north side of Airport Road. Closest to I-195 exit. Well-lit, open-air, with covered shuttle shelters throughout.
• Long Term Lot B: Located slightly further from the terminal. Slightly larger footprint. Also open-air with free shuttle service to the terminal.

Both lots are uncovered, self-park facilities. There is no valet parking at BWI. Accessible parking spaces are available in both lots. If you need the closest accessible spaces, the Hourly and Daily Garages are your best option — those are directly connected or closest to the terminal building.

If you're coming from Annapolis, take Interstate 97 to I-195. From Washington, D.C., the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295) connects to I-195. Before you drive, check real-time traffic on Waze — Airport Road can back up during peak travel periods.

For a complete breakdown of Lot A specifically — including directions, spaces, and tips — read our full guide on BWI Long Term Parking Lot A.

How to Pay a BWI Parking Summons or Violation Ticket

A BWI parking summons is different from your standard exit ticket. It's a violation notice placed on your vehicle for infractions like parking in a restricted zone, blocking a fire lane, or parking in an accessible space without a valid placard.

Here's how to handle a BWI parking violation:

1. Read the summons carefully. Note the violation code, the date issued, and the payment deadline.
2. Visit the official BWI parking page for contact information and payment instructions. The Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) oversees enforcement.
3. Pay by the deadline. Late payment typically results in an increased fine amount.
4. If you believe the summons was issued in error, you can request a review. Document your case with photos and any evidence of valid parking credentials.
5. Contact the MAA or SP+ directly through the airport's official channels if you need to dispute a charge.

Do not ignore a parking summons. Unpaid violations can escalate to a boot or tow on future visits. Paying promptly is always the faster, cheaper resolution.

Is BWI Long Term Parking Cheaper Than Off-Airport Alternatives?

BWI Long Term Parking at $11/day is the cheapest on-airport option — but off-airport lots beat it on price. Based on current Triply rates (verified June 2026), several nearby private lots offer lower daily rates with free shuttles included.

For a 7-day trip, parking at The Parking Spot (East) at $7.50/day costs $52.50 total versus $77 at BWI Long Term. That's a savings of $24.50 — about 32% for the same trip. FastPark 2 adds the bonus of covered parking at the same $7.50/day rate, which is a real advantage during summer heat or winter weather.

The trade-off is a slightly longer shuttle ride. Off-site lots are 2–10 minutes from the terminal, versus the on-airport shuttle that runs 10–15 minutes but stays within the airport perimeter. For most travelers, the extra few minutes is an easy trade for 32% in savings.

See our full breakdown of every option in the airport parking near BWI guide for 2026.

Tips for a Smooth BWI Long Term Parking Experience

A little preparation makes a big difference with BWI long term parking — especially on multi-day trips where small mistakes add time and cost.

• Photograph your ticket immediately. Snap a photo the second you pull it from the machine. Lost tickets mean delays and potentially higher charges.
• Note your parking section and row. Long Term lots are large. Write down your row number or snap a photo of the nearest lot sign before heading to the shuttle stop.
• Use Pay-on-Foot kiosks. Pay before returning to your car. It speeds up your exit and avoids delays at the gate.
• Budget extra shuttle time on early mornings. Between 1 AM and 5 AM, shuttles run every 25 minutes. Add this to your airport arrival plan.
• Book off-airport parking in advance. If you want to save up to 32%, reserve an off-site lot early — popular lots fill up during holidays and summer travel peaks.
• Check TSA PreCheck. Once you're parked and at the terminal, TSA PreCheck members move through security faster. Pair fast parking with a fast lane for the smoothest possible experience.
• Arrive with a full gas tank. There's no gas station inside the Long Term lots. Fill up on the way to the airport.

BWI's $520 million Concourse A/B Connector opened January 9, 2026 — the largest capital project in BWI history. The new connector provides a direct single-level route between Concourses A and B, so once you're in the terminal, getting to your gate is faster than ever. Southwest Airlines passengers flying from Concourses A, B, or C benefit most from this upgrade.

Handling your BWI long term parking ticket carefully — and knowing what to do if something goes wrong — turns a potential headache into a non-issue. Whether you stay on-airport at $11/day or save over 30% with an off-site lot, the right plan starts before you leave home. Compare BWI parking lots starting at $7.50/day on Triply and book your spot before your next trip.