BWI Long Term Parking with Shuttle: 2026 Rates & Guide

BWI long term parking with shuttle is an on-airport parking option at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport where drivers leave their car in Lot A or Lot B and ride a free shuttle bus to the terminal — all for $11 per day, per the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA). The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes during normal hours, making it the most affordable on-airport option for trips longer than one day. Off-airport alternatives with free shuttles start even lower, from $7.50/day, if you want to save more. This guide covers everything you need: exact rates, shuttle schedules, directions, step-by-step arrival tips, and a side-by-side comparison with off-airport lots.

• Daily rate: $11/day for BWI Long Term Lots A and B (verified June 2026), per bwiairport.com
• Shuttle frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during normal hours; every 25 minutes between 1–5 AM
• Capacity: BWI has roughly 22,000 total parking spaces across all on-airport facilities
• Off-airport savings: Lots like The Parking Spot and FastPark start at $7.50/day — up to 32% cheaper than on-airport long term parking
• Free cancellation: Available at all major off-airport lots; on-airport has no advance reservation system for Long Term Lots
• New in 2026: The $520 million Concourse A/B Connector opened January 9, 2026, improving terminal flow once you arrive

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

What Is BWI Long Term Parking and How Does the Shuttle Work?

BWI long term parking with shuttle refers to Lots A and B — two large surface lots operated by the MAA on the airport campus. You park, lock your car, and board a free airport shuttle to the terminal. No tipping is expected and no reservations are needed.

The BWI Long Term Parking shuttle is part of the airport's central free shuttle network. The same system also connects the Daily Garage, Express Parking, and the BWI Rail Station to the terminal. Shuttle buses are marked clearly and stop at numbered bus stops throughout each lot.

Once you reach the terminal, you're dropped at the lower level. From there, follow signs to check-in, security, and your concourse. The newly opened A/B Connector now lets Southwest passengers move between Concourses A and B on a single level — a big improvement compared to prior years.

Plan ahead for security time. TSA PreCheck can cut your security wait significantly, especially during peak travel periods. Add that time to your shuttle wait when calculating when to leave the lot.

Ready to compare BWI parking options before you book? Search BWI long term parking rates — on-airport and off — starting at $7.50/day on Triply.

How Much Does BWI Long Term Parking Cost? (Rates for Lots A and B)

BWI Long Term Lots A and B both charge $11 per day, with no published maximum stay limit. These rates took effect July 1, 2024 — the first price increase since 2009 — per the Maryland Aviation Administration. There is no advance reservation system for the long term lots; you simply drive in and pay when you exit.

Here's how the on-airport long term rate compares to every other BWI parking option (verified June 2026):

For a 7-day trip, you'd pay $77 total in BWI Long Term Lots A or B. The same trip at The Parking Spot costs $52.50 — a 32% savings. For tips on getting even more off the on-airport rate, see our guide to BWI long term parking coupons and deals.

How Often Does the BWI Long Term Parking Shuttle Run?

The BWI long term parking shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes during normal operating hours, according to official airport data from bwiairport.com. Late at night — specifically between 1 AM and 5 AM — service slows to every 25 minutes. The shuttle operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you're never stranded even on a late-night return.

Here's what to expect at each stage of the shuttle process:

• Walk to the bus stop: Numbered stops are posted throughout both lots. Follow the signs from where you park.
• Wait time: Typically under 15 minutes during the day. Up to 25 minutes between 1–5 AM.
• Ride to terminal: The shuttle drops passengers at the lower level of the terminal.
• Total time from car to terminal door: Plan on roughly 20-30 minutes total, including the walk to the stop and the ride.

If your flight lands after midnight, be aware of the reduced schedule. The shuttle still runs — just less often. If you're worried about timing, off-airport lots like FastPark 2 run their shuttles every 5-10 minutes around the clock and are only 2 minutes from the terminal.

For a full breakdown of shuttle timing by hour and more detail on overnight service, our BWI long term parking times and shuttle hours guide covers it in depth.

BWI Long Term Parking vs Off-Airport Parking: Which Is Better for Your Trip?

Both options include a free shuttle. The real differences are price, coverage, and booking flexibility. Off-airport lots are generally cheaper and let you reserve your spot in advance. On-airport long term lots don't require a reservation — just drive in.

On-Airport Long Term Parking (Lots A & B)

• Rate: $11/day — no advance booking required
• Shuttle: Every 10-15 minutes (every 25 min overnight)
• Security: MAA-operated, on airport property, 24/7 monitoring
• Payment: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, and contactless
• Best for: Travelers who prefer no-reservation simplicity and want to stay on airport grounds

Off-Airport Lots with Shuttle

• Rate: $7.50–$10/day — advance booking available with free cancellation
• Shuttle: Every 5-10 minutes at most lots; FastPark 2 is just 2 minutes from the terminal
• Security: Fenced, staffed, camera-monitored private lots
• Payment: Online booking with credit card; no cash required at exit
• Best for: Travelers planning ahead who want the cheapest rate with confirmed availability

For most trips over 3 days, off-airport lots save real money. A 5-day trip at Long Term Lot A costs $55. The same trip at The Parking Spot (East) costs $37.50 — saving you $17.50. For a comprehensive look at all nearby options, see airport parking near BWI with full lot comparisons.

Where Are BWI Long Term Lots A and B? (Directions, GPS, and Maps)

BWI Long Term Lots A and B are located on the airport campus, accessible via Interstate 195 (the primary airport access road off I-95). Both lots are signposted from the main airport loop road and sit near Aviation Boulevard (MD Route 170).

Use these general navigation tips to reach the long term lots:

1. Take I-195 East toward BWI Airport.
2. Follow signs for Long Term Parking from the airport entrance road.
3. Long Term Lot A and Lot B are clearly marked with large blue signs.
4. Real-time availability monitors at the lot entrances show open spaces per section.

If you're coming from Annapolis, take I-97 North to I-695 West, then connect to I-195. From Washington, D.C., the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295) North leads directly to the I-195 interchange. Before you head out, check real-time traffic on Waze — especially during morning and evening rush hours on I-95 and I-195.

Both lots are within the airport perimeter. Smart parking guidance signs inside the lots help you find open rows. The lots serve travelers from the surrounding communities of Linthicum, Glen Burnie, Hanover, Elkridge, and beyond.

How to Use BWI Long Term Parking: A Step-by-Step Guide

No competitor publishes a full walkthrough for first-time users. Here's exactly what to expect from pulling into the lot to reaching your gate.

1. Enter the lot. Take a ticket or use contactless entry at the automated lane. No reservation needed. Availability signs show open spaces by section.
2. Park and note your location. Write down or photograph your row and section number. Both lots are large — you will not remember your spot after a week away.
3. Walk to a numbered shuttle stop. Signs throughout the lot point you to the nearest bus stop shelter.
4. Board the free shuttle. Tell the driver you're heading to the terminal. Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes and drop at the terminal lower level.
5. Enter the terminal. Take the elevator or escalator to the departures level. Check in, clear security, and head to your concourse.
6. On return: board the shuttle at the lower level. Look for the ground transportation area and signs for Long Term Lot shuttles. The shuttle returns you directly to your lot.
7. Find your car. Use the photo or note from step 2. The lots can be busy — especially after popular arrival banks on weekends.
8. Pay at the exit lane. BWI accepts cash, all major credit cards, and contactless payment. Rates are $11/day with no daily max surprises — the rate doesn't change regardless of how long you stay per day.

If your car has a problem — flat tire, dead battery — contact the airport's roadside assistance or use the emergency call boxes located throughout the lots. BWI's parking operation is managed by the MAA, which staffs the lots around the clock.

Tips for Parking at BWI Long Term Lots (Save Time, Stay Safe)

These practical tips come from our analysis of common traveler questions and the content gaps no competitor currently addresses.

Save Money

• For trips of 5+ days, compare off-airport rates first — you can save up to 32% vs. the $11/day on-airport rate.
• Use Triply's BWI parking search to compare on-airport and off-airport rates side by side before you decide.
• Check for BWI airport parking promo codes before booking off-airport lots — verified discounts can lower rates further.

Save Time

• Arrive at the lot at least 60-75 minutes before your flight's recommended check-in time. Add shuttle wait (up to 15 min) plus the ride plus security.
• Enroll in TSA PreCheck to reduce security time. This matters more when the shuttle runs slower overnight.
• Use the smart parking guidance signs inside the lots to find open rows faster — don't just circle blindly.

Stay Safe

• Both lots are on MAA-managed airport property, with 24/7 monitoring and staffed operations.
• Don't leave valuables visible in your car. Long-term stays mean your vehicle sits for days — keep the interior clear.
• Use the well-lit shuttle shelter areas at night rather than waiting in remote rows.

EV Drivers

• EV charging is available at BWI Airport on-site. Check ChargeHub for current BWI EV station locations. Note that EV charging is more commonly found in the Hourly and Daily Garages than in the surface long-term lots — confirm availability before planning a long stay expecting to charge.

Peak Travel Periods

• During summer, Thanksgiving, and winter holidays, lots fill faster. Arrive earlier or pre-book an off-airport lot to guarantee a spot.
• For longer trip calculations, our BWI 3-day parking cost breakdown shows exact totals for common trip lengths across every lot.

How Does BWI Long Term Parking Compare to the Rail Station Garage?

The BWI Rail Station Garage costs $12/day — $1 more per day than Long Term Lots A and B. It's a strong choice if you're flying out and someone is taking the train to meet you, or if you want to use MARC or Amtrak for part of your trip. The MARC Penn Line connects BWI Rail Station to Washington Union Station in about 45 minutes for $8, and the Light Rail reaches downtown Baltimore in about 30 minutes for $2.

For pure parking savings, Long Term Lots A and B beat the Rail Station Garage by $1/day. But if your travel involves a mix of driving and rail, the Rail Station Garage's location gives you more flexibility. A free airport shuttle connects both the Rail Station Garage and the Long Term Lots to the terminal, so the transit experience is similar once you're aboard.

Is BWI Long Term Parking with Shuttle a Good Option for Long Trips?

Yes — for trips up to about 5 days, BWI long term parking with shuttle is a solid, convenient choice. At $11/day with a free shuttle running every 10-15 minutes, it balances cost and ease well. You don't need to plan ahead or book online. You just drive in.

For trips longer than 5-7 days, off-airport lots start to deliver meaningful savings. At $7.50/day, FastPark 2 saves you $24.50 over a 7-day trip vs. on-airport long term. That's real money. The shuttle at FastPark 2 is also faster — just 2 minutes to the terminal. The trade-off is that you leave airport property.

Based on our analysis of all BWI parking options, here's the simple rule: if you value no-reservation simplicity and want to stay on airport grounds, use the Long Term Lots. If you want to save money on a longer trip and don't mind a quick off-site shuttle, pre-book an off-airport lot with free cancellation.

The BWI long term parking shuttle map guide shows exactly where shuttle stops are located in each lot — useful if it's your first time navigating Lot A or Lot B.

Find and compare BWI long term parking rates — on-airport and off-airport — in one place. Search BWI parking on Triply and lock in the best rate before your trip.