Best Route into BWI? Please help! :)

[FirstTimertoDiz]

I am from Central PA, and AAA told me to go I-70 East, then take 100 (South?) to I-295, then to I-195 to get to the airport.

The other option that Yahoo and Mapquest are telling me is to take I-70, and stay on that until it runs into I-695, then go I-95, to I-195.

Is one less crowded than the other? We are leaving next Thursday at about 3:45 pm for a 9:00 flight- does that sound like enough time, or do we need to factor in more for the rush hour traffic?

Thanks for the help! I am getting nervous now- never been to BWI, and since we are traveling with a toddler, I know it will be very hectic!

Thanks, Lisa

 

[goofyforlife]

The best route we have found so far...(given to me by my boss who lives in columbia, md)

It is like your AAA directions but they missed a step.....

Do not go near the beltway 695 that time of day.....

Take 1-70 to route 29 south then get on route 100 - towards BWI (east?)

then we usually take the Baltimore Washington Pkwy (295) NORTH to 195 which leads to the parking areas and the airport.....

if your flight is at 9 you'll want to get there roughly 6ish (to allow for parking/security time)

We live 45 minutes south of Dillsburg on Rt15 (frederick, MD). We usually leave about an hour or so before we need to get there....

so if you leave at 3:45 ...you should get there (depending where in central pa you live) somewhere around 6-7 which should be ok but leave extra time for Harrisburg traffic if you are going through there....

 

[tammy]

There is construction on I-195. There is an alternate route, I just can't remember what the sign said.

 

[B.Mary]

I can't help with directions from the north, as we come from the south (near DC) but I thought I'd recommend a parking service that works well for us every time...

Airport FastPark :

They have two lots near the airport, you actually get off BW parkway one exit north of I-195. They have a service that picks you up at your car as you park it and it brings you directly to the airport. When you return, you look for their van - they circulate regularly.

I am not associated with the company, we just really like them. Very convenient, quick, efficient and reasonable. You can get a coupon from the internet, which also has specific directions, for $6 plus tax, just under $7/day.

web: www dot airportfastpark dot com

Have fun on your trip!!

 

[mowog]

There is construction on I-195. There is an alternate route, I just can't remember what the sign said.

Goofyforlife's directions are great- as of now the 195 construction is N of 95 so shouldn't affect the parkway (295) to 195. On a weekday you have to get to the 70 and 29 intersection before 7 AM to avoid commuter traffic. We're leaving Saturday at 7 AM from BWI to MCO for a week at beach club- looking forward to it.

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Thanks, Goofyforlife- looks like that will be the best way for me to avoid traffic- now I have another stupid question- how far away is the long term parking from the Southwest terminal? We are thinking that dh will drop me off at the curb, then park the car while I check our bags and wait with our carryons. We are not sure whether to have ds2 with me, or go with dh to park the car.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Lisa

 

[goofyforlife]

Look at the website for BWI for directions to long term..... the exit isn't marked terribly clear for first timers and it's before you get to the airport.
(but my Dh has done BWI alot so he knows where he's going)

(ie you'll pass it on the way in....your DH will see it differently on the way back from the airport after dropping you off)

People have reported better luck at some of the long term parking places with free shuttles. (i'm going try econo park express this time ...they have a web-site.. they're in the same area as long-term but are only like $5.00 a day instead of $9.) The official BWI long term lot fills up alot and you may get stuck in the long term garage which is $2 more per day.

I would have your DH drop you and DS (take your stroller with you) off at terminal (A is southwest only I believe.) Check your bags curbside since it's just you. Skycaps will want a tip for taking luggage at curb. (i go inside but I have an older DD to help with bags). My DH usually goes to park (but he does the long term garage) and it takes him about 10-15 minutes to catch up with us at the terminal.

Another thing may be to pick up something for dinner on the way in (Subway or something) The food at the airport isn't that great and expensive.....

Off of 70 there are places at Mount airy that are easy to get to or you could just pack a softside cooler and bring stuff from home...

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Thanks again, Goofyforlife- we are so nervous about navigating the airport- we have only flown 1 time, and that was years ago at Pittsburgh- plus we took a small plane from a local airport to PIT, so we didn't have to do anything at PIT but take our carryons to our gate. This time we are at a new airport, adding the parking, plus throwing an active toddler into the mix!! I am just praying that everything goes relatively smoothly, and thanks to you, I am starting to feel a little less out of control about things at BWI

THANK YOU!!!!

 

[goofyforlife]

no problem...glad to help....

We used to do the puddle jumping thing from Montoursville, PA to PIT to MCO with US Scare but I know what you mean.....

Southwest has been good to us so far......

This trip we're two adults, my 12yo DD and my 2yo Nephew (we flew with him last year at 16mths and he flew 1 other time so I think we're ok with that. He just didn't like the ear pressure on descent. Well neither do I but we can't help that.)