BWI to Washington DC

Question

We are flying into BWI in two weeks and we are staying at a hotel in Washington DC near Embassy Row. Using public transportation what’s the best way to get to our hotel? Won’t have a lot of luggage so will be fairly mobile. Thanks in advance

Answer

Traveling from BWI (Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport) to Washington DC near Embassy Row is quite straightforward using public transportation. Since you won’t have a lot of luggage, you have several convenient options.

Options via public transit:

Option 1: MARC Train + Metro
- Take the MARC Camden Line train from BWI Rail Station to Union Station in DC. The train runs frequently during weekdays and less frequently on weekends.
- From Union Station, you can take the Red Line Metro towards Shady Grove and transfer at Metro Center or Farragut North/Farragut West depending on your hotel location near Embassy Row.
- This option takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in total, depending on transfer times, and is budget-friendly.
Option 2: Amtrak Train + Metro
- Catch an Amtrak train from BWI to Union Station in DC. Amtrak is slightly faster than MARC but more expensive.
- From Union Station, proceed via Metro or a short walk/taxi depending on your hotel’s exact location.
- Total travel time is roughly 1 hour, plus any walking or Metro connections.
Option 3: BWI Express Bus + Metro
- Take the BWI Express (operated by MTA) to Greenbelt Metro Station.
- From Greenbelt, take the Green Line Metro towards Branch Ave and transfer to the Red Line at Gallery Place-Chinatown or take the Yellow/Red Line combination depending on your hotel.
- This route is slightly longer and more transfers but is an alternative if train schedules are inconvenient.

Other tips:

The MARC train is usually the most convenient and cost-effective option if your arrival time aligns with the schedule.
If you prefer a simpler, direct option and don’t mind spending a bit more, a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) from BWI to Embassy Row takes about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Check train schedules ahead of time, as weekend and off-peak services can be less frequent.

For a traveler with light luggage, MARC to Union Station and then Metro is likely your best balance of speed, cost, and convenience.