Crystal City to BWI

Need to find best transportation from Crystal City to BWI Thanksgiving morning for a 9am flight.

Traveling from Crystal City to BWI for a 9:00 AM flight on Thanksgiving morning requires careful planning since it is a busy holiday period. You’ll want to allow extra time for traffic, airport security lines, and possible delays.

Options for transportation include:

  • Taxi or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): The most direct option is to take a taxi or rideshare from Crystal City to BWI. The drive typically takes about 45–60 minutes without heavy traffic. On Thanksgiving morning, traffic may be lighter than usual, but give yourself a buffer, aiming to leave around 6:30 AM for a 9:00 AM flight.
  • Airport Shuttle Services: Some hotels in Crystal City offer shuttle services to BWI, though availability on Thanksgiving morning may be limited. Confirm schedules in advance and book early.
  • Public Transit: This involves taking the Metro from Crystal City to a station like Greenbelt or L’Enfant Plaza and transferring to the MARC Train or Amtrak to BWI Rail Station, followed by the BWI Airport Shuttle to terminals. While feasible, this option is less convenient on a holiday due to reduced train schedules and the complexity of transfers.
  • Rental Car Drop-off: If you have a rental car, you can drop it at BWI’s rental car facility, then take the airport shuttle to the terminal. This could save parking fees if you’re returning a rental before your flight.

Recommendations:

  • For a hassle-free, direct journey, a taxi or rideshare is the best option, allowing you to leave Crystal City around 6:30 AM.
  • Confirm Thanksgiving morning schedules if considering shuttle or public transit.
  • Check real-time traffic apps for any delays along I-95, I-495, or local routes near BWI, as holiday travelers can impact expected travel times.

Overall, plan for at least 2.5–3 hours before your flight to account for airport security and check-in, and choose the most reliable transport option to ensure a stress-free start to your trip.


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