Transfer from DCA to BWI

Question

Hi all, I am looking into booking a Delta flight from Miami that arrives at DCA at 2:09pm and catching an international flight from BWI at 6:50pm. How realistic is it?

And what would be the best way to travel from one airport to the other? Thank you for any advise

Answer

Trying to connect from DCA to BWI with a Delta flight arriving at 2:09 pm and an international flight departing BWI at 6:50 pm is very tight. While technically it is possible, there are several factors to consider that make it risky.

Time Considerations:

Customs and baggage claim at DCA (if any checked bags) can take 20–40 minutes.
Travel time between DCA and BWI is usually 1–1.5 hours by car or shuttle under normal traffic conditions.
International flights generally recommend arriving at least 3 hours before departure, meaning you would ideally need to be at BWI around 3:50–4:00 pm.
Even under perfect conditions, this leaves very little buffer for delays in your incoming flight, traffic, or security lines at BWI.

Transportation Options:

Taxi/Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, or taxi can take approximately 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. This is the most direct method.
Shuttle Service: Some private shuttles run between the airports, but they usually require pre-booking and can take longer than a direct car service.
Public Transit: Metro and bus connections are available but are impractical for such a tight connection—they can take 2–2.5 hours and involve transfers.

Recommendation:

This connection is extremely risky; any minor delay could cause you to miss your international flight.
If possible, schedule your Delta flight to arrive earlier, or consider flying into BWI directly.
If you must attempt this transfer, pre-book a fast and reliable rideshare or taxi, and ensure your luggage is either checked through to BWI or travel with carry-on only.

In summary, while DCA to BWI in roughly 4.5 hours is theoretically possible, the practical risks are high. It is safer to allow more time or adjust your itinerary to minimize stress and potential missed connections.