Airports in Anne Arundel County, Maryland: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Airports Serving Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Anne Arundel County holds a unique distinction in Maryland aviation: it is home to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), the state's largest and busiest commercial airport. With approximately 588,000 residents, the county stretches from the shores of the Chesapeake Bay through Annapolis, the state capital, to the suburban corridors surrounding BWI near Linthicum and Glen Burnie. Having a major commercial airport within county borders gives Anne Arundel residents unmatched convenience for air travel, with most communities located within 15 to 30 minutes of the terminal.

Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)

BWI is the dominant airport for Anne Arundel County and the entire central Maryland region, handling over 27 million passengers annually from its location along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway in Linthicum. Southwest Airlines operates its largest East Coast hub at BWI, accounting for roughly 70 percent of the airport's passenger traffic and offering nonstop service to more than 80 destinations including Los Angeles, Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, Austin, Fort Lauderdale, San Juan, and Cancun. Beyond Southwest, BWI hosts operations from Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Icelandair, and British Airways, providing both domestic and international connections. The airport features two terminals with five concourses, over 70 gates, and a consolidated rental car facility connected to the terminal by a free shuttle. BWI's Observation Gallery on the upper level of the international terminal offers views of the airfield and is a popular spot for families.

BWI Ground Transportation and Access

Anne Arundel County residents enjoy multiple convenient routes to BWI. The airport sits directly off Interstate 195, with easy connections from Interstate 97 for Annapolis-area travelers and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (Route 295) for those in the northern part of the county. BWI's parking facilities include a daily garage adjacent to the terminal at $22 per day, express parking at $14 per day, and long-term satellite lots at $10 per day with free shuttle service. The BWI Airport MARC train station provides direct rail service on the Penn Line between Baltimore and Washington, while the Light Rail connects to downtown Baltimore and northern suburbs. Amtrak's Northeast Corridor trains also stop at the BWI station, providing a rail option for passengers arriving from Philadelphia, Wilmington, or other cities along the corridor. For Annapolis-area residents, the drive to BWI typically takes 25 to 35 minutes via Interstate 97 North.

Lee Airport and General Aviation

Anne Arundel County also hosts Lee Airport, a small general aviation facility located in Edgewater along the South River. Lee Airport features a 2,480-foot paved runway and primarily serves private pilots, recreational flyers, and flight training operations. Tipton Airport, a former military airfield near Fort Meade, provides additional general aviation capacity and supports corporate and government flight operations. These smaller facilities complement BWI by handling private and charter aviation needs without contributing to congestion at the major commercial airport. The Annapolis area's strong boating and maritime culture extends to its aviation community, with many local pilots combining water and air recreation along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline.

Anne Arundel County Aviation Community

Anne Arundel County strong aviation identity extends beyond BWI to include an active general aviation community, flight training schools, and aviation-related businesses that have established themselves near the airport. Several flight schools operate from BWI and nearby airfields, providing private pilot training, instrument rating courses, and commercial pilot certification programs. The county also benefits from the economic impact of BWI, which supports approximately 25,000 direct jobs and generates billions of dollars in annual economic activity for Anne Arundel County and the surrounding region. Hotels, restaurants, parking facilities, rental car agencies, and transportation services near the airport provide employment and business opportunities for county residents. The ongoing investment in BWI infrastructure, including planned terminal improvements and runway maintenance projects, ensures that Anne Arundel County will continue to serve as the center of Maryland commercial aviation for decades to come.

Airport facilities in a county are typically governed by regional airport authorities or county commissions that oversee operations, safety standards, and capital improvements. There are 6 Airports locations in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

County residents can use this directory to identify which airports serve their area, whether they need commercial airline service, general aviation access, or cargo shipping connections. Contact the airport administration office directly for permitting, noise complaints, or facility inquiries.

Residents of Anne Arundel County can contact their local airport authority for information about noise abatement programs, land use around airport property, and community engagement meetings. For flight bookings and airline services, visit the airport's official website directly.

You may also find Airports locations in neighboring counties including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Queen Anne's.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airports in Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Additional Airport Options for Anne Arundel County Travelers

While BWI handles the vast majority of air travel needs for Anne Arundel County, some residents may find it advantageous to consider Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for certain routes. DCA is located approximately 35 miles southwest of Annapolis across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and through Washington, D.C., offering a strong selection of domestic flights on American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, Alaska, and JetBlue. The drive from Annapolis to DCA takes roughly 50 to 70 minutes depending on Beltway traffic. IAD, situated about 65 miles west in Virginia, serves as United Airlines' East Coast international gateway and offers the broadest selection of long-haul international flights in the Washington metropolitan area.

For most Anne Arundel County residents, BWI remains the clear first choice due to its location within the county, competitive Southwest Airlines fares, extensive parking options, and excellent ground transportation connections. The airport's ongoing capital improvement projects continue to enhance the passenger experience, including terminal renovations, expanded security checkpoints, and improvements to the international arrivals facility. Anne Arundel County's proximity to BWI represents one of its strongest advantages for both residents and businesses, making the county an attractive location for companies that depend on frequent air travel access.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How early should I arrive at the airport?

Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.

2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.

3. What is clear at the airport?

Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.

Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.

To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.

4. Are masks required in airports?

The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.

5. Can you bring food through airport security?

Yes, you can bring food through airport security.

Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.

Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.

6. How much is airport parking?

The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.

On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.

7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?

Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.

8. Can I sleep in an airport?

Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.

Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.