Arriving with children means more bags, more stops and less patience. This page lists what the airport publishes and what you should confirm yourself.

Moving through the terminal

Baggage claim is on the Arrivals/Lower Level, and most ground options leave from that level. For baby-changing rooms, lifts and trolleys, check the airport website or ask staff, since we have not verified those details here.

Option 1: a taxi from the stand

Stands are just outside baggage claim, near Doors 5 and 13, so there is little walking. The fare is metered because airport taxis may not charge flat rates. The airport pages we checked say nothing about child seats, so ask the taxi operator in advance and do not assume one will be there.

Option 2: ride-hailing

The pick-up point is one level up, on the Departures/Upper Level outer curb between Doors 5 and 12, which means crossing roadways with children and bags. If you need a child seat, confirm with the ride company how it can be provided.

Option 3: rail

The free shuttle to the rail station and the Light Rail are both published options. With a stroller and several bags you must handle the shuttle, the train and often a last leg to your accommodation. Think about whether that effort is worth it after a long flight.

Option 4: a pre-booked transfer

Request the child seat at booking and give the child's age and weight so the right type is arranged. Ask for a vehicle with room for strollers and bags. The price is fixed at booking (see the live From price on this page). If meet-and-greet is included in your booking, the confirmation says where to meet.

Child seat rules

Child-restraint requirements in Maryland should be confirmed with an official state source or your transfer provider. We do not state the rule here.

Rental cars

The rental facility is at Stoney Run Road and New Ridge Road. A free courtesy shuttle runs from Doors 1, 11 and 16 on the Arrivals level. The airport warns of possible shuttle delays at peak times, which matters with tired children. Bring or reserve any child seat with the rental company before you travel.

A simple plan

Pick one option before you land, know the exit door, and keep snacks and documents within reach. If you pre-book a transfer, save the booking confirmation on your phone, because it contains the meeting point and the contact details you may need if your flight is late. If you plan to use public transport, check the timetable for the day you travel and have a taxi or transfer as a fallback.

Sources (checked 2026-10-27)

BWI Marshall Airport, transportation overview (transit, rental cars, shuttles, taxis, app-based rides): https://bwiairport.com/to-from-bwi/transportation/
BWI taxis (stands at Arrivals/Lower Level near Doors 5 and 13, rides originating at BWI only, no flat rates): https://bwiairport.com/to-from-bwi/transportation/taxis/
BWI rideshare pick-up (Departures/Upper Level outer curb, Doors 5-12): https://bwiairport.com/to-from-bwi/transportation/app-based-ride-services/
BWI transit options (Amtrak, MTA Light Rail, MARC, buses): https://bwiairport.com/to-from-bwi/transportation/transit/
BWI MARC page (free shuttle to MARC/Amtrak station, 24 hours, Penn Line, Union Station and Penn Station): https://bwiairport.com/to-from-bwi/transportation/transit/mta-marc-train/
BWI Amtrak page (shuttle every 10-15 minutes, every 25 minutes from 1:00 to 5:00 a.m., four return stops): https://bwiairport.com/to-from-bwi/transportation/transit/amtrak/
BWI Light Rail page (station outside the lower level next to Concourse E, destinations): https://bwiairport.com/to-from-bwi/transportation/transit/mta-light-rail/
Maryland Transit Administration Light RailLink schedule (BWI Airport stop): https://mta.maryland.gov/light-rail
BWI rental cars (facility location, courtesy shuttle from Doors 1, 11 and 16): https://bwiairport.com/to-from-bwi/transportation/rental-cars/
Approximate distances and driving times from the airport: ATP route database (approximate, traffic dependent)

BWI Airport with Children and Luggage