I didn't realize that it was such a hassle to get to BWI. Now that I have booked air tickets; I have to figure out how to get to BWI from Dupont Circle using public transportation.

I have searched online and found various options, but they are confusing not knowing systems in DC. We need to be at BWI for a 6:25 pm flight. What time do we need to leave Dupont Circle to get to airport by 4:30 [or will 5 pm be ok for checkin?] 3o pm??

I found this:

"Choosing your preferred method, reach Union Station on the red line. This station doesn't have parking, so if you'll drive to Metro, keep that in consideration for your fare. If you park in a lot you will have to pay, see WMATA's parking page for more information. (The fees are less than parking at an airport! Though you take a possible risk parking over an extended period of time.) You can reach the station through a series of bus lines.

Exit the Metro wing and board the MARC, using the Penn Line. You will ride to its Marshall State Airport stop, which will cost $8. Expect the trip to take an hour; the ride is usually less (an average trip from Union Station to the end of the line at Penn Station is exactly sixth minutes; BWI is before the end of the line) but you may encounter delays. Allow for more time than the trip will take so you don't miss your flight.

The airport entrance is within walking distance of the station. "

Anyone confirm that this will work? Any alternates that don't involve private car or taxi, Amtrak. Trying to do this for easiest, and least expensive option. There are 2 of us.

Thanks

Hmm, just checked Amtrak and there is a 3:29 train from Union Station to BWI that is $10 a person and takes 29 mins.

That seems like the best option [I thought it would cost more].

Does this take us right to station?

Correct: Metro red line from Dupont to Union Station, MARC commuter train from Union Station to BWI Marshall station. Then free shuttle to BWI terminal.

MARC does not run on weekends, so if your trip is on Sat or Sun, you'd use Metro Green line to Greenbelt (change to from Red to Green at Gallery Place) and then metrobus B30 to BWI.
Allow approximately 90 minutes total for either MARC or Greenbelt Metro route (a bit more for Metro).

ps easiest is most expensive -- taxi for about $60

MARC is not Amtrak; There are several MARC lines -- the Penn line is the one that goes from DC to Baltimore via BWI.

http://mta.maryland.gov/services/marc/

Amtrak runs on weekends, so you don't have to take the green line to Greenbelt. But if a taxi costs $60, then take that instead of Amtrak because (1) Amtrak sucks; (2) the taxi will take you to the terminal, the Amtrak takes you to the station where you catch a S L O W shuttle to the terminal; (3) Amtrak is about $40 for two.

P.S., I did the BWI trip instead of flying into Reagan before and I won't make that mistake again.

"The airport entrance is within walking distance of the station."

If you take MARC (a commuter train that only runs during the week) or AMTRAK, the station is not at the airport. You will have to take a shuttle.

There's also a public bus. You'd take the Red line Metro to either Gallery Place or Ft. Totten, transfer to the Green line to Greenbelt then take the bus

http://www.bwiairport.com/en/travel/...on/trans/wmata