Book Flights to Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore — Maryland's largest city on the Chesapeake Bay — is a city of genuine character: Fort McHenry where the Star-Spangled Banner was written, crab feasts with Old Bay seasoning in Fells Point, the National Aquarium, and one of America's finest baseball stadiums at Camden Yards. The MARC train connects BWI airport directly to Washington DC in 30 minutes, making Baltimore a practical base for both cities.
BWI Airport is one of the most competitive airline markets in the US — Southwest (dominant), Delta, United, American, Alaska, Spirit, and Frontier all serve Baltimore. FareOptic compares all carriers for the lowest BWI airfare.
Cheap Flight Deals to Baltimore
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Why Visit Baltimore, Maryland?
From the Star-Spangled Banner's birthplace to Maryland crab feasts and the National Aquarium, Baltimore delivers authentic mid-Atlantic character with genuine history, seafood culture, and waterfront charm.
Inner Harbor and National Aquarium
Baltimore's Iconic WaterfrontBaltimore's Inner Harbor — a revitalized waterfront district built around the old shipping basin — is the city's defining public space: the National Aquarium (one of the finest in the US, with sharks, rays, dolphins, and a 4D theater), USS Constellation (the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy, 1854), the Maryland Science Center, harborside restaurants, and water taxi connections to Fells Point and Canton. The Harbor is ringed by historic brick warehouses converted to shops and restaurants.
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium's Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit and the Atlantic Coral Reef tank (living reef with 500+ species, two stories high) are the signature experiences — book tickets online in advance for weekends as the aquarium frequently sells out
Fort McHenry National Monument
Birthplace of the Star-Spangled BannerFort McHenry — on a peninsula in the Patapsco River, 5 km from Inner Harbor — is the site of the 1814 Battle of Baltimore, where a 25-hour British naval bombardment failed to capture the fort. Francis Scott Key, watching from a ship in the harbor, wrote 'The Star-Spangled Banner' after seeing the American flag still flying at dawn. The fort is remarkably well-preserved; the star-shaped earthworks, barracks, and flag display are excellent.
Flag at Dawn
Visit Fort McHenry at dawn for the daily flag raising ceremony — the 30×42-foot replica of the original Star-Spangled Banner is raised over the fort each morning in a ceremony that recreates the moment Key described in the national anthem's first verse
Fells Point Historic District
Baltimore's Oldest Waterfront NeighborhoodFells Point — Baltimore's oldest neighborhood, settled 1730 — is the city's most atmospheric district: a working-class maritime neighborhood of Federal-era brick row houses, 19th-century taverns, cobblestone streets, and a still-active waterfront with tugboats and water taxis. The Fells Point Historic District has the highest concentration of 18th-century commercial buildings in any US city. Today the neighborhood hosts some of Baltimore's best restaurants, bars, and independent shops along Broadway.
Best Character
Walk Thames Street along the Fells Point waterfront at dusk — the cobblestones, gas lamps, old taverns, and harbor views create the most authentic colonial maritime atmosphere of any neighborhood in the mid-Atlantic, and the bar scene makes it Baltimore's most compelling evening destination
Preakness Stakes and Pimlico Race Course
The Second Jewel of the Triple CrownThe Preakness Stakes — run annually on the third Saturday of May at Pimlico Race Course in northwest Baltimore — is the second race of the Triple Crown and one of the most celebrated events in American sports: 140,000+ attendance, the Black-Eyed Susan cocktail, and the painting of the winner's owner's colors on the jockey's blanket by a stable hand. Pimlico is the second-oldest US racetrack in continuous operation.
Race Week
Preakness week (mid-May) transforms Baltimore: infield tickets are affordable ($20–50) and provide a festive, if raucous, tailgate atmosphere, while grandstand seats offer genuine horse racing viewing. Book hotels 3–4 months in advance for Preakness weekend
Maryland Crab and Chesapeake Bay Food
America's Finest Seafood CultureMaryland blue crab — steamed with Old Bay seasoning and served on newspaper-covered tables with wooden mallets — is one of the great American regional food experiences. Costas Inn, LP Steamers, and Bo Brooks are Baltimore's most celebrated crab houses. The Lexington Market (the oldest continuously operating market in the US, established 1782) and the Broadway Market in Fells Point showcase Chesapeake Bay oysters, rockfish, and local produce.
Best Crab Houses
LP Steamers (1100 E Fort Ave, Locust Point) and Costas Inn (4100 Northpoint Blvd) serve the best steamed Maryland blue crabs in Baltimore — order the large crabs by the dozen, bring patience (cracking takes practice), and budget $80–120 per person for a full crab feast in season (May–October)
American Visionary Art Museum
America's Finest Outsider Art MuseumThe American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) — at the foot of Federal Hill overlooking the Inner Harbor — is one of the most distinctive and joyful museums in the United States: a museum devoted entirely to self-taught 'outsider' artists working outside the mainstream art world. The permanent collection includes monumental sculpture, intricate embroidery, and found-object assemblages of extraordinary creativity.
Hidden Gem
AVAM's permanent collection is housed in a former wharf building with a barn-like exterior covered in mirror mosaics — the rooftop kinetic sculpture garden and the 55-foot whirligig in the adjacent plaza are the museum's most visually spectacular elements, visible from the Inner Harbor waterfront
How to Find Cheap Flights to Baltimore
Southwest Dominates BWI — Best for No-Fee Flexibility
Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier at BWI with the most destinations and no change fees — ideal for flexible travelers. Compare Southwest's bags-included all-in price against Delta, United, and American on FareOptic. Spirit and Frontier offer even lower base fares on leisure routes but add bag fees.
Compare BWI vs. DCA and IAD — Three Airports Serve Greater DC
The greater Washington/Baltimore area has three major airports: BWI (Baltimore), DCA (Reagan National, Washington), and IAD (Washington Dulles). For flights, compare all three: DCA has more American and Delta options; IAD is United's hub for international; BWI has Southwest's best network. Compare total trip cost including ground transport on FareOptic.
Crab Season Is May–October — Plan Your Visit Accordingly
Maryland blue crab season peaks June–September. Crabs are available year-round (imported in winter) but local Chesapeake Bay hard crabs in peak season are incomparably superior. A Baltimore visit centered on the crab feast experience is best planned for July–September when crabs are largest and most plentiful.
MARC Train Connects BWI to DC in 30 Minutes for $9
The MARC Penn Line commuter rail runs from BWI Airport station (free shuttle from terminal) to Washington Union Station in 30–40 minutes for $9. This makes BWI an excellent option for Washington DC visitors — lower fares than DCA, easy train connection, no DC traffic.
Airlines Serving Baltimore (BWI)
Southwest Airlines
BWI Focus City — Largest CarrierSouthwest Airlines treats BWI as one of its most important East Coast focus cities, operating more daily departures than any other carrier. Southwest's BWI network covers Florida, the Gulf Coast, Midwest, and West Coast with no change fees and two free checked bags. BWI is one of Southwest's original East Coast strongholds, with flights to 50+ destinations.
Key Routes
Baltimore BWI to Orlando MCO (multiple daily); BWI to Fort Lauderdale FLL; BWI to Tampa TPA; BWI to Chicago Midway MDW; BWI to Las Vegas LAS; BWI to Los Angeles LAX; BWI to Denver DEN; BWI to Houston HOU and 40+ more
Delta Air Lines
Atlanta Hub — Southeast and InternationalDelta Air Lines connects Baltimore through Atlanta (ATL) and Detroit (DTW), with strong Southeast US and international connections. Delta also operates BWI non-stops to Atlanta, Boston, and other Delta hub cities.
Key Routes
Baltimore BWI to Atlanta ATL (multiple daily non-stop); BWI to Detroit DTW; BWI to Minneapolis MSP; BWI to Salt Lake City SLC; connections to Europe and international via ATL
United Airlines
Newark and Dulles Hubs Near BaltimoreUnited Airlines serves Baltimore from Newark (EWR, 3 hours north) and Washington Dulles (IAD, 60 km south) — both close enough that BWI travelers should compare all three DC-area airports. United also operates direct BWI service to Chicago ORD and Denver DEN.
Key Routes
Baltimore BWI to Chicago O'Hare ORD; BWI to Denver DEN; BWI to Houston IAH; note: Washington Dulles IAD (60 km south) is a United hub — compare for international itineraries
American Airlines
Philadelphia and Charlotte HubsAmerican Airlines connects Baltimore through Philadelphia (PHL, 150 km north) and Charlotte (CLT). American also operates BWI direct to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and occasionally other hub cities. Spirit and Frontier offer ultra-low fares on selected BWI routes.
Key Routes
Baltimore BWI to Charlotte CLT; BWI to Dallas DFW; BWI to Philadelphia PHL; BWI to Miami MIA; Spirit and Frontier operate ultra-low fares from BWI on high-demand leisure routes
Things to Do in Baltimore, Maryland
Essential Info for Your Baltimore Trip
State
Maryland (MD) — largest city in the state
Currency
USD — US Dollar
Time Zone
EST (UTC-5) / EDT (UTC-4) in summer
Airport Code
BWI — Baltimore/Washington International Airport (16 km from Inner Harbor)
Train to DC
MARC Penn Line: BWI to Washington Union Station in 30–40 min, $9
Nearby Highlights
Washington DC (65 km south), Annapolis (45 km south), Philadelphia (160 km north)
Crab Season
Maryland blue crabs peak June–September — plan crab feast accordingly
Emergency Number
911
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Baltimore
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Baltimore, Maryland
What airport serves Baltimore, Maryland?
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (IATA: BWI) is located 16 km south of downtown Baltimore. Southwest, Delta, United, American, Alaska, Spirit, and Frontier serve BWI. The MARC commuter rail connects BWI to Washington DC Union Station in 30–40 minutes for $9.
Which airline is cheapest at BWI?
Southwest operates the most BWI flights with no change fees and free bags. Spirit and Frontier offer the lowest base fares on leisure routes but add bag/seat fees. Compare all-in prices across all carriers on FareOptic — the most competitive airport for budget travel in the mid-Atlantic.
Is BWI or DCA better for visiting Baltimore?
BWI is best for Baltimore itself — only 16 km from the Inner Harbor. DCA (Reagan National) is in Washington DC (65 km from Baltimore) and better for DC visits. Both serve the greater region. MARC train from BWI to DC takes 30–40 minutes; DCA has the Washington Metro.
What is Maryland blue crab?
Maryland blue crab is the Chesapeake Bay's most iconic food: blue crabs steamed live with Old Bay seasoning, served on newspaper-covered tables with wooden mallets. The experience of cracking steamed crabs is a Maryland cultural ritual. Season peaks June–September. LP Steamers and Costas Inn are the most celebrated Baltimore crab houses.
What is the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes is the second race of the Triple Crown (after the Kentucky Derby, before the Belmont Stakes), run annually on the third Saturday of May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Attendance exceeds 140,000. Infield tickets ($20–50) provide an affordable race experience; grandstand seats offer better horse racing viewing.
What is Camden Yards?
Oriole Park at Camden Yards (opened 1992) is one of the most celebrated ballparks in Major League Baseball — the design that launched the 'retro park' era in US stadium architecture. The warehouse beyond right field and the old B&O Railroad warehouse incorporated into the park design are its signature features. An Orioles game at Camden Yards is an outstanding Baltimore experience.
How do I get from BWI airport to downtown Baltimore?
MARC Penn Line train from BWI to Baltimore Penn Station (12 minutes, $7). Light Rail from BWI to downtown Baltimore (30 minutes, $2). MTA bus Route 17 to downtown ($2). Uber/Lyft ($20–35 to Inner Harbor). Car rental available at BWI.
Is Baltimore safe for tourists?
Baltimore's tourist areas — Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Mount Vernon, and Harbor East — are generally safe and well-visited. Stay in these neighborhoods, be aware at night in adjacent areas, and apply standard urban travel caution. Baltimore has high crime rates in some residential neighborhoods, but these are not typically in tourist areas.
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