Amtrak train travel from train station at/near BWI airport

Question

I want to travel by railroad train to Roanoke, VA. I live near Salisbury, MD, so I will have to take train from the Amtrak station at or near BWI airport. It has an early departure, so I will need to stay the previous night at a hotel. My question is whether any of the hotels near BWI offer a shuttle service to the Amtrak station. If not, is there secure parking at the Amtrak station?

Answer

The Amtrak station near BWI Airport is the BWI Rail Station, conveniently located adjacent to the airport and connected to the terminals via the BWI Airport Shuttle or pedestrian walkway. For travelers needing to stay the night before an early train departure, there are several hotel options nearby with shuttle services.

Hotels with shuttle service to BWI Amtrak Station:

Marriott BWI Airport: Offers a free shuttle to both the airport and BWI Rail Station. Many travelers use this for early morning departures.
Hilton BWI Airport: Provides a 24-hour shuttle service to the airport; guests can request a drop at the Amtrak station as well.
Hyatt Regency BWI: Shuttle service available to airport terminals and can accommodate requests for rail station pickup.
Other nearby airport hotels: Many airport-adjacent hotels (such as Holiday Inn Express, Sheraton, and Hampton Inn) offer free shuttles to the airport, and by extension, they often will drop passengers at the Amtrak station if arranged in advance.

Secure parking at BWI Rail Station:

The station has a long-term parking lot with both surface and garage options. Parking is metered and monitored with security patrols, providing a safe place to leave your car while traveling.
There are short-term parking options near the station for quick drop-offs if you are not staying overnight.
Rates vary depending on length of stay, but daily and weekly rates are available, making it suitable for multi-day trips.

In summary, for early morning departures from the BWI Rail Station, your best approach is either booking a nearby hotel with a shuttle or planning to park in the station’s secure long-term lot. Confirming shuttle availability in advance with the hotel is recommended, especially if your train departs very early.