Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
Route frequency: Multiple nonstop flights daily from JFK, LGA, and EWR to BWI operated by Southwest, JetBlue, American, and United. Typical flight duration: approx. 1–1.5 hours gate-to-gate. Price range in October: one-way fares often start around $49–$129 depending on booking window and airline promotions; round-trips commonly land in the $99–$249 bracket when booked 2–6 weeks ahead. October travel tips: fly midweek for the best savings, travel early-morning to avoid event traffic, and pack layers for cool mornings and warmer afternoons. Nearby cities and access: travelers commonly use this route to visit downtown Baltimore (Inner Harbor), Annapolis (35–45 minutes by car), and Washington, D.C. (about 30–45 minutes by train or shuttle). Book flexible tickets or purchase travel insurance if your schedule may change due to fall events and increased weekend demand.
New York (All Airports) (NYCA) refers to the metro-area airports serving NYC — John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). In October, carriers operate frequent flights from all three airports to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), so check each airport's schedule for the best nonstop options and times. Use airport-specific filters when searching for cheap NYC to BWI flights to compare fares and departure times.
Gate-to-gate flight time typically ranges 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, with airborne time around 45–55 minutes on most nonstop services. October's mild weather usually means on-time performance is good, but allow extra time to clear busy New York terminals during Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day weekends. For best results search for nonstop NYC to BWI flights and plan for a 90–120 minute airport-to-airport transfer window.
For cheap flights NYCA to BWI in October, target midweek travel (Tuesday–Thursday) and early-morning or late-evening departures. Booking 2–6 weeks in advance often yields the best domestic fares; look for flash sales from low-cost carriers and use flexible date search to compare prices. Sign up for fare alerts and search 'NYC to Baltimore cheap flights October' to capture deals.
As of October travel guidance, most domestic U.S. flights do not require COVID-19 tests or vaccine proof, but you should confirm airline mask policies and any local public-health advisories for Maryland. Check the airlines' official pages and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) website for the latest rules and recommended arrival times. Keep a digital copy of identification and vaccination records if required and monitor the CDC and state health sites before departure.
For domestic flights from NYCA to BWI, arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure if you are checked-in and 2–3 hours if you need to check bags during busy October travel periods. Allow extra time for security lines, rental car returns, and New York traffic to terminals, especially during fall events and holidays. Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if available to speed your security process on busy travel days.
Yes — after arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) you’ll find regional rail (MTA MARC/BWI Rail Station via free shuttle), shuttle buses, taxis, rideshares and rental cars. October weather is ideal for short transfers into downtown Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Annapolis, and Howard County; factor in weekend event traffic for major fall festivals and marathons. Pre-book a shuttle or rideshare for lower prices and quicker exits from the terminal.
Airport operations: BWI maintains frequent arrivals from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) with peak windows in the early morning and late afternoon. October highlights: Baltimore Running Festival and the Washington, D.C. Marine Corps Marathon increase shuttle and taxi demand on event weekends—plan transfers accordingly. Typical local weather: daytime highs 60–70°F (15–21°C) and cooler nights, so pack layers for outdoor activities at the Inner Harbor or canal walks. Nearby cities and accessibility: ideal base for visiting downtown Baltimore (25–30 minutes), Annapolis (35–50 minutes), and Washington, D.C. (30–60 minutes via train or highway). For budget-conscious travelers, using the BWI free shuttle to the BWI Rail Station and taking MARC/Amtrak is often faster and cheaper than driving during October weekends.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) has a central terminal with three concourses (A, B, C) offering dining, shops, and rental car facilities. In October you'll find seasonal food and retail promotions, and the airport often increases staffing for marathons and fall festivals, so plan slightly more time for baggage claim during event weekends. Check BWI's terminal maps and lounge access policies before travel to streamline your arrival.
BWI is approximately 10–15 miles from downtown Baltimore (about 20–30 minutes by car), 30–40 miles from Annapolis (roughly 35–50 minutes depending on traffic), and 30–40 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. (about 30–60 minutes via rail or highway). October is peak season for leaf-peeping so expect occasional delays on scenic routes; consider using the BWI Rail Station for a predictable commute into Baltimore or D.C. to avoid event traffic.
From BWI you can take the free shuttle to BWI Rail Station and catch Amtrak or the MARC commuter train to Union Station in Washington, D.C., or use direct express buses, rideshares, and taxis. In October, trains and shuttles remain reliable alternatives to driving, especially during large events like the Marine Corps Marathon. For convenience and cost savings, pre-book an airport shuttle or buy train tickets in advance.
October brings cooler mornings, potential for leaf-peeping traffic, and several high-attendance events like the Baltimore Running Festival and the Washington, D.C. Marine Corps Marathon that can increase ground-transport demand. Arrive with extra time for baggage and ground transfers on event weekends, and check local event schedules for road closures that may affect airport transfers. Consider staying a night near the airport if you have an early morning connection out of the region.
From BWI you can quickly reach Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, the National Aquarium, historic Annapolis, and Washington, D.C.'s National Mall and museums. October is a great month to combine city visits with fall foliage drives in nearby Howard County and the Chesapeake Bay region. For itinerary planning, search 'BWI attractions October' and book tickets for museums or harbor cruises in advance to secure preferred times.
Key October events that impact NYCA→BWI travel: 1) Baltimore Running Festival — typically late October and draws visitors to the Inner Harbor and downtown; expect heavier hotel and ground-transport demand. 2) Marine Corps Marathon (Washington, D.C.) — often late October and increases inbound/outbound airport traffic at BWI and can affect roads connecting to the airport. 3) Fall festivals and food events across Baltimore and Annapolis — weekend activities can inflate local transport costs and reduce rental car availability. Event travel tips: book flights and nearby hotels early, schedule transfers well in advance, and consider taking the train into the city to avoid event-related road closures.
October is among the best months to fly this short corridor: mild weather, lower summer congestion, and attractive fall events. For cheapest fares and lighter crowds, choose midweek flights and early mornings; for sightseeing and weekend leisure trips, Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings work but expect slightly higher prices. If attending events like the Marine Corps Marathon or Baltimore Running Festival, book flights and ground transport well in advance to secure preferred times and rates.
Because NYCA to BWI is a short route, nonstop flights are strongly recommended for convenience and speed — they typically cut total travel time to around 1–1.5 hours gate-to-gate. Connecting itineraries add layover time and usually increase the chance of delay without significant cost savings on this short hop, unless you find a steep sale or need specific loyalty benefits. Choose nonstop options when possible to maximize time on the ground exploring Baltimore, Annapolis, or Washington, D.C.; only consider connections for rare deep-discount fares or complex mileage requirements.
Major carriers on NYCA–BWI in October: Southwest — often best for affordable fares and free checked bags on domestic itineraries; JetBlue — competitive service from JFK with more legroom and extras; American & United — reliable networks for schedule variety and frequent flyer benefits. Baggage and seating: Southwest typically includes two free checked bags, while legacy carriers may charge unless you have status or premium fares. For shortest total travel time and simplest logistics, prefer nonstop flights; compare final price including baggage and seat fees to identify the best value.
Packing tips: bring layered clothing — mornings can be cool (50s °F / 10–15°C) and afternoons mild (60s–70s °F / 15–21°C). Airport tips: use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to speed security in busy NYCA terminals and consider early check-in to reserve overhead bin space on popular flights. Ground transport: pre-book shuttles or purchase train tickets to avoid event weekend surges; rent cars early if you plan day trips to Annapolis or scenic drives. Weather & delays: October generally has stable flying conditions, but check weather forecasts for Northeast storms or localized closures and allow buffer time for fall-festival traffic.
Typical flight time: airborne ~45–55 minutes; gate-to-gate ~1–1.5 hours. Schedule frequency: multiple daily nonstops across JFK, LGA and EWR with higher frequency during morning (6:00–9:00) and late afternoon (15:00–19:00) windows; evening red-eye options are limited on this short-haul route. October schedule tips: book morning flights to reduce risk of cumulative delays and allow same-day return options; avoid weekend afternoon slots during major fall events. Check airline timetables for exact departure/arrival times and use real-time alerts for any schedule changes.
How to find the cheapest NYCA to BWI flights in October: 1) Book 2–6 weeks in advance for domestic October trips; last-minute weekend events may increase fares. 2) Fly midweek (Tues–Thurs) and use early-morning departures to catch the lowest fares. 3) Compare all NYCA airports — sometimes EWR or LGA is cheaper than JFK depending on carrier sales. 4) Use fare alert tools and check low-cost carriers (Southwest often has competitive fares) and legacy carriers during flash sales. Typical bargain ranges: one-way $49–$129; round-trip $99–$249 depending on baggage and seat selection. CTA: Use flexible-date search and sign up for fare alerts today to lock in October savings.