Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, located nine miles south of downtown Baltimore and 32 miles northeast of Washington, D.C., is the region’s busiest airport. Named for Baltimore native and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the airport serves more than 25 million passengers annually and offers a range of services focused on health, fitness and traveler well-being.
BWI has taken multiple steps to promote wellness and active travel options for passengers and local residents.
In 2013, BWI partnered with the American Heart Association to create the BWI Cardio Trail: two marked indoor walking routes through the terminal that give travelers a convenient way to stay active while waiting for flights. Surrounding the airport property is a scenic 12.5-mile outdoor trail that provides a recreational resource for walkers, runners and cyclists. BWI was the first major U.S. airport to host a dedicated hiker/biker trail, and the airport supports bike share through Zagster, which offers self-serve bicycles outside the international terminal. Bikes are available for short-term rental and annual memberships are offered for frequent users.
Recognition for BWI’s healthy initiatives includes a 2014 ranking from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which identified BWI as the healthiest U.S. airport based on the availability of nutritious menu options in airport restaurants. Travel and lifestyle publications have also highlighted BWI for its combination of fitness opportunities, outdoor activities and quality food choices.
To improve emergency preparedness among travelers, BWI teamed with the American Heart Association and the Amerigroup Foundation to install a hands-only CPR training kiosk at Gate B7. The kiosk features a touchscreen video demonstration, a guided practice session and a 30-second assessment using a practice manikin or rubber torso. The system provides real-time feedback on compression depth, rate and hand placement, allowing users to learn and test essential life-saving skills while passing through the terminal.
Expanding its on-site fitness offerings, BWI opened a full-service gym at the end of 2017. The 1,175-square-foot ROAM Fitness Gym accommodates up to 21 people and includes cardio machines, free weights and a dedicated stretching area. Secure storage cubbies let travelers charge devices while they work out. Members receive access to private shower rooms with complimentary towels and toiletries, as well as complimentary rental of select athletic apparel and running shoes. Day, monthly and annual pass options are available, and the gym is located post-security in the D/E connector with hours that accommodate early and late flights.
For travelers seeking relaxation, BWI maintains a meditation room tucked away behind the Delta Air Lines ticket counter on the side closest to the D/E security checkpoint. This quiet space is available to passengers who request access through BWI Landside Operations.
Families traveling with children can take advantage of BWI’s play area and a recently installed playground in the D/E connector. The family-friendly space includes model airplane features and other activities designed to keep kids active and entertained before flights. Nearby, the Observation Gallery offers views of the active runway so parents can watch aircraft movements while children play.
Across terminals and facilities, BWI continues to expand amenities that support physical activity, healthy dining and traveler comfort, reinforcing its role as a regional transportation hub that prioritizes passenger well-being.