Baltimore/Washington International airport, Washington, Baltimore, the Bay Bridge, downtown garages, buses, and the free trolley
Annapolis sits between the Baltimore-Washington corridor and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Arriving by car, choose a downtown garage or confirm hotel parking before heading toward City Dock. Coming from BWI by taxi or app-based ride, confirm your drop-off address instead.
BWI airport, Washington, Baltimore, Bay Bridge, and downtown approaches
Compare BWI, Washington, Baltimore, the Eastern Shore, downtown Annapolis, and Eastport before choosing the first move. The lines are planning corridors, not turn-by-turn directions; use live traffic, bridge conditions, city parking information, and event notices before departure.
Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) is the closest major airport—roughly thirty minutes to downtown in light traffic. With a rental car, plan garage or hotel parking; with a taxi or app-based ride, confirm the drop-off address instead. Check BWI ground transportation below for airport pickup details.
U.S. Route 50 east from the Capital Beltway is the direct corridor. Check Maryland CHART before leaving for traffic and incidents along your route to Annapolis.
Interstate 97 south to Route 50 is the usual path. Check traffic on the final approach and confirm your garage, hotel entrance, or passenger drop-off address before leaving.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge brings Eastern Shore travelers onto Route 50 west toward Annapolis. Check Maryland CHART for bridge traffic before departure. If you are driving, choose a garage or confirm hotel parking before entering the historic center.
The last mile matters
If you are driving, choose the Hill, Gotts, or Knighton garage—or follow the hotel's parking instructions—before heading toward Susan Campbell Park and Ego Alley. Confirm maximum vehicle height if you carry a rooftop box. If you are arriving as a passenger, confirm the drop-off point with your driver; for a hotel stay, check the hotel's arrival instructions. The Annapolis Current free trolley can shorten the return from Church Circle when it is running on your dates.
For Navy football, sailboat shows, regattas, or legislative visits, check event notices and parking arrangements before departure. If you need parking, confirm whether your chosen garage or hotel accepts reservations rather than assuming a space is available.
Official resources
Road conditions and local parking rules change more quickly than evergreen drive estimates. Check these sources before departure.
Use what you already own; these Second Star Guide lists can help if you need to fill a gap before departure.
For travelers driving to Annapolis: phone mounts, chargers, and car supplies to consider before the trip.
Open road-trip guide →If you are staying overnight, compare luggage, packing organizers, and charging options whether you arrive by car or as a passenger.
Open hotel-stay guide →
