Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into BWI, drive to Annapolis
33 min drive23 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- BWI
Airport drive- 33 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–3 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- Compact cars are highly recommended due to narrow historic streets and tight parking garage dimensions.
Your route
BWI
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Annapolis
About 33 min · 23 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to BWI
Compare fares into Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at BWI
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Annapolis. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at BWI
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Annapolis
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
Maritime History and Naval Academy Access Requirements
Access to the United States Naval Academy grounds requires valid government-issued photo identification for all adults. While the historic district is open public land, specific guided tours of the State House and maritime museums may require advance ticketing. Consult official Navy and State House websites for visiting hours and restricted dates.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – June, September – October
Your route
Day 1 · Maritime Roots and City Dock
Ego Alley → Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park
Day 2 · Colonial Governance and Education
Maryland State House → United States Naval Academy
Day 3 · Chesapeake Views and Cross-Bay History
Sandy Point State Park → William Paca House and Garden
Viator
Tours & experiences near Annapolis
Explore guided activities around Annapolis. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Annapolis
Travel documents & cards
Crossbody Card Holder
Keep cards close on sightseeing days; check dimensions for what you want to carry.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Annapolis?
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from BWI to Annapolis?
Roughly 33 min (about 23 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Annapolis?
Access to the United States Naval Academy grounds requires valid government-issued photo identification for all adults. While the historic district is open public land, specific guided tours of the State House and maritime museums may require advance ticketing. Consult official Navy and State House websites for visiting hours and restricted dates.