Fly into BWI for Cape May County
BWI is the Southwest Airlines stronghold of the mid-Atlantic and often has the cheapest fares in the region. It pairs surprisingly well with the far southern shore - including a ferry shortcut into Cape May.
Flying to the Jersey Shore?
Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) is closest to Baltimore
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BWI is Best For
Shore Towns from BWI
Cape May
2.75 hr drive
Wildwood
2.75 hr drive
Ocean City
2.5 hr drive
Atlantic City
2.5 hr drive
Rent a Car at BWI
A rental car is recommended for exploring the Jersey Shore. Shore towns spread along the coast, and having a car lets you visit multiple beaches, restaurants, and attractions.
Need a car while you're here?
The beach blocks of Baltimore/Washington International are walkable. Getting anywhere else usually means driving.
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Airlines at BWI
Getting to the Shore from BWI
Rental Car
RecommendedConsolidated rental facility connected by shuttle from all concourses.
Tip: Required - there is no practical transit from BWI to the New Jersey shore.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry (with rental car)
RecommendedDrive to Lewes, DE and cross the Delaware Bay by ferry, landing 10 minutes from Cape May.
Tip: Reserve the vehicle spot ahead on summer weekends. The crossing doubles as a dolphin watch.
Tips for BWI to the Shore
Check BWI when PHL fares look high - Southwest pricing frequently undercuts the closer airports
The scenic option: drive to Lewes, Delaware (about 2 hours) and take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry across the bay - the 85-minute crossing replaces the drive around the Delaware Bay
The all-road route runs up I-95 and over the Delaware Memorial Bridge, then down Route 55
This only makes sense for stays of several days - the drive eats half a day each way
Book Your Shore Stay
Flying into BWI? Book your accommodations in one of these nearby shore towns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is BWI from Cape May?
About 2.75 hours by road via the Delaware Memorial Bridge, or roughly the same time via the Cape May-Lewes Ferry - drive about 2 hours to Lewes, Delaware, then an 85-minute crossing that lands 10 minutes from Cape May.
Why fly into BWI for the Jersey Shore?
Fares. BWI is Southwest's largest base and often prices well under Newark or Philadelphia. The savings only pay off for longer stays, since the drive to Cape May County runs 2.5-3 hours.
Is the Cape May-Lewes Ferry worth it from BWI?
For Cape May and Wildwood trips, often yes - total travel time is similar to driving around, you skip the Delaware Memorial Bridge traffic, and the bay crossing is a highlight of its own. Reserve ahead in summer.