Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is in Bellingham, Washington, and the drive from the airport to Arlington is a practical option if you’re renting a car or arranging a ride. BLI is about a 50-minute drive from this two-star motel in Arlington.
- Airport address: 4255 Mitchell Way, Bellingham, WA 98226.
- From Arlington Motor Inn: about a 50-minute drive.
- Terminal public area: open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; airport businesses keep their own hours.
- Ground transport: rental cars, for-hire vehicles, buses, shuttles, taxis and Lyft are among the options.
Getting oriented at Bellingham International Airport
BLI’s commercial terminal sits just off Interstate 5, at 4255 Mitchell Way. The Port of Bellingham owns, operates and maintains the airport. Its public terminal area stays open around the clock, but that does not mean airport businesses do; confirm opening hours if you’re relying on a counter or service.
When you reach the airport, follow Mitchell Way toward the parking lot. Continue past the turnaround for passenger loading and unloading, baggage claim and rental-car returns. The Port also marks a free 30-minute lot for loading and unloading by the terminal.
How do you drive from Bellingham International Airport to Arlington?
From BLI, first follow airport access roads to Interstate 5. The airport’s directions use Exit 258 for access from I-5: drivers approaching from the south turn left onto West Bakerview Road, while those approaching from the north turn right.
From West Bakerview Road, turn right onto Airport Way, which becomes Mitchell Way. The airport entrance is just past the general aviation terminal.
These directions explain how to reach BLI from the interstate; they don’t specify a full turn-by-turn route from the airport to Arlington. Set your destination to Arlington before leaving and follow current road directions for the onward drive.
If you’re comparing arrival airports for an Arlington trip, Bellingham is one of several options: Seattle Tacoma International Airport is about a 64-minute drive from Arlington Motor Inn, Abbotsford International Airport about 96 minutes, and Snohomish County (Paine Field) Airport about 29 minutes. The airport comparison for Arlington, WA can help you weigh those arrival points.
What ground transport can you use at BLI?
BLI has rental cars, for-hire vehicles, WTA public buses, shuttle buses, taxis and Lyft among its ground-transport options. Pickup areas are separated by service: the Port’s map identifies locations for taxis, app-based rides, shuttle buses, and prearranged limousines or taxis. Check the airport’s current map so you know which area to use.
WTA Route 3 serves the airport from both the Cordata and Downtown stations. If you plan to use the bus, check the current service details before travelling. Commercial ground-transport providers—including taxis, limousines, hotel shuttles and app-based ride companies—need an agreement with the Port to operate at the airport.
Several rental-car brands have access at BLI, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz. Avis places its counter in baggage claim and its rental cars outside baggage claim.
Budget also places its counter in baggage claim, with rental cars on site. Counter hours and return rules can change, so confirm them directly with your rental company before booking or collecting a vehicle.
Planning a late or early arrival
The terminal’s public area is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but rental counters and other airport businesses have their own schedules.
If your flight arrives outside counter hours, confirm how you’ll collect a car or arrange a ride before you travel. For check-in, parking and Wi-Fi details at your destination, consult the Arlington Motor Inn arrival planning guide.
Before choosing a bus or shuttle, verify its operating times and pickup arrangements. The airport’s loading and unloading lot is free for up to 30 minutes, but it is intended for passenger pickup and drop-off rather than a long wait.
Route details to recheck
Road access and transport services are practical details to verify close to your trip. The Port of Bellingham provides BLI’s airport directions and ground-transport information, while rental companies provide their own counter hours, contact details and vehicle-return terms. Before you go, check the official site for the Port’s current airport information and confirm rental arrangements with your provider.
Once in Arlington, your onward plans may affect whether you need a car for the whole visit. The guide to getting around Arlington, WA covers local transport considerations.
FAQs
Where is Bellingham International Airport?
BLI is at 4255 Mitchell Way, Bellingham, WA 98226, just off Interstate 5.
How long is the drive from BLI to Arlington?
Bellingham International Airport is about a 50-minute drive from Arlington Motor Inn.
Is Bellingham airport open overnight?
The public area of the commercial terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Individual airport businesses set their own hours.
Can you take a bus from BLI?
Yes. WTA Route 3 serves the airport from both the Cordata and Downtown stations. Check current service details before travelling.