Getting Around Baltimore
Baltimore Airport information
Baltimore is served by three major airports: BWI Thurgood Marshall (≈9 miles to downtown), Reagan National (DCA), and Dulles (IAD), with BWI the closest and best-connected to the city by rail and transit. Typical taxi pricing to downtown from BWI is around $30–$40, while longer trips from DCA/IAD cost substantially more due to distance and tolls. BWI is a major base for Southwest with five concourses and strong Northeast corridor connectivity.
BWI → Downtown: Flat or metered taxis commonly quote about $30 one-way in normal traffic.
DCA/IAD: Expect higher fares to Baltimore due to 35–60 mile distance; plan well above $100+.
BWI facilities: Five concourses, 78 gates; Southwest operating base with high passenger volumes.
Rail access: Direct Amtrak/MARC link at BWI Rail Station for easy city/regional travel.
BWI → Downtown: Flat or metered taxis commonly quote about $30 one-way in normal traffic.
DCA/IAD: Expect higher fares to Baltimore due to 35–60 mile distance; plan well above $100+.
BWI facilities: Five concourses, 78 gates; Southwest operating base with high passenger volumes.
Rail access: Direct Amtrak/MARC link at BWI Rail Station for easy city/regional travel.
Baltimore Train information
Baltimore Penn Station is a key Northeast Corridor hub served by Acela, Northeast Regional, and long-distance routes, plus MARC Penn Line; it is among Amtrak’s busiest and recently added a new high-level platform. Annual throughput totals several million combined Amtrak and MARC riders, with upgrades tied to future Acela service increases. MARC provides frequent daily service to Washington, D.C., with expansion plans aiming at more all-day and weekend options systemwide.
Status: One of Amtrak’s busiest stations; new boarding platform improves capacity and accessibility.
Services: Acela, Northeast Regional, long-distance Amtrak, and MARC Penn Line seven days.
MARC plan: Growth & Transformation Plan targets increased frequency and new connections.
Travel time: Penn Line offers fast, frequent BWI–Baltimore–D.C. service throughout the week.
Status: One of Amtrak’s busiest stations; new boarding platform improves capacity and accessibility.
Services: Acela, Northeast Regional, long-distance Amtrak, and MARC Penn Line seven days.
MARC plan: Growth & Transformation Plan targets increased frequency and new connections.
Travel time: Penn Line offers fast, frequent BWI–Baltimore–D.C. service throughout the week.
Baltimore Ground information
MTA Maryland operates Local Bus, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, and MARC, with Light Rail and Metro reaching city districts and BWI. The free Charm City Circulator runs five color routes across downtown with 15–20 minute headways, operating until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Designated motorcoach loading zones at the Visitor Center (401 Light St) and National Aquarium (501 E Pratt St) enable quick drop-offs; longer-term coach parking is available at reserved downtown lots.
Charm City Circulator: Free; typical hours Sun 9a–8p, Mon–Thu 7a–8p, Fri 7a–midnight, Sat 9a–midnight.
Routes: Green, Purple, Orange, Banner, plus Cherry route coverage across core neighborhoods.
Motorcoach: Use 401 Light St and 501 E Pratt St for drop-off/pick-up; no staging; reserve parking separately.
Light Rail: North–south line with branches to BWI and Glen Burnie; Penn–Camden shuttle downtown.
Charm City Circulator: Free; typical hours Sun 9a–8p, Mon–Thu 7a–8p, Fri 7a–midnight, Sat 9a–midnight.
Routes: Green, Purple, Orange, Banner, plus Cherry route coverage across core neighborhoods.
Motorcoach: Use 401 Light St and 501 E Pratt St for drop-off/pick-up; no staging; reserve parking separately.
Light Rail: North–south line with branches to BWI and Glen Burnie; Penn–Camden shuttle downtown.
