Baltimore Transport

Baltimore’s areas of interest to tourists can easily be seen on foot, and tours of the city are quite popular. The public transportation system, which includes the Metro, Light Rail and buses, will take you to other attractions and surrounding areas. Some visitors choose to hire a car in order to explore the scenic countryside and coastal areas within easy reach of Baltimore.

By Metro

The Metro Subway system operates over 15 miles and 14 stations from the Owings Mills corporate and shopping complex located in Baltimore County, through the city centre and on to the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital. Tickets are purchased in advance at vending machines, found at all stations. The Metro operates daily, closing at midnight (tel: +1 410 539 5000; website: www.mtamaryland.com).

By train

The MTA operates a Light Rail system in the city, which runs from Hunt Valley Town Centre in Baltimore County to Cromwell in Anne Arundel County, with stops at Penn Station and BWI Airport. The system operates daily until 23:00, except on Sundays, when it closes at 19:00. For information and schedules, you can call: +1 410 539 5000; or visit their website at: www.mtamaryland.com.

The main train station, called Penn Station (short for Pennsylvania), is located at 1500 N Charles Street in Baltimore. This is a major rail station, featuring waiting areas, short-term and long-term parking facilities, a restaurant and snack bar, and taxi and other transit services.

By bus

Many of the MTA’s bus lines connect with the Light Rail, Metro and MARC train systems. There are about 50 routes If you’d like information on routes or schedules, you can call the MTA information line at: +1 866 RIDE MTA.

By taxi

Taxis in Baltimore are not normally hailed on the street. You will need to phone a cab company to make arrangements; ask your hotel doorman to call a taxi for you or walk to the taxi stand at the centre of the Inner Harbour zone. Taxi companies include Yellow Cab (tel: +1 410 685 1212) and Royal Cab (tel: +1 410 327 0330) among others.

By water taxi

Baltimore’s harbour can be best navigated and appreciated by taking a water shuttle. The city boasts the oldest public water transport system in the country, which is ideal not only for travel around Baltimore's Inner Harbour, but also to Canton, Fell's Point, Fort McHenry and Little Italy. Shuttle stops are clearly signposted around the waterfront area. Ed Kane's Water Taxi & Trolley is one of the well-known operators providing services (tel: +1 410 563 3901).

Tourist services

The Baltimore Visitor Centre, conveniently located on the west shore of the Inner Harbour, is an excellent place to begin your visit to the city. It’s a spacious and state-of-the art facility, offering a wide range of information, resources and services. You can find out about special events and pick up brochures, access instant information at touch-screen kiosks, purchase tickets for attractions and events, make reservations for hotels and restaurants, and learn about the city's history and its neighbourhoods. The visitor centre is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 (tel: +1 877 BALTIMORE; website: www.baltimore.org/visitors/v_vc.html).