Getting to Baltimore

With its central location on the east coast of the US, Baltimore is easy to reach by car, bus and train as well as by air. Its airport, bus and train stations are major regional transportation centres, and the travel times from major cities such as New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC range from 1 to 4 hours by surface transport.

By car

Major highways serving Baltimore include I-695, I-95, I-83 and I-70, with these highways linking the city with all major points on the eastern coast of the US. Two tunnels pass under Baltimore’s harbour: Fort McHenry Tunnel (from I-95) and the Harbour Tunnel (from I-895).

Driving from the north, take I-95 south through the Fort McHenry Tunnel (toll) to Exit 53 (I-395 north, Downtown). After exiting, bear left and follow the signs to the Inner Harbour. From I-83, continue south until I-83 merges with I-695 west. From this point, continue for about one mile, exiting at Exit 23A (I-83 south, Downtown). As you proceed on I-83 south, you’ll see that the expressway ends at Exit 1 (Fayette Street).

From the south, take I-95 north to Exit 53 (I-395 north, Downtown). From the west, follow I-70 East to Exit 91 (I-695, Glen Burnie) then take I-695 to Exit 11A (I-95 North Baltimore) and continue on I-95 north to Exit 53 (I-395 north, Downtown).

By bus

Travelling to Baltimore by bus is quite convenient, with services to both the main bus terminal in the city centre and to the Baltimore Travel Plaza on the city’s outskirts. The centre city bus terminal is located at the corner of Hanes and Russell Streets (tel: +1 410 752 7682) and the terminal at the Baltimore Travel Plaza is just off route I-95, at O’Donnell Street (tel: +1 800 231 2222).

At the plaza are long-term parking facilities and local bus services to the centre and other destinations. Greyhound Lines has scheduled daily services to many points in the US and Canada (tel: +1 800 231 2222; website: www.greyhound.com), while Peter Pan/Trailways Bus Lines offers a slightly more upscale service to destinations in the northeast including New York and Boston (tel: +1 800 237 8747; website: www.peterpanbus.com).

By train

All Amtrak trains operating in the northeastern US, between Boston and Washington DC, stop at Baltimore's Pennsylvania Station. Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) trains also travel from Washington DC and Baltimore Washington International Airport to the city. The journey from Washington DC takes about an hour by train; while BWI Airport from Penn Station takes about 20 minutes. MARC trains do not operate at the weekends. Amtrak can be reached at: 1+ 800 872 7245; and Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) at: +1 800 325 7245.

By air

Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) is located about 10 miles south of the city centre and is the primary airport servicing Baltimore. Around 20 carriers maintain a scheduled service of almost 700 flights to and from the airport each day.

BWI has facilities for both long-term and short-term parking, with a shuttle service providing transport to the satellite parking areas. Other regional airports that are located in northern Virginia, outside Washington DC, include: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Transfers to those airports are readily available by shuttle bus, taxi, limousine and rail service.

Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)

BWI is a well-equipped, modern and passenger-friendly airport, handling close to 700 daily flights connecting 70 domestic and international cities with Baltimore. The terminal features most services and facilities that you would expect at a major international airport including: ATMs, currency exchange and postal services; plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars; an array of specialty and duty-free shops; and a play area for children.

Facilities for passengers with disabilities are comprehensive including disabled persons’ toilets, lifts and ramps, and reserved parking spaces. On the upper level of the terminal, there is a designated area where passengers with special needs can be dropped off or collected, with assistance provided by Skycap porters.
 
A fully-equipped business services centre, meeting rooms and conference facilities are also available in the terminal. Airport information is available by calling: +1 410 859 7111.

Baltimore airport transportation

Transfer to Baltimore from the airport is available via shuttle bus, taxi, limousine, Amtrak’s train service and Light Rail.

BWI Super Shuttle provides a van service between the airport and hotels in the city, operating every 30 minutes from 04:00 to midnight. The journey takes around 30 minutes (tel: +1 800 258 3826). Airport taxis travel to the city by route I-295, with the trip lasting around 20 minutes (tel: +1 410 859 1100; website: www.bwiairporttaxi.com).

If you’re interested in travelling in luxury, Carey Limousines provides services, which must be reserved 24 hours in advance (tel: +1 410 880 0999). Private Car/RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation is another option for limousine service (tel: +1 410 519 0000; website: www.rmalimo.com).

Amtrak train service operates between the airport’s rail station and Baltimore's Penn Station, but services are somewhat irregular, so it’s wise to check in advance (tel: +1 800 872 7245). The train journey takes about 15 minutes. Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) trains connect the BWI Airport and Penn Station in about 20 minutes, once hourly at weekdays from 07:00 to 22:00.

Light Rail service also connects the airport with Baltimore’s Penn Station as well as other destinations. Trains run approximately every 20 minutes. The BWI Airport rail station can be reached at tel: +1 410 672 6167.