Getting Around Baltimore
Baltimore offers several options for navigating the city, from public transit to taxis and walking. Visitors can choose from light rail, subway, buses, and ride-hailing services depending on their destination and preferences.
Public Transit Overview
Public transportation in Baltimore is affordable and accessible. A single ride on the light rail, subway, or buses costs $2.00, while a day pass offering unlimited rides on all three systems costs $4.60. You can purchase passes from bus operators, vending machines at subway and light rail stations, or through the CharmPass smartphone app.
Light Rail
The light rail is particularly useful for reaching the city and certain central areas. The most practical section for visitors runs from Camden Yards, past Lexington Market, and into the Station North Arts District. Many visitors choose to park for free at suburban light rail stations and take the system into the central city, avoiding expensive downtown parking fees.
Subway
Baltimore has a single-line subway system that runs from Johns Hopkins Hospital through downtown and extends to the northwest suburbs of Pikesville and Owings Mills. While the subway serves commuters well, it does not pass many major tourist destinations.
Buses
The MTA operates an extensive bus network that is economical for getting around the city, particularly outside the harbor area. The MTA provides interactive maps of downtown and regional bus routes to help plan trips ahead of time. Buses are well-patrolled and considered safe.
The Charm City Circulator is a city-run bus service that offers free rides, funded by parking taxes. Multiple circulator routes are now in operation, making it an excellent option for visitors looking to explore different neighborhoods without spending on transit fares.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available throughout Baltimore as alternatives to public transit for those seeking more convenience or direct routes.
Walkability
If you plan to stay in the central part of the city and don't mind walking, you can save money by parking at suburban light rail or metro stations and taking public transit downtown. This approach eliminates the stress of navigating downtown traffic and paying expensive inner-city parking fees, which typically run around $5 per hour in the harbor area.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located about 10 miles from the city center. You have several public transit options to reach downtown:
- Take a free airport shuttle bus to the BWI Amtrak/MARC station. From there, you can board either an Amtrak train (fares range from $7–35 one way) or a MARC commuter train ($6 one way) to Penn Station, a 15-minute ride away.
- Use the light rail, which departs directly from the airport terminal. The ride to the Inner Harbor takes approximately 30 minutes and costs $2.00.
Car rental facilities are centrally located away from the airport terminals. Free shuttle buses connect the rental facilities to the terminals; plan an extra 10 to 15 minutes to account for this process.
Alternative airports in the region include Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International (IAD), and Philadelphia International (PHL). While these airports are significantly farther from Baltimore, they may occasionally offer more flights or competitive fares.
Major Rail Stations
Penn Station, located at 500 North Charles Street two miles north of the Inner Harbor, is the main station for intercity trains and is served by light rail and the Charm City Circulator. BWI Marshall Airport station, located 2.25 miles northwest of the airport terminal, is served by free shuttle buses that operate every 6–8 minutes during the day and every 25 minutes overnight. Camden Station, at 301 West Camden Street, serves the Camden Yards area near the Orioles stadium.