Best Local Transportation To Get To M&T Bank Stadium
Make getting to the game easy with local transportation (Credit, Antonio Paterniti)
With the highly anticipated rematch against longtime rivals the Steelers this weekend, Baltimore is guaranteed to be packed. For Ravens fans considering local transportation instead of fighting the traffic, check out the list below for the quickest and easiest options to get to M&T Bank Stadium.
Light Rail
A winner for locals and travelers, the 29.5-mile and 33-stop Light Rail provides direct public transit to M&T Bank Stadium from key transport hubs like the BWI Airport and Penn Station with roundtrip fare costing just $3.20. Starting in northern Baltimore County in Hunt Valley, this rail line runs through downtown Baltimore and ends at Cromwell Station/Glen Burnie in Anne Arundel County. Fans should get off at the stadium stop, which is at Hamburg Street and is not the same as Camden Yards; this frequent mistake means an extra 15-minute walk through the parking lots to get to the stadium. Also, although the hours of operation technically end at 7 p.m. on Sundays, the Light Rail will remain open for an extra hour after the game on football game days – so choosing to stay late for a heated overtime period will never equate to a cold walk home or a pricey cab fare.
Metro Subway
At 15.5 miles long with 14 station stops, the Baltimore Metro system runs every 15 minutes on the weekends so fans never have to wait long to ride. The entire line spans from Owings Mills to Johns Hopkins Hospital, however you'll notice that all the purple jerseys are getting off at Charles Center, so be sure to do so too. From there it's about a 20-minute walk to the stadium, but rest assured it's easy to just follow the crowds and even bar hop along the way. Another option, especially on bad weather days, is to get off at Lexington Market and hop on the Light Rail (then follow the instructions above). The metro operates until midnight daily, but just like the Light Rail, the subway remains open an extra hour past the end of the game just for fans.
Local Bus
With 73 bus routes, which include 47 local buses, this is perhaps the most intimidating option for most travelers when it comes public transit. However Baltimore's local buses are actually an excellent choice to guarantee fans' arrival near the stadium, and the routes aren't as confusing as one might imagine. Fare is just $1.60 one way (same as the other transportation listed in this article). Catch bus numbers 1, 11, 19, 27 and 35 to get off downtown, numbers 3 or 64 for Charles Center or the number 7 for the Inner Harbor.
Mobility
Fans that have difficulty traveling on the above transportation options due to disabilities but would still like a local transit option can take advantage of the MTA (Maryland Transit Authority) Mobility Program. To be eligible, riders must submit an application form, which requires a doctor's signature. Mobility is now taking next-day reservations, with Saturday call center hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., so fans can ensure a ride in advance.
Marc Train
Warning! Despite the proximity of the Marc Train's stop to the stadium, do not be fooled as this is NOT an option for fans on weekend games. This commuter train does not operate on weekends, but is worth listing in case of a Thursday game.
Multi-Use & Transfers
If traveling by a combination of Light Rail, metro and bus, be sure to purchase an All-Day Pass, which is only $3.50 and will make the commute much less expensive. Additionally the CharmCard, a rechargeable smart fare card, is a helpful option for fans who want regular public transportation to and from games. Washington, DC fans will be happy to know that SmarTrip cards can in fact be used in Baltimore to pay transit fares as well.
For specific questions regarding your public transportation route, contact the MTA directly at 1-866-RIDE-MTA (1-866-743-3682) from Monday through Fridays, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.
Keri Ann Beazell is a Baltimore writer following the latest developments in the city. Follow her on Twitter at @KtBlue16 and online at Examiner.com
