Guide To Baltimore's Public Transportation

Baltimore is an easy city to get around once you understand its public transit systems. Not only are the many options available cheaper than driving a car, in many cases they can get you a lot closer to your destination. So instead of dealing with the unnecessary stress of traffic and finding a parking spot, especially when it comes to football and baseball games downtown, try traveling by bus, rail or shuttle instead. For those who are regularly traveling on various public transportation in the greater Baltimore area, as well as the Washington Area Metrorail and Metrobus, consider purchasing a MARC Transit Link Card (TLC) that is good for unlimited monthly use of the aforementioned transit services and several more.

Baltimore BWI Airport Shuttle
10015 Old Columbia Road
Columbia, Md. 21046
(800) 776-0323
www.theairportshuttle.com

Skip the hassle and extra fees involved with parking overnight. With to-and-from BWI airport transportation, GO The Airport Shuttle can take you just about anywhere you want to go – other airports, businesses, hotels and homes – with door-to-door service guaranteed. Plus, limited stops mean you'll arrive to your destination quicker and less stressed. This can also be a great option for those traveling to Baltimore's Cruise Terminal, since parking costs can quickly accumulate during your cruise. In addition to shuttles, private vans and sedans can be requested. Reservations should be made in advance by calling or using the online reservation system.

MARC Train
Maryland Transit Administration
6 St. Paul St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 539-5000
www.mta.maryland.gov/marc-train

Super easy to ride and one of the preferred methods for getting to D.C., the MARC Train has primarily been a commuter train whose rail service extends as far west as Martinsburg, W.V. However, now the MARC train also offers a weekend service on the Penn Line only. The Penn line runs from Martin Airport to Washington with service starting as early as 7:10 a.m. and with last stops at midnight on Saturdays, and from 8:30 a.m. to just before 8:30 p.m. on Sundays. Some other key stops for travelers along this line may include Baltimore/Penn, West Baltimore and BWI Marshall Stations. Tickets can be purchased online or at Quik Trak machines and Amtrak/Commuter Direct Ticket agents for approximately $4 to $11 one-way depending on your route.

Local Bus
Maryland Transit Administration
6 St. Paul St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 539-5000
www.mta.maryland.gov/local-bus

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) presently has 57 bus routes, 47 of which are local buses, four are QuickBus routes with limited stops and four are express bus routes that are helpful for travelers moving from various suburbs to the downtown area. A few of the bus routes with key destinations in and around Baltimore include: Route 17, which includes Patapsco Light Rail Stop and BWI Airport; Route 61 or the Mt Washington Loop/Inner Harbor; and Route 120 for White Marsh to Downtown Baltimore. Of course, a much more extensive list of destinations can be found online. For first-time users, the various routes can sometimes be overwhelming, so it can help to view the map online in advance of your trip.

Metro Subway
Maryland Transit Administration
6 St. Paul St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 539-5000
www.mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway

The Baltimore Metro Subway is a 15.5-mile track spanning from Owings Mills down to Johns Hopkins Hospital with daily service from 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 6 a.m. to midnight on weekends – making it a dependable, easy-to-use transit option for many travelers. Trains typically arrive about every eight to 10 minutes during rush hour and closer to 15 minutes on the weekends and holidays. Fares are reasonably priced at $1.60 for a one-way pass and a bargain at $3.50 for the day when you add in that the day pass also includes unlimited rides on Local Buses and Light Rail in addition to the Metro Subway. Additional conveniences are that the Light Rail can be picked up at Lexington Market stop, and that connecting buses and parking are available at many of the stations.

Light Rail
Maryland Transit Administration
6 St. Paul St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 539-5000
www.mta.maryland.gov/light-rail

Just like the Metro Subway, the Baltimore Light Rail is an affordable and convenient method for getting around the city, also priced at $1.60 for a one-way pass or $3.50 for a day pass. Daily service starts at 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, 6 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. The Light Rail starts northbound in Hunt Valley and runs south to BWI Marshall Airport, to Cromwell Station/Glen Burnie and to Penn Station and Camden Yards. Some popular stops along this route are the Timonium Fairgrounds where the Maryland State Fair is held, the annual Artscape festival at University of Baltimore/Mt. Royal, the Convention Center at the Inner Harbor and Ravens Stadium with a stop at Hamburg Street. There are numerous Park & Rides along the route and local bus connections, making this transit system a top choice for travelers.

Keri Ann Beazell is a Baltimore writer following the latest developments in arts and culture, natural wonders, lifestyle and pets. She enjoys promoting thought-provoking discussions, education, new ideas and smiles among readers. Follow her online at Examiner.com