It's easy to get from Baltimore to Washington, DC without a hitch, whether you're a tourist or a commuter.The cities are connected by rail and road.You can take the MARC train, or in your own vehicle, if you plan ahead and know which routes you want to take.
Step 1: The tripplanner can be used.
The trip planners can be found on the left-hand side of the MARC site.You can enter your address in the top or bottom field.Pick the time and date that you need to arrive or depart by.A personalized map will be created for you after you click "Get Directions."
Step 2: A timetable can be downloaded.
Go to the center of the page.Look for the Camden or Penn line.The trip planners will tell you which line to take.Each line will have a link to its timetable.You can save the PDF version to your mobile device.Only the Penn line offers weekend service.You can download a timetable tailored for the week or weekend.
Step 3: You should get a fare estimate.
Go to the fares page.Clicking on the link will take you to the Penn and Camden line charts.You can find your starting station in theDeparture Stations column.Washington, DC can be found at the top of the horizontal list ofArrival Stations.Your starting point will be listed in the box.If you travel on the Penn Line from BWI Airport, your fare will be $7.00.
Step 4: Purchase a ticket.
All major credit cards are accepted at MARC.There are many ways to buy a ticket.You can purchase your tickets online or by phone.On the train from the conductor is one of the other options.The conductors only accept cash.There is a vending machine at a train station.
Step 5: Take your belongings with you.
Large bags are not allowed during rush hour.Carry-on luggage should be placed in designated areas.If you have a bicycle, you can only bring one that folds and stores it in the designated area.On the weekend, bike cars are only available on the Penn line.Only a non-collapsible bike may be brought.Baby carriages are not allowed on the plane.
Step 6: There are restrictions on animals.
Pets can be brought on board in their carriers.You should keep them with you for the duration of the trip.If they're service animals, larger animals are allowed.
Step 7: You can find a seat.
You can sit wherever you want.You don't have to sit on stairs or stand in vestibules according to safety rules.You cannot stand in the aisles if seats are available.If you have to use the restroom, sit in your seat until you get to your destination.
Step 8: Arrive at Union Station.
The historic Union Station is located below the MARC station.You should follow the signs to your intended exit or transfer after disembarking.You can take the DC Metro from here.You can buy rail tickets from vending machines.You can find more information on the Metro website.
Step 9: Don't forget to plan ahead.
You can find information about departing trains from Baltimore on the Amtrak page.You will be able to purchase tickets, download timetables, and plan your trip here.MARC is more expensive than Amtrak.
Step 10: Take a look at possible trips.
The tab labeled "Schedules" can be found at the top of the site.BAL and WAS are your starting and destination points.Click the calendar to see the intended date of departure.A list of departure times will appear on the next page if you choose your preferred time.You can get a timetable from the link below the schedule finder.The timetable has information for the entire system.
Step 11: You should schedule your trip.
BAL and WAS can be entered in the "From" and "To" fields, respectively.Click the calendar to see your departure date.From the drop-down list, choose your preferred departure time.The number of passengers can be divided into adults, seniors, children, and infants.Pick the category for each of the people traveling with you from the drop-down list below the Promo Code field.If you don't pay with reward points, click the "Dollars" radio button.If you're only looking for fare information, you can still use this option.There is no obligation to purchase a ticket.
Step 12: You can choose your tickets.
You can find the best departure time.The price category appeals to you.To find out what is included in each price category, click on the column heading directly across from the "Dollars" and "Points" buttons.After selecting a price, click "add to cart" to purchase your ticket.You will be directed to check-out.The cheapest option is Saver, but the ticket is non-refundable.It's more expensive to have value.If you cancel at least 48 hours in advance, you will get a full refund.You will be charged a 20 percent cancellation fee if you cancel less than 48 hours before your trip.Flexible fares are more expensive than Value fares.Regardless of when you cancel, they are fully refundable.First-class service and sleeping accommodations are included in premium fares.
Step 13: You can purchase tickets.
You can enter passenger information by scrolling down and clicking at the bottom right.If you don't have an account, you can either create one or be a guest.If applicable, enter your name and your companions' names.You need to enter your contact information.Proceed to Payment is available at the bottom right.The process requires you to enter your credit/debit card information.You will receive an email with your e-ticket.You can either print it out or save it to your phone.During the trip, the conductor will check tickets.You can buy a ticket from the vending machine at Baltimore Penn Station.
Step 14: Take care of your belongings.
There are places for luggage and bicycles on the train.If you have personal items or bags that are small enough to fit in a carry-on luggage, you can bring it to your seat on the train.Companion animals are kept in their carriers.
Step 15: Find a seat.
You can sit wherever you want.Safety rules require that you do not sit on stairs or stand in vestibules.You can use the restroom or the on-board dining service.It is best to remain seated for the duration of the trip.
Step 16: You can arrive at Union Station.
The historic Union Station is where the trains arrive.You should follow the signs to your intended exit or transfer after disembarking.You can transfer to the DC Metro from here.You can buy rail tickets from vending machines.You can find more information on the Metro website.
Step 17: You should plan your route.
Plan ahead with your gps or online map generator.You can enter your starting and destination address.If the roads are not congested, you should budget at least an hour.It can add minutes or hours to your trip.The Washington Beltway and I-95 are two common routes, but they are very congested during rush hour.I-95 and the Beltway have more lanes than the Baltimore-Washington Parkway because trucks can't use it.Colesville Road is also known as U.S. Highway 29.It's an alterative to I-95 and the Beltway.There are three lanes in each direction.It's the least congested route between the two cities.
Step 18: Outside of rush hour, you can travel.
Avoid highways during rush hour because they are very congested.There is a rush hour between Baltimore and DC on Mondays through Fridays.If you want to avoid getting stuck in traffic, tune in to WTOP 103.5 for traffic updates every 10 minutes.
Step 19: Carpool.
High Occupancy Vehicle lanes are available in the Baltimore and Washington, DC areas.You must have at least one other person in the vehicle with you to use the HOV lane.The I-95 and the Beltway have HOV lanes which are often less congested than other lanes.