It's relatively easy to get from Baltimore to Washington, DC if you want to visit two cities in one trip.Two major rail systems and several roads connect these cities.You can take the MARC train, or in your own vehicle, if you plan ahead and know the routes.
Step 1: Use the tripplanner.
The trip planners can be found on the upper 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 is available to download.
Go to the center of the page.Look for the Camden or Penn line.The trip planners will tell you which line to take.The lines will be followed by links to their timetable.You can save the PDF version to your mobile device.Only the Penn line has weekend service.You can download a timetable just for the week or weekend.
Step 3: You should get a fare estimate.
Go to the fares page.The Penn and Camden line charts can be found at the link.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: You should purchase your ticket.
All major credit cards are accepted by MARC.There are many ways to buy your ticket.You can purchase your tickets online or by phone.On the train from the conductor is one of the options.conductors only accept cashA vending machine at a train station.
Step 5: Take care of your belongings.
Large bags are not allowed during rush hour.Carry-on luggage can 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 trains.Only a non-collapsible bike can be brought.Baby carriages are not allowed on the plane.
Step 6: The restrictions on animals should be noted.
Pets can be brought on board in their carriers.For the duration of the trip, keep them with you.If they are service animals, larger animals are allowed.
Step 7: Find something to sit on.
You can sit wherever you please.You don't have to sit on stairs or stand in vestibules according to safety rules.You can't stand in the aisles if seats are available.Unless you need to use the restroom, sit in your seat.
Step 8: The Union Station is where you should arrive.
The Union Station is located below the MARC station.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.The Metro website has more information.
Step 9: Plan in advance.
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.You can enter BAL or WAS as your starting point.Click the calendar to see when you want to leave.A list of departure times will appear on the next page if you choose your preferred time from the drop-down list.The timetable can be downloaded from the link below the schedule finder.The timetable has information for the entire system.
Step 11: You can schedule your trip.
You can enter BAL and WAS in the "From" and "To" fields, respectively.Select your departure date from the calendar.From the drop-down list, choose your preferred departure time.The number of passengers is 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 are only looking for fare information, you can still use this option.There is no obligation to buy a ticket.
Step 12: Go ahead and choose your tickets.
You can find the departure time that fits your schedule.You can choose the price category that appeals to you.Mouse over the column to learn what is included in each price category.After selecting a price, click "add to cart" to purchase your ticket.You will be directed to check out.Saver is the least expensive option, but the ticket is non-refundable.It is more expensive to have value.If you cancel at least 48 hours in advance, you will receive a full refund.You will be charged a 20 percent cancellation fee if you cancel less than 48 hours before your trip.Value fares are more expensive than flexible ones.They are fully refundable regardless of when you cancel.Premium fares give you first-class service and sleeping accommodations.
Step 13: Purchase the tickets.
You can enter passenger info by scrolling down and clicking at the bottom right.If you don't have an account, you can either create one or continue as a guest.If applicable, enter your name and companions' names.You need to enter your contact information.Proceed to Payment is available at the bottom right.Complete the process by entering your credit/debit card information.You will receive an email with your e-ticket.You can either print it out or save it.During the trip, the conductor will check tickets.You can buy a ticket from the vending machine at Baltimore Penn Station.
Step 14: Put your belongings in a bag.
There are designated places for luggage and bicycles.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 the seat.
You can sit wherever you please.You don't have to sit on stairs or stand in vestibules according to safety rules.The on-board dining service may be used.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.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.The Metro website has more information.
Step 17: You can plan your route.
Plan ahead with your gps or online map generator.You can enter your address and destination.If the roads are not congested, you should budget at least an hour.It could take several minutes or hours to travel because of traffic jams.The Washington Beltway and I-95 are 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 29It's an alterative to I-95 and the Beltway.There are three lanes in each direction.It is the least congested route between the two cities.
Step 18: Traveling outside of rush hour.
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 stay out of traffic, tune in to WTOP 103.5 FM for traffic updates every 10 minutes.
Step 19: Consider pooling your resources.
HOV 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.