Baltimore to Washington DC

[ttfn3]

Has anyone ever stayed in Baltimore and visited Washington, D.C. during the day? How difficult was it? I'm thinking about a family trip there and thought this might be a possibility. Thanks!!!

 

[BuckNaked]

It's possible, but I wouldn't really recommend it, unless you want to take a commuter train in.

Baltimore is only about 35 miles from DC, but you wouldn't want to start making the drive until after rush hour is over - lots of commuters from north of DC clogging the roads into town in the morning. That means you wouldn't get into DC until late morning, and then unless you want to sit in outbound rush hour, you're looking at leaving by 3:00 PM or waiting until late evening to get back to Baltimore.

A

 

[Barb D]

It's not that great of a commute, and DC has more to do than Baltimore. So unless you have a great place to stay (with family, or something) in Baltimore, it might be better to stay in or near DC. If you don't have a car, it would be great if you could stay near a metro station.

 

[KelNottAt]

Getting from Baltimore to Washington is a snap if you take the MARC commuter train. The best departure station is BWI. There's gobs of cheap parking (IMO) and the trains run all day. You can get dropped off right at Union Station in Washington and walk to the Mall.

Check the schedule and other info here: http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc/schedulesSystemMaps/

 

[Ronda93]

We did this. Took the MARC train to Washington (left from downtown Baltimore, $14/pp). Took the Metro from Union Station to the Smithsonian and spent the rest of the day on the mall. I was most interested in seeing the newer memorials.. WWII and Korea. Came home that evening.

 

[Pixiedust34]

We have done day trips from Baltimore to DC, but traffic is a killer! I'd recommend going on a weekend if possible. Once in DC's outskirts, park near a park-and-ride and take the Metro (subway) into town if you're there to see the sites. The Metro will take you right to the Smithsonian/Mall area.

 

[VampHeartless]

It's a piece of cake, if you know the area. I loved it when I was there...in fact I'm planning on moving their in July!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Why would you stay in Baltimore rather than closer to DC?

We're west of Baltimore/north of DC, about 45 minutes to an hour from each and we take day trips sometimes, but we can go on the weekend, aren't doing a lot when we're there, and don't do it several days in a row. If you're planning on one day in DC it would probably be ok or if there's a good reason to stay in Baltimore (staying with friends/family), but otherwise I'd stay closer to DC.