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Getting Around Baltimore
Street System
Charles Street separates east and west Baltimore; Baltimore Street divides the city's north and south sections. Numbered streets run east and west. Except for Eutaw Street, most downtown streets are one way.
The city speed limit for most areas is 30 mph, or as posted. Rush hours are from about 7:30 to 9 a.m. and from about 4 to 6 p.m. Avoid driving during rush hours if possible. A right turn on red is permitted, unless otherwise posted.
Parking
Parking on the street is controlled by meter. Many municipal metered parking lots are in and near downtown. Rates at the numerous commercial lots and garages average about $2.50 an hour.
By Car
A network of superhighways makes Baltimore easily accessible from all directions. From the south the main approach is I-95, with access to the downtown area via I-395 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Traffic from the west approaches downtown via I-70 and US 40.
Access from the north is via I-83, while traffic from the northeast arrives on I-95. The Baltimore Beltway (I-695); the four-lane Harbor Tunnel Thruway (I-895), a toll road; and the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95), also a toll road, combine to provide a complete bypass of the city.
Public Transportation
Baltimore's public transportation consists of buses, a subway system and light rail. Baltimore's public transportation routes traverse all sections of the city, with most bus routes passing through the downtown area. The fare for bus, Metro and Light Rail is $1.60, with an additional 40c for express routes. Exact fare is required, and the fare box accepts only dollar bills and tokens. Commuter bus service fares vary according to the distance traveled. The bus schedule varies depending upon the route. A $3.50 unlimited-use day pass is good on the bus, metro and light rail systems. The Ride Guide provides information about the MTA bus, metro and light rail systems. For fare and schedule information phone (410) 539-5000 or (866) 743-3682.
The Baltimore Metro subway system runs from downtown at Johns Hopkins Hospital northwest to Owings Mills Station at Painters Mill Road and I-795, with 14 intermediate stations. Free parking is available at Milford Mill, Mondawmin, Reisterstown Plaza, Rogers Avenue, Old Court, Owings Mills and West Cold Spring stations. The system operates Mon.-Fri. 5 a.m.-midnight, Sat.-Sun. 6 a.m.-midnight.
Light Rail service runs between Hunt Valley and Glen Burnie as well as between Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Penn Station. Both lines share 15 stations between Linthicum and University of Maryland/Mount Royal. Trains operate Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-midnight, Sat. 8 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 11-7.
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