What's the fastest way to get from Baltimore to Washington, DC?

The MARC Brunswick Line train takes 60 minutes from Baltimore's Penn Station to Union Station in DC and costs $9 to $10.50 for a one-way ticket. If you drive, I-95 South covers the 38 miles in roughly 50 minutes under normal traffic but can stretch to two hours during rush hours (7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. weekdays). The Megabus, when operating, offers cheaper fares but longer travel times. For flexibility and cost, train travel is most reliable; for time-sensitive trips, confirm traffic conditions before choosing the car.

Train: MARC Brunswick Line

The Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train runs from Penn Station at 1515 North Charles Street in Baltimore to Union Station in DC. Eastbound service toward DC departs throughout the day; during weekday rush hours (roughly 6–10 a.m. and 3–7 p.m.), trains run every 30 to 60 minutes. Off-peak and weekend service is less frequent.

Buy tickets at the station or through the MTA Maryland website. A one-way ticket is $9 to $10.50 depending on which of three fare zones you're traveling through; most Baltimore-to-DC trips fall into Zone 3. Monthly passes exist but are most economical if you're making the trip multiple times per week. Trains are climate-controlled, have restroom facilities, and allow you to work or read; the main drawback is schedule dependence. Weekend service is sparser, so check the current timetable before booking a trip.

Penn Station has parking (fee-based) and is accessible by the MTA's local bus system, the Light Rail, and ride-share services if you're coming from elsewhere in Baltimore.

Driving: I-95 South

The most direct route is I-95 South from Baltimore through Maryland into Washington, DC, covering about 38 miles. In light traffic, this takes 50 minutes to just over an hour. During rush hour (weekday mornings 7–9 a.m. and afternoons 4–7 p.m.), expect 90 minutes to two hours, particularly around the corridor south of the Beltway (I-495).

Tolls apply: the Fort McHenry Tunnel and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (which straddles Maryland and Virginia) have tolls. As of early 2024, the Fort McHenry Tunnel toll is $4 for most passenger vehicles during off-peak hours and $6 during peak hours (6–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays); the Wilson Bridge toll ranges from $3.50 to $4. These figures can change, so confirm current rates with the Maryland Transportation Authority website. If you use a rental car, ask whether it has a toll transponder; if not, you'll receive a bill by mail.

Parking in DC is expensive and often scarce, especially downtown. Budget $10 to $25 per day for a lot or garage in less central neighborhoods; hourly street parking in popular areas can exceed $3 per hour.

Intercity Bus: Megabus and alternatives

Megabus operated a low-cost service between Baltimore and DC but suspended service in 2020. Check whether service has resumed before planning a trip; if it has, fares are typically lower than MARC but travel time is longer (75–90 minutes) due to traffic and local stops.

Greyhound and other intercity bus services may serve this corridor; confirm current schedules and whether they still operate between these cities, as some providers have reduced service post-pandemic.

Rideshare and livery services

Uber and Lyft operate in both cities. A ride from central Baltimore to central DC typically costs $45 to $70 depending on surge pricing and time of day. Travel time mirrors driving conditions; during rush hour, expect the full 90 minutes or more. This option is most practical if you're traveling with multiple people (splitting the cost reduces the per-person expense) or if your departure time is flexible enough to avoid peak congestion.

Regional considerations

If you're staying in a northern Baltimore neighborhood (Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill), the commute to Penn Station adds 15–25 minutes by car, taxi, or public transit. Conversely, if your DC destination is not near Union Station (for example, Dupont Circle or Georgetown), factor in additional time for the DC Metro or local transportation.

Weather and service disruptions occasionally affect train schedules, particularly in winter. The MARC website and MTA alerts provide updates; check before you leave if conditions are poor.