Frederick, Maryland, with its historic downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to major metropolitan areas like Baltimore and Washington D.C., is a popular destination for tourists and commuters alike.
While Frederick is highly accessible, its transportation network operates differently than a major city hub. If you are planning a trip, it is crucial to understand that Frederick lacks a direct commercial airport and a dedicated Amtrak station.
This guide will walk you through how to efficiently travel to and from Frederick, focusing on the nearest rail and air connections.
1. Frederick Airport Operations: Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK)
If you look up the “Frederick Airport,” you will find the Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK). It is vital to understand that FDK is not a commercial airport and does not service major airlines like United, Southwest, or Delta.
FDK is designated as a General Aviation (GA) reliever airport. It primarily handles private and corporate planes, flight training, and civil air patrol operations.
How to Fly to Frederick
To reach Frederick by air, travelers must utilize one of three major nearby commercial airports and then secure ground transport (rental car, shuttle, or commuter rail) for the final leg of the journey.
| Commercial Airport | Code | Location | Approx. Drive Time to Frederick | Recommended Transit Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore/Washington International | BWI | Baltimore, MD | 45 minutes | MARC Train (BWI Station) |
| Washington Dulles International | IAD | Dulles, VA | 60 minutes | Shuttle/Rental Car |
| Ronald Reagan Washington National | DCA | Washington, D.C. | 75 minutes | Metro/Amtrak to MARC |
2. Amtrak Routes and the Frederick Connection
Frederick, MD, does not have a dedicated station stop on the national Amtrak rail network. The national routes primarily bypass Frederick, following major north-south corridors.
However, Amtrak remains a vital part of the journey for those traveling to Frederick from distant cities (like New York, Boston, or Chicago). Travelers simply need to plan for a transfer at one of the regional hubs.
Closest Major Amtrak Stations
For Amtrak travelers heading to Frederick, booking your ticket to one of the following stations is the best approach. The subsequent step involves connecting via commuter rail or ground transportation.
| Amtrak Station | Code | Key Amtrak Routes Served | Distance to Frederick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Union Station | WAS | Northeast Corridor, Silver Service/Palmetto, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Carolinian, etc. | 48 miles |
| BWI Marshall Airport Station | BWI | Northeast Regional, Carolinian, Vermonter, Palmetto (High-traffic stop) | 42 miles |
| Martinsburg, WV | MRD | Capitol Limited (Westbound to Chicago) | 50 miles |
Travel Tip: BWI Marshall Airport Station is often the easiest connection point, as it is a major stop for numerous trains and offers a direct link to Frederick via the MARC train (following a short shuttle ride to the BWI MARC station).
3. The True Rail Link: MARC Train Service
If Frederick doesn’t have Amtrak, what rail service does it use? The answer is the MARC Train (Maryland Area Regional Commuter).
The MARC train is the indispensable rail link connecting Frederick to the Baltimore-Washington D.C. corridor. It is the primary means of train travel for Frederick residents commuting to D.C. and for long-distance visitors arriving by Amtrak or plane.
The Brunswick Line: Frederick’s Commuter Lifeline
Frederick is located at the western terminus of the MARC Brunswick Line. This line connects Frederick (FDK) to Union Station (WAS) in Washington D.C., with stops in key Maryland towns like Point of Rocks and Rockville.
| MARC Line | Frederick Station Location | Service Day | End Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brunswick Line | Frederick Station (Downtown) | Weekdays Only | Washington Union Station, D.C. |
Important Note: MARC service on the Brunswick Line runs primarily during weekday peak hours (morning and evening commuter times). If you plan to travel to Frederick on a weekend, you must plan for alternative bus or ground transportation from your final Amtrak stop.
4. Completing Your Journey: Connecting Transit Options
Once you have arrived at your commercial airport or Amtrak station (BWI or WAS), here is how to complete the final segment of your journey to Frederick, MD.
Option 1: Rail Connection (Weekday Travel Only)
This is the most seamless option, provided you are traveling Monday through Friday.
- Arrive at Union Station (WAS) or BWI Marshall.
- Transfer to the MARC Brunswick Line.
- From BWI: Take the MARC Penn Line one stop south to Union Station, or arrange a bus/shuttle transfer to a Brunswick Line stop like Rockville or Gaithersburg.
- From Union Station (WAS): Board the MARC Brunswick Line toward Frederick.
- Arrive at Frederick Station (Downtown Frederick).
Option 2: Regional Bus and Transit
Regional and intermodal bus services provide reliable service, especially on weekends when MARC is not running. Frederick County Transit (FC Transit) offers local buses, and Greyhound/Peter Pan often provides routes connecting Frederick to large hubs.
The main hub for regional bus transfers is usually the Monocacy MARC Station Park & Ride area, which serves as a major transfer point for commuters and regional express buses.
Option 3: Ground Transportation (Rental Car & Shuttle)
Given Frederick’s location along I-270 and I-70, driving is often the quickest and most flexible option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding Appalachian trails or Civil War sites.
- Rental cars are readily available at BWI, DCA, IAD, and Union Station.
- Private shuttle services and ride-sharing apps (Uber/Lyft) provide service from all major airports, though the cost of a 45–75-minute ride can be substantial.
Frederick Transport Summary
Frederick, MD, is a hub of history and activity, easily accessible once you understand its local transport infrastructure. Your travel strategy should prioritize the following:
- Flying to Frederick: Use BWI, IAD, or DCA, not FDK.
- National Rail: Book Amtrak to WAS (Union Station) or BWI Marshall.
- Local Rail: Rely on the MARC Brunswick Line for weekday connection between D.C. and Frederick.
- Weekend Travel: Plan for bus service or a rental car, as the MARC Brunswick line does not operate on weekends.
By planning your transit connections—especially the crucial MARC link—you can ensure a smooth and efficient arrival in beautiful Frederick, Maryland.
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